The stakes are rising as the NFL heads into Week Six, and there’s no shortage of drama on the schedule. Rivalries will be renewed, key injuries could change the picture, and Sunday’s biggest games could reshape the early-season playoff race.
Here’s what to watch for, which teams have the edge, and who I’m picking to win this week.
Schedule, Times, And Where To Watch
Sep 20, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Detailed view of the NFL logo during the warm ups before the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Key games are listed in bold.
Houston v Jacksonville (from London) (Sunday, 9:30 AM; NFL Network)
Atlanta v Chicago (1 PM; Fox)
Cleveland v Baltimore (1 PM; Fox)
Indianapolis v Tennessee (1 PM; Fox)
New England v NY Jets (1 PM; CBS)
NY Giants v New Orleans (1 PM; Fox)
Philadelphia v Carolina (1 PM; CBS)
Tampa Bay v Pittsburgh (1 PM; CBS)
LA Rams v Arizona (4:05; Fox)
Kansas City v LA Chargers (4:25; CBS)
Las Vegas v Buffalo (4:25; CBS)
Sunday Night Football:Green Bay v Dallas (8:20; NBC)
Monday Night Football: San Francisco v Washington (8:15; ESPN)
High-Stakes: Breaking Down The Matchups
Let’s take a look at some of the big games that are scheduled for this week.
When these divisional rival meet, the atmosphere is always intense. These two teams do not like each other, and for good reason (see: original Browns move to Baltimore, 1996). The massive implications of this game will loom large for the rest of the season.
Keys For The Browns
Cleveland’s injury report looks a bit spotty; multiple players are out for Sunday.
With key starters on the defensive side of the ball questionable, the reserve corps will need to step up.
Keys For The Ravens
Baltimore needs to get a good performance from QB Tyler Huntley, who will be starting in place of Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens’ defense will have to find a way to contain Browns QB Deshaun Watson, and make things difficult if he chooses to run with the ball.
Winner Prediction: Ravens.
The Browns’ running game will be stagnant, and their defense against Baltimore’s passing attack won’t be enough to earn them a victory.
Two of the most interesting teams in the NFC will do battle at Lincoln Financial Field.
Keys For The Eagles
All-pro Saquon Barkley won’t be playing; he’s sidelined with a hamstring injury. With a depleted roster at running back, Philly will have to hope that Dameon Pierce rises to the occasion.
The blood clot and injury to QB Jalen Hurts is another pressing issue. Backup Tanner McKee will have to perform going forward, at least for the foreseeable future. Can he get it done on Sunday?
Which players will come out of the shadows to fill key roles for the Eagles, and carry the workload on offense?
Keys For The Panthers
Carolina’s passing game is very solid. Nevertheless, a hungry Eagles defense will present a challenge for QB Bryce Young.
If the Panthers are patient on offense, they could rack up a decent number of points in this game.
Winner Prediction: Panthers.
Injuries and inexperience will prove costly for Philadelphia; the Eagles will struggle to move the ball on offense.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands the ball to running back Saquon Barkley (26) against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Sunday Night Football: Green Bay v Dallas
It’s a classic NFC rivalry game at Lambeau, as the Cowboys roll into Cheesehead Country to meet the Pack. This one could be a shootout; both teams can put up points in a hurry.
Keys For The Packers
QB Jordan Love has looked sharp lately; he’s poised to have a standout performance for Green Bay
With the Vikings on a bye week, a win for the Packers could put the team in position to challenge Minnesota for the lead in the NFC North.
Keys For The Cowboys
The team needs to get more productivity from their defense, particularly from the secondary. Dallas’ backfield has not yet intercepted a pass this season.
If the Cowboys have open receivers downfield, QB Dak Prescott should have ample time to make throws to them.
Winner Prediction: Cowboys.
This is a tough one to call, but I’ll take Dallas for the win. Green Bay’s defense is a little banged up; that fact should play an important role, and allow the Cowboys to sneak by the home squad.
End Of My NFL Rant
Ultimately, the matchups highlighted in Week Six look to be reference points for the rest of the NFL season, as they could serve to separate the league’s contenders from the pretenders. Whether it’s the historic rivalry renewed between the Cowboys and Packers, or the Monday night battle between Washington and San Francisco in “the Bay”, this weekend’s games promise to be full of high-stakes action.
Good luck to your team this Sunday; have fun watching the games, but please don’t hog the popcorn!
Oct 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (19) runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
