Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season started with the 49ers pulling out an necessary NFC West victory over the Seahawks on Thursday, and the Bears took care of enterprise in opposition to the Jaguars in London. We noticed offensive outbursts on Sunday from the Packers, Texans and Buccaneers. The Ravens edged out the Commanders, whereas the Eagles held off the Browns. Drake Maye and Spencer Rattler received their first begins (each losses however promising performances), whereas Joe Flacco stepped in once more for Anthony Richardson and lifted the Colts to a win.
All 4 street groups received the late slate of video games, with the Lions, Falcons and Steelers every scoring over 30 factors. The Chargers shut out the Broncos within the first three quarters earlier than halting a late comeback from rookie Bo Nix. On Sunday night time, the Bengals notched their second win of the season in opposition to the Giants.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing the whole lot else it’s essential to know for each group. Let’s get to it.
Soar to:
ATL-CAR | DET-DAL | LAC-DEN
PIT-LV | TB-NO | HOU-NE
IND-TEN | CLE-PHI | ARI-GB
WSH-BAL | JAX-CHI | SF-SEA | CIN-NYG
Bengals
Does Sunday’s exhibiting encourage confidence the Bengals can flip it round? Cincinnati will want higher video games than the one it had Sunday to be a playoff group. Considered one of Cincinnati’s points is that it has struggled to play an entire sport on each side of the ball this season. That was the case in opposition to the Giants. The protection, which has been porous in current weeks, performed properly. However the offense could not do sufficient to place the sport away early.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Cincinnati had no reply for New York’s line of defense. The Giants confirmed why they’ve one of the vital disruptive fronts within the league. On the two-minute warning, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had been pressured on 47.1% of his dropbacks, based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. New York had 4 sacks and 7 quarterback hits, together with one which despatched Burrow to the damage tent for a quick sting.
Eye-popping stat: Burrow hit a max velocity of 19.86 mph on his 47-yard landing run, based on Subsequent Gen Stats. It was the longest run of his NFL profession and the longest by a Bengals QB in franchise historical past. It was additionally his quickest velocity as a ball service since he entered the league in 2020. — Ben Child
Subsequent sport: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Giants
Why cannot Daniel Jones and the Giants win in prime time? It is wild to ponder however Jones is now 1-14 in prime-time video games. That’s the worst profitable proportion for any quarterback in prime time because the 1970 merger. And coach Brian Daboll is 2-7 in prime-time video games. Every sport has its personal story, however Jones (205 yards passing, 0 TDs, 1 INT) didn’t play his finest Sunday night time. He missed a number of key throws and tossed a foul interception close to the top zone within the first half. The underside line is that he constantly hasn’t been in a position to elevate his play within the largest moments in entrance of a nationwide viewers.
Eye-popping stat: One TD in three house video games. That’s all of the Giants have managed this season. They went virtually 11 full quarters earlier than scoring their first landing at MetLife Stadium this yr when Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushed for a 1-yard rating with 5:12 remaining within the third quarter. The Giants had three different possibilities in Bengals territory within the fourth quarter, however missed two discipline objectives and had been stopped on fourth down. This similar offense settled for 5 discipline objectives of their earlier house sport in opposition to the Cowboys.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Rookie WR Malik Nabers returns to face the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. That, after all, can be the return of operating again Saquon Barkley. Nabers has missed the previous two video games with a concussion however seemed to do extra as final week progressed. He caught some passes at Friday’s follow. His return would set the stage for New York’s new star playmaker to tackle its former star playmaker. — Jordan Raanan
Subsequent sport: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Falcons
How necessary was it for the Falcons to lastly put away a group? On the very least, it made the ultimate minutes much less tense. For the primary time all season, Atlanta led by greater than eight factors. It occurred within the second quarter after which once more with 5:38 left within the sport after a Tyler Allgeier dashing landing. The Falcons have performed shut with everybody — additionally they haven’t trailed by greater than eight factors all season. On Sunday, the Falcons and coach Raheem Morris had some respiratory room. This was their first win this season during which they did not path within the last minute of the fourth quarter.
Most shocking efficiency: The Falcons got here in with the fifth-fewest dashing yards within the league (484), averaging simply 96.8 yards per sport. Towards the Panthers, Atlanta exploded for 198 dashing yards, led by Allgeier’s 105 yards and a landing. Bijan Robinson had 95 yards and two touchdowns.
Eye-popping stat: Cornerback A.J. Terrell nabbed his first interception since December 2021. Terrell signed a four-year, $81 million extension in August, making him the second highest-paid nook within the league on a per-year foundation. The decide got here on the excellent time — ending a drive by the Panthers and Andy Dalton with 10:53 left within the sport. — Marc Raimondi
Subsequent sport: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Panthers
Is RB Chuba Hubbard rising as a beneficial asset in a commerce state of affairs? Hubbard is in a contract yr, and second-round decide Jonathon Brooks’ 21-day window to return from an ACL damage may start subsequent week. Brooks is the long run, and the Panthers have Miles Sanders below contact for the following two years. A playoff group may use a rising star like Hubbard, who had 92 dashing yards Sunday after having 315 yards within the earlier three video games.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Third-down protection. The Panthers entered Sunday permitting groups to efficiently convert on third downs 47.4% of the time, the fourth-highest price within the league. That received even worse in opposition to the Falcons, who transformed on 6 of 12 third-down alternatives as Carolina was with out main cross rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Panthers will wrestle once more at Washington regardless of one other respectable efficiency by Andy Dalton. Backup Bryce Younger will get one other probability to show himself when it is obvious the group is headed for a 1-4 document below Dalton. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: at Commanders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Lions
What’s going to Detroit’s protection seem like with out DE Aidan Hutchinson? Hutchinson was carted off the sphere with a damaged left tibia within the third quarter. Hutchinson is the NFL’s chief in sacks and is likely one of the anchors of Detroit’s protection, so the group should work out who might want to step up in his absence. Defensive linemen Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike and DJ Reader may help decide up the slack. Hutchinson’s damage may presumably reopen the door for James Houston, who was inactive Sunday however had eight sacks as a rookie in 2022. Both approach, changing Hutchinson is not any straightforward process.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Lions RB David Montgomery will rating a dashing TD in his ninth straight sport. He completed with two touchdowns — from 16 yards and eight yards — in opposition to Dallas a day after reaching a two-year extension with Detroit. His streak of eight straight video games with a TD broke a tie with Billy Sims (1980-81) for the longest in franchise historical past.
Most shocking efficiency: WR Tim Patrick. The Lions signed Patrick to the follow squad in August and elevated him to the energetic roster on Sept. 26. Patrick has earned Jared Goff’s belief on an offense with a plethora of choices. In Dallas, he caught three passes for a season-high 68 yards, together with a 42-yard cross from Goff within the opening quarter to assist set the tone for the sport. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cowboys
When will the Cowboys win once more at AT&T Stadium? After subsequent week’s bye, the Cowboys play at San Francisco and Atlanta, so perhaps getting away from house, the place they’re 0-3, can be useful. The Cowboys have been so uncompetitive that their 16-game win streak at AT&T Stadium from 2022 to 2023 appears to have been for much longer in the past. For the primary time in group historical past, they’ve trailed by 20 or extra factors in every of their first three house video games. Their subsequent house video games are versus the Eagles, Texans and Giants.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Some birthday. Proprietor and basic supervisor Jerry Jones turned 82 on Sunday. There may need been worse and extra necessary losses, however there has not been a bigger house defeat since he took over the Cowboys in 1989. The earlier largest was a 36-3 loss to the Eagles in 2001.
Most shocking efficiency: The Cowboys’ finest gamers failed. Dallas knew it could be challenged defensively with out Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Eric Kendricks, and wanted its remaining finest gamers to be at their finest. They weren’t. Dak Prescott threw an early purple zone interception, which was his third purple zone turnover in two video games. Zack Martin was overwhelmed repeatedly by Alim McNeill. CeeDee Lamb was a nonfactor. And defensively, Trevon Diggs struggled tackling. — Todd Archer
Subsequent sport: at 49ers (Oct. 27, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Chargers
Are Justin Herbert’s passing stats an indication of issues to come back? Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned Wednesday that the times of Herbert beating groups along with his arm had been “coming once more.” Roman’s phrases had been prescient as Herbert seemed considerably like his outdated self Sunday. Herbert handed his earlier season excessive in passing yards (179) within the first half. He completed with 237 passing yards — his most since Week 11 of final season — and one landing. Herbert’s 34 passing makes an attempt had been additionally his a lot of the season, which signifies Roman is likely to be leaning into Herbert’s passing prowess a bit extra transferring ahead.
Jim Harbaugh speaks about his temporary exit resulting from sickness throughout Chargers sport
Jim Harbaugh addresses the media about his temporary exit within the Chargers sport resulting from an sickness.
Most shocking efficiency: Rookie operating again Kimani Vidal’s first catch of his profession was a 38-yard landing to offer the Chargers their first rating of the sport. Vidal was energetic for the primary time Sunday after Gus Edwards was positioned on injured reserve due to an ankle damage.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Dominant protection. The Chargers held the Broncos scoreless by means of three quarters Sunday and compelled two turnovers. The primary got here on an interception by security Elijah Molden (his second of the season), and the second was punchout by linebacker Khalil Mack that prompted Denver operating again Javonte Williams to fumble. Defensive deal with Teair Tart made the restoration. — Kris Rhim
Subsequent sport: at Cardinals (Monday, 8:45 p.m. ET)
Broncos
How can the Broncos enhance their struggling offense? The Broncos teetered on the sting of being shut out at house for the primary time in franchise historical past. Two late scores took that off the desk, however that was the extent of the excellent news Sunday. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix was intercepted on his first cross try. The Broncos’ lack of dedication to the run continues to hinder Nix, who entered Sunday twelfth within the league in cross makes an attempt and final in yards per completion. Denver’s lack of explosive performs, with solely three completions of not less than 30 yards this season, has made it too straightforward for defenses.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Now what? Broncos do-everything cornerback Pat Surtain II left Sunday’s loss due to a concussion. Surtain’s absence opened up much more choices for the Chargers’ offense and tremendously narrowed what the Broncos may do, particularly within the cross rush. The Broncos performed slot nook Ja’Quan McMillian on the skin in Surtain’s spot within the base protection, after which used Levi Wallace there in nickel seems.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Third-down protection. Denver’s protection merely couldn’t get off the sphere sufficient to carry the sport in examine as its personal offense spun its wheels. The Chargers had been 8-of-10 on third down within the first half and 11-of-15 by the top of the third quarter. At one level, Los Angeles had a 20-play drive that took 10:29 off the clock and led to a discipline objective. — Jeff Legwold
Subsequent sport: at Saints (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Steelers
Will Russell Wilson begin in Week 7? Although the Steelers beat a short-handed Raiders group with assist from Justin Fields’ fourth and fifth dashing touchdowns of the season, the quarterback was inconsistent and inaccurate in his sixth begin. Fields accomplished 14 of 24 passes for 145 yards to go together with 11 carries for 59 yards. However he had a foul interception negated by a roughing the passer penalty and a collection of off-target throws within the first half that halted a promising drive. Possibly the Steelers flip to Wilson subsequent week.
Eye-popping stat: Najee Harris’ third-quarter landing was the primary dashing landing by a Steeler not named Justin Fields. Harris’ 36-yard scamper and Superman-like extension to attain additionally helped him crest 100 yards for the primary time all season and tied the second-longest rush of his profession.
Most shocking efficiency: T.J. Watt’s dominant day. Sure, it is laborious to think about a former Defensive Participant of the 12 months doing something shocking, however he had been uncharacteristically quiet the previous couple of video games. Not a lot Sunday. Even with a set of unheralded cross rushers round him, the Raiders did not key on Watt, who wrecked the sport with two compelled fumbles and two tackles for loss. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent sport: vs. Jets (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Raiders
Wasn’t a QB swap purported to spark the offense? In idea, sure. However going from Gardner Minshew, who was accountable for six turnovers in 5 begins, to Aidan O’Connell didn’t have the specified impact in opposition to the Steelers. Not when O’Connell was with out large receivers Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. Not when two operating backs — rookie Dylan Laube and vet Ameer Abdullah — fumbled in essential conditions. Not when the sport plan was vanilla at instances. O’Connell will hold the gig for now, however he wants a greater exhibiting on the Rams subsequent week.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Proper hook. As in T.J. Watt’s punching prowess. Twice the sackmaster punched the ball out on operating performs, tormenting Laube on his first profession carry earlier than getting Abdullah on the objective line. The takeaways basically created a 13-point swing.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Certain, the Raiders had been with out their prime two receivers, however the lack of a vertical sport was beautiful. A receiver was not focused till seconds remained within the first half, and a deep ball was not thrown till late within the third quarter. Then once more, DJ Turner was injured on that play, and O’Connell was picked off the second time he threw it downfield. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent sport: at Rams (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
What path is that this group headed in? With “ending” being such a key level of emphasis after final week’s loss on the Falcons, the Bucs managed to do this in New Orleans — however not with out an unsightly second quarter. They jumped out to a 17-0 lead after which allowed the Saints to attain 20 unanswered factors earlier than pitching a second-half shutout. Getting Antoine Winfield Jr., Calijah Kancey and Luke Goedeke again was large, particularly with Winfield’s fumble restoration for a landing. Nevertheless it’s too early to inform the place this group is headed when it might’t put collectively full video games.
Sean Tucker catches cross and maneuvers for a go-ahead Bucs TD
Sean Tucker weaves his approach to the top zone to place the Buccaneers again in entrance vs. the Saints.
Most shocking efficiency: After throwing simply two interceptions by means of the primary 5 video games, Baker Mayfield was picked off 3 times within the second quarter. Granted, the Saints are one of many prime defenses within the NFL, however his ft had been in all places, and he was clearly flustered. Mayfield settled down with two landing passes within the second half, however he was out of character within the first half.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Defensively, the Bucs wanted to squeeze the pocket extra with Spencer Rattler within the first half. A few of his largest throws got here on the transfer, together with a 14-yard completion to Bub Means and a 41-yard completion to Foster Moreau. They fared a lot better on this division within the second half, as Todd Bowles actually dialed up the stress, sacking him 4 instances within the second half (5 instances whole) and forcing two interceptions. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent sport: vs. Ravens (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Saints
What do the Saints have in rookie QB Spencer Rattler? The Saints rapidly pivoted to their rookie fifth-round decide after Derek Carr was injured, and it was an story of two halves for him. Rattler confirmed a number of poise in a sport the place lots went flawed, together with a helmet hit to Chris Olave that prompted a fumble for a TD and knocked the WR out of the sport. Rattler threw the primary landing cross of his profession and was 11-of-17 for 140 yards and a TD within the first half, however he struggled within the second half, going 11-of-23 for 103 yards, two interceptions and no TDs.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Pure chaos. The Saints scored 27 factors within the second quarter, essentially the most by any group in 1 / 4 this season. They’d a punt return for a landing and back-to-back interceptions that arrange a discipline objective and a landing from Rattler to Means. However additionally they had three takeaways and nonetheless misplaced badly, giving up essentially the most factors they’ve in a sport since 2012.
Largest gap within the sport plan: Tackling points. The Saints’ protection was boom-or-bust in opposition to the Buccaneers. It was both choosing off Mayfield or getting gashed for explosive performs, which has already been an issue this season. The protection got here up with loads of highlight-reel performs, but it surely could not make the routine ones, finally resulting in a loss. — Katherine Terrell
Subsequent sport: vs. Broncos (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Texans
Can the Texans carry this momentum into subsequent week? The Texans by no means seemed again after a 14-0 lead within the first quarter. The 41 factors scored by C.J. Stroud and the offense is their most in a regular-season sport since Week 16 of 2021. The protection was additionally rolling, forcing a season-high 4 turnovers. If Houston can carry this momentum on each side of the ball into its matchup in opposition to the 4-2 Packers, it has the possibility to be 6-1 and construct a giant lead within the AFC South.
Most shocking efficiency: Defensive finish Will Anderson Jr. was everywhere in the discipline with three sacks, three pressures and a cross deflection that was an interception. The third total decide within the 2023 draft had not recorded greater than 1.5 sacks in a sport this season.
Eye-popping stat: Operating again Joe Mixon had 55 dashing yards over expectation, which is essentially the most by a Texans operating again this season (NFL Subsequent Gen Stats). He turned in a robust efficiency after lacking the previous three weeks with an ankle damage. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: at Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Patriots
What can Drake Maye construct off from his debut? There have been positively promising indicators. Maye’s 40-yard TD cross to large receiver Kayshon Boutte late within the second quarter completely capped off a well-run two-minute drill. The best way Maye escaped the pocket to purchase time and discover tight finish Hunter Henry on a 30-yard catch-and-run within the third quarter was additionally spectacular. These had been balanced in opposition to an overthrown interception, a misplaced fumble on a strip sack after which one other interception on a tipped ball on the line of scrimmage. Total, the efficiency sparked a mixture of hope and the truth of a rookie nonetheless studying on the job.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Decisive mismatch. The Texans are vying for AFC supremacy, whereas the Patriots have the highest odds to land the No. 1 draft decide, per ESPN Analytics. The Patriots had been someway inside placing distance at halftime with a 14-7 deficit, however they by no means actually threatened the Texans after popping out flat offensively within the second half.
Largest gap within the sport plan: The OTs wanted extra assist. When Maye was strip-sacked within the third quarter, it got here out of an empty formation during which proper deal with Demontrey Jacobs was beat. Earlier within the sport, Maye was crushed after left deal with Zach Thomas (taking part in instead of injured starter Vederian Lowe) misplaced a one-on-one pass-blocking scenario. Jacobs had been waived by the Broncos, whereas Thomas had been waived by the Rams. Each are developmental prospects being requested to step right into a troublesome spot, however these performs are placing Maye in hurt’s approach. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, London)
Colts
Are issues trying up for the Colts? Indianapolis has been dealing with crippling accidents, but it surely has managed to climate the storm and go 2-1 over the previous three video games. On Sunday, the Colts noticed receiver Michael Pittman Jr. handle to play after it was feared his again damage may land him on injured reserve. He scored the decisive landing. Quarterback Anthony Richardson was a late scratch with an indirect damage, however he’s more likely to return subsequent Sunday. Middle Ryan Kelly, cornerback Kenny Moore II and defensive finish Kwity Paye all returned Sunday.
Eye-popping stat: Quarterback Joe Flacco, 39, had his eighth straight regular-season sport with not less than two landing passes. That is tied for the NFL’s longest energetic streak with Jordan Love. Flacco’s numbers Sunday weren’t as sturdy as his effort in opposition to Jacksonville final week, however he was nonetheless efficient, finishing 23 of 38 makes an attempt for 189 yards.
Michael Pittman Jr.’s TD catch places Colts up in 4th
Joe Flacco lets the ball fly to Michael Pittman Jr. for a go-ahead Indianapolis landing within the fourth quarter vs. Tennessee.
Most shocking efficiency: Pittman was clutch Sunday, taking part in by means of a painful damage to make two bodily catches that helped seal the win. His 10-yard TD catch within the fourth quarter was a soar ball that he snatched from L’Jarius Sneed. Then on a late third down, Pittman wrestled a ball away from Sneed to transform a important first down and ice the sport. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
Can the Titans win with such a conservative offense? It wasn’t fairly, and the Titans had been on the flawed facet of the outcome once more. The offensive assault consisted of short-to-midrange passes by Will Levis and a wholesome dose of Tony Pollard operating the ball. Titans coach Brian Callahan goes conservative versus the pass-happy scheme many thought he would have introduced from the Bengals. However they’re going to want extra on offense to win on the street in opposition to the high-scoring Payments and Lions within the subsequent two video games.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Panic time. With the Colts permitting an NFL-worst 419 yards per sport earlier than Sunday, this could have been an opportunity for the Titans to get again on monitor. As an alternative, they gained solely 229 whole yards, with Levis throwing for 95. Since 2020, a Titans beginning quarterback has had 5 situations the place they’ve thrown for lower than 100 yards in a sport. Levis has three of them.
Most shocking efficiency: L’Jarius Sneed did not enable a landing reception in 90 targets final season. However Flacco efficiently went after him on a fourth-quarter drive to take the lead. Sneed was overwhelmed by Alec Pierce, resulting in a 33-yard cross interference penalty. Then Flacco discovered Pittman on the 9-yard landing to take the lead. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: at Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Eagles
Did the Eagles do something to vary perceptions Sunday? No. The Eagles seemed the identical after their bye week. They’re nonetheless the one group to not rating within the first quarter this season. The offense continued to fall in need of its potential, even with receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith again from damage. And particular groups had one other blunder with a blocked discipline objective try that was returned for a landing. The protection was in a position to stress Cleveland’s anemic offense, however the Eagles had been fortunate they had been taking part in the Browns on Sunday.
Most shocking efficiency: Rookie defensive again Cooper DeJean made a direct affect within the first begin of his profession. Taking part in slot nook, he posted six tackles, a half-sack, a quarterback hit and a pair of QB pressures. He allowed only one catch on him for 14 yards, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio made the choice to interchange Avonte Maddox with DeJean this week, and DeJean made his coach look good.
Early prediction for subsequent week: The Eagles are going to make it the “Saquon Barkley Present” as he returns to MetLife Stadium to tackle the Giants. Barkley could downplay the importance of taking part in in opposition to his former group, however there may be little doubt the juices can be flowing for this one. Count on Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to faucet into it. — Tim McManus
Subsequent sport: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Browns
Did the Browns discover a operating sport they’ll construct on? The Browns prolonged their streak of video games with out scoring 20 factors to 6. However they could have discovered an identification they’ll lean into going ahead. Regardless of shedding operating again Jerome Ford to a hamstring damage on its second possession, Cleveland ran for 100 yards for the third time and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. With Nick Chubb’s looming return, the Browns may lean into their floor sport extra to jump-start a flailing offense.
Eye-popping stat: The Browns had been unsuccessful on their previous 26 third-down makes an attempt with Deshaun Watson at quarterback till halfway by means of the second half. They transformed on back-to-back third downs on the finish of the third quarter and begin of the fourth.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Missed alternatives. The Browns received a fantastic effort from their protection and particular groups with an opportunity at a game-tying rating. However penalties surfaced once more as Cleveland false-started twice contained in the 10-yard line. The Browns needed to accept a discipline objective and by no means noticed the ball once more. — Daniel Oyefusi
Subsequent sport: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
Has Jordan Love discovered his stride? In his third sport again from his knee damage, Love seemed extra just like the quarterback who completed final season on a tear. His lone interception occurred solely as a result of receiver Bo Melton slipped. In any other case, Love was as sharp as he has been. He accomplished 22 of 32 passes for 258 yards and 4 touchdowns. He began the sport throwing brief, however two of his touchdowns had been on passes thrown 15-plus yards downfield, the primary time in his profession he has had a number of such TDs in a sport, per ESPN Analysis.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Romeo’s return. Per week after his suspension for conduct detrimental to the group, receiver Romeo Doubs made up for it with a pair of landing catches. Whereas Doubs denied that he was sad along with his position within the offense, Love related with him for scores of 10 and 20 yards. He completed with three catches for 49 yards.
Early prediction for subsequent week: This was predicted as soon as already — again when Brayden Narveson missed a pair of discipline objectives in Week 4 in opposition to the Vikings — but it surely’s laborious to think about the Packers sticking with the rookie kicker after he missed one other one (a 44-yarder) Sunday. He’s 11-of-16 on discipline objectives this season, so Inexperienced Bay may take a look at different choices. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Cardinals
What’s flawed with Arizona’s offense? Properly, lots. It is a mixture of quite a few issues that, when combined into the massive, boiling pot of a sport, turns into Sunday’s efficiency. Arizona went three-and-out on three of its first 4 drives, could not convert on third down and gave the ball away 3 times in essential conditions, together with on the Packers’ 39- and 18-yard traces. The Cardinals additionally opted to cross up straightforward choices on Sunday, equivalent to going for the top zone on third-and-6 as a substitute of making an attempt to get the primary down, then settling for a discipline objective.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Tight finish Trey McBride would be the primary man on offense. After receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. went down with a concussion, McBride popped off, ending with eight catches for 96 yards (all coming after Harrison’s damage). McBride had 4 explosive performs within the course of with performs of 27, 13, 12 and 13 yards.
Most shocking efficiency: Arizona’s undisciplined play led to too many penalties. The Cardinals got here into Sunday’s sport with a league-low 19 penalties by means of 5 video games. After which they proceeded to commit 13, which had been essentially the most in a sport within the Jonathan Gannon period, leaving them with 32 for the season. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent sport: vs. Chargers (Monday, 8:45 p.m. ET)
Ravens
Do the Ravens have the very best offense within the NFL? In a battle of the NFL’s highest-scoring groups, Baltimore took the title of No. 1 offense. Lamar Jackson is placing collectively one other MVP-like season, throwing 300-plus yards in back-to-back video games for the second time in his profession. Zay Flowers solidified himself as a No. 1 large receiver along with his second consecutive 100-yard sport, recording a career-high in receiving yards within the first half alone (132 yards). And operating again Derrick Henry grew to become the second participant in NFL historical past to whole over 600 dashing yards and eight-plus landing runs in his first six video games with a brand new group, becoming a member of Eric Dickerson (1983 with Rams).
Most shocking efficiency: Tight finish Mark Andrews returned to the passing assault. After what had been the worst begin of his seven-year profession, Andrews recorded a season-high 66 yards on three catches and scored his first landing since Oct. 29, 2023. This was a much-needed confidence enhance for the three-time Professional Bowler, who averaged 24 receiving yards over his first 5 video games this season.
Eye-popping stat: Jackson improved to 22-1 in his profession as a beginning quarterback in opposition to NFC opponents. His .956 win proportion in interconference video games is the very best by any beginning QB because the 1970 merger. He has thrown 36 landing passes and 9 interceptions in opposition to the NFC. — Jamison Hensley
Subsequent sport: at Buccaneers (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Had been the Commanders’ weaknesses uncovered? Defensively, sure, they had been. However these Commanders ought to nonetheless contend for the playoffs. Washington’s offense stays harmful, conserving the group attention-grabbing. However the Commanders’ cross protection has been their largest subject. Washington correctly wished to restrict the Ravens’ run sport and used a number of single-high security seems. Nevertheless it was dangerous in protection, getting overwhelmed in each man and zone too typically. For the Commanders to succeed in Baltimore’s stage, their protection must be higher and extra constant.
Eye-popping stat: Baltimore averaged 7.6 yards per play. Washington entered permitting 5.7 YPP. The Ravens constantly hit large cross performs vs. Washington’s porous protection, as Lamar Jackson threw for 323 yards and the Ravens gained 484 total. The yards per play represented a season-worst for Washington’s protection, and the passing yards had been additionally essentially the most allowed.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Quarterback Jayden Daniels will throw for greater than 275 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to Carolina. He continues to point out that he is greater than a runner — that’s solely half of what he can do. Towards Baltimore, Daniels threw for a career-high 269 yards and two scores, proving he can harm defenses when the bottom sport is not working. (Washington rushed for under 52 yards.) — John Keim
Subsequent sport: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Bears
Has the Bears offense lastly established its identification? Caleb Williams threw 4 touchdowns by doing what coaches have emphasised for weeks: taking part in level guard. One week after the Williams and DJ Moore connection got here alive, the rookie threw two TDs every to Keenan Allen and Cole Kmet. Chicago displayed the stability its been trying to find with one other 91 dashing yards and a landing from D’Andre Swift and heads into the bye week feeling assured in regards to the state of its offense.
Describe the sport in two phrases: Williams’ command. The 2 landing passes Williams threw to Allen are an instance of the quarterback’s precision — inserting the ball in tight home windows the place solely his receiver may get it — and management. On a number of events, Williams maneuvered the pocket and created out of construction (notably a cross-body throw made to Kmet that arrange Chicago’s fifth TD). Williams’ 4 landing passes introduced his whole to 9 by means of six video games, the second-most ever by a Bears rookie QB.
Caleb Williams’ unbelievable throw units up Bears’ fifth TD
Caleb Williams makes a throw throughout his physique to Cole Kmet for 27 yards, then later within the drive, D’Andre Swift punches it in for the Bears.
Most shocking efficiency: Elijah Hicks, who performed instead of security Jaquan Brisker (concussion), helped reduce the sting that got here with the Bears secondary being down three starters (cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was dominated out pregame with a calf damage and nickel Kyler Gordon left the third quarter with a hamstring damage). Hicks got here away with 5 tackles, recovered a fumble and broke up a cross ultimately zone. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent sport: at Commanders (Oct. 27, 1 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
How does the loss have an effect on the job safety of coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke? It does not assist. Someday after proprietor Shad Khan mentioned he nonetheless believes in Pederson and Baalke, the Jaguars performed a sloppy sport to drop to 1-5. That makes reaching the playoffs — which Khan mentioned earlier than the season was his expectation — extremely unlikely. Of 201 groups that began 1-5 since 1966, solely 4 have made the playoffs. The Jaguars at the moment are 2-10 of their previous 12 video games, and the one victories have been in opposition to Carolina and Indianapolis, which is an efficient indication of the path of the franchise.
Largest gap within the sport plan: The Jaguars did not stress rookie QB Caleb Williams. By the point the Bears went forward 35-10, Jacksonville had blitzed him solely six instances and pressured him on 10 of his 32 dropbacks. That features only one blitz and 5 pressures on 18 dropbacks within the first half, when Williams burned them for 128 yards and two TDs.
Eye-popping stat: The Jaguars had 4 potential landing passes dropped, together with two by Gabe Davis. Christian Kirk additionally dropped a possible TD — the ball went by means of his palms and hit him within the facemask — and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. had a possible deep TD cross in his palms that he was unable to catch. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, London)
49ers
What does profitable in Seattle do for the 49ers as they begin an necessary stretch? It is an exaggeration to say it saved the 49ers’ season, however that is not far off. As an alternative of 2-4 and 0-3 within the NFC West, the 3-3 Niners are tied with Seattle for first place (with a leg up in a tiebreaker). They’re going to get a number of additional days’ relaxation, which is not any small factor given their damage points, they usually face the Chiefs and Cowboys coming off every of their bye weeks. If the 49ers get to their Week 9 bye with a document of not less than 4-4, they’ll regroup, get wholesome and make a run in November and December after they have historically been at their finest below coach Kyle Shanahan.
Most shocking efficiency: The 49ers rookie class stuffed in admirably. Security Malik Mustapha made his first profession interception to stymie Seattle’s first drive within the purple zone earlier than leaving with an ankle sprain. Cornerback Renardo Inexperienced received his first profession decide within the fourth quarter, and operating again Isaac Guerendo sealed the win with a 76-yard run to arrange the ultimate landing.
Eye-popping stat: QB Brock Purdy was wonderful on throws with 10-plus air yards. He went 6-of-8 for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Seahawks QB Geno Smith was 5-of-14 for 89 yards and two interceptions on such throws. — Nick Wagoner
Subsequent sport: vs. Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
Are the Seahawks any nearer to beating the 49ers? The 49ers received the earlier 5 conferences by a median of 15.2 factors, both dominating all through or pulling away within the second half. This sport was aggressive with the Seahawks pulling to inside 5 factors within the fourth quarter and needing one defensive cease for an opportunity at a profitable drive. Then once more, Seattle benefited from a missed name that value San Francisco not less than three factors. The 49ers had been additionally with out Christian McCaffrey and had been all the way down to their third-string operating again by the top of the sport. The Seahawks had their very own damage points, but when they could not beat the 49ers at house whereas San Francisco was lacking its finest offensive participant, then when will they?
Eye-popping stat: Seattle pressured Brock Purdy on 15 of his 31 dropbacks (48.4%). For context, the Dolphins led the NFL heading into Sunday with a 40% stress price this season. However whereas the Seahawks received close to the 49ers’ quarterback typically, they could not get to him, ending with no sacks and solely 4 QB hits. They’re going to be blissful to face a quarterback subsequent week in Kirk Cousins who is way much less elusive than Purdy.
Early prediction for subsequent week: Byron Murphy II will return from his hamstring damage and make an affect. The absence of Seattle’s first-round decide over the previous three video games has compelled them to play Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins greater than they’d want. With Murphy again, their D-line rotation can be deeper, and life can be simpler on their second-level defenders as properly, with Murphy there to manage gaps and command double-teams. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent sport: at Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)