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NFL Nation
The initial contest of Week 6 in the 2025 NFL schedule featured an NFC East confrontation, showcasing the Eagles against the Giants on Thursday evening. Victory came from the Giants’ rookies, with quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo collaboratively contributing to a total of five touchdowns.
Sunday’s games included another international event for the third consecutive week, as the Broncos defended their lead in London and the Jets remained the only team without a victory in the NFL. Back in the United States, the Ravens suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, experiencing three turnovers when playing the Rams. The Panthers achieved a win with a concluding field goal against the Cowboys, while the Chargers also obtained a field goal against the Dolphins.
Later in the day, the Raiders broke a sequence of four losses with a significant win over the Titans. The Buccaneers continued their strong performance with another win against an NFC West team, succeeding against the 49ers after having won against the Seahawks the previous week. Moreover, the Bengals struggled against the Packers during quarterback Joe Flacco’s first appearance for Cincinnati.
The day concluded with the Kansas City Chiefs achieving a persuasive victory against the Detroit Lions.
Our NFL Nation reporters gave their analysis on the day’s activities, addressing key inquiries arising from each match and providing complete information for each team. Let’s begin.
Jump to:
CIN-GB | SF-TB | TEN-LV
NE-NO | CLE-PIT | LAC-MIA
ARI-IND | SEA-JAX | DAL-CAR
LAR-BAL | NYJ-DEN | PHI-NYG| DET-KC
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Chiefs
What viewpoint should the Chiefs maintain regarding their 3-3 record without Rashee Rice? Andy Reid should adopt a viewpoint that is cautiously optimistic. The Chiefs could have possibly held a 4-2 record, had it not been for their failure in the last moments of the past week’s match against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they demonstrated much improvement in their victory against the Lions, dominating the pace throughout. Even without Rice, who will return this week following a six-game suspension because of infringing on the NFL’s personal conduct rules, the Chiefs’ offense seems efficient and powerful, specifically in the later downs.
Most notable display: In the prior week, the Chiefs’ defense gave up 31 points to the Jaguars, even after getting two turnovers. The Lions’ offensive lineup, guided by quarterback Jared Goff and running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, had entered Arrowhead Stadium this Sunday, as the leading point scorers in the league with 34.8 points per game on average. Displaying robust performance from pass rusher Chris Jones — who noted that his lack of focus on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the deciding touchdown was a “learning opportunity” — plus formidable tackling from the linebackers and secondary, including well-timed blitzes from coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defense kept the Lions to merely 17 points. — Nate Taylor
Next game: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions
Should the Lions be concerned about their defense’s inability to halt the leading offenses? Detroit’s defense has now conceded a minimum of 24 points in three of their initial six contests. In three games versus the Packers, Ravens (with Lamar Jackson) and Chiefs, the Lions have permitted 29 points each game and achieved one takeaway (1-2 record in those games). In three contests against the Bears, Browns and Bengals, the Lions have given up 18.3 points per game and have gotten eight takeaways (3-0 record in those games). Patrick Mahomes dismantled them, throwing for 257 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also achieved a rushing touchdown. The 4-2 Lions will have another opportunity to halt a strong offense next Monday night as they face Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What should be noted about the QB performance: Goff has made a passing touchdown in 12 consecutive games, the longest streak of his career, according to ESPN Research. Goff achieved 22 out of 25 passes with 194 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the offense couldn’t manage to find a groove in the second half. — Eric Woodyard
Next game: vs. Buccaneers (Monday, 7 p.m. ET)
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Packers
Did the Packers showcase sufficient indicators to suggest that their running game has returned? Scarcely securing a victory as a considerable favorite is far from ideal, but at least the Packers finally demonstrated that they can once again run the ball effectively. Running back Josh Jacobs expressed the opinion last week that it generally requires three or four games to establish the running game. This proved accurate on Sunday. Although not a dominating display, Jacobs & Co. collectively amassed 153 yards on the ground. This included a season-best 93 yards by Jacobs, who scored two rushing touchdowns for his fifth match with multiple rushing scores since the beginning of the preceding season. Jacobs averaged 5.2 yards for each carry, an improvement from his previous 3.3 yards.
Trend to watch: Another game completed without a takeaway for the Packers’ defense. They currently only have two this season, and one of these was a concluding interception during a Hail Mary attempt in Week 3 against the Browns. Last season, the Packers caused 31 turnovers (17 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries); and they dedicated much of the offseason to focusing on causing even more. Instead, they’ve trended in the opposite direction. — Rob Demovsky
Next game: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
0:24
Tucker Kraft dives into the end zone to pad Packers’ lead
Tucker Kraft resists two defenders as he stretches across the goal line, broadening the Packers’ lead.
Bengals
Did the Bengals showcase sufficient offensive power to instill confidence for the near future? Affirmative. However, the initial half was remarkably underwhelming. Cincinnati did not score in the initial two quarters, marking the first time this has happened since Week 1 of the 2024 season, during which initial quarterback Joe Burrow was recovering from a wrist injury. However, the situation eventually improved in the third quarter. During quarterback Joe Flacco’s first appearance with the team, he led the offense on a 17-play push, ending with a 2-yard scoring pass to tight end Tanner Hudson on a fourth-and-goal attempt. Cincinnati scored during each of their first three pushes of the second half. This could serve as a foundational element as the team strives to achieve victories mid-season.
What should be noted about the QB performance: Cincinnati should be reassured by Flacco’s performance, particularly in the second half. Flacco performed admirably, locating available receivers in a timely way and establishing a smooth rhythm. When the Bengals acquired Flacco via trade this week, they were optimistic that the 40-year-old signal-caller could invigorate an inactive offense. If he maintains this level of performance, it might prove sufficient to add a degree of vitality to Cincinnati’s season. — Ben Baby
Next game: vs. Steelers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Buccaneers
How could the Bucs endure the possible loss of Emeka Egbuka after his hamstring injury? The Bucs will continue using the formula that has helped them to secure a 5-1 record, namely quarterback Baker Mayfield playing at an MVP level. Mayfield achieved 17 of 23 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. The extent of Egbuka’s injury is uncertain, but the Bucs have already played without Mike Evans for three weeks due to a hamstring injury, and Chris Godwin Jr. is considered “week-to-week” because of a fibula injury. Furthermore, Jalen McMillan will not be available until after the Week 9 bye. Nonetheless, Egbuka has been Mayfield’s primary target and has been obtaining considerable yardage for the offense — 446 receiving yards — with Sterling Shepard as the next closest at 242. Tez Johnson and Kameron Johnson both captured touchdown passes this Sunday. Yet, none of the other players catch as frequently as Egbuka.
Biggest deficiency in the game plan: The Bucs dedicated the entire week discussing methods to stop running back Christian McCaffrey and San Francisco’s yards following the catch. However, their defense struggled to counter the connection between quarterback Mac Jones and wideout Kendrick Bourne, who achieved five receptions for 142 receiving yards. In spite of this, Tampa Bay made significant plays when it counted, achieving two interceptions. — Jenna Laine
Next game: at Lions (Monday, 7 p.m. ET)
49ers
What effect will Fred Warner’s ankle injury have on the 49ers’ season? Already missing star defensive end Nick Bosa (knee), the Niners will now have to play without their two best defensive players. With just Warner, Bosa and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir as returning starters from Week 1 of 2024, it is challenging to anticipate the defense performing as well as it did during the initial five weeks. Although the Nov. 4 trade deadline is approaching, it is simply not possible to replace either Warner or Bosa. The Bucs scored touchdowns on three of their first four possessions after Warner’s departure, underscoring that any playoff push for the Niners will significantly depend on the offense.
Stat to know: Eddy Pineiro has successfully completed his first 15 field goal attempts of the season, matching Robbie Gould’s record from 2017 as the most consecutive made field goals by a San Francisco kicker at the start of a season, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Amid all the other issues, the 49ers seem to have at least found a solution to their kicking situation.
Best quote from the locker room: Wide receiver Jauan Jennings stated he had to take medication to alleviate nausea after Warner was injured: “Losing Fred, as I look up to him and he leads this team every year. His encouragement before each game and how much he loves the game is sad and makes me sick.” — Nick Wagoner
Next game: vs. Falcons (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Raiders
Will tight end Michael Mayer be able to increase his performance in the absence of Brock Bowers? The Raiders have always believed that they have two starting-caliber tight ends in Bowers and Mayer. Following Mayer’s absence from two consecutive games due to a concussion, he stepped up significantly. The former Notre Dame standout managed five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, which was encouraging, while Bowers was out with a knee injury. The Raiders will require Mayer to remain a reliable presence in their passing strategy.
Turning point: The Titans had an opportunity to score at the end of the first half, but couldn’t convert it. Quarterback Cam Ward was pressured by Raiders defensive linemen Tyree Wilson and Jonah Laulu, and intercepted by linebacker Devin White. — Ryan McFadden
Next game: at Chiefs (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
0:25
Ashton Jeanty barges in for a Raiders TD
Ashton Jeanty enters the end zone on a 3-yard rush, putting the Raiders up 17-0.
Titans
Is another sequence of losses on the horizon? The Titans missed their best chance to achieve a victory during these next few weeks against the Raiders, who had a record of 1-4 before Sunday. All promise from the previous week’s victory against the Cardinals dissipated, and the Titans have not won consecutive games since 2022. The defense attempted to maintain their position in the game, but the Titans could not conquer yet another poor effort from the offense. There could be another losing streak on the horizon, with former head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots coming to Nashville next week. After that, the Titans travel to Indianapolis and host the Chargers at home the following week.
Biggest deficiency in the game plan: The Titans’ offense struggled once again to advance the football. Tennessee repeatedly found itself behind due to penalties and sacks. A further issue was its persistence in conducting horizontal plays, specifically within the screen game. Offensive playcaller Bo Hardegree used screen plays for five out of their 59 snaps on offense. The Titans gained just eight yards using screen plays — none of which resulted in a first down. — Turron Davenport
Next game: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Patriots
Are the Patriots placing too much reliance on Drake Maye? The lack of a reliable running game has made the Patriots predictable, causing the offense to depend on Maye’s arm and his growing talent for making crucial passing plays when situations deteriorate. The favorable aspect is that the team’s pass protection has enhanced to a point at which airing the ball out can still be a productive strategy, with Maye’s scrambling ability producing unscripted rushing yards. However, the unfavorable view is that a team playing in the Northeast will likely need to run the ball late in the season when the weather becomes colder.
Trend to watch: Maye completed 3-for-3 for 107 yards and three touchdown passes on throws of 20 or more yards downfield during the first half — one to wide receiver DeMario Douglas and the other two to receiver Kayshon Boutte. All resulted in touchdowns, the most such plays by any player in a game this season (Giants quarterback Russell Wilson in Week 2 at Cowboys). Maye had completed five consecutive passing plays thrown 20 or more yards downfield going into the game, for a total streak of eight in a row.
Best quote from the locker room: Boutte, who was raised in Louisiana, went to LSU and made a team-high five receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns, eagerly discussed the match that he played in front of 40 friends and family members for whom he purchased tickets. “It was wonderful returning home and playing in the Superdome for the first time. It was a little emotional at first – a full circle moment.” — Mike Reiss
Next game: at Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saints
Can the Saints rectify their inconsistencies in the red zone? According to ESPN Research, the Saints’ red zone offense was ranked 29th in the league entering Week 6, achieving a touchdown on 41% of their red zone possessions. In Week 5 against the Giants, the Saints only scored field goals and used turnovers to their advantage. Against the Patriots, New Orleans achieved just one touchdown. Improving in the red zone is something coach Kellen Moore and the players have pinpointed as something they must do going forward, something to be emphasized after Sunday’s loss.
What should be noted about the QB performance: Spencer Rattler had an effective first half with only two incompletions, showcasing his ability to make plays with his feet. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 227 yards, also gaining 20 yards rushing. His performance was affected by drops (Chris Olave had two) and a fumble from tight end Juwan Johnson. The primary issue was the Saints’ inability to convert field goals into touchdowns. Rattler was sacked on third down on the New England 33-yard line — a play that produced a field goal instead of a possible six points.
Best quote from the locker room: The Saints have expressed their dissatisfaction with losing so many close games this season, and safety Justin Reid noted that they derive no satisfaction from participating in tight games. “We don’t receive moral victories in this league. That isn’t the NFL,” Reid declared. “It isn’t about points; it’s about Ws and Ls, right? And we only have one W thus far, so it is quite frustrating. Each man in the building recognizes what it requires to win, but we must perform better.” — Katherine Terrell
Next game: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Steelers
Are the Steelers the most rounded team in the AFC North? Based on their division-leading record, the visual assessment and the other three teams underperforming, perhaps. Playing with a complete roster of healthy defensive players for the first time this season, the Steelers overcame the Browns and rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel with six sacks, 16 quarterback hits and eight passes defended. Even without a takeaway, the Steelers achieved the type of complete defensive performance they’ve been aiming for throughout the season. Moreover, on offense, quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ unit eventually broke through in the second half with consecutive touchdown drives, after three field goals during the first half.
Turning point: The Steelers’ first drive of the second half almost became their initial three-and-out of the game, until the Browns received a penalty for running into punter Corliss Waitman. The penalty awarded the Steelers a new set of downs and started their offense. The Steelers then produced five plays of 10-plus yards, as well as one incompletion on the road to their first touchdown, as quarterback Rodgers tossed a vintage 12-yard scramble drill pass to tight end Connor Heyward.
Best quote from the locker room: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey had a day he won’t forget, recording his first sacks with the Steelers. “I’ll likely tell my kids about this,” he said. “I participated in a game with TJ Watt and Myles Garrett, and I managed two sacks. It’s unbelievable.” — Brooke Pryor
Next game: vs. Commanders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Browns
Should the Browns engage in trades before the deadline, following their drop to 1-5? Cleveland made a pair of trades midweek, and although numerous players indicated that the team is dedicated to winning, perhaps the front office should be more open to accumulating picks in the 2026 NFL draft. The Browns have several veterans with expiring contracts, like defensive lineman Shelby Harris and tight end David Njoku, who could potentially recover the additional picks that Cleveland requires to rebuild their foundation.
Biggest deficiency in the game plan: Not having cornerback Denzel Ward shadow Steelers receiver DK Metcalf in cornerback Tyson Campbell’s team debut. Campbell struggled against Metcalf, giving up three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, shortly after arriving in Cleveland via trade from the Jaguars. At the same time, Ward did not allow Metcalf to make a catch, only targeting him twice.
Best quote from the locker room: “Losing the same way is incredibly frustrating,” Garrett stated after the Browns’ offense couldn’t surpass 17 points for the 11th consecutive game. — Daniel Oyefusi
Next game: at Bengals (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap
Chargers
Has the Chargers’ offense rediscovered its form? During the initial half, the Chargers’ offense lacked synchronization and experienced minimal success in any aspect of the game. They completed the half with three field goals, but these difficulties disappeared in the second half. Justin Herbert & Co. depended on their running game to establish a lead and assist in securing the late victory. However, the Dolphins possess the league’s worst run defense, suggesting that the Chargers’ success could stem from capitalizing on a poor unit.
Most notable display: Running back Kimani Vidal. Subsequent to drafting Vidal in the sixth round in 2024, the Chargers released him following this year’s training camp, instead opting for Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton and Hassan Haskins in the backfield. Vidal was re-signed to the practice squad and got an opportunity to serve as the Chargers’ primary back this Sunday. He finished with 17 carries for 122 yards and three catches for 14 yards and a touchdown. His performance should make the Chargers feel secure about entrusting the backfield to him, while Hampton is on injured reserve. — Kris Rhim
Next game: vs. Colts (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
0:51
Herbert’s magic in pocket sets up winning Chargers FG
Justin Herbert evades pressure and locates Ladd McConkey, moving the Chargers into the necessary range for a Cameron Dicker field goal in the final seconds.
