Here come Washington — winners of three straight games, shocking the NFL world with their impressive turnaround. The 2024 version of this Washington team is playing with a level of pride, confidence, and competitiveness that hasn’t been seen in years.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to exceed expectations, delivering another outstanding performance with 320 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. It was also great to see Dyami Brown more involved in the offense, while Austin Ekeler looked sharp, and Jeremy Nichols has emerged as a reliable contributor in the backfield. The offensive line deserves credit for providing steady protection, even managing to neutralize Myles Garrett, allowing Daniels to showcase his explosive potential.
On defense, Washington is starting to show flashes of its true potential. The pass rush improved against Cleveland, but the run defense remains a concern. Frankie Luvu has solidified his role as our top linebacker, while Mike Sainristil is proving to be a valuable addition to the secondary.
Next, Washington faces its toughest challenge yet: a trip to Baltimore. Containing Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will be a major test for Washington’s shaky run defense. However, with a young, hungry, and talented roster, the Commanders have the tools to keep this game close and possibly steal a win. My pick: the Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 34 — BROWNS 13
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 20 — STEELERS 17
Dallas got lucky once again, facing a subpar and overrated opponent. Despite Dak Prescott’s two turnovers, the Cowboys still emerged victorious. The defense was especially dominant, stifling Justin Fields and securing a rather uneventful but crucial win. Next, Dallas hosts Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles were laid bare in this game. Justin Fields was limited to just 158 yards, and the Steelers’ ground game was largely ineffective. If Fields continues to underperform, the calls for Russell Wilson will only grow louder. Next, Pittsburgh visits the Raiders. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
NY GIANTS 29 — SEAHAWKS 20
The NY Giants looked like a team in turmoil last week, with fans second-guessing the decision to replace Saquon Barkley with Devin Singletary, a move that has yet to pay off for their offense. Daniel Jones has been inconsistent, but Week 5 told a different story. Jones avoided turnovers and finished with 257 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rookie RB Tyrone Tracy’s breakout performance was a bright spot, as he racked up 129 yards. The Giants have some promising pieces to keep them competitive in close games. Next, the Giants host Cincinnati. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
Geno Smith was constantly under pressure, getting sacked seven times. The Seahawks looked unprepared to handle the Giants’ defense, which held Kenneth Walker to just 72 yards with no touchdowns. Seattle is starting to show some vulnerabilities. Next, Seattle hosts San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
FALCONS 36 — BUCCANEERS 30
It took just a three-play drive in overtime to finally put the resilient Buccaneers away. Kirk Cousins was unstoppable, throwing for 509 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, continuing to justify the massive contract he signed this offseason. Next, Atlanta travels to Carolina. My pick: the Atlanta Falcons.
Tampa Bay dominated the overrated Eagles last week and had this game against Atlanta within reach. Unfortunately, Baker Mayfield didn’t get the opportunity to lead any overtime heroics, resulting in a tough loss. Next, the Buccaneers head to New Orleans. My pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
BRONCOS 34 — RAIDERS 16
The Broncos are riding a three-game winning streak, with their defense stealing the spotlight in this one. They held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to just three field goals on week 4. And on week 5, after falling behind, they made adjustments, and pulled a massive Divisional win. Next, Denver hosts the Chargers. My pick: the LA Chargers.
As for the Raiders, it might be time to hit the panic button. After an embarrassing Week 3 loss to Carolina, Las Vegas bounced back in Week 4, but Week 5 was a completely different story. Despite jumping out to a 13-0 lead, the Raiders went ice-cold, unable to generate any offense and were thoroughly dominated. If this trend continues, head coach Antonio Pierce could be on the chopping block soon. Next, the Raiders host Pittsburgh. My pick: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
RAVENS 41 — BENGALS 38
Baltimore had a tough time keeping pace with a determined Bengals team desperate for a win. It took overtime heroics for the Ravens to edge out a victory. Lamar Jackson delivered a standout performance, racking up 403 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Next, Baltimore hosts Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
For Cincinnati, this was a heartbreaking loss in a must-win scenario to salvage their season. However, Week 6 presents a favorable matchup for the Bengals. Next, Cincinnati visits the New York Giants. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
TEXANS 23 — BILLS 20
The Texans held a comfortable 20-3 lead by the start of the 3rd quarter, but Buffalo made a strong comeback, tying the game at 20-20 and turning it into a nail-biter. In the end, a clutch 59-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn sealed the win for Houston. Next, the Texans travel to New England. My pick: the Houston Texans.
Buffalo, on the other hand, suffered their second consecutive loss. Josh Allen and James Cook have struggled to get the offense going, and if this trend continues, head coach Sean McDermott could find himself on the hot seat. Next, the Bills visit the Jets. My pick: the NY Jets.
VIKINGS 23 — NY JETS 17
The Vikings remain undefeated at 5-0 and are quickly establishing themselves as early-season playoff favorites. While Sam Darnold wasn’t as productive as in previous games, he was still efficient enough to guide the team to another win. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is building a strong case for Coach of the Year. Next up, Minnesota heads into their bye week.
For the Jets, it was another brutal loss as their offense struggled to find any rhythm. The team’s dysfunction was highlighted by the unexpected firing of head coach Robert Saleh. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will step in as interim head coach. Next, the Jets host Buffalo. My pick: the NY Jets.
CARDINALS 24 — 49ERS 23
What a shocking upset this turned out to be. Arizona trailed 23-10 at halftime but came roaring back in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points. Kyler Murray made several clutch plays to keep the Cardinals in the game, while the defense stepped up in a big way. Next, Arizona visits Green Bay. My pick: the Green Bay Packers.
As for San Francisco, this was an alarming loss. The offense was completely shut down in the second half, with Brock Purdy committing two turnovers, and the defense struggled to make an impact. If the losses keep piling up, it may be time for the 49ers to hit the panic button. Next, San Francisco visits Seattle. My pick: the San Francisco 49ers.
DOLPHINS 15 — PATRIOTS 10
A huge win for Miami, ending their 3-game losing streak, but concerns remain about their lack of offensive production. They’ll look to regroup during their upcoming bye week.
As for the Patriots, the struggles of their rebuilding process continue, and expectations for this season remain low. Throwing Drake Maye into this mess of a team is not a good idea for his development. Next, New England hosts Houston. My pick: the Houston Texans.
BEARS 36 — PANTHERS 10
Chicago has now secured back-to-back wins, with Caleb Williams turning in another strong performance, throwing for 338 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no turnovers. Sitting at 3-2, the Bears are showing early signs of being a potential contender in the NFC North. Next, they head to London to face Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
Meanwhile, the Panthers continue their downward spiral, racking up losses. Andy Dalton provided a spark in Weeks 3 and 4, but that momentum seems to have faded. Bryce Young made a brief appearance during garbage time, but Dalton remains the starter for now. Next, Carolina hosts Atlanta. My pick: the Atlanta Falcons.
PACKERS 24 — LA RAMS 19
Green Bay bounced back with a solid win after their narrow divisional loss to Minnesota in Week 4. Jordan Love appears to be regaining his form, finishing with 234 total yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Next, the Packers host Arizona. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
Meanwhile, it was another disappointing loss for the injury-riddled LA Rams. Despite Matthew Stafford spreading the ball effectively, they struggled to find the end zone. The absence of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp is glaring, but it’s the Rams’ defense that has been hit the hardest. Next, LA heads into their bye week.
JAGUARS 37 — COLTS 34
Jacksonville secured a season-saving win, with Trevor Lawrence leading the way, throwing for 275 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 turnover. This performance might quiet the early calls for Doug Pederson’s firing, at least for another week. Next, the Jaguars head to London to face Chicago. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts came up just short in a tightly contested game, but Joe Flacco’s impressive comeback continues to impress. He threw for 381 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions, helping the Colts’ offense look more efficient under his leadership. A potential quarterback controversy could be brewing in Indianapolis. Next, the Colts head to Tennessee. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
CHIEFS 26 — SAINTS 13
The big story was Kareem Hunt’s triumphant return to Kansas City, stepping in for the injured Isiah Pacheco. Hunt delivered an impressive performance, rushing for 117 yards and scoring a touchdown, helping the Chiefs maintain their position as the top team in the NFL. Kansas City now heads into their bye week.
New Orleans, on the other hand, was completely outclassed. Alvin Kamara struggled, managing just 26 rushing yards with no touchdowns, and to add to their troubles, Derek Carr exited the game due to injury. Next, the Saints host Tampa Bay, and my pick for that matchup: the Buccaneers.
Rod Rioja 