NFL Week 6: Key takeaways from every game

The Green Bay Packers strengthened their position with a convincing victory over the Dallas Cowboys, while the Philadelphia Eagles suffered their fourth consecutive defeat as the 2026 NFL season entered another decisive week.

NFL Week 6 action also saw the Houston Texans hold off the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, the Cleveland Browns move to the top of the AFC North and the Kansas City Chiefs maintain their winning run with a comfortable victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Arizona Cardinals edged the Los Angeles Rams with a last-second field goal despite failing to score a touchdown, while the Buffalo Bills prevailed in a high-scoring contest against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Here are the biggest takeaways from NFL Week 6 games.

Packers find answers to third-down struggles

Green Bay’s 23-13 victory over Dallas offered encouraging signs for an offence that had struggled to convert third downs in its opening five games.

The Packers entered the contest with a third-down conversion rate of just 27.6 per cent, the lowest in the league. However, they converted nine of their first 10 third-down attempts against a Cowboys defence that had allowed opponents to convert 52.6 per cent of their attempts.

Matthew Golden caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love during the opening drive, capping a sequence in which Green Bay converted several difficult third-down situations.

The Packers also benefited from two interceptions, recorded by Evan Williams and Brandon Cisse, as their defence continued to generate turnovers.

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott threw two interceptions in the first half, although the Cowboys showed some improvement defensively by recording three sacks, their first game of the season with at least that many.

Green Bay’s performance suggested that its early-season difficulties on third down could be improving, while its defensive ability to create turnovers remains a significant strength.

Eagles face growing concerns after fourth straight loss

The Philadelphia Eagles’ struggles continued with a 25-14 home defeat to the Carolina Panthers, leaving them with four consecutive losses.

Philadelphia played without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was placed on injured reserve after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg. Backup Tanner McKee threw for 215 yards and a touchdown but struggled behind an offensive line that allowed consistent pressure.

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The Eagles managed only 222 total yards, while Carolina produced 399 and scored through five separate scoring drives.

Quarterback Bryce Young threw two touchdown passes to tight end Tommy Tremble, while running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries.

The Panthers’ defence and special teams also played important roles, with a blocked punt helping set up a late touchdown that strengthened their advantage.

Philadelphia’s immediate challenge is to improve its offensive consistency while Hurts recovers. The return of running back Saquon Barkley from a hamstring injury could help, but the Eagles must also improve their protection and running game.

Chiefs remain unbeaten as Chargers’ offensive problems deepen

Kansas City defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 22-6 to maintain its unbeaten start to the season and extend the visitors’ winless run to six games.

Patrick Mahomes completed 23 of 30 passes for 272 yards despite being without receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton.

Tight end Travis Kelce, who played through an ankle injury, and receiver Xavier Worthy were among his main targets. Worthy led Kansas City with 73 receiving yards.

The Chiefs also ended a three-game streak without recording a sack when defensive end Ashton Gillotte brought Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert down in the third quarter. Kansas City finished with four sacks.

The Chargers, meanwhile, managed only 259 total yards and six points despite forcing two turnovers through their defence and special teams.

Herbert completed 22 of 37 passes for 204 yards and threw an interception. He has now thrown at least one interception in every game this season, with eight overall.

The defeat leaves Los Angeles with significant questions about its offence as the team heads into a bye week.

Cardinals edge Rams without a touchdown

Arizona secured an 18-16 victory over the Los Angeles Rams with a field goal as time expired, despite failing to score a touchdown.

Kicker Chad Ryland converted six field goals, including the decisive 43-yard attempt, as the Cardinals capitalised on their opportunities to secure an important divisional victory.

Arizona’s defence also made key contributions, stopping the Rams twice on fourth down and bringing its season total of fourth-down stops to seven, the most in the league.

The victory keeps the Cardinals in contention in the NFC West after a difficult period that included the trade of receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

For the Rams, the result raised further questions about their consistency. Los Angeles struggled to move the ball against a Cardinals team that entered the game with only one win.

The Rams are now 0-2 in the NFC West, leaving them with ground to make up in the division.

Texans survive Jaguars fight in London

The Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 in London after quarterback C.J. Stroud led a decisive late drive.

Stroud completed 24 of 34 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, continuing an impressive run of form. He delivered when Houston needed him most, recovering from a late interception that gave Jacksonville another opportunity to challenge for the win.

Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. made his Texans debut following his move from Arizona, while Jaylin Noel also made a significant contribution with four catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.

Jacksonville remained competitive, with Travis Hunter recording his best offensive performance of the season. He caught four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.

However, the Jaguars could not complete their comeback, while concerns remain about Houston’s defence after it conceded 31 points for the third time this season.

Browns take control of AFC North as Ravens struggle

Cleveland moved back to the top of the AFC North after a 13-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, sealed by Andre Szmyt’s 37-yard field goal as time expired.

The Browns relied on their defence after managing only 46 yards in the first half. Their ability to remain in contention eventually paid off, as they improved to 4-2 and maintained an unbeaten divisional record.

Baltimore, meanwhile, struggled in its second full game without quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is sidelined by an ankle injury.

Replacement Tyler Huntley completed 13 of 24 passes for 107 yards over the final three quarters, as the Ravens’ offence failed to generate enough momentum.

Running back Derrick Henry also lost a costly fumble in the fourth quarter, which Cleveland converted into a game-tying touchdown.

The Ravens will be eager for Jackson’s return as they attempt to recover from a defeat that has complicated their position in the division.

Steelers rally to beat Buccaneers in overtime

The Pittsburgh Steelers recovered from a 16-3 deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19 in overtime.

Pittsburgh forced the game into an extra period before Germie Bernard caught the winning touchdown after a 12-play drive.

Bernard finished with 11 receptions for 87 yards, becoming the first rookie to catch at least 10 passes from Aaron Rodgers in a game.

The Steelers had an opportunity to win in regulation after an interception by Jamel Dean gave them possession near the Buccaneers’ goal line. However, they failed to capitalise and settled for a field goal, allowing Tampa Bay to level the score.

The Buccaneers had dominated for much of the game, recording five sacks and intercepting Rodgers before their defence struggled late.

The defeat highlighted Tampa Bay’s difficulty in maintaining its performance across four quarters, while Pittsburgh showed resilience in recovering from a significant deficit.

Bills win shootout as Raiders face questions over Jeanty

Buffalo edged the Las Vegas Raiders 33-30 in a high-scoring contest, with Josh Allen producing another memorable performance.

The Bills avoided turnovers for the first time in a month, an important improvement after giving the ball away nine times over the previous three weeks.

Running back James Cook III also carried more than 20 times without fumbling, helping Buffalo maintain greater control of its offence.

However, the Bills’ defence continued to struggle in key moments, allowing Las Vegas to produce another damaging fourth-quarter scoring drive even after rookie safety Jalon Kilgore broke up a pass on third down.

For the Raiders, running back Ashton Jeanty’s limited production remains a concern. He finished with 22 rushing yards on 10 carries, although he scored a touchdown.

Las Vegas may need to consider giving Mike Washington Jr. a larger role after he gained 43 yards on nine carries.

Bears benefit from Caleb Williams’ return

The Chicago Bears defeated the Atlanta Falcons 31-23 as quarterback Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring injury and immediately improved the offence.

Williams began the game with consecutive touchdown drives and completed 12 straight passes at one point. He finished the contest without appearing to be restricted by the injury.

Chicago was particularly effective when Williams had time to throw, and the Bears converted four of their first four red-zone opportunities before a fourth-quarter kneel-down.

Defensive back Kyler Gordon also made an immediate impact after returning from the physically unable to perform list. In just 16 defensive snaps, he recorded three sacks, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.

Atlanta struggled to protect quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was pressured on 46 per cent of his dropbacks. The Falcons also suffered two lost fumbles on special teams from rookie receiver Zachariah Branch.

Titans capitalise on Colts turnovers

The Tennessee Titans defeated the Indianapolis Colts 26-20 after forcing three turnovers and scoring 26 second-half points.

Tennessee’s defence produced two interceptions and a forced fumble, giving the team opportunities to recover from an inconsistent start.

Quarterback Cam Ward improved after the interval, throwing a touchdown pass to rookie receiver Carnell Tate as the Titans found greater rhythm offensively.

Indianapolis, meanwhile, continued to struggle with turnovers. Daniel Jones threw two interceptions, taking his season total to six interceptions and three lost fumbles.

The Colts’ inability to protect the ball has undermined their offensive consistency, and Jones will need to improve if Indianapolis is to maintain its early-season momentum.

Saints hold off Giants comeback

The New Orleans Saints defeated the New York Giants 34-27, but their inability to close out the game will remain a concern.

New Orleans built a 34-10 lead before allowing the Giants to mount a late comeback. A fumble helped swing momentum, and the Saints were forced to withstand a tense finish.

J.J. McCarthy, who entered in the fourth quarter, threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in the final period and led three scoring drives. The Giants reached the red zone in the closing seconds but could not complete the comeback.

New York’s turnover problems continued, with the team recording at least one fumble in every game this season.

The Saints secured the victory, but they will need to improve their consistency if they are to avoid further late-game scares.

Patriots overcome Jets

The New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 26-19 in a contest that exposed continuing concerns for both teams.

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye connected with Romeo Doubs on a 42-yard touchdown pass, while the Jets struggled to turn their offensive opportunities into points.

New England receiver A.J. Brown, returning from an ankle injury, had three drops and finished with three receptions for 27 yards despite receiving a team-high 10 targets.

The Jets’ offence continued to struggle on third downs and in the red zone, while quarterback Geno Smith threw his first interception of the season in the fourth quarter.

The result gave New England a win but left both sides with issues to address as the season progresses.

What Week 6 means

NFL Week 6 offered contrasting signs for teams with postseason ambitions as the Packers showed progress in an area that had previously held them back, while the Chiefs continued their winning run and the Browns strengthened their position in the AFC North.

The Eagles and Chargers, however, face mounting pressure after consecutive defeats and continuing offensive problems, as the Ravens’ struggles without Jackson and the Colts’ turnovers also remain important concerns.

Arizona’s narrow win over the Rams demonstrated the value of defensive resilience and reliable kicking, while Houston’s victory in London highlighted Stroud’s ability to deliver in a close contest.

The Washington Commanders are scheduled to face the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night to complete Week 6.