Week 6 of the NFL season brings a stacked Sunday slate, starting with a London kickoff before the Falcons host the Ravens under the lights. There’s a backup quarterback making his first career start, a receiver trying to prove he’s healthy in his home state, and a game in the desert that could turn into a straight-up scoring contest. Here’s what casual fans need to know about the matchups that matter most.
Ravens at Falcons: Baltimore Has to Win Without Lamar Jackson
This is the game everyone will be talking about. Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback, has been ruled out with an ankle injury, which means backup Tyler Huntley gets his first start of the season on Sunday Night Football. Huntley has actually won games for Baltimore before when Jackson has been hurt in past seasons, so this isn’t a total unknown, but it’s still a big step down in explosiveness for a Ravens offense that usually runs through Jackson’s legs and arm.
Atlanta is favored by about 3 to 3.5 points, with the total sitting around 43.5. Baltimore has its own injury worries beyond the quarterback spot too, with receiver Zay Flowers (foot) and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf/hamstring) both listed as questionable heading into the weekend, which only adds to the Ravens’ problems trying to win on the road without their franchise quarterback. If Huntley struggles early, this could get away from Baltimore in a hurry against a Falcons team playing at home.
The betting market clearly expects Atlanta’s talent advantage to show up without Jackson in the lineup, and that’s a reasonable lean. Baltimore’s defense will need to carry a heavier load than usual.
Lions at Cardinals: The Game Nobody Should Miss
If you only watch one game for pure entertainment value this Sunday, make it this one. The over/under is set at a whopping 54.5, by far the highest total on the entire Week 6 slate, which tells you oddsmakers expect points in bunches from both sides. Detroit is favored by 5.5 points on the road, but Arizona’s offense has quietly been one of the more explosive units in the league, with quarterback Jacoby Brissett and receiver Michael Wilson both delivering strong performances lately.
The Lions bring one of the NFL’s most balanced offenses into the desert, built around a physical running game and a passing attack that can hit big plays downfield. When two teams that both like to score meet in a dome-like, favorable scoring environment like State Farm Stadium, shootouts tend to follow. This has the look of a game that could come down to whichever offense has the ball last.
For fans who like fast-paced, high-scoring football, this is the matchup to circle on the schedule.
Vikings at Saints: Justin Jefferson’s Homecoming
Minnesota star receiver Justin Jefferson is aiming to play in his home state of Louisiana after missing time with an ankle injury, and his potential return is the biggest storyline in this one. The Vikings are favored by a point and a half to two and a half on the road, with the total sitting around 41.5 to 42.5, in a game that could be close throughout.
Minnesota’s offensive line has taken some hits lately — starting guard Donovan Jackson is out for the season, and the team is also dealing with injury questions at tackle — which makes life tougher on whoever is throwing the ball, even with Jefferson back on the field drawing attention from the Saints secondary. New Orleans, meanwhile, leans on receiver Chris Olave, who has been playing through his own injury concerns.
If Jefferson suits up and looks like himself, the Vikings should have enough firepower to control this game. If he’s limited or held out, it becomes a much tighter contest between two teams trying to establish an identity.
Eagles at Jaguars: A Short-Handed Trip Across the Pond
Kicking off the whole Sunday slate bright and early at 9:30 AM ET from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the Eagles are heading into this one banged up. Philadelphia is missing both of its top outside receivers — DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Hollywood Brown (ankle) — while running back Saquon Barkley is working through a knee issue that’s trending toward him playing. Tight end Dallas Goedert is also working his way back from a knee injury of his own.
Jacksonville, sitting at 3-1, is favored by a hefty 7.5 points at this neutral site, and it’s easy to see why given how many key weapons the Eagles will be without. The total is set at 41.5. Playing a home game of sorts on foreign soil with two starting receivers out is a tough ask for any offense, and Philadelphia will need a big game from Barkley and its offensive line to keep this one competitive.
This Week’s Best Bets
Across this slate, a few games stand out as the most interesting from a betting and entertainment perspective. Here’s a quick rundown of where the smart money and the storylines line up.
- Ravens at Falcons: Atlanta to cover as home favorites against a Huntley-led Baltimore offense
- Lions at Cardinals: Lean toward the over, given the 54.5 total and two offenses that like to score
- Vikings at Saints: Minnesota in a close one if Jefferson plays, with the total trending toward the under
- Eagles at Jaguars: Jacksonville to cover a big number against a short-handed Eagles receiving corps
Between a backup quarterback’s first start, a potential shootout in the desert, and a star receiver’s emotional homecoming, this Sunday’s NFL slate has something for every type of fan. Check the live NFL odds before kickoff since lines can shift throughout the week.
