NFL Week 6 grades from around the league

Denver's defense held Justin Herbert to 4.2 yards per attempt -- the second-lowest total of his career -- and was on its way to locking in a tie before Montrell Washington's OT miscue. But the Chargers (4-2) deserve credit for cooling Wilson's hot start. Drue Tranquill's rapid-fire A-gap blitz, stalling a progressing (sort of) late Denver drive, highlighted the linebacker's two-sack night and a defensive lockdown that forced six Bronco punts after halftime. Playing a Broncos team in crisis helps, but the Chargers' secondary also did not give Wilson many opportunities. The Bolts need Keenan Allen to unlock their offense; Pat Surtain II erased Mike Williams. But Monday kept them squarely in the AFC mix despite major injury issues.

CHARGERS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Seahawks (Sun.)

Again showcasing their unique primetime brand, the Broncos submitted five more quarters of evidence they have a misshapen offense. The Nathaniel Hackett-Russell Wilson partnership produced another baffling second-half/overtime stretch; this one signaled Denver's season is lost. The Broncos (2-4) committed 151 penalty yards and now have more 100-plus-yard penalty outings under Hackett than they did from 2018-21 combined. Wilson (15 passing yards after halftime) is the Bill Murray character in the Broncos' "Groundhog Day" adaptation, and the defense-fueled team is likely 5-1 with an average offense. But an inexperienced coaching staff had 10 days to address red-alert issues. Monday moved Hackett and Co. closer to one-and-done status.

BRONCOS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Jets (Sun.)

The Bills managed to craft their still-underappreciated rise from anonymity without a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher. That ascent to the Super Bowl tier attracted a rare free agency prize and said prize delivered on his $20 million-per-year deal Sunday. Miller has made a career torching right tackles, and the Chiefs' rebuilt O-line lacking a proven option there became problematic. Looking spry despite a season-high 52 snaps, the future Hall of Famer beat Andrew Wylie for two sacks and forced Patrick Mahomes out of the pocket on Taron Johnson's game-ending INT. Exposed in January, the Bills' defense lived up to its billing this time and did so without Tre'Davious White. Miller's contributions could well ensure the next January Chiefs rematch occurs in New York.

BILLS GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Packers (Oct. 30)

Stefon Diggs and Chiefs killer Gabe Davis did not create too much separation on rookie backup Joshua Williams, but Josh Allen preyed on him in one-on-one settings. Those TD strikes led to the Bills' revenge measure. While the Chiefs (4-2) have made a habit of midseason defensive turnarounds under Steve Spagnuolo, their pass rush's inability to slow down Allen (sans uncalled tripping fouls) to help out a secondary weakened by the absences of Rashad Fenton and rookies Trent McDuffie and Bryan Cook may prove costly. This is a better Bills team than the one that dominated last year's regular-season matchup. Buffalo's improvements and Kansas City's tougher schedule will likely make Sunday's loss more costly than last year's come January.

CHIEFS GRADE: B | NEXT: at 49ers (Sun.)

Although the Cowboys' surprisingly effective backup helped the visitors (4-2) put a scare into their unbeaten rivals in the second half, a woeful first 30 minutes proved to be the difference. Cooper Rush's 1.0 passer rating was the worst first-half mark by a quarterback who threw 15-plus passes since Peyton Manning tried to play through a 2015 foot injury. Rush's three INTs proved too much to overcome, as the Eagles ran to a 20-0 lead, but he placed the team on solid footing during Dak Prescott's hiatus. The Rush-over-Dak nonsense can end now, and the seventh-year starter's return should catalyze a reloaded Cowboys roster -- one that can make a better statement in the rivals' Christmas Eve rematch.

COWBOYS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Lions (Sun.)

The Eagles (6-0) showed off a bolstered secondary that will be difficult for the veteran passer come December. Philly's three new starters -- C.J. Gardner-Johnson, James Bradberry, and Marcus Epps -- took over the game for a stretch. Gardner-Johnson, who moved from Saints slot cornerback/trash-talking menace to Eagles safety/presumably (pending mic'd-up evidence) trash-talking menace, improved his contract-year position with his two-INT night. Darius Slay enhanced his reputation as one of this era's best corners, with he and Bradberry -- when playing outside -- allowing just three catches for 12 yards, per Pro Football Focus. A 2021 weakness, Philly's secondary has greatly assisted this early-season surge.

EAGLES GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Steelers (Oct. 30)

In a game arc resembling their matchups against the Dolphins and Bills, the Ravens looked like the better team for three quarters. Even though Giants DC Don Martindale's presence made matters a bit more difficult for Lamar Jackson, the ex-Ravens staffer had no answers for Mark Andrews or an atypically explosive Kenyan Drake. But Jackson refusing to play it safe following a bad snap, leading to an easily preventable Julian Love INT, keyed a third Ravens collapse. This game did not feature a three-score lead blown, but Baltimore (3-3) squandered a 10-point edge to a team possessing less talent than Miami or Buffalo. This is the 2022 Ravens' M.O., and chapter three increases their degree of difficulty.

RAVENS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Browns (Sun.)

The Giants are 5-1 for the first time in 13 years; their aerial personnel is not exactly on the Eli Manning-Hakeem Nicks-Steve Smith-Mario Manningham level. That said, Jones deserves credit for delivering his steadiest NFL stretch despite a makeshift pass-catching situation. After leading two fourth-quarter TD drives against the Packers, Jones piloted a 12-play, 75-yard march with Saquon Barkley and a collection of backups. Brian Daboll is the early Coach of the Year favorite, but his usually turnover-prone passer (14th in QBR) is making the necessary throws in this well-designed offense. While this is one of the 21st century's most unusual 5-1 teams, look at the Giants' schedule. It suddenly looks difficult to predict they will miss the playoffs.

GIANTS GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: at Jaguars (Sun.)

The oft-criticized previous Jets regime got this one right, and Williams' next contract will reflect it. Mike Maccagnan's final first-round pick as Jets GM took over a stunning victory, registering two sacks and a career-high seven QB pressures against the Packers while adding a blocked field goal. The D-tackle dynamo received quality support, with 2021 holdovers Sheldon Rankins and John Franklin-Myers dropping Aaron Rodgers as well. The Jets (4-2) ranked 32nd in points and yards allowed in Robert Saleh's debut. New talent has obviously helped Gang Green's turnaround, but Williams remains the team's best player. It showed in one of the best Jets outings in many years. 

JETS GRADE: A-plus | NEXT: at Broncos (Sun.)

It turns out that trading away the team's best wide receiver since Sterling Sharpe is a problem. The Packers (3-3) not moving more aggressively with Davante Adams in 2021, leading to his 2022 power play, has driven the 2020s' best regular-season team into a strange place. Without Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rodgers does not have enough options -- as most expected upon scanning this unusually built receiving corps -- and his healthier O-line did not play to its capabilities. The two-time reigning MVP is not doing so, either, but receiver injuries and a shaky roster blueprint have left too little margin for error at a career point where the Pack should have done better to fortify their superstar passer's arsenal.

PACKERS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Commanders (Sun.)

The Bengals' offense had been producing uninspiring work for most of this season. That changed in New Orleans. Back in the state where Burrow and Chase delivered one of college football's greatest seasons, the LSU connection shredded the Saints to craft a Bengals escape route. Picking on a Marshon Lattimore-less secondary, the Burrow-Chase connection posted two touchdowns -- the second an ace Chase effort that bewildered Lattimore sidekick Bradley Roby and All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu -- during a 132-yard showing. The Bengals (3-3) allowed 228 rushing yards and needed a Burrow-Chase liftoff to win, but this effort keeps them in the middle of a muddled AFC North race.

BENGALS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Falcons (Sun.)

Alvin Kamara has totaled 318 scrimmage yards over the past two weeks; his Week 6 effort nearly carried the injury-riddled Saints past the Bengals. But New Orleans' receiving corps looked eerily like its basement-level 2021 contingent, with Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Jarvis Landry all out. Under the circumstances, the run game and Andy Dalton (on just 5.1 yards per attempt) having the Saints near a win is somewhat impressive. But this marked the Saints' first loss in which they surpassed 200 rushing yards since 2005, per ESPN Stats and Info, and it drops a reloaded team to 2-4. The Saints defense's 62 home points allowed over the past two weeks: also a bad look. 

SAINTS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Cardinals (Thu.)

The Steelers entered Week 6 missing four of their five secondary starters, including All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick, and T.J. Watt. The Buccaneers (3-3) had no business letting this one slip away. But Brady had scant success down the field or on third down. Tampa Bay went 4 of 14 on third down and sent out Ryan Succop for four field goals -- three inside 30 yards. While Brady has a built-in excuse of playing at an age in which every other quarterback has shut it down, the Bucs are too experienced to let a team missing half its defensive starters exit victorious. Considering the Eagles' pace and soft schedule, Bucs home-field advantage hopes have probably already slipped away.

BUCCANEERS GRADE: D | NEXT: at Panthers (Sun.)

Personnel-wise, it looked like the Steelers (2-4) would drop to four games under .500 for the first time since 2013. Kenny Pickett's concussion-induced exit increased those expectations. But Mitch Trubisky, playing to retake his job, kept finding the Steelers' forgotten pass catcher to keep the hosts' upset hopes intact. The Trubisky-Chase Claypool connection converted three third-and-longs -- including two on Pittsburgh's game-icing drive -- and a fourth-quarter touchdown. The big-bodied target had seen his stock dip, as George Pickens began to find footing. In topping 50 yards for the first time all season (96), however, Claypool showed the power of the Steelers' famed wideout assembly line. He remains a key component. 

STEELERS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Dolphins (Sun.)

Twenty-two years after making a notable late-round quarterback investment, the Patriots have another one becoming quite popular. Though Bailey Zappe is making rookie-year starts, something Tom Brady did not do, it is still too early to suggest he can usurp Mac Jones. But the Pats (3-3) have clawed their way back into the AFC wild-card race thanks to their fourth-round QB pick. Zappe did see some wide-open targets in Cleveland, particularly Hunter Henry on a 31-yard TD pass, but he threw for 309 yards on a day in which the Browns prioritized containing Rhamondre Stevenson. On the heels of an FBS-record 62-touchdown pass season at Western Kentucky, Zappe has given the Pats unexpected insurance while Jones heals.

PATRIOTS GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Bears (Mon.)

The NFL would have likely prevailed in a sobering court case against the NFLPA regarding a full-season Deshaun Watson suspension, but the sides' settlement ensures the Browns' starter-in-waiting must sit only five more games. At this rate, Cleveland's controversial QB prize will be playing out the string. Jacoby Brissett committed three turnovers, continuing to fall off his September pace. Kevin Stefanski encountered more game management issues, after a shaky Week 5, and DC Joe Woods' job may be week-to-week. The favored Browns (2-4) fell apart against a flawed Patriots team and are now 1-3 in Cleveland. Hopefully, no blame falls on that elf, who has been a solid addition in an otherwise miserable season.

BROWNS GRADE: F | NEXT: at Ravens (Sun.)

The Seahawks entered Week 6 with the NFL's worst defense. The Cardinals not only failed to score a touchdown against that unit; they managed only a field goal. Even without DeAndre Hopkins, this is beyond alarming for a team that just extended Kyler Murray and, for less clear reasons, Kliff Kingsbury. The Cardinals (2-4) cooled off Geno Smith, sacking him five times, but Murray could not outduel the journeyman. Arizona's 1-for-5 fourth-down figure certainly reflects poorly on Kingsbury, who signed a six-year extension alongside GM Steve Keim. At 30 and coming off an injury-plagued season, how much will Hopkins help? This scuffling offense needs him at a near-All-Pro level.

CARDINALS GRADE: D | NEXT: vs. Saints (Thu.)

Profiling as someone who would have a better chance against professional sprinters than D.K. Metcalf, Tariq Woolen is making a better-than-expected gridiron contribution in his first NFL weeks. Coming into the draft with a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Woolen lasted until Round 5 despite this Usain Bolt-lite athletic profile. The Texas-San Antonio product looks like a steal. Using his size to outleap Marquise Brown, the surprise corner starter now has an INT in a Seahawks-record four straight games. He added his season's second fumble recovery as well. Cloaked a bit by Seattle's porous defensive numbers, Woolen's hot start should be receiving more attention. 

SEAHAWKS GRADE: B | NEXT: at Chargers (Sun.)

The Vikings (5-1) now hold a two-game lead in the NFC North. While they moved to this perch during Aaron Rodgers' injury-limited 2017 season, the Vikes have rarely resided two games above the Packers (feat. their Week 1 tiebreaker) during the all-time great's tenure. Minnesota's defense, which sacked Miami QBs six times (two by Za'Darius Smith and 2021 third-rounder Patrick Jones) and forced three turnovers, gave the visitors -- who were treated to a rather humid sideline -- the edge. Smith tallied 10 of the Vikes' 25 pressures -- their most, per Next Gen Stats, since 2016 -- and now has 5.5 sacks this season. After a serious back injury in 2021, the ex-Packer is justifying his free agency investment.

VIKINGS GRADE: B-plus | NEXT: vs. Cardinals (Oct. 30)

Teddy Bridgewater made Tyreek Hill's fantasy managers happy, but his 329 yards (9.7 per throw) are not exactly indicative of how this offense functioned. The Dolphins (3-3) committed three turnovers, with Jaylen Waddle contributing to two of them, and bungled a fake punt inside their own 35-yard line. The Vikings preyed on a Dolphins O-line featuring two backup tackles (Greg Little, practice squad call-up Brandon Shell). Coupled with the quarterback unavailability that has defined the Dolphins' season, this was an uphill battle. As Tua Tagovailoa recovers, however, the Bills are creating distance in the AFC East.

DOLPHINS GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Steelers (Sun.)

Trevor Lawrence completed 20 of 22 passes and accounted for three touchdowns, while both Travis Etienne and ex-49ers third-stringer JaMycal Hasty broke off big runs that helped the Jaguars (2-4) hold a final-minute lead. The team did not submit a buttoned-up defensive performance. Shaquill Griffin, tied to an Urban Meyer-authorized $13 million-per-year deal, struggled before Alec Pierce beat him for the game-winning score. He allowed nine receptions on 13 targets (for 131 yards), per Pro Football Focus, and committed two penalties. Though it has made undeniable post-Meyer progress, this team is losing a lot of ground in an AFC South that is seeing its recent contenders stabilize their operations.

JAGUARS GRADE: C-plus | NEXT: vs. Giants (Sun.)

On a historic fumble pace after participating in one of the ugliest nationally televised games in modern NFL history, Ryan showed he still has some juice Sunday. Without Jonathan Taylor again, the Colts relied on their 37-year-old passer. Ryan overcame his rough Indianapolis start with a 389-yard, three-touchdown game. His game-winning toss to Pierce showed there might be at least one season of playoff-starter viability left (due largely to a shaky AFC South, but still). This Colts team looks worse than the one Philip Rivers quarterbacked and worse than the Carson Wentz-quarterbacked squad with seven Pro Bowlers. But it is improbably 3-2-1. And two of those Pro Bowlers (Taylor and Shaq Leonard) will be back soon.

COLTS GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: at Titans (Sun.)

Defensive pieces and an improved offensive line are in place here, but the Panthers (1-5) fired Rhule because of their quarterback quagmire. One of Rhule's many Temple charges to come through Charlotte in the 2020s, P.J. Walker (10-for-16, 60 yards) gave Carolina little chance at competing. Wilks both yanked the XFL 2.0 standout and booted ex-Walker Owls teammate Robbie Anderson off the sideline. Not much of note took place for the Panthers on the field, but Sunday showed Wilks' situation -- stuck with a bad QB group, many Rhule-handpicked cogs, and an owner (David Tepper) who has seen his NFL stock drop. And Christian McCaffrey might be traded. Not ideal for a second-chance coach.

PANTHERS GRADE: D | NEXT: vs. Buccaneers (Sun.)

It is a shame Robinson's best NFL years came with Blake Bortles and Mitch Trubisky. Through five games, the former third-round pick submitted a scary stretch that seemed to reveal the Rams made another contractual misstep on offense. Sunday, however, showed Robinson's contract (three years, $46.5 million) is not yet Todd Gurley- or Jared Goff-level unsalvageable. Robinson's leaping TD grab and midrange production provided a welcome sight for a Rams team reeling at just about every other offensive position. Los Angeles (3-3) still has major personnel issues to sort out (on the O-line and, thanks to the Cam Akers development, at running back), but Robinson's five-catch, 63-yard day represents a vital bounce-back showing.

RAMS GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. 49ers (Oct. 30)

The 49ers played without at least one starter at every defensive position group. Down defensive ends (Nick Bosa), D-tackles (Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw), linebackers (Azeez Al-Shaair), cornerbacks (Emmanuel Moseley), and safety Jimmie Ward, San Francisco (3-3) can be excused -- to some degree -- for an east coast dud. The NFL's No. 1 defense folding after the Jimmy Garoppolo-Brandon Aiyuk connection erased a 14-point deficit should concern, especially with Patrick Mahomes on deck. The 49ers rallied from 4-5 to the NFC title game last year, but their championship formula requires a dominant defense. Sunday showed the baseline for the starters needed to maintain that form.

49ERS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: vs. Chiefs (Sun.)

The Falcons took on an NFL-record dead-money sum ($40M) by trading Matt Ryan and accumulated more last week by dealing Deion Jones. This team's roster would suggest it is closer to the No. 1 pick than the postseason. Marcus Mariota, a rickety-looking bridge QB who had not been a starter since October 2019, has made a difference in Atlanta (3-3) competing in the NFC South. The ex-Heisman winner went 13-for-14 and accounted for 189 yards and three touchdowns, and answered the 49ers' 14-point comeback with a two-score surge. Although Arthur Smith is keeping it simple for his limited QB, there is no sign Desmond Ridder will start soon. That is a surprise, based on Atlanta's offseason, but Smith showed last year he can keep flawed teams afloat.

FALCONS GRADE: A | NEXT: at Bengals (Sun.)

Washington has tried and mostly failed, to staff its running back spot since Alfred Morris' 2016 departure. Matt Jones and Derrius Guice flamed out; Adrian Peterson was a stopgap. Ron Rivera clearly does not see Antonio Gibson as a dependable runner, despite his expansive past role, but a Gibson-J.D. McKissic-Brian Robinson troika offers potential. Displaying between-the-tackles power in the 2-4 Commanders' win, Robinson obviously doubles as one of this period's top comeback stories. And, as a complementary piece, the more elusive Gibson could be more effective. Not much is going right for this franchise, which still has its Dan Snyder-lowered ceiling to navigate. But Robinson's rapid return is an undeniably great story.

COMMANDERS GRADE: C | NEXT: vs. Packers (Sun.)

During a potential game-winning drive, boos rained down at the orange-clad Bears. Fans had seen Chicago's would-be franchise quarterback take five sacks, miss must-have throws, and lead a conservative attack. PFF charged all five sacks to Fields, who did face consistent pressure behind a young offensive line. Fields obviously impresses as a runner (12 scrambles, 88 yards) but has left a lot to be desired in the more important QB area. The Bears would be shortchanging Fields by abandoning his audition after this season, as they staffed their receiving corps with backup- and practice squad-caliber troops. But the first-rounder must play the hand he has been dealt better, or this new regime will bail.

BEARS GRADE: D-plus | NEXT: at Patriots (Mon.)