This game highlighted Washington’s potential to rise as an elite team. Despite Baltimore’s explosive offensive performance and our defense struggling to contain them, the Ravens only managed to win by a single score. Even with their high-powered offense, they could only beat us by a touchdown, showing how close the game truly was.
Jayden Daniels had another stellar outing, finishing with 291 total yards, 2 TDs, and no turnovers. The absence of Brian Robinson at running back was noticeable, as our ground game was ineffective. Austin Ekeler was held to just 21 yards on 9 carries, and Jeremy McNicholas was barely utilized. It’s puzzling why Chris Rodriguez hasn’t been activated, as he showed flashes of his potential last season. On the bright side, the offensive line continues to exceed early-season expectations, which is a pleasant surprise.
Defensively, we had no answer for Derrick Henry, which is concerning given the expectations placed on our upgraded defense. Making matters worse, Jonathan Allen’s season-ending injury creates a significant hole on the defensive front. Allen has been a consistent and solid presence, so his loss is a big blow. It’ll be interesting to see how the coaching staff addresses this issue moving forward.
The silver lining is that Baltimore is likely the toughest opponent Washington will face all season, and the remaining schedule looks very favorable. This team should now be aiming for a deep playoff run.
Next up, Washington hosts Carolina. The Panthers are a dangerous team, wounded and looking for a spark to turn their season around. With Andy Dalton’s experience, Carolina could stay competitive, but Washington should take control and put up at least 35 points in what should be a convincing win.
My pick: the Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 23 — RAVENS 30
And for the rest of the league…..
EAGLES 20 — BROWNS 16
The Eagles eked out a narrow, lucky win against Cleveland. Once considered early-season favorites for a Super Bowl run, Philadelphia’s star-studded roster has been underperforming. With growing pressure on head coach Nick Sirianni, his job could soon be in jeopardy. Next, the Eagles visit the Giants. My pick: Philadelphia Eagles.
As for the Browns, they should have won this game despite Deshaun Watson’s lackluster performance at quarterback. It was Cleveland’s defense that kept them in the game, nearly securing a win. Next, Cleveland host Cincinnati. My pick: Cleveland Browns.
LIONS 47 — COWBOYS 9
Dallas was completely dismantled yet again, and the team is unraveling. The Cowboys could only muster three field goals, with Dak Prescott delivering an abysmal performance. Even owner Jerry Jones is losing it, going as far as threatening to fire radio show hosts for asking tough questions. Next, Dallas heads into their bye week.
The Detroit Lions dominated Dallas in every aspect of the game, running 5-6 trick plays that embarrassed the Cowboys. Jared Goff lit up the defense with 320 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Unfortunately, star defender Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury. Next, Detroit visits Minnesota. My pick: Minnesota Vikings.
BENGALS 17 — NY GIANTS 7
For Cincinnati, this was a season-saving victory, helping keep their playoff hopes alive. However, lingering offensive struggles remain a major concern. Next, Cincinnati visits Cleveland. My pick: Cleveland Browns.
The New York Giants are slowly slipping into mediocrity, largely due to the underwhelming performance of their overpaid quarterback, Daniel Jones. On the bright side, their defense continues to be a strong point and should keep them competitive in games. Next, the Giants host Philadelphia. My pick: Philadelphia Eagles.
49ERS 36 — SEAHAWKS 24
A huge divisional win for San Francisco, as their offense showed more balance than in recent weeks. The 49ers got solid production from their receivers, and their ground game was much more effective. Brock Purdy also avoided costly turnovers, which helped secure the victory. Next, San Francisco hosts Kansas City. My pick: San Francisco 49ers.
Geno Smith has looked uncomfortable in recent games, and this one was no different. He finished with 312 yards, one touchdown, and two turnovers, while Kenneth Walker managed just 32 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks are starting to resemble a team in rebuild mode. Next, Seattle visits Atlanta. My pick: Atlanta Falcons.
STEELERS 32 — RAIDERS 13
Pittsburgh bounced back from a narrow Week 5 loss with a much-improved ground game. Najee Harris led the charge, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown, while Justin Fields contributed 204 total yards, two scores, and no turnovers. Despite Fields’ solid performance, head coach Mike Tomlin made a surprising announcement: Russell Wilson will take first-team reps heading into Week 7. Next, Pittsburgh hosts the New York Jets. My pick: New York Jets.
For the Raiders, it’s officially panic time. After an embarrassing Week 3 loss to Carolina, Las Vegas rebounded in Week 4, but back-to-back defeats in Weeks 5 and 6 have them looking toward next season. The team has already traded Davante Adams to the Jets, and rumors are swirling that Maxx Crosby may also be on the move. Next, Las Vegas visits the Rams. My pick: Los Angeles Rams.
BEARS 35 — JAGUARS 16
Chicago has now notched three straight wins, with Caleb Williams delivering another impressive performance, throwing for 282 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 turnover. At 4-2, the Bears are emerging as serious contenders in the NFC North. Next, Chicago has a bye week.
Jacksonville had a rough outing in London. Trevor Lawrence’s performance was comparable to Williams, finishing with 251 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. However, the Jaguars’ ground game was nonexistent, further hampering their offensive efforts. Next, they stay in London to take on New England. My pick: Jacksonville Jaguars.
TEXANS 41 — PATRIOTS 21
The Texans built a comfortable 27-7 lead by the middle of the third quarter, and while New England managed a couple of late scores, Houston was never truly threatened. The Texans continue their impressive rise in the AFC. Next, they visit Green Bay. My pick: Green Bay Packers.
As for the Patriots, their rebuilding struggles persist, and expectations for the season remain low. Throwing rookie quarterback Drake Maye into this chaotic situation doesn’t bode well for his development. Next, New England heads to London to face Jacksonville. My pick: Jacksonville Jaguars.
PACKERS 24 — CARDINALS 13
Green Bay has now won back-to-back games, making the AFC North one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. Jordan Love is gradually finding his groove, finishing with 271 total yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Next, the Green Bay host Houston. My pick: Green Bay Packers.
Arizona managed to move the ball effectively but trailed for most of the game. Kyler Murray struggled to ignite the offense, and Marvin Harrison Jr. was largely a non-factor. Next, Arizona hosts the LA Rams. My pick: LA Rams.
BUCCANEERS 51 — SAINTS 27
Tampa Bay easily dismantled New Orleans in a dominant performance. Baker Mayfield played with reckless abandon, finishing with 354 total yards, 4 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Despite the turnovers, his aggressive style kept the Buccaneers in control. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Baltimore. My pick: Baltimore Ravens.
New Orleans, meanwhile, was thoroughly outmatched. Alvin Kamara struggled to get anything going, managing just 40 rushing yards and a touchdown. New starting quarterback Spencer Rattler also failed to ignite the offense. Next, New Orleans host Denver. My pick: Denver Broncos.
FALCONS 38 — PANTHERS 20
This game was much closer than the final score indicates. It took a dominant 4th quarter for Atlanta to finally pull away from Carolina. The Falcons’ ground game was unstoppable, with Tyler Allgeier rushing for 105 yards and 1 touchdown, while Bijan Robinson added 95 yards and 2 scores. Up next, Atlanta faces Seattle, and my pick is the Falcons.
On the other side, the Panthers put up a valiant fight. Andy Dalton continues to offer steady veteran leadership to this young offense, but Carolina still has a long road ahead to return to contention. Next, Carolina visits Washington. My pick: Washington Commanders
COLTS 20 — TITANS 17
Joe Flacco continues his late-career resurgence with another strong performance, guiding this injury-riddled team to impressive wins, backed by an emerging defensive unit. Next, Indianapolis hosts Miami. My pick: Miami Dolphins.
The Titans are slowly making a case for being the worst team in the NFL. Will Levis has struggled mightily this season, and Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tyler Boyd have all been non-factors. Tennessee desperately needs to find a way to spark their offense. Next, Tennessee visits Buffalo. My pick: Buffalo Bills.
LA CHARGERS 23 — BRONCOS 16
The Chargers built a commanding 23-0 lead through three quarters, and while Denver mounted multiple scoring drives in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles never truly lost control of the game. Next, the Chargers visit Arizona. My pick: LA Chargers.
Denver’s three-game winning streak came to a halt, compounded by the early loss of Patrick Surtain to a concussion. Rookie QB Bob Nix struggled to generate offense, and the Broncos trailed throughout most of the game. This divisional loss stings for Denver. Next, Denver visits New Orleans. My pick: Denver Broncos.
BILLS 23 — NY JETS 20
Buffalo secured a hard-fought win, snapping a two-game losing streak and temporarily quieting the calls for Sean McDermott’s removal. At 4-2, the Bills remain atop the AFC East. Next, Buffalo visits Tennessee. My pick: Buffalo Bills.
For the Jets, this marked their third consecutive loss. In response, they traded for Davante Adams to reunite him with Aaron Rodgers, hoping to spark their struggling offense. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich faces the tough challenge of salvaging the season. Next, the Jets visit Pittsburgh. My pick: New York Jets.
Rod Rioja 