Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season features several compelling matchups with significant implications. Fresh off a 206-yard rushing performance, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle faces his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. Two of the league’s top teams clash as the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the 4-1 San Francisco 49ers. In a Sunday night showcase, the Detroit Lions will visit Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs for the second time in three seasons.
The week’s action concludes with a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader, featuring the Buffalo Bills at the Atlanta Falcons, followed by the Chicago Bears visiting the Washington Commanders. The Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans are on a bye.
New York Jets at Denver Broncos
- Time: 9:30 a.m. ET, Sunday (London)
- Network: NFL Network
- Line: Broncos -6.5
The winless Jets (0-5) are searching for answers on defense, with star tackle Quinnen Williams identifying his unit as “the reason why we’re 0-5.” New York has struggled to generate pressure, recording just three sacks and zero takeaways over the last four games. They now face a formidable Broncos offensive line that has surrendered only five sacks all season.
Coming off a signature victory against Philadelphia, the 3-2 Broncos traveled to London focused on their next opponent. Coach Sean Payton dismissed any suggestion of a trap game, emphasizing the need to “refocus on the next challenge.”
A key statistic to watch involves Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who was limited to a career-low 60 passing yards in last year’s narrow 10-9 victory over New York. From a betting perspective, teams favored by four or more points in international games hold a 16-9 record against the spread. Fantasy managers should be wary of starting Jets quarterback Justin Fields, as the Broncos defense ranks third in the league at limiting fantasy points to the position.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Broncos 31, Jets 6
- Moody: Broncos 30, Jets 17
- Walder: Broncos 22, Jets 12
- FPI Projection: Denver, 70.8%
Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: Fox
- Line: Rams -7.5
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the league with 1,503 passing yards and is poised to pass Dan Marino for ninth on the all-time passing list. He faces a struggling Ravens defense that has allowed a franchise-record 177 points over its last five games and ranks second-to-last in passing yards allowed per game (262.6).
The Ravens are focused on reviving their ground game. Running back Derrick Henry has been held under 50 rushing yards in four consecutive games, and Baltimore is 10-1 when he surpasses 90 yards. The task will be difficult against the Rams’ top-10 run defense. Center Tyler Linderbaum stressed the need for improvement, stating, “We have the best back in the game, so we have to find a way to be better.”
The Ravens have lost their last two games by 17 or more points and have never lost three straight by such a margin in franchise history.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Rams 23, Ravens 20
- Moody: Rams 31, Ravens 16
- Walder: Rams 30, Ravens 14
- FPI Projection: Los Angeles, 58.7%
Seattle Seahawks at Jacksonville Jaguars
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: Fox
- Line: Seahawks -1.5
Seattle’s defense failed to pressure Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield in Week 5, hitting him just once on 38 dropbacks. The challenge continues against Trevor Lawrence, who has been sacked only six times this season. Coach Mike Macdonald praised Jacksonville’s scheme and Lawrence’s quick decision-making, noting, “He’s throwing the ball on time, he’s throwing it accurately, and they’re protecting him.”
The Jaguars will test their fifth-ranked rushing attack against Seattle’s third-ranked run defense. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. described the Seahawks’ defensive front as “game wreckers” that present “lots of turmoil.” Jacksonville’s task is complicated by an injury to center Robert Hainsey, forcing rookie seventh-rounder Jonah Monheim into his first career start.
The Jaguars lead the NFL with 14 takeaways this season. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have won eight consecutive road games outright.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Seahawks 17, Jaguars 16
- Moody: Jaguars 27, Seahawks 24
- Walder: Seahawks 30, Jaguars 24
- FPI Projection: Jacksonville, 50.2%
Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: Fox
- Line: Colts -7.5
Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has found his stride, recording seven explosive plays in the last two games after managing just two in the first three weeks. He has a favorable matchup against a Colts defense that has surrendered 23 explosive passes this season.
This game pits the Colts’ high-powered offense, which ranks second in scoring (32.6 points per game), against a stout Cardinals defense allowing just 19.2 points per game. Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones, who ranks second in the NFL in Total QBR, will face a significant test. The Cardinals have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season, a streak that will be challenged by Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who is averaging 96 yards per game.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has an impressive 27-13-1 career record against the spread on the road.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Colts 26, Cardinals 24
- Moody: Colts 28, Cardinals 23
- Walder: Cardinals 19, Colts 16
- FPI Projection: Indianapolis, 65.3%
Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: CBS
- Line: Chargers -3.5
The Chargers bolstered their pass rush by acquiring edge rusher Odafe Oweh from the Ravens. Oweh, who ranks 33rd in the league in pressures, will make his debut for a defense that previously had only one player in the top 125. Coach Jim Harbaugh described Oweh as a “very good, productive young player” with speed and power.
This matchup marks the fourth meeting between 2020 draft classmates Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa, with Tagovailoa’s Dolphins leading the series 2-1. Tagovailoa downplayed the rivalry, saying, “All you can do is be happy for the guys… and wish the best for them.” A key trend for Miami is its 3-14 record under coach Mike McDaniel against teams with winning records.
With Chargers running back Omarion Hampton on injured reserve, Hassan Haskins is expected to handle early-down and goal-line work against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Chargers 35, Dolphins 13
- Moody: Chargers 26, Dolphins 24
- Walder: Chargers 31, Dolphins 13
- FPI Projection: Los Angeles, 60.2%
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: Fox
- Line: Cowboys -3.5
Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, a former Cowboy, declared his old team needs to “buckle up” for a physical contest. The comment has resonated in Dallas, where the run defense ranks 23rd in the league, allowing 4.4 yards per carry. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It’s going to be a battle in the trenches for sure.”
The Cowboys bring the league’s top-ranked offense to face an improving Carolina defense that still struggles to generate quarterback pressure. Through five games, Dallas is the only team in the NFL both scoring and allowing over 30 points per game.
Panthers rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan has seen at least eight targets in every game this season and faces a Cowboys defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wideouts.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Cowboys 21, Panthers 14
- Moody: Cowboys 31, Panthers 23
- Walder: Cowboys 34, Panthers 24
- FPI Projection: Dallas, 61.3%
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: CBS
- Line: Steelers -5.5
After turning to rookie Dillon Gabriel at quarterback last week, the Browns’ offensive struggles continued, as the team has failed to score more than 17 points in 10 straight games. Gabriel faces a daunting second start in Pittsburgh, where Cleveland has not won a regular-season game since 2003.
The Steelers will look to protect their quarterback against Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett. Pittsburgh has used versatile lineman Spencer Anderson in recent weeks to provide extra help, a strategy that has seen them allow only two sacks in the past two games.
Pittsburgh has won eight straight games following a bye week, the second-longest active streak in the league. Conversely, the Browns have failed to cover the spread in their last seven road games, the longest active losing streak of its kind.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Steelers 27, Browns 13
- Moody: Steelers 27, Browns 17
- Walder: Steelers 20, Browns 13
- FPI Projection: Pittsburgh, 65.0%
New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints
- Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: CBS
- Line: Patriots -3.5
After a significant road win last week, the Patriots are focused on maintaining consistency. Receiver Stefon Diggs called this week a “bigger test” in terms of replicating their success. The team has prioritized improving its 27th-ranked rushing attack and red-zone communication.
The Saints could see the return of defensive end Chase Young, who has missed the first five games with a calf injury. Coach Kellen Moore expressed “optimism” for his return. The status of running back Alvin Kamara (ankle) is also uncertain, with Kendre Miller prepared to take on a larger role if needed.
Saints receiver Chris Olave’s 54 targets are the second-most in the NFL this season. For New England, running back TreVeyon Henderson is poised for a breakout game, with Antonio Gibson out for the season and Rhamondre Stevenson struggling with fumbles.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Patriots 26, Saints 23
- Moody: Patriots 23, Saints 19
- Walder: Patriots 27, Saints 20
- FPI Projection: New England, 59.8%
Tennessee Titans at Las Vegas Raiders
- Time: 4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: Fox
- Line: Raiders -3.5
Titans coach Brian Callahan was impressed with quarterback Cam Ward’s fourth-quarter performance last week, when he completed 13 of 18 passes for 193 yards. Callahan hopes Ward can build on that success against a Raiders pass defense that ranks 22nd in the league.
The Raiders are trying to snap a four-game losing streak and must improve their red-zone offense, which ranks 31st with a 35.7% conversion rate. Running back Ashton Jeanty acknowledged the issue, stating, “Everybody look in the mirror and see how we can get better.” Jeanty currently leads all rookies in rushing attempts (82) and yards (349).
The Titans have not covered the spread in back-to-back games since Weeks 1 and 2 of the 2023 season.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Raiders 23, Titans 20
- Moody: Raiders 20, Titans 17
- Walder: Raiders 23, Titans 9
- FPI Projection: Las Vegas, 64.6%
San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: CBS
- Line: Buccaneers -3.5
Both 4-1 teams have excelled in close games this season, making this matchup a key measuring stick for their trajectories. All five of San Francisco’s games have been decided by five points or fewer, while Tampa Bay has not played a game decided by more than six. “These are the moments you dream of,” said 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.
The Buccaneers have won four games by three points or fewer, showcasing a newfound ability to close out contests. Last week’s game-sealing interception by Lavonte David was the type of play they lacked last season. “The biggest learning lesson… is us being able to put the fire out when it was time,” said safety Tykee Smith.
The 49ers have a four-game winning streak against the Buccaneers, their longest active streak against any opponent.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Buccaneers 24, 49ers 22
- Moody: Buccaneers 33, 49ers 30
- Walder: Buccaneers 27, 49ers 23
- FPI Projection: Tampa Bay, 58.3%
Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay Packers
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: CBS
- Line: Packers -14.5
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco arrived in Cincinnati on Tuesday and has been cramming the playbook to prepare for his first start with the Bengals. He will face the Packers for the second time in four weeks, having led the Browns to a victory over Green Bay in Week 3. If Flacco starts, he will be just the fourth quarterback since 1970 to start for two different teams within the same division in the same season.
The Packers are looking to ignite a running game that ranks 18th in the league. Running back Josh Jacobs expressed confidence, saying his career has often started slowly before finding a rhythm. He faces a Bengals defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs this season.
The Bengals are 1-4 against the spread this season and 0-3 on the road.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Packers 17, Bengals 13
- Moody: Packers 34, Bengals 20
- Walder: Packers 34, Bengals 13
- FPI Projection: Green Bay, 80.6%
Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday
- Network: NBC
- Line: Chiefs -1.5
The Lions return to Arrowhead Stadium for the first time since their 21-20 season-opening upset in 2023. Coach Dan Campbell views that victory over the reigning Super Bowl champions as a foundational moment for his team’s belief and success.
The Chiefs are aiming to reverse their 0-3 trend in one-score games this season. “We’re just not making winning plays in certain moments,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “It’s about who executes at a higher level, and we haven’t done that as a team.”
Including playoffs, Jared Goff is the only quarterback Mahomes has faced multiple times without securing a victory. A key betting trend shows Mahomes is 17-7-1 against the spread when he is not favored by at least three points.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Chiefs 27, Lions 21
- Moody: Lions 34, Chiefs 24
- Walder: Lions 30, Chiefs 23
- FPI Projection: Kansas City, 54.8%
Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET, Monday
- Network: ESPN
- Line: Bills -4.5
After their first loss of the season, the Bills offense is focused on reducing turnovers. They will also need to generate big plays against a formidable Falcons defense. Buffalo ranks second in the NFL with 37 explosive plays, while Atlanta has allowed only 14, the second-fewest in the league.
The Falcons’ pass defense has been exceptional, allowing an NFL-low 108 passing yards per game. However, they have yet to face a quarterback of Josh Allen’s caliber, whom Atlanta coach Raheem Morris called “a problem everywhere.”
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has recorded 100 or more yards from scrimmage in five straight games, tied for the longest active streak in the NFL. The Bills have failed to cover the spread in their last three games.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Bills 34, Falcons 31
- Moody: Bills 35, Falcons 21
- Walder: Bills 30, Falcons 20
- FPI Projection: Buffalo, 61.0%
Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET, Monday
- Network: ABC
- Line: Commanders -4.5
This matchup features the top two picks from the 2025 draft, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, in the first “Monday Night Football” meeting between quarterbacks selected first and second in the same class. Williams has excelled in two-minute situations, an area where receiver DJ Moore said “he lives.”
While last season’s game was decided by Daniels’ Hail Mary, Washington’s top-ranked rushing attack could be the difference this time. The Commanders average a league-best 156.4 rushing yards per game, while the Bears rank 31st in run defense. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is emerging as a key contributor, rushing for a career-high 111 yards in Week 5.
This is Chicago’s 31st consecutive road game as an underdog, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Score Predictions:
- Maldonado: Commanders 23, Bears 14
- Moody: Commanders 31, Bears 28
- Walder: Bears 40, Commanders 28
- FPI Projection: Washington, 65.3%
