As the leaves change and the playoff picture slowly takes shape, Week 6 of the NFL season delivers another loaded schedule. Here’s a look at every matchup with odds, analysis, and score predictions.
Eagles (4–1) at Giants (1–4)
Thursday, Oct. 9 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Eagles -7.5
The Eagles escaped a brutal five-game stretch to start their season with an impressive 4-1 record, but there are still reasons for concern as the offense has not been producing as expected. Saquon Barkley saw only six carries in the loss to Denver, raising questions about the play-calling from first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo.
The Giants lost all momentum they built after their first win, falling to the previously winless Saints. Jaxson Dart, like most rookie quarterbacks, will need time to develop.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Giants 17
Philadelphia and Saquon should be in line for a nice bounce-back game against a subpar run defense.
Broncos (3–2) at Jets (0–5)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 9:30 a.m. | Line: Broncos -7
After knocking off the defending Super Bowl champions, the Broncos’ elite defense appears to be back in full swing. Nik Bonitto is emerging as a superstar, leading the league with seven sacks, while Denver leads all teams with 21.
This season is already one to forget for the Jets. It is too early to say how much of this is on Aaron Glenn, but it is becoming clear that Justin Fields may not be the long-term answer at quarterback. Their only bright spot has been a strong rushing attack behind Breece Hall.
Prediction: Broncos 31, Jets 10
The Broncos have a stout run defense and should make life miserable for the Green and White.
Seahawks (3–2) at Jaguars (4–1)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. | Line: Jaguars -1.5
A usually fearsome Seattle defense was picked apart in a heartbreaking loss last weekend. However, the Seahawks learned their offense is capable of playing in a shootout. Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba excelled despite the loss, forming one of the league’s most dangerous connections this season.
The Jaguars made a huge statement on primetime against the Chiefs. Devin Lloyd has been playing like the best defensive player in football, and his 99-yard pick-six marked the longest in team history. Jacksonville’s ability to force turnovers has been outstanding.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Jaguars 24
Mike Macdonald’s defense finds its form again, limiting Travis Etienne and the Jaguars’ ground game.
Chargers (3–2) at Dolphins (1–4)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. | Line: Chargers -4.5
After a perfect 3-0 start, the Chargers have begun to slip. They were gashed in the run game last weekend and struggled to move the ball after the first quarter. Ladd McConkey has been underutilized after such a strong rookie season.
The Dolphins are in a rough spot, trending toward an uncompetitive season. A rebuild seems inevitable, but there has been no movement in that direction. Miami’s defense has been awful, particularly against the run.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Dolphins 27
LA finds a way to get back on track, but Miami’s offense should keep this one close.
Rams (3–2) at Ravens (1–4)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. | Line: Rams -7.5
The Rams beat themselves last Thursday after several miscues against division rival San Francisco. Fumbling at the goal line, failing to convert a fourth-and-one in overtime, and a missed field goal all proved costly.
The Ravens have not looked like themselves over the last two games. Cooper Rush threw three interceptions in the loss, underscoring the team’s desperate need for Lamar Jackson to return. But even then, this struggling offensive line will need to improve. Defensively, Baltimore continues to deal with mounting injuries that are becoming harder to overcome.
Prediction: Rams 35, Ravens 17
Sean McVay will clean up the mistakes and exploit Baltimore’s weak secondary.
Cardinals (2–3) at Colts (4–1)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. | Line: Colts -6.5
The Cardinals are searching for a way to shift momentum after losing three straight by a combined five points. Emari Demercado’s costly goal-line fumble against Tennessee set them further back in the brutal NFC West race.
The Colts dominated the Raiders, continuing their surprisingly strong start. Daniel Jones looks like the clear favorite for Comeback Player of the Year. Behind a bruising offensive line, Jonathan Taylor is averaging 96 yards per game, and the team has allowed the fewest sacks in the league.
Prediction: Colts 23, Cardinals 17
Arizona’s offense has stalled, and the Colts can take an early lead and lean on the run game.
Cowboys (2–2-1) at Panthers (2–3)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. | Line: Cowboys -3
The Cowboys’ defense took a big step forward in last week’s blowout of the Jets. They forced key stops early and never looked back. Dak Prescott continued his MVP-caliber campaign with 237 yards and four touchdowns, firmly establishing himself among the league’s top tier quarterbacks.
Carolina rallied from 17 down to steal one from the Dolphins, thanks to Rico Dowdle’s 206-yard rushing performance. They will try to build on that momentum at home against America’s Team.
Prediction: Cowboys 31, Panthers 23
The Panthers’ best chance is to win in a shootout, but Dallas’ offensive firepower should prevail.
Patriots (3–2) at Saints (1–4)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. | Line: Patriots -3.5
Drake Maye put himself on the map with a gutsy performance to take down the previously undefeated Bills. Stefon Diggs posted another 100-yard outing, his second straight. Suddenly, the AFC East feels much more open, with New England just a game back.
Spencer Rattler picked up his first win as a starter against the Giants last weekend. The defense forced five turnovers and held New York to 14 points. As Rattler continues to rack up starts, rookie Tyler Shough waits patiently for his chance.
Prediction: Patriots 23, Saints 21
It shapes up to be a defensive battle, but the Patriots and Maye find a way to pull it out.
Browns (1–4) at Steelers (3–1)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. | Line: Steelers -5.5
Dillon Gabriel played well against an elite defense in his first career start in Dublin, but it was not enough. Quinshon Judkins remains the offensive centerpiece after another strong outing. The defense held firm until allowing a game-winning drive in the final two minutes.
Coming off their bye, the Steelers remain in firm control of the AFC North. The Ravens are spiraling, the Browns lack offense, and the Bengals are missing their star quarterback. Pittsburgh is in position to create real separation.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Browns 20
AFC North matchups are often sloppy, but the Steelers will find a way to win at home.
Titans (1–4) at Raiders (1–4)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Raiders -5.5
Cam Ward finally collected his first NFL win in wild fashion. An 18-point comeback was capped off by the Cardinals fumbling a game-sealing interception, which Tennessee recovered for a touchdown. It was unconvincing, but the Titans will take it.
The Raiders’ season continues to spiral after their week one win. Geno Smith is turning the ball over at a high rate, and Pete Carroll’s start in Las Vegas has been rocky.
Prediction: Titans 28, Raiders 23
In a matchup between two teams already looking ahead to 2026, the Titans build off their momentum and win a second straight.
49ers (4–1) at Buccaneers (4–1)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Buccaneers -3
Is there a quarterback controversy in San Francisco? Mac Jones absorbed a beating on Thursday night but still led the 49ers to victory. He has now started three games this season and won them all in Brock Purdy’s absence. If Purdy cannot go, Jones gets another shot to continue his resurgence.
Emeka Egbuka and the Buccaneers outlasted Seattle in a shootout, as Egbuka continued his campaign not just for Offensive Rookie of the Year but for recognition among the league’s top wideouts. Despite defensive struggles, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ explosive passing game carried the day.
Prediction: Buccaneers 27, 49ers 21
There are few quarterbacks you would rather have in a close game than Baker Mayfield, whose MVP campaign is in full swing.
Bengals (2–3) at Packers (2–1-1)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Packers -14.5
The Bengals have already moved on from Jake Browning, trading for Joe Flacco earlier this week. Flacco was responsible for the Packers’ only loss of the year, though he scored just 13 points in that game. Cincinnati intends to have him active this week. The trade is low-risk, but the logic behind it is questionable.
The Packers return from an early bye eager to build on their strong start. Their tie complicates things slightly, but their week one win over Detroit keeps them in good position atop the division.
Prediction: Packers 33, Bengals 13
Cincinnati’s defense has not improved, and Flacco is unlikely to change much offensively.
Lions (4–1) at Chiefs (2–3)
Sunday, Oct. 12 – 7:20 p.m. | Line: Chiefs -2.5
The Lions boast the highest-scoring offense in the league and make it look effortless. They are averaging 34.8 points per game and also feature one of the NFL’s fiercest pass rushes. Detroit’s expectations are sky-high, and the talent matches the ambition.
Kansas City’s slow start continues. There are no glaring weaknesses, but the usual late-game magic has been missing. There is no reason to panic quite yet, though as the Chiefs’ three losses have all been close and against division leaders. By January, no one will remember the 2-3 start and I believe this team will eventually right the ship. But not this week.
Prediction: Lions 30, Chiefs 27
The area where Kansas City has struggled the most is against the run, so expect Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to take over.
Bills (4–1) at Falcons (2–2)
Monday, Oct. 13 – 7:15 p.m. | Line: Bills -4.5
Buffalo did not look like itself against the Patriots. Usually disciplined, the Bills committed three turnovers in the loss. They need to return to their usual efficiency because that kind of play will send them home in the postseason.
The Falcons come off their bye week in second place in the NFC South, though it remains unclear where they truly fit in the conference. Each week seems to bring a different version of their offense. They will need their best performance to challenge Buffalo’s defense.
Prediction: Bills 24, Falcons 23
Expect a heavy dose of Bijan Robinson against Buffalo’s subpar run defense, but it will not be enough to overcome the Bills’ own powerful ground game.
Bears (2–2) at Commanders (3–1)
Monday, Oct. 13 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Commanders -4.5
It is still early in Ben Johnson’s tenure, but the Bears already look far improved from week one. They may have to chase the rest of the NFC North for a while, but games like this in primetime are perfect opportunities to make a statement.
For the first time this year, the Commanders looked like their old selves. Their defense, which had struggled early, dominated the Chargers and held them in check. Jacory Croskey-Merritt added another spark in the backfield, strengthening Washington’s ground game.
Prediction: Bears 30, Commanders 23
A revenge game for Chicago after last year’s heartbreaking Hail Mary loss, as Caleb Williams is poised for another big night.
On Bye: Texans, Vikings
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