NFL Week 6 preview: Picks, predictions, schedule, betting odds, fantasy tips

Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season is here. Will the Chiefs stay unbeaten -- or can the Chargers finally get their first win? Could the Raiders get back on track against the feisty Bills? Which teams will come out on top in divisional showdowns, including Texans-Jaguars and Ravens-Browns? And what should we expect on Sunday night in Cowboys-Packers?

We're here to get you ready for the action. First, our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know. Then, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel, and betting analyst Pamela Maldonado gives her insights for each contest. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) game projections, and Maldonado, Moody and Walder all give us final score picks for every game.

Let's get into the full Week 6 slate, which culminates with the "Monday Night Football" matchup between the Commanders and 49ers on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted, and all odds are via DraftKings.)

Jump to a matchup:
HOU-JAX | CHI-ATL | BAL-CLE
TEN-IND | NYJ-NE | NO-NYG
CAR-PHI | PIT-TB | ARI-LAR
LAC-KC | BUF-LV | DAL-GB
WSH-SF

Thursday: SEA-DEN
Bye: CIN, DET, MIA, MIN

What ESPN Analytics says ...

Texans (1-4) at Jaguars (4-1) in London

9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network | JAX -2.5 (42.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Texans: New WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is playing, according to coach DeMeco Ryans. Harrison and QB C.J. Stroud will have an opportunity to re-create their fireworks from their college stint at Ohio State in 2021-22. Don't expect Harrison to play most of the offensive snaps, but there will be packages for him. -- DJ Bien-Aime

What we're hearing on the Jaguars: QB Trevor Lawrence's history against the Texans isn't great. They're the only division team against which he has thrown more interceptions (11) than touchdown passes (eight) and has a completion percentage below 60% (57.8%). One reason to be optimistic for Sunday is that Lawrence leads the NFL in off-target percentage at 8.8%, meaning he's rarely making bad passes or throws that should be intercepted. His previous best off-target percentage was 15% last season, when he had the best season of his career. -- Michael DiRocco

Stat to know: The Jaguars have given up 608 passing yards on throws of 15-plus yards downfield this season, second most in the NFL behind the Lions (633). Stroud is one of two QBs to attempt a pass of 15-plus yards downfield at least 45 times in 2026. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Texans CB Kamari Lassiter will record an interception. This is blind faith in a good player who has struggled mightily. But I think he turns it around and, as a result, leads Houston to an upset win. -- Walder

Injuries: Texans | Jaguars

Fantasy nugget: Stroud is a viable streaming option with four teams on a bye. The Jaguars have been tough on QBs, giving up only 14.0 fantasy points per game. But Stroud has scored at least 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games and averaged 19.9 fantasy points in five career games against Jacksonville. WR Nico Collins remains his top target, and Stroud now has another familiar playmaker in Harrison. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: Since 2018, the under is 8-2 when the Jaguars play in London. Jacksonville's defense gives up only 2.9 yards per carry, giving Houston's struggling run game little room to improve. That forces Stroud to carry the offense behind protection that has given up 14 sacks. Meanwhile, Houston's 18 sacks and Jacksonville's injury at left tackle (Anton Harrison) could keep the Jaguars from efficient drives. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Texans 20, Jaguars 19
Moody's pick: Jaguars 24, Texans 20
Walder's pick: Texans 23, Jaguars 21
FPI prediction: JAX, 58.4% (by an average of 2.2 points)

Matchup must-reads: WR Harrison will play for Texans on Sunday, coach says ... Jaguars WR Washington has the clutch gene ... Harrison latest in Texans' quest to solve WR2 conundrum ... Jaguars' Coen to tweak playcalling after delay of game issues

Bears (3-2) at Falcons (2-3)

1 p.m. ET | Fox | CHI -1.5 (51.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Bears: QB Caleb Williams' potential return from a hamstring injury would come with an injection of explosiveness and playmaking the Bears' offense has been lacking since Week 3. "He has tremendous talent, arm ability with his legs as well," WR Rome Odunze said. "So obviously, when you're missing a player like that on the field, you feel it." Chicago could benefit in a lot of areas from Williams' return, namely with his deep ball (12 passing touchdowns of 20-plus air yards, the most in the NFL since the start of 2025) and his play under duress. Including last season, Williams threw nine touchdowns to one interception when pressured. -- Courtney Cronin

What we're hearing on the Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr. has the fourth-worst EPA per dropback (minus-0.7) in the league when pressured among QBs with at least 20 dropbacks. But with no pressure, Penix is fifth best in EPA per dropback (0.58). The Bears have generated only 52 pressures, the fifth-lowest total in the NFL despite blitzing at the seventh-highest rate (39.3%). -- Marc Raimondi

Stat to know: Though the Bears (173.2) and Falcons (166.8) are the top two teams in average rushing yards per game, both teams also have stout run defenses. Atlanta ranks fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (80.2); Chicago ranks ninth (96.0). -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Falcons CB Mike Hughes will give up more than 100 combined receiving yards to Bears receivers (Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond). Hughes has struggled this season, giving up 1.5 yards per coverage snap -- much higher than average for an outside corner -- per NFL Next Gen Stats. -- Walder

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Williams returns to practice

Injuries: Bears | Falcons

Fantasy nugget: Burden has had at least five targets in every game this season, but Chicago's QB struggles have limited him to only two games with double-digit fantasy points. He has a favorable matchup against a Falcons defense that has given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to WRs. Burden should have a decent floor based on his target volume, and his ceiling would be even higher if Williams returns under center. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: Since 2022, the under is 6-0 when the Falcons are home underdogs of three points or fewer. Atlanta's third-ranked pressure rate could be trouble for Williams, whose hamstring injury could limit his ability to escape if he starts. Chicago's defense has allowed opponents to convert only 26% of third downs, giving both defenses a path to ending possessions before they turn into scoring opportunities. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Falcons 27, Bears 23
Moody's pick: Bears 27, Falcons 23
Walder's pick: Bears 31, Falcons 13
FPI prediction: CHI, 60.2% (by an average of 2.8 points)

Matchup must-reads: Johnson undecided on QB if Williams can't go ... QB Penix on track to start if no setbacks, coach says ... Bears DE Sweat suspended two games for violating NFL's PED policy

Ravens (4-1) at Browns (3-2)

1 p.m. ET | Fox | BAL -5.5 (51.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Ravens: Baltimore's focus will be on containing QB Deshaun Watson, who is 2-0 against the Ravens as the Browns starter. "He can do damage when he squirms out of there," DT Nnamdi Madubuike said. Watson ranks second in the NFL with 111 yards rushing when pressured. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (finger) is expected to return after sitting out two games for a Baltimore team that has hit quarterbacks 55 times this season (fifth most in the league). -- Jamison Hensley

What we're hearing on the Browns: There's uncertainty surrounding the status of QB Lamar Jackson (ankle), but if Tyler "Snoop" Huntley makes a second straight start, the Browns have a lot of intel from coach Todd Monken's time with Huntley in Baltimore and Huntley's stints in Cleveland. Keeping up with Baltimore's explosive offense could be an uphill battle either way, with the status of key starters such as LB Carson Schwesinger (ankle), DT Mason Graham (leg) and RB Quinshon Judkins (ankle) uncertain. "They've got a really good coaching staff, and I've been there before where we played Snoop, and Snoop's a really good football player and won a bunch of games as the starter," Monken said. -- Daniel Oyefusi

Stat to know: Ravens WR Zay Flowers has 90 receiving yards on crossing routes this season, third most in the NFL. Cleveland has given up the fourth-most yards on crossing routes through five games (224). -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Browns guard Zion Johnson will not record a pass block loss. Johnson, who signed with Cleveland in free agency, has a 92.6% pass block win rate at guard, which ranks fifth best at the position. -- Walder

Injuries: Ravens | Browns

Fantasy nugget: Browns WR Denzel Boston continues to play a high percentage of snaps and run a ton of routes. He has had at least seven targets in three of five games and scored 12 or more fantasy points four times. Boston has a favorable matchup against a Ravens defense that has given up the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs. He's well positioned for another productive game, and his ceiling would be even higher if KC Concepcion (concussion) is ruled out. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The Browns are 7-1 ATS (against the spread) as home underdogs since 2025. Cleveland's man coverage can make completions harder for the Ravens. Watson's quick throws offer a way to avoid sacks and extend possessions. Cleveland can keep this close by making Baltimore earn its points through longer, more demanding drives. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Ravens 21, Browns 20
Moody's pick: Ravens 24, Browns 20
Walder's pick: Ravens 24, Browns 17
FPI prediction: BAL, 65.7% (by an average of 4.3 points)

Matchup must-reads: Source: QB Jackson has realistic chance to play ... Why the Browns' run game is at the root of their offensive struggles ... Judkins, Schwesinger (ankles) add to injury woes for Browns

Titans (0-5) at Colts (2-3)

1 p.m. ET | Fox | IND -7 (44.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Titans: Coach Robert Saleh said the front is the heartbeat of the defense, and he wants to have a rotation of linemen that who play 60% of the snaps on average. Apparently that doesn't apply to Jeffery Simmons, who has played 85% of the snaps this season. Simmons' pressure on the Eagles' Jalen Hurts in Week 2 generated one of the Titans' two interceptions this season. The veteran would like to cause more turnovers against the Colts, whose turnover margin is minus-1.2 per game, but he'll have to face second-team All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson. "It's alway a great battle," Simmons said. "I appreciate going against him because he's gotten me better facing him twice a year." -- Turron Davenport

What we're hearing on the Colts: The Titans are giving up 3.5 yards per rush this season, posing an interesting challenge for the Colts, who are trying to get star RB Jonathan Taylor unlocked. Taylor is averaging a career-low 3.9 yards per carry and was limited to 45 yards on 14 carries last Sunday against the Steelers -- one of the lowest totals of his career. "The chunk plays like we saw last year, we haven't had those in the run game, and it'd be great to get back to that and get those explosives going forward," coach Shane Steichen said. -- Stephen Holder

Stat to know: If Cam Ward and the Titans lose to the Colts, he'd be the fifth QB to lose his first eight games against division opponents since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. The last was Colt McCoy with the Browns in 2010-11. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Taylor will be held to under 3.0 yards per carry ... albeit in a Colts victory. One of the only bright spots for the Titans this season is that they are holding opponents to just 3.5 yards per carry. That number drops to 3.1 against outside zone, which the Colts run 49% of the time. -- Walder

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How teams are defending Josh Downs

Injuries: Titans | Colts

Fantasy nugget: Titans WR Carnell Tate scored a season-high 21.5 fantasy points in Week 4 before finishing with a season-low 1.6 points last week. Tate still leads the Titans in air yards per target (12.65) and overall targets (37). He has a chance to bounce back against a Colts defense that has given up the fifth-most passing yards per game. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The over is 8-0 in the Titans' past eight games as underdogs of at least seven points. Indianapolis gives up 5.0 yards per carry, giving RB Tony Pollard a chance to get Tennessee's offense moving. Meanwhile, the Titans given up 7.8 yards per pass attempt, which allows QB Daniel Jones opportunities to sustain drives. Both defenses offer struggling offenses chances to find some rhythm. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Colts 27, Titans 19
Moody's pick: Colts 30, Titans 17
Walder's pick: Colts 23, Titans 10
FPI prediction: IND, 72.1% (by an average of 6.1 points)

Matchup must-reads: Where is the Titans' pass rush? ... Colts RB Taylor not fretting slower start than usual

Jets (2-3) at Patriots (3-2)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | NE -7.5 (43.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Jets: After sacking the Browns' Deshaun Watson eight times last week, what can the Jets do for an encore? "Nine, it is. Here we go," coordinator Brian Duker said with a laugh. To pull the upset, the Jets need takeaways, not sacks. The Jets have only one interception. Their goal is to pressure QB Drake Maye into bad decisions, getting him to revert to his early-season funk -- when he threw six interceptions in the first three games. -- Rich Cimini

What we're hearing on the Patriots: With the likelihood that 2026 first-round pick Caleb Lomu makes his first career NFL start in place of injured LT Will Campbell (knee), it will be compelling to see if the Jets create opportunities to match rookie edge rusher David Bailey, the No. 2 pick, against him. Bailey, who has aligned more over opposing right tackles through the first five games, had three sacks and eight pressures in Week 5. "He's fast, explosive, instinctive," coach Mike Vrabel said. "He can bend and has a really good get-off. He uses his get-off, so we'll have to be very conscious of the [entire defensive] front." -- Mike Reiss

Stat to know: The Jets are the first team since 1999 Buccaneers to hold three of their first five opponents to fewer than 200 yards of offense. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Jets WR Garrett Wilson will record a second straight 100-yard receiving game and his third in four games. It's hard to overstate just how good Wilson has been this season. He leads the NFL in ESPN's receiver score based on player-tracking data. -- Walder

Injuries: Jets | Patriots

Fantasy nugget: Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson should have a heavy workload with TreVeyon Henderson dealing with a high ankle sprain. Stevenson has averaged 16.8 fantasy points in games where he has received at least 16 touches this season, showing what he can do with enough volume. The matchup is also favorable, as the Jets have given up the sixth-most rushing yards per game over their past three contests. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The over is 7-1 in the Patriots' past eight games as home favorites of at least six points. Maye's success against two-high coverage matches the Jets' preferred approach, and their inconsistent pressure could leave him time to attack downfield. Meanwhile, New England's potential absences at CB could give Jets QB Geno Smith enough openings for New York to contribute points, too. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Patriots 27, Jets 21
Moody's pick: Patriots 30, Jets 17
Walder's pick: Patriots 24, Jets 16
FPI prediction: NE, 79.5% (by an average of 8.3 points)

Matchup must-reads: WR Wilson deems Patriots matchup a 'big-ass game' ... Patriots CB Gonzalez says he's 'ready to go'; WR Brown returns to practice ... Jets WR Mitchell had surgical procedure on finger, expected to miss ... How QB Maye has rebounded from bad start despite mounting Patriots injuries

Saints (1-4) at Giants (3-1-1)

1 p.m. ET | Fox | NO -1.5 (45.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Saints: There's frustration to go around after the Saints' third straight loss, and owner Gayle Benson made a rare public statement commenting on how the team's current record is not acceptable. QB Tyler Shough says he understands and shares her frustration. "She wasn't saying anything that wasn't already known, and she did a really good job of highlighting the expectations, and we have those same expectations for ourselves," he said. -- Katherine Terrell

What we're hearing on the Giants: The Giants are playing at home and became underdogs as the week progressed. That didn't seem to sit well with the team. "We love playing at MetLife Stadium and being underdogs," defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said. "Everybody counts us out." The Giants are admittedly playing with a chip on their shoulders after RB Cam Skattebo said it was dumb for them to be underdogs in their previous home game against the Cardinals. -- Jordan Raanan

Stat to know: In Week 4, the Giants took sole possession of first place in the NFC East for the first time since November 2015, when Eli Manning was their QB and Tom Coughlin was their coach. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Giants OT Jermaine Eluemunor will record a 100% pass block win rate. Eluemunor, who re-signed with New York this offseason, has been having a very nice season in pass protection, with a 92.2% pass block win rate. That ranks fourth best among tackles. -- Walder

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Giants sticking with J.J. McCarthy package

Injuries: Saints | Giants

Fantasy nugget: Giants TE Isaiah Likely is heating up at the right time. He has had at least 12 targets in back-to-back games and scored a season-high 32.4 fantasy points last week. He has developed great rapport with QB Jameis Winston, and that connection should continue to benefit him. Likely has another excellent matchup against a Saints defense that has given up the third-most targets (tied), fourth-most receptions (tied) and seventh-most fantasy points per game to TEs. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: Winston's teams have covered four straight starts as an underdog. New York's two-tight end formations can draw heavier personnel that create favorable receiving matchups by splitting Likely out wide. That gives Winston manageable throws alongside a viable ground game against New Orleans' struggling run defense. Meanwhile, Shough's struggles (even from clean pockets) could limit the Saints' ability to respond. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Giants 24, Saints 20
Moody's pick: Saints 27, Giants 24
Walder's pick: Saints 20, Giants 14
FPI prediction: NO, 53.9% (by an average of 1 point)

Matchup must-reads: The Saints' offense keeps declining each week. Can they turn it around? ... Bring on the blitz! Changing the identity of the Giants' defense ... QB Shough, coach Moore respond to criticism from owner Benson

Panthers (2-2) at Eagles (2-3)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | CAR -1.5 (40.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Panthers: QB Bryce Young leads the league with 317 passing yards per game. But Carolina will face an Eagles defense that has largely limited big plays as All-Pro CB Quinyon Mitchell has mostly locked down the right side of the field, giving up less than seven yards per target in coverage. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said Thursday the aggressive passing attack won't go away, but "a shot called isn't always a shot taken." Idzik says he wants Young to be patient and heave the ball downfield when appropriate. -- Mike Kaye

What we're hearing on the Eagles: The ground game was expected to be the foundation of this offense but is tied for 23rd in rushing yards per game (91.6) and tied for 25th in rushes of 10-plus yards (nine). Things bottomed out Sunday against Jacksonville when they managed 22 yards on 18 carries, their fewest rushing yards in a game since 2015. If RB Saquon Barkley can't make it back from a hamstring injury, they'll have to turn to Dameon Pierce with Tank Bigsby (abdomen) and Will Shipley (foot) sidelined. -- Tim McManus

Stat to know: The Eagles have given up 13 drives of 10-plus plays in 2026, which is tied for the most in the NFL. Only 31% of their opponent's plays have been for zero or negative yards (22nd in the NFL). -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Panthers edge Jaelan Phillips will record more than 1.0 sacks. Phillips will be going against rookie offensive tackle Markel Bell, who has just a 71% pass block win rate, which would rank last if he had played enough to qualify. -- Walder

Injuries: Panthers | Eagles

Fantasy nugget: Eagles WR Dontayvion Wicks saw a season-high eight targets last week against Jacksonville and has scored at least 11 fantasy points in three of five games this season. Regardless of DeVonta Smith's (hamstring) status, Wicks should remain involved in the passing game, especially against a Panthers secondary dealing with multiple injuries. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The under has hit in five straight Panthers road games. With Jalen Hurts out, Philadelphia loses his scrambling threat behind an offensive line that already is struggling to protect the QB. Carolina's eighth-ranked pressure rate can make that worse. The Eagles have scored seven, 20 and 17 points during their losing streak, while Carolina's own protection issues leave Young vulnerable to drive-ending pressure. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Eagles 20, Panthers 19
Moody's pick: Panthers 21, Eagles 17
Walder's pick: Panthers 23, Eagles 20
FPI prediction: CAR, 50% (by an average of 0.2 points)

Matchup must-reads: Are Panthers positioned to add reinforcements before NFL trade deadline? ... Eagles QB Hurts ruled out with blood clot in calf ... MVP?! 3 keys to watch if Panthers QB Young is on that path

Steelers (3-2) at Buccaneers (1-4)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | PIT -2.5 (39.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Steelers: Even though RB Rico Dowdle (toe) is expected to return after sitting out three games, Jaylen Warren will continue to be the Steelers' primary back. Warren's 640 yards from scrimmage are third in the league behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson, and Warren leads the Steelers in both rushing and receiving. He'll face a tough challenge against a Bucs defense that's holding opponents to 72.8 rushing yards per game. "Jaylen's our featured player right now," coach Mike McCarthy said. "Let's make sure we all recognize that he's hot, he's playing great football for us. So it's important for us to, as an offense, coaches and players alike, to continue to put him in position to make plays." -- Brooke Pryor

What we're hearing on the Buccaneers: Todd Bowles has gone 2-2 against Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers as a coach and DC. "It's a nightmare game-planning against him," Bowles said. "He's difficult because he's extremely intelligent. ... He's extremely accurate with the football, and he can dissect things before the play even happens." But Bowles has been relatively successful using disguises against him. Rodgers has a career raw QBR of 33.9 against Bowles when he uses disguised coverage -- which ranks 40th among all QBs against Bowles teams. Rodgers' QBR is 54.6 against disguised coverages as a whole. -- Jenna Laine

Stat to know: Rodgers has 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in six career games against Tampa Bay. That's one of two NFL teams (the Bills are the other) that he does not have more passing touchdowns than interceptions against over his career. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: The Buccaneers will blitz on more than 50% of Pittsburgh dropbacks, a season high for them. Bowles loves to send extra heat anyway, but I'm willing to bet he'll be especially keen to do so this week, considering the Steelers rank last in EPA per play against the blitz. Whether that pattern will hold is harder to say, but Rodgers should see plenty of extra defenders headed his way. -- Walder

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How far can the Steelers, Aaron Rodgers go this season?

Injuries: Steelers | Buccaneers

Fantasy nugget: It would be wise to temper expectations for both WR Emeka Egbuka and RB Bucky Irving. Egbuka's upside is limited by QB Jalon Daniels' struggles throwing downfield, while Pittsburgh has given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to WRs. Irving scored 31.5 fantasy points last week but had only 26.9 in his previous three games combined. The Steelers also held the Colts' Jonathan Taylor to 11.2 fantasy points last week. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The Steelers have failed to cover in three straight games on the road. Tampa Bay can limit Warren's rushing production and force Rodgers into longer possessions built on short completions. Pittsburgh's defense has allowed 19 completions of at least 20 yards, giving Daniels opportunities to create scoring chances without needing to consistently string together first downs. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Steelers 17, Buccaneers 16
Moody's pick: Steelers 20, Buccaneers 17
Walder's pick: Steelers 23, Buccaneers 20
FPI prediction: PIT, 59.9% (by an average of 2.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Undrafted rookie QB Daniels savors Thursday night win ... Steelers' RB Warren having strong run while Dowdle is out

Cardinals (1-4) at Rams (2-3)

4:05 p.m. ET | Fox | LAR -12.5 (51.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Cardinals: Life after WR Marvin Harrison Jr. continues for the Cardinals this week, and Arizona will again tap two receivers -- Jalen Brooks and rookie Reggie Virgil -- to fill Harrison's role at the X. Last week, Virgil had two catches for 29 yards, and Brooks had two for 16. QB Jacoby Brissett likes Virgil's separation but hinted that there's more he can do Sunday. Coach Mike LaFleur said both fill in well for Harrison. "They have a similar skill set in terms of what we're asking them to do," LaFleur said. -- Josh Weinfuss

What we're hearing on the Rams: After their Week 5 loss, the Rams released kicker Harrison Mevis and signed Blake Grupe off the Jets' practice squad. The Rams were 5-for-9 (55.6%) on field goal attempts this season, the lowest field goal percentage in the NFL. The struggles are not isolated to this season, as the team has a 77.2% field goal percentage over the past four seasons, second worst in that span, according to ESPN Research. "Ultimately, we need better production [at kicker] and that's what we're hoping to get [from] Blake," McVay said. -- Sarah Barshop

Stat to know: The Cardinals have given up 30-plus points in four straight games, which is one shy of tying the longest streak in franchise history (five straight in 1954, when the team was based in Chicago). -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Rams TE Tyler Higbee will receive double-digit targets. With Terrance Ferguson (ankle) still on IR, Higbee is playing a big role in the receiving game for the Rams. And since the Cardinals don't present quite the threat the Bills did last week, I suspect the Los Angeles offense to be slightly less Puka Nacua-centric this week. -- Walder

Injuries: Cardinals | Rams

Fantasy nugget: Higbee has averaged 15.0 fantasy points over his past three games. He has become a reliable target for QB Matthew Stafford in a Rams offense that leads the league with 43.8 pass attempts per game. Higbee also has a favorable matchup against a Cardinals defense that has given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to TEs. I agree with Walder; Higbee should continue to get plenty of opportunities. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: Brissett has failed to cover in four straight starts as an underdog of at least 10 points, dating to 2021. Arizona gives up the league's most yards per pass attempt, and Stafford can exploit its heavier defensive personnel against multiple-tight end formations. That gives Los Angeles a clear scoring advantage, while Brissett risks falling behind before Arizona's offense gets going. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Rams 28, Cardinals 7
Moody's pick: Rams 38, Cardinals 17
Walder's pick: Rams 31, Cardinals 16
FPI prediction: LAR, 87.3% (by an average of 11.9 points)

Matchup must-reads: RB Love (ankle) sits out Cardinals practice as LaFleur says rest 'vital' ... How NFL pros such as QB Stafford gain perspective from coaching their kids

Chargers (0-5) at Chiefs (4-0)

4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | KC -8.5 (42.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Chargers: QB Justin Herbert is up to seven interceptions, tied for a league high, and that partly can be attributed to the Chargers often playing from behind. He had another pick late against the Broncos on Sunday. Coach Jim Harbaugh did his best to explain the turnover trend. "He's competing. Trying to help his team win. There's definitely times where he's trying to make a play and too many times this season, there's been that desperation time," Harbaugh said. "That's what I'd attribute that to. He's doing anything and everything he can." -- Anthony Gharib

What we're hearing on the Chiefs: It's possible the Chiefs could be without receivers Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (ankle). If that occurs, QB Patrick Mahomes will be relying on two young players at the position: rookie Cyrus Allen and second-year player Jalen Royals. "They're ready," Mahomes said Wednesday. "They've put in the work. Obviously, we've had the guys in front of them, with Tyquan going out there and playing great, so they've had to put in the work at practice. ... We'll put them in position to succeed. I have a lot of trust in those guys." -- Nate Taylor

Stat to know: The Chargers' defense has eight takeaways this season, tied for the fifth most in the NFL. That's the most takeaways by an 0-5 team since the 2015 Lions, who had nine. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Herbert will average under three air yards per attempt. The Chargers already have the lowest average depth of target in the league (4.2), but now they are going against a Chiefs defense that also gives up one of the lowest air yards per attempt to opponents (6.4). -- Walder

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Josh Simmons returns to practice as Chiefs monitor Rashee Rice

Injuries: Chargers | Chiefs

Fantasy nugget: The Chiefs' defense has a great chance to finish as the top fantasy unit this week against a struggling Chargers offense. Los Angeles ranks 30th in pass block win rate and has given up 17 sacks, second most in the league. Herbert has also thrown seven interceptions, and the Chargers have lost six fumbles this season. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The under is 7-1 in the Chiefs' past eight home games as favorites of at least seven points. Herbert is getting hit too often, his receivers are hurt and the Chargers struggle to score. Kansas City can get ahead, then hand the ball to RB Kenneth Walker III. That keeps the clock running without asking Mahomes to keep throwing and adding points. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Chiefs 24, Chargers 13
Moody's pick: Chiefs 27, Chargers 13
Walder's pick: Chiefs 27, Chargers 15
FPI prediction: KC, 73.9% (by an average of 6.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Chiefs still have faith in pass rush, despite going without a sack since Week 1

Bills (4-1) at Raiders (3-2)

4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | BUF -5.5 (53.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Bills: Raiders TE Brock Bowers is a new kind of challenge for this struggling Bills secondary. Potentially down their top three nickel options, covering the Raiders' multipurpose playmaker when he lines up in the slot -- which he does about 40% of the time -- will have to be an all-hands-on-deck approach for the Bills' CBs, safeties and LBs. To coach Joe Brady, Bowers is a receiver in the body of a TE who drew man coverage looks from All-Pro CB Pat Surtain II a season ago, and the Bills have to be "aware of where he's at" at all times. -- Nick Suss

What we're hearing on the Raiders: Facing QB Josh Allen and RB James Cook III, it's essential for the Raiders to control time of possession. That means they have run the ball well and slow down the Bills' rushing attack on defense. Those are two areas in which Las Vegas has struggled. The Raiders average 82 rushing yards per game -- 28th in the league -- on offense and their defense gives up 5.2 rushing yards per attempt, tied for second highest in the league. Buffalo has been shaky on defense, opening the door for Ashton Jeanty & Co. to finally generate positive production. Las Vegas' defense will have a tall task containing Cook, who is third in rushing yards (532). "There's no question that we have to run the football and stop the run better," coach Klint Kubiak said. -- Ryan McFadden

Stat to know: The Bills have won six straight regular-season games when giving up 30-plus points dating to last season, the longest streak in NFL history. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Cook will average more than 5.5 yards per carry. Buffalo ranks first in yards before contact per carry (3.4), and the Raiders' defense ranks last in yards allowed before contact per carry (3.4). -- Walder

Injuries: Bills | Raiders

Fantasy nugget: Raiders QB Kirk Cousins disappointed with only 13.7 fantasy points last week, but he has scored at least 20 fantasy points in three of five games this season. He has a favorable matchup against a Bills defense that has given up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to QBs and the most to WRs. Buffalo has also struggled to defend RBs in the passing game, giving Cousins another area to exploit. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The over is 7-2 in the past nine games when the Bills are favorites. The Bills can score through Cook and Allen against a Raiders defense that doesn't defend the run well. Las Vegas can answer through the air: Buffalo has given up multiple passing touchdowns in four of five games, giving Cousins a chance to generate points even if the Raiders fall behind early. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Bills 31, Raiders 24
Moody's pick: Bills 34, Raiders 24
Walder's pick: Bills 30, Raiders 19
FPI prediction: BUF, 72% (by an average of 6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Bills' Brady warns RB Cook of 'consequences' for costly fumbles ... Five takeaways from five weeks of the Raiders' season

Cowboys (2-3) at Packers (3-2)

8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | GB -1.5 (53.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Cowboys: With a poor showing through five games, the Cowboys' defense held a players-only meeting Monday. Some might view it as a bad sign, but not coach Brian Schottenheimer. "My information that I've received from some of those guys that called that meeting, it was very productive. It was very open and honest," he said. "And the pride of that unit is strong. There's some really, really prideful men in that room and we're going to get it fixed. I have no question about that, but it doesn't bother me at all. It means everyone's rowing in the same direction trying to get this thing fixed." -- Todd Archer

What we're hearing on the Packers: The way QB Jordan Love talked this week, the Packers are expecting another high-scoring game like the one they had at Dallas last season. It ended in a 40-40 tie, but the Packers almost ran out of time before they could kick the tying field goal at the end of overtime. Love said the last play from scrimmage before the field goal was problematic because players weren't lined up correctly and his pass was broken up in the end zone, leaving only one second left. "End of game, everybody's got to be dialed in, locked in, especially when it's a close game with how much time is left on the clock, what the situation is, what we're trying to do," Love said this week. "We learned." -- Rob Demovsky

Stat to know: The Cowboys are the only team in the NFL without an interception, and their two takeaways are their fewest through five games in franchise history. -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Love will record a 98 QBR or higher. Yes, 98. Dallas' defense is lacking, particularly its lackluster pass rush (which ranks 31st in pass rush win rate). Which means Green Bay's offensive line shouldn't have quite as much trouble this week. -- Walder

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Dallas looks to capitalize on NFC East chaos

Injuries: Cowboys | Packers

Fantasy nugget: The Packers' run defense continues to be a favorable matchup for fantasy managers. Green Bay has given up the third-most fantasy points per game to RBs, putting the Cowboys' Javonte Williams in a great spot this week. He has had at least 15 touches and scored 14 or more fantasy points in four of five games this season, including two performances with at least 24 points. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: Since 2024, the Cowboys are 5-0 outright as road underdogs of three points or less (5-0 ATS). Dak Prescott should have time to find WRs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens against Green Bay's injured defense. Dallas rarely goes a possession without gaining a first down, and the Packers convert only 27.6% of third downs. That gives Dallas more chances to finish drives with points. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: Cowboys 30, Packers 28
Moody's pick: Packers 30, Cowboys 27
Walder's pick: Packers 37, Cowboys 24
FPI prediction: DAL, 51.8% (by an average of 0.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Disastrous NFC East Week 5 keeps Cowboys' hopes alive ... Packers' Watson-Golden WR combo reminiscent of Nelson-Cobb ... ... Parsons wants to ensure 'all the small things fixed first' before return

Commanders (1-3-1) at 49ers (5-0)

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | SF -7.5 (50.5 O/U)

What we're hearing on the Commanders: If Washington can orchestrate a bounce-back game after its inexplicable last play against the Giants, it begins with being more disciplined, notably in two key areas: penalties and defense. The Commanders' margin for error is just not high enough to overcome the combined 33 penalties (16 on offense) they've incurred the past three weeks. It breaks down to seven false starts, two unnecessary roughness calls and two face masks. But the other issue defensively is not maintaining pass-rush lanes, allowing QBs to escape the pocket even on blitzes. That would be a big problem against Brock Purdy. "We have to play really disciplined," coach Dan Quinn said. -- John Keim

What we're hearing on the 49ers: After knocking off Seattle on the road last week, the 49ers were happy but didn't treat it like anything more than a key NFC West victory. That's because the stars who lead San Francisco know all too well that it doesn't take much to go from undefeated to the start of a losing streak. It's a message RB Christian McCaffrey said will be top of mind this week, with the Commanders aiming to wipe away the memory of last week's finish. "I love our team's mindset because we've been here before," McCaffrey said. "We've been 5-0 and then went into the bye 5-3, so we're more worried about continuing to get better every day." -- Nick Wagoner

Stat to know: The Commanders have converted 32% of third downs, which ranks 29th in the NFL. That's related to their average down-to-go distance on third down, which sits at 8.1 yards (30th). -- ESPN Research

Bold prediction: 49ers edge Romello Height will record a sack. The third-round rookie has been impressive. Despite having only one sack this season, Height ranks third in pass rush win rate at edge. -- Walder

Injuries: Commanders | 49ers

Fantasy nugget: Purdy has scored at least 19 fantasy points in four of five games this season. He faces a Commanders defense that has given up the second-most fantasy points per game to QBs. WR Mike Evans and TE George Kittle should play key roles in the passing game, especially against a Washington defense that also ranks among the top four in fantasy points per game allowed to those positions. See Week 6 rankings. -- Moody

Betting insight: The over has hit in five straight 49ers games as favorites of at least 3.5 points. Purdy gets a Washington defense that has given up 14 passing touchdowns, with Evans and Kittle both drawing favorable matchups, like Moody said. QB Jayden Daniels adds scoring potential with his legs after rushing for 103 yards last week, giving Washington a way to contribute even if passing proves difficult. Read more. -- Maldonado

Maldonado's pick: 49ers 35, Commanders 21
Moody's pick: 49ers 31, Commanders 20
Walder's pick: 49ers 29, Commanders 20
FPI prediction: SF, 86.1% (by an average of 11.2 points)

Matchup must-reads: Parsons: QB 'Daniels probably cost my man Dan Quinn his job' ... Niners LB Greenlaw's appeal of suspension rejected, will sit ... Shanahan says 49ers WR Samuel to miss time with hamstring injury