NFL Week 6: Ranking the 10 Best Matchups This Week

With one-third of the regular season already in the books, the cream has risen to the top, and NFL Week 6 promises to deliver solid spoonfuls of what fans want to see—division rivalries, superstar standouts, grudge matches and some exceptionally well-matched football.

Some matchups, such as the New England Patriots vs. the Indianapolis Colts post-Deflategate, have been circled since the day schedules were released, while others, such as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox's impending dance with the New York Giants offensive line, have gained interest in the span of a week.

We assessed the marquee matchups and ranked them on two categories: X-factors and statistical symmetry.

X-factors consist of anything that cannot be directly measured: the momentum that a player, position or team has entering a game, the strength of the rivalry, the degree of confidence or desperation and all manner of passionate motivations.

Statistical symmetry, by contrast, is precisely that—how well one's strengths align with the opposition's strengths from a numbers standpoint. For example, how well a fantastic defense statistically matches up against a stellar offense. 

Are interested to see where you should focus your attention in Week 6?

Read on to find out!

Honorable Mention: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

At first glance, this matchup between two 1-4 teams has dud written all over it, but this will prove to be by far the most interesting contest between two losing squads this week.

X-Factors

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost a heartbreaking overtime game to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. Not even seven days later, the Houston Texans squandered an opportunity to beat their AFC South division rival Colts in the final minutes on Thursday night.

Both of these teams are somewhat defeated but not untalented. 

While the Colts seems as if they are righting the ship, an inevitable loss will send them back into the mix with the Jaguars and Texans, and both of these teams want to be the ones breathing down Indy's neck in second place.

And doesn't Cecil Shorts' return to his old team scream of intensity?

Statistical Symmetry

In his second season, quarterback Blake Bortles has cracked the top-10 list of passers in the league with 1,299 yards through the air, many of which have gone to emerging receiver Allen Robinson.

Despite spinning between quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer, the Texans sit at fourth overall in passing yards per game with 300, thanks in large part to the excellent play of third-year receiver DeAndre Hopkins, whose many talents are on display in the video above.

10. Jeremy Hill & Giovani Bernard vs. Buffalo Bills Run Defense

Associated Press

Bengals running back Giovani Bernard escapes a Seahawks defender.

In the battle for ground in a still fairly open AFC, every little bit helps, and although the Buffalo Bills are unlikely challengers to the Cincinnati Bengals' undefeated streak, their stacked front line could inflict serious damage to an offense that has otherwise been operating at a breakneck pace.

X-Factors

After taking down the respected Seattle Seahawks, the Bengals, at 5-0, have an offense that is firing on all cylinders. They possess confidence and momentum in excess. 

The Bills, after a lightning-fast start to the season, have sagged considerably on offense but have remained defensively stout.

Statistical Symmetry

With formidable defenders such as Mario Williams clogging the trenches, the Bills have managed to allow 82.2 rushing yards per game, which is third-best in the league, via ESPN.com.

Giovani Bernard has re-assumed his role as the Bengals' lead rusher, posting a 377-yard season, churning out carries at 5.5 yards per touch and getting away from elite defenders such as Kam Chancellor (above).

Jeremy Hill, while taking a step back, still serves as a capable and sound backup, particularly in goal-line situations. Along with 176 yards rushing, he has five touchdowns, four more than Bernard.

9. Adrian Peterson vs. Kansas City Chiefs Rushing Defense

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson stiff-arms a Chargers defender.

OK, so let's just say what needs to be said. Adrian Peterson is not playing at his "All Day" level. The Kansas City Chiefs defensive front, led by Justin Houston, has caved a bit throughout the season.

They're both underachieving. They're both talented. They're evenly matched. It's still going to be a fun one.

X-Factors

There's nothing inherently interesting about these two teams squaring off, and while they both would like to stay relevant, particularly this early in the season, the Minnesota Vikings (2-2) and the Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) both have a 5-0 squad parked ahead of them in the division—the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos, respectively.

So, in all actuality, the X-factor of this matchup is not a rivalry or momentum or anything of that nature. It's the potential that, by facing some similar high-caliber talent, one of these teams will be sparked to go off.

Statistical Symmetry

Peterson may only have 372 rushing yards to his 2015 season to date, but his 5.0 yards-per-carry average (probably from throwing one of those stiff arms, as shown above) is nothing to sneeze at. 

And while the Chiefs have allowed a little slack, ProFootballFocus.com still ranks them as the third-best defensive line entering this week. Currently, they rank 13th in rushing yards per game allowed with just shy of 100, via ESPN.com.

8. Philip Rivers vs. Green Bay Packers Passing Defense

Talking about a quarterback not named Aaron Rodgers in a San Diego Chargers-Green Bay Packers matchup?

There's simply no matchup for one of the league's best signal-callers.

Philip Rivers has also been exceptional so far this season, and he'll find his match in the much-improved Green Bay passing defense.

X-Factors

The Denver Broncos seem to have the AFC West on lockdown, but with one game down from .500, the Chargers are still far in the wild-card picture in the AFC.

The Packers are especially formidable at Lambeau Field, and with an undefeated record, they're riding a nearly-insurmountable wave of momentum. 

By contrast, the Chargers' demoralizing last-minute loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers may have dampened the little fire that Rivers had kindled.

Statistical Symmetry

Rivers has done his best to lift his 2-3 team up with his league-leading 1,613 passing yards (before Thursday night's game).

The Packers defense, however, has only allowed 186.2 yards per game through the air, good for fourth overall.

7. Brandon Marshall & Eric Decker vs. Washington Redskins Pass Defense

Associated Press

Jets receiver Brandon Marshall stiff-arms a Dolphins defender for extra yards after the catch.

Who would have predicted that the duo of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, led by journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, would be as solid as it is? 

X-Factors

At 3-1, the New York Jets are sitting pretty in the AFC standings, despite sharing a division with the New England Patriots. No Geno Smith, no former head coach Rex Ryan and, so far, close to no problems for Gang Green.

The Redskins, despite being 2-3, are still alive in the NFC East. With the Giants and Eagles set to duke it out on Monday Night Football, a win for Washington would put it at least in second place and back into serious contention.

Statistical Symmetry

Marshall and Decker have combined for 580 yards and six touchdowns, and Marshall in particular, despite his age (31), is taking care of business in a big way for New York.

On the other side of the ball, Washington has been shutting down air traffic; the defense ranks No. 8 league-wide in passing yards per game allowed (216.4), per ESPN.com.

Although the Jets have relied on a steady diet of running the football in order to be successful, they'll still need Marshall and Decker to be active, something that DeAngelo Hall and Co. will be trying to counter. 

6. DeMarco Murray & Ryan Mathews vs. New York Giants Rushing Defense

Week 5 saw running back DeMarco Murray finally put all of the jokes and poor play to bed, as evidenced by the plays he made above. Together he and fellow running back Ryan Mathews carried the Philadelphia Eagles offense to victory.

X-Factors

Although neither Murray nor Mathews may be happy with the arrangement, having both backs together is a boon for the Eagles—fresh legs, capable backup, constant competition.

It's finally working in their favor as a big win in New Orleans means they enter this contest with plenty of momentum.

As do the Giants, whose investment in fundamental trench warfare has created two monster lines on both sides of the ball.

It's never a predictable outcome when this NFC East division rivalry comes into play, but it is usually entertaining.

Statistical Symmetry

Last week, the former Dallas Cowboys running back churned out 83 yards and one score on the ground plus 37 more through the air, while Mathews, who was likely playing with a chip on his shoulder after he lost what was presumably a starting role to Murray, put up more than 100 total yards from scrimmage as well, rushing for 73 and catching three passes for 23 yards. 

Big Blue's rushing defense, however, seems, at least statistically up to the task. 

The Giants are second in the league at stopping the run, allowing only 80.6 yards per game, despite facing ball-carriers such as Tevin Coleman, Alfred Morris and Carlos Hyde.

Philly's offensive game plan seems to revolve around pounding the turf, but the Giants may be capable of shutting that down.

5. Cleveland Browns Offensive Line vs. Denver Broncos Defensive Line

New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has taken an already formidable Denver Broncos defense and made it, particularly the pass rush, one of the league's elite, while the Cleveland Browns offensive line, anchored by Joe Thomas, continues to be one of the brightest units of the roster.

X-Factors

The Broncos are trucking to a 5-0 start, but their undefeated record has not been easy to attain. Their saving grace in times of offensive struggles? Their defensive line.

DenverBroncos.com's Andrew Mason reports that DeMarcus Ware will likely not play after missing the last two days of practice. While not completely demolishing the Broncos defensive front, his absence may take a little wind out of the team's sails. 

With the Cincinnati Bengals all but running away with the AFC North, the Browns, at 2-3, may still have a wild-card future to fight for, but unless they make it to .500 soon, that won't be the case.

Statistical Symmetry

So saying the Broncos boast the most terrifying pass rush is not enough? Hearing Browns quarterback Josh McCown shiver in his boots isn't enough either?

In addition to Ware, Von Miller has led the scary Denver front to its standing as first in the league in yards per game allowed with 278, via ESPN.com.

ProFootballFocus.com, however, ranks the Browns O-line as third-best with plenty of talent in both pass and run blocking.

4. Luke Kuechly vs. Russell Wilson

Is Russell Wilson worth his $87.6 million contract?

The Seahawks have been underachieving at a spectacular rate, but it's not his fault; he has been by far the team's most valuable player to date. 

The Panthers, on the other hand, have been flying high, even without one of their best players, who is set to return this week.

X-Factors

Luke Kuechly, one of the league's most dominant defenders, is finally set to go after suffering a concussion that sidelined him Week 1, and it's not a stretch to assume that he'll be eager to hit someone again.

The Panthers, one of the few remaining undefeated squads, will come roaring in with a tremendous wave of momentum behind them.

Seattle, by contrast, will be leaning on the presence of the 12th Man at home in order to get the job done.

After squeaking into a 2-3 record that Detroit Lions fans may contest the Seahawks don't deserve, they have little time to figure things out, particularly with the NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals sitting pretty at 4-1. This may finally be the week where the Seahawks' desperation gives them the necessary push in the right direction.

Statistical Symmetry

Before Kuechly's unfortunate exit, he had already amassed seven tackles and a sack. Yes, in less than one full game.

Wilson's shabby offensive line has allowed him to be sacked a league-high 22 times, which, according to ProFootballTalk.com, puts him on pace for a 70-sack season.

That kind of pressure has forced Wilson to roll out the pocket and make plays with his legs, as shown in the video above. With 198 yards rushing, he's even second on his team in yards on the ground. 

With arguably the league's best linebacker on the prowl, however, it's difficult to imagine that his getaway plan will prove as fruitful. 

3. New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts

Many assumed that this contest would be a preview of this season's AFC Championship Game—the first part of a later-ending grudge match.

Now, that seems far from reality. Still, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more worthwhile game this week.

X-Factors

Does this one really need explaining?

Indianapolis feels it was robbed of a Super Bowl opportunity. New England is bitter that its legacy is being called into question over a "minor detail" in the scheme of a larger blowout.

There is no bigger X-factor in any matchup this week. This is it. It's the less sexy version of the AFC Championship Game rematch that everyone has been waiting for, and although the Colts have seen brighter days, it's hard to believe they'll take a second spanking, this time at home.

If ever there was a week for Andrew Luck to return to his peak form, this would be it. 

Statistical Symmetry

OK, so, there really isn't much. The Pats offense, tearing through the league on a rage-fueled warpath, (leading to Brady's historical touchdown pass, as can be seen above), has been pumping like a well-oiled machine, and the Colts...well, their record improved with the loss of their star quarterback.

With Tom Brady, who is averaging 346.8 yards per game, on pace to pass for a historical 5,500 yards this season, there is no numerical equality to be found.

None at all. 

2. Fletcher Cox vs. New York Giants O-Line

Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox strips Saints quarterback for the second time in one game.

Here it is—your immovable object versus unstoppable object game of the week! 

X-Factors

After a monster game consisting of six tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles (one of which is pictured above), Fletcher Cox could not be coming into this week's matchup with more momentum. 

The New York Giants, who are suddenly leading the race for the NFC East division crown, have everything to gain or lose. 

A win by the Philadelphia Eagles would bump the Giants down to second place, and after improbably clawing to the top, it's unlikely that they'll be ejected without a fight.

Statistical Symmetry

Big Blue's offensive line, ranked 12th by ProFootballFocus.com, was described by the site as having the best interior line combo with Justin Pugh, Geoff Schwartz and Weston Richburg.

Those three, plus rookie Ereck Flowers and Marshall Newhouse, have given up just four sacks through five weeks of play, per ESPN.com.

Cox's resume, especially as of late, speaks for itself. He has the extra gear to finish the job, but this may be his toughest challenge of the season.

1. Cam Newton vs. Seattle Seahawks Defense

Raise your hand if you predicted that, between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks, the Panthers, sans standout receiver Kelvin Benjamin, would be the team entering Week 6 with an undefeated record.

Few likely did, but a year after the Panthers backed into the playoffs with a losing record, they've been led to a perfect start by one of the most athletic men in the league—Super Cam (see above video for flight evidence).

X-Factors

Hasn't that already been covered? Super Cam!

Despite not having much of a receiving corps to speak of, the fifth-year signal-caller is taking care of business in a manner that perhaps exceeds anything he's done to date.

Seattle, as already established, will be drawing power from the undefeated 12th Man. Will it prove to be Super Cam's kryptonite?

Statistical Symmetry

The Legion of Boom has perhaps lost a tiny bit of its might, but at the No. 8 spot on total defense in the league, the Seahawks still pack a mean punch.

ProFootballFocus.com grades their defensive line as the fifth-best overall, and that unit will play a tremendous part in containing Newton, who, luckily for Seattle's front seven, plays a style similar to its own quarterback, Russell Wilson. 

Newton, or should I say Super Cam, has been taking care of business through the air, with 809 yards passing, and on the ground, with 195 yards rushing, but the most challenging aspect of facing him is that he is capable of beating defenses with his arm or his legs.