Jump to a matchupWashington Commanders (4–1) at Baltimore Ravens (3–2)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3–2) at New Orleans Saints (2–3)Los Angeles Chargers (2–2) at Denver Broncos (3–2)Detroit Lions (3–1) at Dallas Cowboys (3–2)Buffalo Bills (3–2) at New York Jets (2–3)
All eyes will be on Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels when the Baltimore Ravens host the Washington Commanders on Sunday in one of the biggest matchups in Week 6.
The two dynamic quarterbacks have similar skill sets as playmakers who can punish defenses with their mobility and downfield passing. Apparently this style of quarterbacking is good for winning MVPs, because Daniels has emerged as a front-runner for the award five games into his rookie season. Jackson already has two career MVPs and is in contention for another one this season.
Daniels has the Commanders in first place in the NFC East after a four-game winning streak. Jackson also has the Ravens in first place in the AFC North, brushing off an 0–2 start with three consecutive wins.
But Commanders-Ravens is only one of five games we’re keeping a close eye on in Week 6. The Detroit Lions are on the road to face the Dallas Cowboys in a potential NFC playoff preview. The Lions, who are coming off a bye week, are the strong favorites, but they might find themselves in a shootout because Dak Prescott has CeeDee Lamb and could have another promising wideout in Jalen Tolbert, who caught the game-winning touchdown last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The New York Jets host the Buffalo Bills on with first place on the line in the AFC East. This will be the first game for Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich after replacing the recently fired Robert Saleh.
The New Orleans Saints are starting rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers are back from a bye week and travel to face the Denver Broncos, who have won three consecutive games.
Here’s everything you need to know about the five best games of Week 6, including Gilberto Manzano’s key matchups, Matt Verderame’s key stats, Michael Fabiano’s who to start and who to sit in fantasy, Jennifer Piacenti’s best bets and Conor Orr’s prediction for each game.
Start ’em/Sit ’em | MMQB Staff Picks | NFL Betting Picks
SUNDAYWashington Commanders (4–1) at Baltimore Ravens (3–2)
When/TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Spread: Ravens -6.5 (over/under 51.5)
Matchup to watch: Jackson vs. Daniels. Yes, quarterbacks don’t technically face each other, but this might be the most intriguing game of the week because of how well Jackson and Daniels have played through five games. The two offenses rank first and second in points scored per game, with Washington averaging 31.0 points and Baltimore averaging 29.4 points. The better quarterback on Sunday might decide this game. —
Key stat: This should be a fireworks show. The Ravens rank first in yards per play at 6.8, while the Commanders are second with 6.3. The same is true in first downs, with Baltimore (122) and Washington (114) leading the league. —
Start ’em/sit ’em: Terry McLaurin has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring 18-plus points in two of his past three games. He should remain in starting lineups this week, too, as the veteran faces a Ravens defense that’s given up the third-most points to perimeter receivers. Last week, this unit allowed more than 70 PPR points to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. —
Best bet: Commanders +6.5. The Ravens have just three wins this season, and only one win was by a margin of more than three. The Commanders are 4–1 ATS this season, and riding a four-game win streak. I’ll happily take the points, betting on Daniels to keep it close. —
SI’s pick:Respect to colleague Gilberto Manzano for lone wolfing the Commanders in our staff picks. I think this is less about Daniels (although he has not faced one of the popular Baltimore-tree defenses yet during his young career) and more about a Commanders defense handling Jackson amid this absolute heater. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players on the planet. That’s why I’m sticking with Baltimore. —
