We’ve reached week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, and by now, team identities are taking shape, but now we start to find out who are real playoff contenders and pretenders. Week 6 offers a ton of interesting matchups, and we already saw how injecting young star power into a lineup like the Giants can spark a team.
With Gabriel taking the reins in Cleveland, they have some new hope. Seattle heads down south to take on a rejuvenated 4-1 Jags squad, the Rams look to put an end to the Ravens' season, and Detroit has a chance on national TV to give Mahomes and the Chiefs their 4th loss in six weeks.
The Chargers enter Week 6 at 3–2, on a two-game losing streak, and have a good chance to bounce back vs a very bad team. The Chargers have been one of the most balanced teams in football. Their offense averages just over 350 total yards per game, with a steady mix of run and pass, but ranks bottom 10 in scoring the 8th fewest points through five weeks.
Justin Herbert will look to take on more responsibilities as the running game took a hit last week, losing rookie Omarian Hampton to the IR. Now doing it by committee with Haskins and Vidal, I trust Harbaugh and Herbert to keep the offensive ship afloat.
They have playmakers on the outside. McConkey, Allen, Johnston, and Dissly can create matchup problems for almost any secondary, and I expect that to be a big part of the game plan this week.
Miami’s defense ranks near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed per game and ranks dead last in rushing yards allowed. The Chargers will find a way to exploit this Dolphins defense at home, and when opponents establish the run, Miami’s defense tends to stay on the field too long, and that opens up the passing game.
Cleveland may not be winning games, but their defense continues to perform at an elite level. Through five weeks, and removing explosive offenses in Baltimore and Detroit, who put up 41 and 34, Cleveland is holding opponents to 16 points per game. They allow the fewest rushing yards per game and allow the 3rd fewest passing yards. They should be able to give Aaron Rodgers and company problems all day long.
The Steelers have benefited from turnovers and short fields but remain near the bottom of the league in offense, ranking 3rd least yards per game. Against a defense like this, that just won’t do. We know the Steelers defense isn’t as elite as in years past, but they should also give the Browns offense some trouble.
Divisional games between these two teams are always tight and low scoring. Especially with two quarterbacks that can be unpredictable in this current stage of their careers, a tight defensive game is in play here. I also LOVE the Under 38 in this matchup!
Atlanta has quietly become one of the most disciplined defensive teams in football. Leading the NFL in total yards allowed, under 250 yards per game. They’re allowing a whopping 135 passing yards per game, and another 109 on the ground. Now they get a real test against one of the best offensive teams in the NFL.
On the other side of the ball, the Falcons’ offense isn’t explosive, but their ability to sustain long drives and dominate time of possession gives them a major edge in keeping games close. Bijan Robinson can carry this team from the backfield or lead it in receptions. If the Falcons can protect Penix and allow him time to make reads, he can pick apart a defense like the Bills.
In a terrible spot, coming off a division loss at home to the Patriots on Sunday night football, now have to go play Monday night in the dome in Atlanta, with Atlanta coming off a bye, I have to favor the home team to cover, and sprinkling their ML wouldn’t be the craziest thing to do!
Washington is riding a high after traveling to LA to beat the Chargers pretty handily at home, 27-10, now back home after two tough road games. Now they get the Bears coming in riding high as well on a two-game win streak. I have to side with the better quarterback and team here.
I know a lot of people were expecting the Commanders to take a step back and the Bears to take a step forward this season, but I will take the much better quarterback in this spot. Daniels is back and looked great against LA, and I expect him to build off that performance. Daniels will give the Bears defense troubles with his feet, and I expect him to improve on his passing efficiency from the last game, where he went 15/26 for 231.
The Bears remain inconsistent and turnover-prone, especially on the road. Williams fumbled twice in Vegas but was lucky to recover both. I don’t trust them yet to string together longer winning streaks than two at a time. This is a perfect letdown spot for the Bears and for the Commanders to get on their own two-game winning streak. Until further notice, I am backing Daniels in prime-time games!