• Can the Bears stay hot post-bye?: The Bears won two straight games before their Week 5 bye. Can they topple the Commanders?

• Two juggernauts face off: The Lions and Chiefs, two of the top Super Bowl contenders, face off on Sunday night.

• Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool.

Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes

We’re diving into every matchup in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch and injury news. The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants kick things off on Thursday Night Football.

Click below to jump to a game:

PHI@NYG | DEN@NYJ | ARI@IND | SEA@JAX | LAC@MIA | LAR@BAL | DAL@CAR | NE@NO | CLE@PIT | TEN@LV | SF@TB | CIN@GB | DET@KC | BUF@ATL | CHI@WAS

Storyline of the game: Can the Eagles respond to their first setback?

Philadelphia had its first slip-up of the year, losing 21-17 to the Denver Broncos in Week 5. The loss saw a real shift in offensive identity, as one of the run-heavy offenses in the NFL had just 11 rushing attempts in 60 minutes of football. The New York Giants rank 22nd in PFF run-defense grade (62.0), and if there were any opportunity for the Eagles to bounce back, it would be against a defense that’s 30th in +EPA%.

Matchup to watch: Eagles’ offensive line vs. Giants’ pass rush

The Eagles’ offensive line hasn’t been the dominant unit we’re used to seeing. Lane Johnson (79.5; 7th) and Jordan Mailata (86.1; 2nd) are both in the top-10 in PFF grading at their positions, but the Eagles have allowed the ninth-most pressures in the league — and Jalen Hurts has been sacked 15 times already, the sixth-most in the NFL.

By comparison, the Giants’ pass-rush is ninth in pass-rush win rate (54.1%,). Their top three edge defenders — Abdul Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux — have combined for 61 pressures through five games.

Additional News

• Giants WR Darius Slayton (hamstring) is out.
• RB Saquon Barkley faces his former team again.
• Eagles G Landon Dickerson (ankle) is out once again.

Storyline of the game: Can the Jets get off the mark in London?

Through five weeks, the New York Jets are the last remaining winless team in the NFL. With Aaron Glenn installed as head coach in the offseason, there was an expectation that the Jets would feel more like a buttoned-up operation, but that’s yet to be the case, and they’ve struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball. Their 59.6 PFF defense grade is 26th in the NFL, and the Jets rank fourth in total penalties (49) called against them

With a trip to London on the docket in Week 6 — and a tough game against a Broncos team that’s rolling after a road win against the Eagles in Week 5 — can the Jets find a way to end their winless run and kickstart the Aaron Glenn era?

Despite the Jets’ struggles, Garrett Wilson continues to be one of the more efficient wide receivers in the NFL. Wilson’s 76.9 overall PFF grade is 15th among receivers; he’s in the top 20 for yards per route run (2.02), and is on a run of three straight games with a touchdown and 70 or more receiving yards.

However, he’s taking on one of the best cornerbacks in the game in Pat Surtain II. We’ve not seen the best of Surtain in 2025; his 56.9 overall PFF grade is 74th among cornerbacks, but at his best, he’s still an All-Pro cornerback. Two of the best at their respective positions go head-to-head.

Additional News

• Jets CB Michael Carter II is out with a concussion.
• Broncos’ EDGE Nik Bonitto is fourth in Defensive Player of the Year odds (+500).

Storyline of the game: Can the Cardinals stop the slide?

After a hot 2-0 start to the season, the Arizona Cardinals have lost three straight games and sit at the bottom of the NFC West. The 2025 season feels like a make-or-break year for this version of the Cardinals, so bouncing back from an inexcusable Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans with a win against an excellent Colts team is paramount to turning the tide. The Cardinals’ team grade has fallen to 67.1 in recent weeks — 26th in the NFL — and they take on the high-flying Colts, whose 81.6 team grade sits in fourth.

Matchup to watch: Colts’ run offense vs. Cardinals run defense

The Colts have been one of the real surprise teams of the 2025 season so far, and a big part of their success is down to the efficiency and explosiveness of the run game. Jonathan Taylor currently leads the NFL in rushing yards (478) and yards after contact (346), not to mention is tied for second in missed tackles forced (22) and fourth in runs of 10 yards or more (11).

The Jonathan Taylor of old is back, but the Cardinals are surprisingly second in EPA per rush allowed and fourth in rushing success rate permitted. If the Cardinals want to stop their slump, they’ll have to stop Taylor.

Additional News

• Colts K Spencer Shrader was placed on season-ending IR; K Michael Badgley signed to the roster.
• Cardinals QB Kyler Murray (foot) is questionable.

Storyline of the game: Two up-and-coming teams collide

The Jaguars earned a big win last week, knocking off the Chiefs, 31-28, on Monday Night Football — and now, they face the 3-2 Seahawks in Week 6. The Seahawks are reeling after a tough loss to the Buccaneers a week ago, but have flashed early on. Both teams have impressive young coaches who are looking to, and succeeding in, installing their visions upon their teams. Indeed, both teams rank in the top half of the league in grades on offense and defense.

Matchup to watch: Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Jaguars’ pass coverage

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has broken out in 2025. Through five games, the former Ohio State receiver has 34 catches (3rd) for 534 receiving yards (2nd) and two touchdowns, and his 90.3 overall PFF grade is third among receivers. Conversely, the Jaguars’ 77.4 team PFF coverage grade leads the NFL, and Jacksonville is third in EPA per pass play allowed.

Smith-Njigba has lined up out wide on 77.4% of his snaps in 2025, and will largely face off against Tyson Campbell (51.1 coverage grade; 93rd) and Travis Hunter (72.2 coverage grade; 19th). 

Additional News

• The Jaguars are 3-0 against the spread at home in 2025.
• Seahawks defenders CB Devon Witherspoon (knee), EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence (quad), CB Tariq Woolen (concussion protocol) and S Julian Love (hamstring) are all questionable.

Storyline of the game: Can the Miami Dolphins save their season?

After a late loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 5, the Dolphins’ season hangs by a thread. The Dolphins are now 1-4 and have just a 9% chance of making the playoffs — but in recent weeks, the offense has improved. Since Week 3, the Dolphins are 14th in EPA per play, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa compiled a 90.5 overall PFF grade against the Panthers.

The Chargers are looking to bounce back from two straight losses and are seeking to take advantage of a Dolphins defense that is last in PFF grade (48.8). Can the Dolphins weather the storm and keep their slim playoff hopes alive?

Matchup to watch: Chargers’ pass protection vs. Dolphins’ pass rush

The movable force vs. the stoppable object. There aren’t too many more underperforming units than the Chargers’ offensive line and the Dolphins’ defensive line in 2025, so will something give?

The Chargers have allowed 86 pressures this season, the third-most in the NFL, and while the Dolphins are 18th in pressure rate in the NFL, they’ve generated just four sacks on the season with the second-lowest PFF pass-rushing grade (56.9) among all teams. If the Chargers are without Joe Alt once again, they could struggle.

Additional News

• The Chargers placed RB Omarion Hampton (ankle) on IR.
• The Chargers traded S Alohi Gilman and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Ravens for EDGE Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Storyline of the game: Is the end nigh for the Baltimore Ravens?

The Ravens have shockingly started the season with a 1-4 record. Heading into 2025, the team was expected to be a real Super Bowl contender and arguably had one of the best rosters in the league.

With Lamar Jackson still injured and his availability in doubt for Sunday’s game, a loss against the Rams could leave the Ravens at 1-5 — and that could be enough to condemn their season. The Baltimore defense fields a 58.1 grade, the fourth-lowest in the NFL. Though the team is struggling across the board with injuries, it has still performed below expectations.

Matchup to watch: Rams WR Puka Nacua vs. Baltimore Ravens’ pass coverage

Rams WR Puka Nacua is having a historically good start to the season. Nacua leads all receivers in catches (52), yards (588) and PFF grade (92.7), and is second in yards per route run (3.59).

He’s been unstoppable to start the season, and faces a struggling secondary in Week 6. The Ravens are 29th in EPA per play allowed in coverage (0.188) and will likely face a tough test against Nacua.

Additional News

• Baltimore signed S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to its practice squad.
• The Ravens traded Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Chargers for S Alohi Gilman and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
• Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is questionable.

Storyline of the game: Can the Cowboys offense continue to impress?

The Cowboys are 2-2-1 through the first five weeks of the season, and though the defense has struggled, the offense has more than held up its end of the bargain. The Cowboys are fourth in EPA per play (0.132), and Dak Prescott (90.8 grade; 4th) is playing like an MVP candidate, even without star WR CeeDee Lamb. Dallas takes on an improving Panthers defense (15th in EPA per play) on Sunday and will be looking to gain a step closer to the Eagles atop the NFC East.

Matchup to watch: Cowboys G Tyler Smith vs. Panthers DI Derrick Brown

Cowboys G Tyler Smith has been a revelation for the Cowboys over the last three seasons and is yet to allow a sack in 2025, while permitting just five pressures. He’s also impressed as a run blocker, too, and his 69.7 PFF run-blocking grade is 15th among guards.

He’ll go face-to-face with the Panthers DI Derrick Brown, whose 89.6 overall PFF grade is third among interior defenders in 2025. Brown has nine stops, 13th at the position, and will provide a real test for Smith as a pass rusher and run stuffer.

Additional News

• Dallas signed S Alijah Clark to the active roster.
• Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (high ankle sprain) is likely out.
• G Tyler Booker (ankle) is likely out for the Cowboys.

Storyline of the game: Can Drake Maye and the Patriots continue to ascend?

Like the Jaguars, the Patriots had a signature win in Week 5, defeating the Bills on Sunday Night Football. The victory and performance provided the platform for Drake Maye to show the NFL his improvement in Year 2; he registered a 79.7 overall PFF grade in the win. 

The Patriots are now 3-2 and looking to move to 4-2 with a win against the Saints. It’s still early days, but Mike Vrabel has changed the feeling around this team and is helping Maye take the next step in his development.

Matchup to watch: Patriots WR Stefon Diggs vs. Saints’ pass coverage

Patriots WR Stefon Diggs has rolled back the years in 2025 and has impressed just a year after tearing his ACL. Diggs’ 85.6 overall PFF grade is fifth among all receivers in the NFL, and he has 29 catches for 359 yards through five games. Moreover, his 2.94 yards per route run is third in the NFL.

The Saints’ defense has played hard, especially in coverage. New Orleans sits 12th in EPA per play allowed in coverage and has surrendered just 1,092 passing yards through five weeks. The Saints’ 68.0 PFF coverage grade is seventh in the NFL.

Additional News

• Patriots RB Antonio Gibson (knee) was placed on season-ending IR.
• Saints EDGE Chase Young (calf) is questionable and may make his season debut.

Storyline of the game: The Steelers are looking to grow their lead atop the AFC North

The Steelers’ uncharacteristic swing for the fences in the offseason has paid off so far. They’re 3-1 following their Week 5 bye and face the Browns in Week 6.

With the rest of the AFC North struggling, the Steelers will have the opportunity to increase their lead atop of the division, but face one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Steelers’ offense hasn’t set the world alight, and Aaron Rodgers’ 50.4 overall PFF grade is dead last among quarterbacks. However, the defense holds a 69.5 grade, ninth-highest in the league.

Matchup to watch: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Browns’ pass rush

Rodgers has had a hand in leading the Steelers to a 3-1 start, but takes on one of the best defenses in the NFL — one that will consistently get in his face and pressure the veteran quarterback. The Browns’ 67.20% pass-rush win rate is second in the NFL, and edge rusher Myles Garrett leads the team with 24 pressures and a 91.4 overall PFF grade. Through five weeks, Rodgers has the lowest grade in the NFL when pressured (28.8), and has completed just 37.0% of his pass attempts. If the Browns can get to Rodgers, they can slow down the Pittsburgh offense.

Additional News

• Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring), RB Jaylen Warren (knee), CB Joey Porter (hamstring) and EDGE Alex Highsmith (ankle) are all questionable.
• The Browns traded QB Joe Flacco and a sixth-round pick to the Bengals for a fifth-round pick.

Storyline of the game: Can Geno Smith get out of his funk?

The Raiders hired Pete Carroll and traded for Seahawks QB Geno Smith in the offseason, hoping the two could kickstart a successful era for the team. Five weeks in, the Raiders are 1-4 and have lost four straight games, while Smith is currently playing some of the worst football of his career. Smith’s 59.4 overall PFF grade is 32nd among 38 quarterbacks, and he currently leads the NFL in interceptions (9) and turnover-worthy plays (10).

The Titans present an opportunity for Smith to get right. They’re 26th in points per game allowed (28.2) and 27th in EPA per play allowed (0.091).

Matchup to watch: Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty vs. Titans’ run defense

Raiders rookie RB Ashton Jeanty is starting to find his feet after a slow start to his NFL career. Jeanty has rushed 35 times for 205 yards and a touchdown in the last two games, and his 79.0 overall PFF grade is sixth at the position among qualifiers in that span.

With Smith struggling, the Raiders should look to give Jeanty more of a workload, especially against a run defense that’s 25th in EPA allowed per rushing play. Jeanty will have to contend with the force that is Jeffery Simmons (82.5 grade; 7th), but expect volume for the former Boise State star.

Additional News

• Titans T JC Latham (hip) is on track to return to the field in Week 6.

Storyline of the game: Top NFC contenders face off

The San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two of the top teams in the NFL right now, as both have started the season with 4-1 records. The 49ers have struggled with injuries, but have still hoisted themselves to the top of the NFC West, while the Buccaneers’ dominance of the NFC South has continued. Both teams are in the top half of the NFL in EPA per play on offense, and a win will push either team in the right direction to pursue the top seed in the NFC.

Matchup to watch: Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka vs. 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir

Buccaneers rookie WR Emeka Egbuka has had a hot start to his career, catching 25 passes for 445 yards and five touchdowns, compiling a 75.3 overall PFF grade. Egbuka also leads all receivers with eight catches and four touchdowns on receptions over 20 yards, proving to be a strong deep threat for Baker Mayfield.

He’ll face off against 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir, who has allowed just 84 yards in coverage, earning a 60.2 PFF coverage grade. Lenoir’s 9.8 snaps per target is ninth among cornerbacks, and he’ll prove to be a tall order for the rookie Egbuka.

Additional News

• 49ers trio Brock Purdy (toe), Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib) and Ricky Pearsall (toe) all missed practice on Wednesday.

Storyline of the game: Can Joe Flacco help a struggling Bengals offense?

The Bengals have lost their last three games, and in that time have floundered on offense — they’re 31st in EPA per play this season. The light on this team has been fading with Jake Browning under center, so Cincinnati decided to trade for Browns quarterback Joe Flacco to hopefully help give the offense a boost. Flacco has earned a 60.2 overall PFF grade in 2025, 30th among quarterbacks, and takes on a Packers team he already beat with Cleveland in Week 3.

Matchup to watch: Bengals’ pass-blocking vs. Packers’ pass rush

Death, taxes and the Bengals’ pass protection being bad. Their 42.1% pressure rate allowed is the third-highest in the NFL through five weeks, and they’ve allowed 13 sacks, the second-most in the NFL. By contrast, the Bengals are taking on a Packers pass rush that’s fifth in pressure rate, third in pass-rush win rate and tied for the 11th-most sacks (14) in the league — a tough start for Joe Flacco behind the Bengals’ offensive line.

Additional News

• The Bengals traded a fifth-round pick for QB Joe Flacco and a sixth-round pick.

Storyline of the game: Two Super Bowl contenders go face-to-face

Despite their rocky start to the season, the Chiefs are still one of the Super Bowl favorites. Their 10% chance of winning the Super Bowl is the second-highest in the NFL, and as long as they have Patrick Mahomes (73.2 grade; 14th), they’ll have a shot.

On the other side, the Lions have put to bed any notion that they’ll struggle without Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, beginning the season 4-1. Their 90.1 team grade is second in the NFL, while the Chiefs’ 75.0 grade is 12th.

Matchup to watch: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie

If Chiefs’ CB Trent McDuffie lined up in the slot full-time, we’d get more of this matchup — but that just means the brief moments we see McDuffie vs. Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot, or out wide, will matter even more.

St. Brown’s 90.5 overall PFF grade is second among receivers in the NFL, and he’s caught 35 passes for 407 yards and six touchdowns through five weeks. McDuffie is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, as his 76.2 coverage grade ranks 12th. His four PBUs are the second-most in the NFL.

Additional News

• Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (wrist) did not practice on Wednesday.
• Lions CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) is expected to miss substantial time.

Storyline of the game: The Bills are looking to bounce back from their first loss

The Bills looked like one of the best teams in football through the first four weeks of the season, and that shouldn’t change despite their Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots. Their 80.0 team grade is fifth in the NFL, and the Bills will look to avenge their defeat with a win against the 2-2 Falcons in Week 6. The Falcons have been up and down to start the season, but defeated the Commanders in Week 4 as QB Michael Penix Jr. secured an 84.4 overall PFF grade.

Matchup to watch: Bills’ pass protection vs. Falcons’ pass rush

For the first time in what seems like a lifetime, the Falcons have a capable pass rush. They’re currently pressuring opposing quarterbacks at the eighth-highest rate in the NFL, and already have 14 sacks through four games.

Meanwhile, the Bills’ offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and surrenders pressure at the seventh-lowest rate in the league. Buffalo’s tackle duo, Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, is one of the most talented pairings at the position.

Additional News

• Josh Allen is the early MVP favorite (+135).

Storyline of the game: Can the Bears build on their pre-bye week momentum?

The Bears began the season 0-2, and things looked worryingly bleak despite a new regime. However, Chicago went on to win its next two games and entered a Week 5 bye week at 2-2. Picking up on that momentum is key. QB Caleb Williams has posted a 75.0 overall PFF grade through five weeks, and the Bears’ offense has looked a little more buttoned up in wins against the Cowboys and Raiders.

Matchup to watch: Bears WR Rome Odunze vs. Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore

Bears WR Rome Odunze has had a strong start to his sophomore season, catching 20 passes for 296 yards and five touchdowns, earning a 73.4 overall PFF grade in four games. Odunze and Williams have built a strong connection early in the season, and the former Washington receiver will face off against Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore this week. Lattimore has struggled this season, receiving a 48.0 coverage grade — 98th among cornerbacks.

Additional News

• Commanders WR Terry McLaurin (quad) is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last two games.
• Bears CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring) said he expects to make his season debut.