Let’s break down how Sunday went for the 24 NFL teams that played.
Week 6 was a pivotal week for many of the NFL’s teams. For some, it went great, for others, it went poorly, and for most, somewhere in between.
These grades don’t just take into account how a team played and the final score. It factors in things like expectations, short and long-term goals of the franchise, injuries, and other factors. It’s a long season, and the grade is about more than just who won and who lost. The big picture has to be kept in mind.
Arizona Cardinals: D
34-13 (L) @ Packers
The Cardinals came in to week 6 with a ton of momentum after beating the San Francisco 49ers in Wee 5. It evaporated quickly on Sunday, as they fell behind 24-0 early. They cut it to 24-13 in the early stages of the 2nd half, but they never truly threatened Green Bay. To make matters worse, Marvin Harrison left with a concussion that could keep him out a week or two. Overall, a bad day at the office for the Cardinals.
Atlanta Falcons: B
38-20 (W) @ Panthers
It’s always good to take care of business against an inferior opponent. And, the run game was fantastic for the Falcons, as Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson combined for 200 yards. That freed up things for Kirk Cousins and his weapons, as well. But, giving up 20 points to a bad offense shows that the Falcons still have work to do on that side of the ball.
Baltimore Ravens: A
30-23 (W) Vs. Commanders
This local rivalry was one of the biggest games of the year so far after the Commanders got out to a surprising 4-1 start. But, it was the Ravens’ physicality that decided the game. 176 yards on the ground helped Lamar Jackson throw for 323, and while the defense gave up plenty of yards to Jayden Daniels and the Washington offense, it didn’t break all that often. Overall, another good performance for a team that has fully dig itself out of an 0-2 hole.
Carolina Panthers: D-
38-20 (L) Vs. Falcons
All of the goodwill the Panthers earned with the fans after Andy Dalton won his first start in Week 3 is gone after three straight losses. And, every week Dalton plays, he seems to be getting worse. It’s time to play Bryce Young again, who looked good in mop-up duty last week. Deonte Johnson had a nice game, and rookie tight end J’Tavion Sanders looks like a steal, but that’s where the positives end.
Chicago Bears: A
35-16 (W) Vs. Jaguars (game played in London)
If you’re a Bears fan, you have to be loving what you’re seeing. This looks like a much different team, especially on offense, than the one that started 1-2 and struggled to score. Once again, they ran the ball well, and Caleb Williams threw all over the Jags secondary. The defense only gave up ten points before garbage time, continuing their strong play. The opponent was weak, but the Bears still played a great football game in all facets.
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
17-7 (W) @ Giants
It was finally the Cincinnati defense’s turn to carry the team, and they did just that. Yes, the Giants made some critical mistakes and missed two field goals when in scoring range. But, in past weeks, the defense would’ve folded. There’s a big difference between 2-4 and 1-5 for a team like the Bengals. Maybe, just maybe, they can save their season.
Cleveland Browns: D-
20-16 (L) @ Eagles
The only reason that this isn’t an F is because the Browns continue to play hard despite the organization sabotaging them by continuing to start Deshaun Watson. Until that changes, it’s hard to see things turning around for the Browns. Their fans deserve better.
Dallas Cowboys: F
47-9 (L) Vs. Lions
The Dallas Cowboys were absolutely embarrassed on their home field by a Lions team that looked vastly superior to them in every facet. There was not a single positive for the Cowboys, and it’s probably the most embarrassling loss for any team all season. They avoided serious injury to star players, but that’s the only positive.
Denver Broncos: C-
23-16 (L) Vs. Chargers
After three straight wins to get to 3-2, the Broncos had a golden opportunity hosting an average Chargers team to get to 4-2. But, Bo Nix regressed from his improved play of the last few weeks, the defense struggled early, and they fell behind 23-0. They do get some credit for not quitting when down 23-0, though.
Detroit Lions: B
47-9 (W) @ Cowboys
Make no mistake. The Detroit Lions played the best football of anyone on Sunday. Their demolition of the Cowboys was impressive in all facets and they showed they may just be the best team in the NFL. So, why only a B? Superstar defensive end Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg in the 2nd half. He will miss the rest of the rest of the season. Considering he was playing at an All-Pro level, that’s a brutal loss that could significantly impact their Super Bowl chances.
Green Bay Packers: A
34-13 (W) Vs. Cardinals
There’s nothing to complain about for the Green Bay Packers. In fact, there’s a ton to love about their Week 6 demolition of the Cardinals. Jordan Love played his best game of the year, Romeo Doubs returned and played well, and the defense helped them build a 24-0 lead. The Packers looked like the complete team that could contend for a Super Bowl that many people thought they could be heading into the year.
Houston Texans: B+
41-21 (W) @ Patriots
No Nico Collins, no problem for the Texans offense. They ran for nearly 200 yards and made things easy for the passing game, which was missing star wideout Nico Collins. WIll Anderson was dominant from his edge spot, as well. But, they let Drake Maye play a little too well in his first start, and that’s something to monitor as the season goes forward. Overall, a good day at the office.
Indianapolis Colts: B-
20-17 (W) @ Titans
It’s always good to get road divisional wins, and that’s what the Colts got on Sunday. But, let’s face it, given how limited Titans quarterback Will Levis was, it was a very uninspiring performance. Still, in this league, a win is a win.
Jacksonville Jaguars: D-
35=16 (L) Vs. Bears (In London)
The Jaguars got their first win last week and immediately returned to playing like one of the worst teams in the league. They were humiliated by the Bears in all facets, and the game wasn’t as close as the final score suggested. Trevor Lawrence was fine enough, and he’s the franchise’s most important player. That’s why they didn’t get an F. But, there’s not much else to write home about.
Las Vegas Raiders: F
32-13 (L) Vs. Steelers
It’s very clear that Head Coach Antonio Pierce is way over his head. This game was actually closer on a play-to-play basis than the score. But, costly penalties, mistakes, and turnovers erased any chance of winning. They seem to make the same mistakes every week, and that’s on the head coach. Plus, Maxx Crosby, the face of the franchise, seems frustrated and may ask for a trade. It’s a really bad situation in Las Vegas.
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
23-16 (W) @ Broncos
The Chargers jumped out to a 23-0 lead despite Head Coach Jim Harbaugh missing a bit of the first half with a brief health issue. Justin Herbert played well, and the defense was stout early on. But, you would’ve liked to see them finish the game better than giving 16 unanswered points in the second half. And, a team that wants to hang its hat on running the ball didn’t run it very well. Still, a road division win against a team over .500 is always great.
New England Patriots: C+
41-21 (L) @ Texans
How can a team that got blown out get a relatively solid grade? It’s simple. The Patriots are bad and have no playoff hopes. Once first-year head coach Jerod Mayo decided to give Drake Maye the starting job after Week 5, the entire season transitioned into being about his development. And, Maye played pretty well, all things considered. Maye was 20/33 for 242 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Yes, there were lows. But, there were also highs, and the New England was more explosive than it had been all year. His chemistry with young weapons DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte really showed. Patriots fans should have some optimism.
New Orleans Saints: D
51-27 (L) Vs. Buccaneers
The Saints looked to be in position to win this game, leading 27-24 at halftime behind an opportunistic defense and a solid first half by first-time starter Spencer Rattler. But, they lost the second half 27-0, and the defense gave up nearly 600 yards of offense on the day, including nearly 300 on the ground. The only saving grace is that Spencer Rattler showed some promise. But, to get blown out on your home field by a division rival shows that this team’s 2-0 start was a total fluke.
New York Giants: C
17-7 (L) Vs. Bengals
Yes, the Giants lost, and the offense only scored 7 points. But, they moved the ball consistently all night, and had they had their starting kicker, Graham Gano, instead of injury replacement Greg Joseph, they may have won the game. The good news is that a defensive front they’ve invested a bunch of money and resources in was dominant once again. As they rebuild, that defensive line will keep them competitivve.
Philadelphia Eagles: C
20-16 (W) Vs. Browns
Yes, The Eagles won. But, beating the Deshaun Watson-less Browns isn’t much of a flex, and they nearly made enough mistakes to lose the game. A blocked field goal that resulted in a touchdown at the end of the first half was the biggest mistake. Jalen Hurts played a solid game and surely was happy to have Devonta Smith and AJ Brown back. The defense played fine, but probably let a terrible Watson be more efficient than he should have been. The real issue came after the game, when embattled Head Coach Nick Sirianni antagonized Philadelphia fans. It’s a win, but this team is a mess.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
32-13 (W) @ Raiders
It looks like the Steelers are going to have to move on from Justin Fields if he doesn’t start playing better in the passing game. 24 attempts for 145 yards is not going to cut it against better opponents. But, after giving up an early touchdown drive, the Steelers’ defense was swarming. TJ Watt continues to play like someone that should be considered for the MVP. It’s hard to see this team beating anyone good, but wins are wins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
51-27 (W) @ Saints
The first half was not clean whatsoever. Three Baker Mayfield interceptions and subpar defense against a rookie starting quarterback making his debut in Spencer Rattler had them down 27-24 at halftime. But, the second half was fantastic. They outscored the Saints 27-0 and did it primarily using the run game. 277 rushing yards is a remarkable tally, and their 594 total yards of offense is the high-water mark in the league this year. Once the defense figured out they just needed to blitz Rattler, they were lights-out.
Tennessee Titans: D
20-17 (L) Vs. Colts
Starting an injured Will Levis was a huge mistake. He shouldn’t be starting when he’s healthy, let along when he’s still recovering from a shoulder injury. It’s hard to win a game when your quarterbacks averages well under 4 yards per attempt. But, the rest of the team fought hard, especially the defense. Ultimately, they’re a bad football team being held back by a bad quarterback.
Washington Commanders: B
30-23 (L) @ Ravens
The Commanders entered Sunday’s game as winners of four straight facing their biggest test of the season so far. A win would’ve made a huge statement, and while they didn’t get that, it was still a huge positive. This is the best team they’ve played, and they played a competitive game against them for all 60 minutes despite being overmatched in the trenches. The defense struggled, as expected. But, Jayden Daniels lived up to the moment with another strong performance despite no support in the run game. Given the way the other three teams in the NFC East look, there’s no reason they can’t win the division.