The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
NFL WEEK 6 PRIMER
Broncos (1-3) at Patriots (2-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
BetMGM.com line: Patriots by 10 Broncos’ keys: On defense, the Broncos need OLBs Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed to generate pressure; Denver has 10 sacks. Patriots’ keys: In a contest that could turn out to be a defensive struggle, the Patriots will need to establish a strong running game to keep Denver’s offense off the field.
– Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
Bears (4-1) at Panthers (3-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
BetMGM.com line: Panthers by 1 Panthers’ keys: Need pass rushers like DE Stephen Weatherly and DE Yetur Gross-Matos to get more pressure.
Bears’ keys: QB Nick Foles must be more consistent against what’s been a surprisingly solid Carolina pass defense. Defensively, shut down speedy WR Robby Anderson.
– Tim Weaver, Panthers Wire
Bengals (1-3-1) at Colts (3-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
BetMGM.com line: Colts by 71⁄
2
Colts’ keys: Control the line of scrimmage with rookie RB Jonathan Taylor and mix in RB Nyheim Hines with the passing game.
Bengals’ keys: Keeping rookie QB Joe Burrow clean will be no easy task against the Colts, who are among the leaders in pressure rate.
– Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire
Lions (1-3) at Jaguars (1-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
BetMGM.com line: Lions by 31⁄
2 Jaguars’ keys: Feeding RB James Robinson will help win the timeof-possession battle, which will protect their lackluster defense.
Lions’ keys: Detroit’s most effective pass catcher has been TE T.J. Hockenson, and the Jaguars haven’t covered tight ends all that well.
– James Johnson, Jaguars Wire
Falcons (0-5) at Vikings (1-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
BetMGM.com line: Vikings by 41⁄
2 Falcons’ keys: Even amid the turmoil of firing coach Dan Quinn, Atlanta has a high-octane offense that can take full advantage of the Vikings. Vikings’ keys: Run the ball. If RB Dalvin Cook (groin) can’t go, Alexander Mattison could still help Minnesota stay on the field against down-and-out Atlanta.
– Jack White, Vikings Wire
Washington (1-4) at Giants (0-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
BetMGM.com line: Giants by 21⁄
2 Giants’ keys: Establish the run with RB Devonta Freeman and take pressure off QB Daniel Jones for run-pass option plays, an area where the unit has found its only real success. Washington’s keys: Put pressure on Jones, limit the run and force the New York offense into making mistakes.
– Dan Benton, Giants Wire
Ravens (4-1) at Eagles (1-3-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
BetMGM.com line: Ravens by 71⁄
2 Ravens’ keys: Make Eagles QB Carson Wentz uncomfortable with complex blitz schemes. On offense, look to get QB Lamar Jackson going by implementing run-pass options. Eagles’ keys: Need Wentz to make accurate decisions under pressure in the passing game – something he has struggled with.
– Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
Browns (4-1) at Steelers (4-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
BetMGM.com line: Steelers by 3 Browns’ keys: Continue to get consistent play out of QB Baker Mayfield. When he is on, the entire offense takes it up a notch.
Steelers’ keys: Rookie WR Chase Claypool has come on strong, and his combination of size and speed will be difficult for the Browns’ secondary.
– Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
Texans (1-4) at Titans (4-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
BetMGM.com line: Titans by 31⁄
2
Titans’ keys: Attack with RB Derrick Henry, which will also keep the Houston offense off the field and protect a defense that is suspect at best. Texans’ keys: Deshaun Watson should challenge a shaky secondary early and often. Defensively, Houston has to do a better job of stopping the run.
– Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire
Jets (0-5) at Dolphins (2-3)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Dolphins by 91⁄
2
Jets’ keys: Generate a ground game and free up the intermediate passing game to allow WR Jamison Crowder to create plays underneath.
Dolphins’ keys: Look to exploit the Jets’ lack of depth in the secondary. WR DeVante Parker continues to shine after a big breakout season in 2019.
– Kyle Crabbs, Dolphins Wire
Packers (4-0) at Bucs (3-2)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, Fox
BetMGM.com line: Packers by 1 Packers’ keys: Replicate what the Bears were able to do, get after QB Tom Brady and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. Buccaneers’ keys: In an ugly loss to the Bears, Tampa Bay’s offensive line had its worst game in pass protection. The defense must create consistent pressure on QB Aaron Rodgers.
– Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire
Rams (4-1) at 49ers (2-3)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC BetMGM.com line: Rams by 3
Rams’ keys: They’re the better, healthier team, so the key will be QB Jared Goff avoiding turnovers. DL Aaron Donald should have a huge game against a bad 49ers offensive line.
49ers’ keys: How QB Jimmy Garoppolo reacts after being benched. Will also need big days from RB Raheem Mostert and TE George Kittle.
– Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
Chiefs (4-1) at Bills (4-1)
Monday, 5 p.m. ET, Fox, NFL Network BetMGM.com line: Chiefs by 4
Bills’ keys: CB Tre’Davious White has to return to form and lock down WR Tyreek Hill, while slot CB Taron Johnson needs to show signs of life.
Chiefs’ keys: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire should get plenty of touches because Buffalo has problems defending the run. Who wins? Chiefs 34-31
– Nick Wojton, Bills Wire
Cardinals (3-2) at Cowboys (2-3)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN BetMGM.com line: Cardinals by 11⁄
2 Cardinals’ keys: The Dallas secondary has been miserable. It should be a perfect opportunity to force-feed DeAndre Hopkins. Cowboys’ keys: Rally behind QB Andy Dalton. This might force the Cowboys to alter their attack, which has led to a lot of yards and points but also 11 turnovers. The loss of DT Trysten Hill hurts.
– K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire