Week 6 of the 2026 NFL season is upon us, and after a disappointing Week 5, it’s time to get back on track.
We finished last week with a 7–7–1 record, bringing our overall season record to 45–32–2. While several of our predictions were correct, close losses by Seattle, Atlanta, and Los Angeles prevented us from securing a winning week. The Rams’ heartbreaking overtime defeat against Buffalo was particularly frustrating, as a blocked potential game-winning field goal cost us another correct selection.
Nevertheless, that’s the nature of the NFL. Every week presents new challenges, unexpected results, and opportunities to improve.
Week 6 features several intriguing divisional matchups, a showdown between Houston and Jacksonville in London, and a Monday Night Football contest between Washington and undefeated San Francisco.
We also have a few bold selections this week, including Carolina upsetting Philadelphia and New Orleans bouncing back against the Giants.
Can we return to double-digit wins? Let’s get into our Week 6 predictions.
Week 6 Predictions
1. Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos — Thursday Night Football
Our Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Seattle suffered a frustrating 32–29 defeat against San Francisco last week, but the Seahawks demonstrated that they can compete with one of the NFL’s best teams. Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives to take away from their offensive performance. Denver, meanwhile, secured an impressive comeback victory against the Los Angeles Chargers and continues to establish itself as a dangerous opponent. However, I believe Seattle has the more explosive offense and will be motivated to respond after losing such a close divisional contest. The Broncos won’t make things easy, particularly at home, but I’m backing Seattle to bounce back with a narrow victory.
2. Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars — London Game
Our Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville returns to London after its dramatic 19–17 victory over Philadelphia, and the Jaguars should be feeling extremely confident. Parker Washington was sensational last week, recording 124 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including one of the most spectacular catches of the season. Houston also enters this matchup following a convincing 26–3 victory over Tennessee, but beating the Titans does not necessarily mean the Texans have solved their offensive problems. Jacksonville has been the more consistent team this season, and I expect its defense to create problems for Houston. With the Jaguars already demonstrating their ability to win close games, I’m taking Jacksonville to secure another important victory.
3. Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Our Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Both teams enter Week 6 looking to recover from disappointing defeats. Tennessee was thoroughly dominated by Houston, managing just three points, while Indianapolis struggled defensively against Pittsburgh in a 34–22 loss. However, the Colts have demonstrated significantly more offensive potential than the Titans this season. Tennessee continues to struggle with consistency, particularly when attempting to sustain drives and generate scoring opportunities. Indianapolis should be able to establish its offense and control the tempo of this contest. Unless the Titans produce a dramatic improvement, I expect the Colts to take care of business at home.
4. Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles
Our Pick: Carolina Panthers
Here comes one of our boldest predictions of Week 6.
Carolina has been one of the more surprising teams this season, and Bryce Young continues to demonstrate significant improvement as a quarterback. The Panthers have developed an increasingly dangerous offense, with Tetairoa McMillan emerging as a legitimate receiving threat. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has struggled to find consistency and suffered another disappointing defeat against Jacksonville in London. The Eagles remain talented, but something simply hasn’t looked right with this team. Carolina has an opportunity to capitalize on Philadelphia’s struggles, and I believe Young can make enough plays to pull off the upset. It certainly won’t be easy on the road, but I’m taking the Panthers to surprise the Eagles.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Our Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh enters this matchup following an impressive 34–22 victory over Indianapolis, with Aaron Rodgers delivering one of his best performances of the season. The veteran quarterback threw three touchdowns without an interception and demonstrated excellent command of the offense. Tampa Bay also secured a victory last week, defeating Dallas 24–16 behind a productive rushing attack. This should be a competitive contest between two teams capable of controlling the football and limiting mistakes. However, I trust Pittsburgh’s defensive discipline and Rodgers’ experience in important situations. If the Steelers can establish their offense early and prevent Tampa Bay from controlling the ground game, they should have enough to secure the victory.
6. Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Our Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore’s thrilling 30–23 overtime victory over Atlanta demonstrated just how resilient this Ravens team can be. Tyler Huntley delivered several crucial plays, while Derrick Henry continued to provide the physical rushing presence that makes Baltimore so difficult to defend. Cleveland, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing 17–12 defeat against the Jets and continues to struggle offensively. The Browns’ defense may be capable of keeping this game competitive, but I simply don’t trust Cleveland to score enough points against Baltimore. The Ravens have multiple ways to attack opposing defenses, and their ability to execute in critical situations should give them the advantage. I’m comfortably taking Baltimore.
7. New Orleans Saints at New York Giants
Our Pick: New Orleans Saints
New Orleans disappointed us last week against Minnesota, but I’m giving the Saints another opportunity to prove themselves. Their offense struggled against Brian Flores’ disciplined Vikings defense, but the Giants present a different challenge. New York is coming off a bizarre 27–27 tie against Washington, a game in which neither team could find a way to secure the victory. The Giants have shown flashes of competitiveness, but their inconsistency remains concerning. I expect New Orleans to approach this contest with urgency after last week’s defeat. If the Saints can establish their offense early and avoid costly mistakes, they should be capable of winning a closely contested matchup.
8. Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons
Our Pick: Atlanta Falcons
Both teams enter this contest following disappointing Week 5 defeats. Chicago was thoroughly dismantled by Green Bay in a 31–7 loss, while Atlanta suffered a heartbreaking overtime defeat against Baltimore. However, the Falcons demonstrated considerably more offensive promise in their loss than the Bears did against the Packers. Atlanta possesses dangerous weapons, including Bijan Robinson and Drake London, who can create significant problems for opposing defenses. Chicago’s defense struggled to contain Green Bay’s explosive passing attack, and that vulnerability could prove costly against Atlanta. If the Falcons can avoid the late-game mistakes that hurt them against Baltimore, I expect them to secure the victory at home.
9. New York Jets at New England Patriots
Our Pick: New England Patriots
This is one of the easiest selections on our Week 6 board.
New England is playing outstanding football, and Drake Maye is rapidly establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most exciting young quarterbacks. His five-total-touchdown performance against Las Vegas was exceptional, and the Patriots’ offense appears increasingly difficult to stop. The Jets deserve credit for their 17–12 victory over Cleveland, but New England represents a significantly greater challenge. The Patriots have the advantage at quarterback, possess a more explosive offense, and should be capable of controlling this matchup. Unless New York produces something extraordinary defensively, I expect New England to win comfortably.
10. Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
Our Pick: Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles suffered one of the most heartbreaking defeats of the season on Monday night, falling 37–34 to Buffalo in overtime after a potential game-winning field goal was blocked. However, Matthew Stafford was outstanding, throwing for 383 yards and three touchdowns, while Puka Nacua hauled in an incredible 17 receptions for 138 yards and a score. Despite the defeat, the Rams demonstrated that their offense can compete with anyone. Arizona, meanwhile, was demolished 45–21 by Detroit and has struggled defensively. I expect Stafford and Nacua to continue their impressive connection against a vulnerable Cardinals secondary. Los Angeles should respond strongly and return to the win column.
11. Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Our Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City returns from its bye week looking to continue its strong start to the season. The Chiefs have benefited tremendously from the addition of Kenneth Walker III, whose explosive rushing ability has transformed the offense and created additional opportunities for Patrick Mahomes. Los Angeles, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing 23–17 defeat against Denver after surrendering 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. The Chargers have enough talent to make this a competitive divisional contest, but Kansas City has the advantage of additional preparation time and home-field advantage. With Mahomes leading the offense and Walker providing balance in the running game, I’m taking the Chiefs to secure another victory.
12. Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders
Our Pick: Buffalo Bills
Buffalo enters Week 6 following an unforgettable 37–34 overtime victory against Los Angeles. Josh Allen demonstrated his ability to deliver in critical situations, helping the Bills recover after the Rams nearly stole the contest. Las Vegas, on the other hand, was embarrassed by New England in a 45–17 defeat. The Raiders have struggled defensively and now face one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in football. Buffalo’s offense should have plenty of opportunities to exploit those weaknesses, and I don’t expect Las Vegas to have enough offensive firepower to keep pace. This should be a convincing Bills victory.
13. Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers — Sunday Night Football
Our Pick: Green Bay Packers
Dallas continues to disappoint, particularly on the defensive side of the football. The Cowboys suffered another defeat against Tampa Bay last Thursday, and their inability to consistently stop opposing offenses remains a major concern. Unfortunately for Dallas, things aren’t getting any easier. Green Bay is coming off a dominant 31–7 victory over Chicago, with Jordan Love throwing for 367 yards and Christian Watson recording 143 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Packers have the offensive weapons necessary to exploit Dallas’ defensive weaknesses, and I expect Love to have another productive evening. Green Bay should control this game and secure a comfortable victory.
14. Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers — Monday Night Football
Our Pick: San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco remains undefeated following another dramatic victory, this time surviving a 32–29 thriller against Seattle. The 49ers have demonstrated an impressive ability to execute in close games, and their combination of offensive playmaking and defensive discipline makes them one of the NFL’s most complete teams. Washington, meanwhile, is coming off a disappointing 27–27 tie against the Giants, a contest in which the Commanders failed to capitalize on opportunities to secure the victory. San Francisco is simply playing at a higher level right now. Although Washington possesses enough talent to make this interesting, I trust the 49ers to maintain their unbeaten record and close out Week 6 with another victory.
Which Week 6 predictions do you agree with? Which teams do you think will pull off an upset?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and remember to like, share, and subscribe to Ethical Sports Takes for weekly NFL predictions, game recaps, power rankings, and analysis.
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