The NFL’s unpredictable nature means that upsets occur just about every weekend around the league, and Week 6 should offer more of the same.
Sunday’s slate of games is loaded with potential upset specials. Then on Monday, an NFC North battle caps it all off, and we’re predicting an upset in that game, too.
These are the six teams most likely to be upset in NFL Week 6.
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-4.5)
The Texans feature one of a few offenses that can keep pace with the electric Chiefs when it comes to putting points on the board in a shootout. Kansas City’s defense isn’t stellar, and we expect Deshaun Watson to have another outstanding day passing the ball after he shredded the Falcons last weekend.
Another concern the Chiefs have is that Patrick Mahomes is gimpy right now after having an ankle sprain aggravated last Sunday night when his own teammate stepped on him. He could barely run. If Tyreek Hill is not able to play, then the game tilts even more in favor of Houston pulling off the upset.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings (-3)
The Eagles come into this game with an offense that’s failed to live up to expectations, but quarterback Carson Wentz is playing outstanding football of late. He’s gotten little help from his receivers, who have dropped far too many passes. Once things start to gel for this offense, the Eagles will take flight.
Philly is also a team with a winning record, which spells doom for Kirk Cousins. Throughout his career, he has a paltry record of 5-27 as a starter against teams with a winning record at the time of playing them. If the Eagles can rattle him early, this game could get out of hand.
New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5)
We’re not betting against Teddy Bridgewater and the Saints until they prove they can be beaten. Since taking over as the starter following Drew Brees’ injury, Bridgewater has gone 3-0 and is coming off a career-defining performance last weekend against Tampa Bay. It’s looking like the Jaguars will once again play without star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, so look for Michael Thomas to feast.
Gardner Minshew has been outstanding rescuing the Jaguars this season, and Minshew Mania is going to be off the charts in Jacksonville this Sunday. Despite that, we’re betting on New Orleans to continue showing out defensively and coming away with a huge road win in Week 6.
Washington (-3.5) vs. Miami Dolphins
The NFL’s two worst teams go head to head in Miami this Sunday, and barring a tie one of them has to win it. We recently dived into the debate about which NFL team is the worst and concluded the Dolphins have nothing on Dan Snyder’s dumpster fire of a franchise.
Look for Bill Callahan to get served a big loss in his first game as interim head coach. He’s rolling with Case Keenum, who was bad last year in Denver and has been awful again this year in Washington. On the other side, Josh Rosen has shown some good things and will be starting the rest of the way for Miami. He should get his first win of the season at home against this dilapidated team.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (-3)
Todd Gurley is not likely to play Sunday for the Rams, who host the only undefeated team left in the NFC. Los Angeles’ offensive line has been the worst in the NFL in terms of pass-blocking efficiency, and that spells doom for Jared Goff against a 49ers defensive front that is starting to emerge as the league’s best.
Despite the 49ers losing their All-Pro fullback, Kyle Juszczyk, for around a month due to a knee injury, San Francisco’s offense should have no problem moving the ball against the Rams. Clay Matthews is out with a broken jaw, and as good as Aaron Donald is, the Rams are allowing nearly 27 points per game. If Jimmy Garoppolo can avoid turning the ball over and excels in the red zone, the 49ers may romp.
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (-4)
After a rough first year at the helm in Detroit, Matt Patricia has the Lions playing very good football in 2019. Matthew Stafford has been outstanding, and for the first time in an age, the Lions can run the ball with authority. Of course, they’ll be tested by Green Bay’s dynamic defensive front.
The big defensive challenge this Monday night is going to be whether Detroit can keep Aaron Jones out of the end zone. Aaron Rodgers is just as dangerous as ever, but the reason the Packers are rolling right now is that Jones has been the focal point of the offense. If Trey Flowers and Co. can bottle him up, then Detroit may have a shot to pull off the epic upset at Lambeau Field Monday night.