NFL Week 6 players to watch: Expect an encore performance from Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase

From a wide receiver attempting to duplicate a phenomenal performance to a quarterback excelling amid trade rumors, here are must-watch players in Week 6.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Ja'Marr Chase gets the best of Seattle rookie CB

On Wednesday,  Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf said rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon "will get the best of [Chase]". Unsurprisingly, the comment motivated the Cincinnati Bengals wideout, who reposted it on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Witherspoon is tied for the 10th-best Pro Football Focus grade (79.2) among CBs, but Chase should dominate in Cincinnati. Seattle's defense is 17th in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,120), and Chase is coming off a fantastic performance. In a 34-20 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, he caught 15 passes for 192 yards and three TDs.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Kirk Cousins shines vs. Bears amid trade rumors 

After a 1-4 start, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback has been the subject of trade speculation (deadline on Oct. 31). Cousins has, however, implied he's not letting it affect him.

"I am just very focused on the Bears and going 1-0 this week," Cousins said Wednesday, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "And anything else is not worth my time or attention."

Expect the four-time Pro Bowler — who leads the league in touchdown passes (13) — to make the Vikings think twice about shipping him elsewhere. Even though star WR Justin Jefferson is on injured reserve (hamstring),  Cousins and the Vikings should be able to exploit a lousy Bears defense that's 30th in points allowed (157). Cousins has won four straight games against Chicago.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Jonathan Taylor struggles to remove rust vs. Jaguars

On Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said he will "ramp up"   Taylor's workload after he only had six carries for 18 yards in a Week 5 win against the Tennessee Titans. However, the RB might struggle against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that's seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (408) allowed. It might take more time for Taylor to get back in the groove after missing the first four games of the season with an ankle injury.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Maxx Crosby wrecks Patriots' inept offense 

Crosby continues to show why he's an elite defensive end. Through five games, the Las Vegas Raiders star is second in the NFL in pressures (34), ninth in sacks (five) and tied for third in tackles for loss (eight). Expect him to dominate against a New England offense that has failed to score a TD on 34 consecutive drives, per ESPN's Ed Werder.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Lamar Jackson, Ravens offense gets back on track vs. Titans in London

Baltimore's offense has underwhelmed thus far, ranking 26th in the NFL in passing yards per game (189).  In a Week 5 loss to the Steelers, the Ravens dropped five passes — the most of any team in a game this season. Jackson, however, believes the unit will rebound.

"I believe our guys are locked in right now," he said on Wednesday. "They are going to be better. So will I."

Expect Jackson and the Baltimore offense to have a big day against a Titans defense that's 23rd in passing yards allowed (240.2), per Pro Football Reference.