Week 6 featured a slate of high-stakes matchups across the AFC and NFC, where several division leaders maintained control, but a few were pushed to the brink in close contests. Here’s a breakdown of the performances by division and how the standings shaped up after the week’s action.
AFC Breakdown
In the AFC East, Buffalo continued its dominant start by blanking the Jets 21–0 behind Josh Allen’s 310 yards and three touchdowns — preserving their top spot at 5–1. New England improved to .500 with a 24–17 win over Houston, powered by rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s three touchdown passes. Miami and the Jets, meanwhile, each fell deeper into losing streaks.
The AFC North saw every team play tough. Pittsburgh asserted divisional control with a 37–19 road win over Las Vegas, as Najee Harris scored twice. Cincinnati clawed back to even at 3–3 after holding off the Giants 28–20. Baltimore picked up a needed 29–13 victory over Washington, with Lamar Jackson throwing for 348 yards and three scores, while Cleveland was overmatched in a 34–17 loss to Philadelphia.
Over in the AFC South, Tennessee stayed on top at 4–1 with a 24–16 victory over Indianapolis, led by Tony Pollard’s 127 yards and two touchdowns. Houston and Jacksonville both fell — the Texans losing narrowly in New England, and Jacksonville blowing a lead in a 21–17 defeat to Chicago. The Colts continued their struggles at 2–4 despite a competitive showing.
In the AFC West, Denver joined Buffalo at 5–1 after edging the Chargers 29–22. Rookie Bo Nix contributed two total touchdowns, while Russell Wilson’s replacement managed the game well. Kansas City suffered its first loss (4–1), though details were absent. The Chargers and Raiders both dropped to one win, continuing downslides in an otherwise competitive division.
NFC Breakdown
The NFC East remains led by Philadelphia, now 6–0 after defeating Cleveland 34–17 thanks to Saquon Barkley’s two rushing touchdowns and Jalen Hurts’ 338 passing yards. Dallas continued to chase closely at 5–1, narrowly topping Detroit 29–27 in one of the week’s tightest finishes, with CeeDee Lamb posting 148 yards and two long touchdowns. Washington and New York each fell again, deepening their division woes.
In the NFC North, Green Bay needed overtime to survive an upset bid from Arizona, finally prevailing 38–35 behind Jordan Love’s 447-yard, four-touchdown performance. Chicago rallied past Jacksonville 21–17 for its fifth win, while Minnesota and Detroit — both 4–1 before the week — dropped close games, tightening the divisional race.
The NFC South saw New Orleans remain steady at 5–1 after Derek Carr threw for 389 yards and two touchdowns in a 37–24 win against Tampa Bay. The Saints lead Tampa (3–3) comfortably, while Atlanta (1–5) notched its first win, surprising Carolina 24–13 behind Bijan Robinson’s two rushing scores.
Lastly, in the NFC West, San Francisco fell 42–26 in Seattle’s home upset. Geno Smith led the Seahawks with 261 yards and two touchdowns, while Zach Charbonnet scored twice on the ground. The loss dropped the 49ers to 4–2 and trimmed their divisional lead to a game over Seattle (3–3). Arizona, despite losing in overtime, showed fight behind Kyler Murray and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr..
Key Takeaways
Five games were decided by a touchdown or less, with the Packers-Cardinals (38–35) and Cowboys-Lions (29–27) thrillers standing out
Only two unbeaten teams remain: Philadelphia (6–0) and Dallas (5–1) asserted NFC supremacy.
Denver and Buffalo co-lead the AFC at 5–1.
Several league leaders — notably Detroit and San Francisco — were upset in close road losses.
Top Performances
Quarterbacks
1. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers
Love had the best performance of the week, throwing for 447 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 38–35 overtime victory against Arizona. He shredded the Cardinals’ secondary, leading clutch scoring drives late in regulation and in overtime, including a walk-off field goal setup. His arm efficiency and poise under pressure were the difference in the Packers’ fifth straight win.
2. Derek Carr – New Orleans Saints
Carr dominated through the air in New Orleans’ 37–24 win over Tampa Bay, posting 389 yards and 2 touchdowns. His deep connections to Chris Olave, including scores of 48 and 37 yards, demoralized the Buccaneers’ secondary and helped the Saints maintain their NFC South lead. Carr now has New Orleans positioned as one of the NFC’s most consistent offenses.
3. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
Jackson was spectacular in Baltimore’s 29–13 win over Washington, throwing for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns. He controlled the tempo from the pocket and connected on a 73-yard strike to Zay Flowers that set the tone early. Jackson’s precision and efficiency against a solid Commanders defense reignited the Ravens’ offensive confidence.
Running Backs
1. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
Robinson carried the Falcons to their first victory of the season, rushing for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 24–13 win over Carolina. His combination of vision and acceleration was on display with two first-half rushing scores that gave Atlanta early control they never relinquished.
2. Tony Pollard – Tennessee Titans
Pollard powered the Titans past Indianapolis 24–16 with 127 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving). His 23-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run sealed the game as Tennessee stayed atop the AFC South. Pollard’s versatility continues to be a major factor for the Titans’ balanced attack.
3. Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley was vital in the Eagles’ dominant 34–17 win over Cleveland, amassing 110 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. His explosive 40-yard touchdown run in the second quarter blew open the game and kept Philadelphia perfect on the year. Barkley’s consistent production was once again the steady force of the NFC’s top team.
Wide Receivers
1. CeeDee Lamb – Dallas Cowboys
Lamb delivered the receiving performance of the week, logging 148 yards and 2 touchdowns on just three receptions in Dallas’ 29–27 thriller over Detroit. His two 70-yard scores were game-changing, including one that flipped momentum midway through the third quarter. Lamb’s efficiency and big-play ability powered Dallas to a narrow victory over a divisional rival.
2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Arizona Cardinals
The rookie sensation hauled in two touchdowns and led Arizona’s air attack against Green Bay in a 38–35 overtime defeat. Harrison’s routes and separation repeatedly burned defensive backs, keeping Arizona close throughout in one of the week’s highest-scoring games.
3. Chris Olave – New Orleans Saints
Olave was the focal point of Derek Carr’s aerial assault on Tampa Bay, catching two deep touchdowns of 48 and 37 yards. Finishing with well over 100 yards, his quick breaks and speed made him unguardable, complementing Carr’s monster day and securing New Orleans’ fifth win.
Across the week, the standout trio of Jordan Love, Bijan Robinson, and CeeDee Lamb embodied explosive offense — each driving their team to pivotal victories in one of the season’s most thrilling rounds of games.
Game of the Week
The best game of Week 6 was the Green Bay Packers’ 38–35 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals, a high‑scoring thriller that combined late‑game drama, explosive offense, and standout individual performances on both sides.
1. Elite quarterback duel
Jordan Love delivered a career‑defining performance, throwing for 447 yards and 4 touchdowns, including three second‑half scoring drives that erased a 28–14 deficit. Across the field, Kyler Murray threw for three touchdowns and added a rushing score, keeping Arizona ahead until the final minute. Both quarterbacks executed perfectly under pressure, creating a shootout decided by razor‑thin margins.
2. Comeback and overtime tension
Green Bay trailed by 14 early in the fourth quarter before storming back with three touchdowns in a span of ten minutes — the last a 29‑yard pass from Love to Emmanuel Wilson to force overtime at 35–35. In the extra period, Love calmly led one final drive capped by Brandon McManus’ 40‑yard field goal to win it. The back‑and‑forth flow, multiple lead changes, and overtime finish made it the most gripping game of the week.
3. Star power in big moments
Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. caught two touchdowns for Arizona, showcasing his elite route running and keeping the Cardinals competitive. Green Bay’s receiving corps — particularly Romeo Doubs and Emanuel Wilson — combined for over 250 yards, giving Love reliable options throughout the comeback. Every critical possession featured star‑level execution, elevating the spectacle.
4. Statistical fireworks and balance
The teams combined for over 850 total yards and 10 touchdowns, blending aerial heroics with steady ground play—James Conner accounted for 123 rushing yards and a touchdown for Arizona. The constant offensive exchanges made it a showcase of two dynamic offenses refusing to fade.
Overall, the Packers‑Cardinals matchup was the most memorable game of the week because it offered every ingredient of an NFL classic — elite quarterbacking, late excitement, statistical explosions, and an overtime finale that capped one of the season’s best thrillers.