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(Updated 12:03 PM) NFL Week 6 - Top 4 Games to Watch

PLUS: Updated Inactive List, Predictions, Betting Odds and Top Picks

Author

Kevin Draft
October 15, 2023

Game Day Insights
Read Time: 5 mins

NFL Week 6 Sunday 1 pm Games are About to Kick Off

SUNDAY, OCTOBER

NFL Sunday Week 6 games are just about to start.

If you missed this morning's London game, where the Ravens faced off against the Titans, you still have a couple of minutes left to tune in with the Ravens leading the Titans 21-13.

Today, we have a little bit of everything: Teams desperate for wins, like the Bears and Minnesota Vikings, who meet in Chicago hoping to improve their 1-4 records. Or the Washington Commanders, who travel to Atlanta badly in need of a win to help cool the hot seat on which coach Ron Rivera finds himself after last week's debacle.

It’s almost game time. Let’s get it!


  1. Top Games of the Week

  2. Sunday 1pm Matchups

  3. Our Take & Betting Nuggets

  4. Inactive List (updated as of 12:03 pm ET)

Top 4 Most Watchable NFL Games for Week 6, Ranked

#4 Ravens (3-2) vs. Titans (2-3)

Our Take

The Ravens are unlikely to lose against a lesser team again, regardless of the game's location. Both teams have similar offensive outputs, but Baltimore holds the advantage defensively and in ground game. With Derrick Henry's slow start and Lamar Jackson's prowess, the Ravens seem to have the upper hand, despite their Week 5 mishaps.

Betting Nuggets

  • The Titans are 26-15-1 ATS as underdogs under Mike Vrabel with a 22-20 outright record.

  • The Ravens are 9-18 ATS as favorites since 2021. The Titans are 14-6-1 ATS as underdogs in that span.

  • Both teams have had four of their first five games this season go under the total including three straight.

#3 Seahawks (3-1) vs. Bengals (2-3)

Our Take

The Seahawks could dominate the Bengals with their run game, reflective of Cincinnati's previous games. Although the Bengals started the season slow and Seattle strong, the Bengals face pressure to win to avoid a 2-4 record before facing the unbeaten 49ers. With higher stakes for Cincinnati and Joe Burrow's improving performance, they might have the edge in urgency.

Betting Nuggets

  • The Seahawks are 50-31-2 ATS as underdogs under Pete Carroll (39-43-1 outright).

  • Joe Burrow is 28-18-1 ATS in his career.

  • The Seahawks have covered three straight games.

#2 49ers (5-0) vs. Browns (2-3)

Our Take

The 49ers have been dominant this season, leading the league with a +19.8 point differential and only trailing for 1 minute and 45 seconds. Their performance is reminiscent of the 2009 Saints, who won the Super Bowl. Despite the Browns coming off a bye, they face challenges with Deshaun Watson out due to injury. The Browns will rely on P.J. Walker against the 49ers, but San Francisco's strong form may be too much for them to handle.

Betting Nuggets

  • The 49ers are 4-0-1 ATS this season with three straight covers. They are the only team left without an ATS loss.

  • Brock Purdy is 10-0 outright and 8-1-1 ATS in his career as a starter.

  • The Browns are 0-4 ATS after a bye in the last four seasons including 0-3 ATS under Kevin Stefanski.

#1 Cowboys (3-2) vs. Chargers (2-2)

Our Take

The Cowboys have a questionable track record with wins against underperforming teams and blowout losses, creating doubt about their strength. Similarly, the Chargers, despite their 2-2 record, show inconsistency, being a team that could potentially be undefeated or winless. The Chargers have an advantage with a higher red-zone touchdown percentage and additional preparation and recovery time, making them a favorable pick in their matchup against the Cowboys.

Betting Nuggets

  • The Chargers are 8-3 ATS as underdogs under Brandon Staley (since 2021) including 5-1 ATS since last season.

  • The Cowboys are 20-9 ATS as a favorite in that span, and they are 13-7 ATS on the road in that span.

  • The Cowboys are 5-0 ATS after a loss in the last two seasons and 9-1 ATS in the last three seasons (seven straight covers).

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Commanders (2-3) vs. Falcons (3-2)


Our Take

The Commanders faced an unexpected loss to the winless Bears, raising concerns about their performance. Quarterback Sam Howell has been under significant pressure this season, leading to issues with consistency. Despite its talent, Washington's defense has been disappointing, allowing many points in recent games. Conversely, the Falcons show signs of improvement. Desmond Ridder is effectively utilizing his offensive weapons, and the team's defense ranks well in multiple areas. The Falcons and Commanders seem to be on different trajectories, with Ridder boasting an impressive record at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Betting Nuggets

  • The Falcons are 0-4 ATS in their last four games.

  • The Commanders have covered four of the last five meetings.

  • Since 2019, the Falcons are 7-13 ATS as home favorites.

  • The Commanders are 11-16-2 ATS after a loss under Ron Rivera.

Vikings (1-4) vs. Bears (1-4)

Our Take

Since Week 4, the Bears, led by Justin Fields, have the top-performing offense in the league, significantly increasing their explosive plays. DJ Moore, known for scoring touchdowns, faces a challenging matchup against a defense known for limiting big plays. The Vikings are grappling with the loss of a crucial player, and while the Bears face challenges with their running game, Fields shines, proving to fans that his recent success is genuine and consistent.

Betting Nuggets

  • All five Bears games have gone over the total this season. Vikings games are 4-1 to the over with three straight overs.

  • The Bears are 9-22-1 ATS as underdogs since 2021.

  • The Bears are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 division games (1-6 ATS under Matt Eberflus).

Saints (3-2) vs Texans (2-3)

  • WHERE: NRG Stadium (Houston)

  • WHEN: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET | FOX

  • MONEYLINE: Saints: -120 | Texans: +100

  • SPREAD: Saints -1.5 | O/U: 42.5
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Our Take

Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud of the Texans is set for a challenging matchup against the Saints' strong defense. Despite being a newcomer, Stroud has impressed, ranking fifth in passing yards per game and second in TD-to-INT ratio, breaking multiple records. However, he faces a daunting task against the Saints, who have a top-five defense and recently shut out the Patriots. Historical stats don't favor Stroud, as rookie QBs have a poor record against the Saints and against top defenses in recent years. While history might suggest a loss for Stroud and the Texans, there's a belief that Stroud's current form might defy the odds.

Betting Nuggets

  • The Saints have gone under the total in 11 straight games.

  • The Saints are 2-7-1 ATS as favorites under Dennis Allen (0-5-1 ATS in last six).

  • The Texans have covered three straight games, all as an underdog, with two outright wins.

Colts (3-2) vs. Jaguars (3-2)

Our Take

Indianapolis struggled against Jacksonville in their season opener but improved thereafter, with only one overtime loss to the Rams. Although the initial game's score might suggest a significant difference in team quality, the absence of Anthony Richardson could level the playing field. However, given the Jaguars' past success in London and the possibility of a 0-3 record at EverBank Stadium, it's unlikely they'll lose. Nonetheless, the Colts are competitive enough to make it a close game.

Betting Nuggets

  • The Jaguars are 14-2-1 ATS in head-to-head meetings since 2015.

  • The Jaguars are 1-5 outright and 0-6 ATS as favorites in Jacksonville since 2020 (2-6 outright, 1-7 ATS including London games).

  • The Colts are 7-14 ATS in division games since 2020.

  • Gardner Minshew is 8-14 ATS in his last 22 starts.

Panthers (0-5) vs Dolphins (4-1)

Our Take

Mike McDaniel's Miami Dolphins have the highest-scoring offense in the NFL, excelling in both passing and rushing. Their outstanding performance metrics indicate that Miami is extremely dominant. While their current productivity may not last all season, there's little to suggest they'll slow down in their upcoming game. Despite rookie De’Von Achane's injury, Jaylen Waddle is poised to shine. The Carolina Panthers, still winless, have consistently lost road games by significant margins. On the other hand, the Dolphins have showcased their offensive prowess at Hard Rock Stadium. A high-scoring game for Miami seems likely.

Betting Nuggets

  • The Dolphins have only been at least 13-point favorites once in the last 20 seasons.

  • The Dolphins are 7-3 ATS at home under Mike McDaniel with unders going 8-2.

  • The Panthers are 0-3 ATS on the road this season and 7-13 ATS on the road since 2021

Updated as of 12:03 pm ET

Saints

  • Juwan Johnson (TE)

  • Lonnie Johnson Jr. (CB)

  • J.T. Gray (CB)

  • Adam Prentice (RB)

  • Kyle Phillips (DT)

  • Jake Luton (QB)

  • A.T. Perry (WR)


Texans

  • Tank Dell (WR)

  • Dare Ogunbowale (RB)

  • Tavierre Thomas (CB)

  • Case Keenum (QB)

  • Denzel Perryman (LB)

Commanders

  • Christian Holmes (CB)

  • Mitchell Tinsley (WR)

  • Curtis Hodges (TE)

  • KJ Henry (EDGE)

Falcons

  • John FitzPatrick (TE)

  • Ta'Quon Graham (DT)

  • Joe Gaziano (DT)

  • Clark Phillips III (CB)

  • Logan Woodside (QB)

  • Eli Ankou (DT)

Panthers

  • Miles Sanders (RB)

  • Xavier Woods (S)

  • Giovanni Ricci (TE)

  • Vonn Bell (S)

Dolphins

  • Jeff Wilson Jr. (RB)

  • Kelvin Joseph (CB)

  • Brandon Pili (DT)

  • Tyler Kroft (TE)

  • Chase Claypool (WR)

  • Skylar Thompson (QB)

49ers

  • Dre Greenlaw (LB)

  • Jalen Graham (S)

  • Brandon Allen (QB)

  • Brayden Willis (TE)

  • Tyrion Davis-Price (RB)

  • Kalia Davis (DT)

Browns

  • Deshaun Watson (QB)

  • Cedric Tillman (WR)

  • Kahlef Hailassie (CB)

  • Siaki Ika (DT)

  • Ronnie Hickman Jr. (S)

  • Isaiah McGuire (DT)

Seahawks

  • Coby Bryant (CB)

  • Artie Burns (CB)

  • Devin Bush Jr. (LB)

Bengals

  • Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB)

  • Devin Harper (LB)

  • Jay Tufele (DT)

Vikings

  • Nick Muse (TE)

  • Lewis Cine (S)

  • Andre Carter II (EDGE)

  • Jaquelin Roy (DT)

Bears

  • Travis Homer (RB)

  • Roschon Johnson (RB)

  • Terell Smith (CB)

  • Equanimeous St. Brown (WR)

  • Khalil Herbert (RB)

  • Nathan Peterman (QB)

Colts

  • Adetomiwa Adebawore (DT)

  • Tony Brown (CB)

  • Isaiah Land (LB)

Jaguars

  • Zay Jones (WR)

  • DaVon Hamilton (DT)

  • Christian Braswell (CB)

  • JaMycal Hasty (RB)

  • Yasir Abdullah (EDGE)

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