X-Factors For Each Week 6 NFL Game

The NFL season is a marathon rather than a sprint, but Week 6 feels like a potentially important barometer. Teams can get a better sense of whether they truly factor into the contender mix, or whether they should start to think about building for the future. This week’s compliment of games will be intriguing, and we’ll identify one player in each game who could tip the scales.

This looks like one of the larger mismatches on paper, but it would be a mistake to write Denver off in a division game. Still, their defense has been historically putrid to begin the season, which means they’ll need to find a way to score with Kansas City. McLaughlin has been the most explosive running back on the team with Javonte Williams on the mend.

Tennessee has stifled opposing running games this season, and Simmons has had a lot to do with that. However, he departed the Titans’ last game with an injury, and his status for Week 6 bears watching. He’s a pillar of their defensive line, and will be integral to slowing Lamar Jackson down on the ground.

It’s no secret that Atlanta is just getting by with quarterback Desmond Ridder, but he seems to have a comfort level with Smith. This development has consternated Kyle Pitts supporters, but Ridder has a rapport with his other tight end. At this point, the Falcons will take production through the air any way they can get it.

Chicago is coming off a banner offensive day against the Washington Commanders in Week 5, and could stand to play well again against Minnesota. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores may not give quarterback Justin Fields much time to think though, as he’s fond of bringing the blitz. That places greater importance on Kmet running intermediate routes if Fields has to get rid of the ball.

Witherspoon was all over the field in Seattle’s last game against the New York Giants. The rookie took a pick-six to the house that essentially iced the context. Week 6 might serve as his biggest test yet as he lines up across from Cincinnati star Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals’ number one wideout had a phenomenal day against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5.

The Browns are going to want to keep this game close, with a chance to win it at the end. San Francisco is the more talented team, and figures to make life difficult for Cleveland. This is the game where Watson can truly prove that he deserved the money that the Browns invested in him. He missed the team’s last game with an injury.

In the NFL, it’s common for squeaky wheels to get greased. In Week 5, Chris Olave had a stunningly low output due to game script and game planning. The chances he’ll be phased out of the offense two weeks in a row are slim, which means that Houston cornerback Steven Nelson needs to be ready for a deluge of targets heading in Olave’s direction.

It’s a little bizarre that a divisional season series can be over in Week 6, but the Colts and Jaguars won’t see each other again after Sunday. In their first game, Indianapolis couldn’t get anything going on the ground without Zach Moss or Taylor. Both will be in the mix on Sunday, which gives Indianapolis a better chance to pull off an upset.

It’s hard to envision Carolina doing enough to keep up with Miami’s electric offense, but the Panthers will need to open things up to stay within striking distance. Theilen is the Panthers’ veteran safety blanket, and will need to find the soft spot in a Dolphins defense that will be eager to force turnovers.

There may not be a quarterback in the league who is on shakier ground than Jones in New England. As if his confidence wasn’t rattled enough, he returns to Las Vegas in Week 6, where he was infamously stiff armed on the way to a Raiders unfathomable victory in 2022. Reserve quarterback Bailey Zappe saw action last week, and may relieve Jones again against the Raiders.

It’s quite possible that Detroit’s offensive line and rushing attack are so good that every opponent is powerless to stop it. With that said, Tampa Bay still has to try to make the Lions one-dimensional. David will need to fly around the line of scrimmage to keep David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs(if healthy) from gaining a head of steam.

Arizona will be without starting running back James Conner for a few weeks, which means that Demercado should slide in as the starter. It’s a tall task against a Los Angeles unit that features Aaron Donald, but the Cardinals will need to try and get him in space. Demercado handled 10 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati last week.

New York’s offensive line situation went from bad to worse, as talented guard Alijah Vera-Tucker went down in Week 5 with a torn Achilles. He’s done for the season, and the injury couldn’t have happened at a worse time. The Eagles boast one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, and Tomlinson will have to deal with talented rookie Jalen Carter for 60 minutes on Sunday.

Regardless of who starts under center on Sunday, the Giants will try to exploit a Bills team who has been ravaged by defensive injuries. Linebacker Matt Milano went down last week, which could open up some room in the middle of the field. New York might try to incorporate Waller in that area to keep the chains moving.

Dallas’ defense has been so dominant for most of the season that they haven’t really had to air it out yet in 2023. That narrative may change on Monday night against Los Angeles and Justin Herbert. This would be a great opportunity to get Lamb the ball early and often, as the Chargers have struggled to limit the passing attack of their opponents.