Saints, Steelers worth watching in Week 6

USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell breaks down the keys for Week 6 across the NFL:

WHO’S HOT

Drew Brees. The Saints head into Sunday’s game against the Lions looking to become the first team in NFL history to open the season with five consecutive games without committing a turnover. That reflects how careful Brees has been with the football in helping New Orleans transition out of another early-season funk (0-2) to suddenly get back into the potential playoff stratosphere. Just as striking as the turnover stat is this factoid: Beat the Lions, and the Sean Payton’s team will get above .500 for the first time since 2013. The Saints have been doomed by ugly beginnings in recent years, but with the defense suddenly playing better the past two games, they have reason to hope that this is the year they finally produce another winning record. Then again, Detroit looms as a trap, even with Matthew Stafford hobbling. The Lions, whose defense has feasted on turnovers this season, have won the past three meetings against the Saints.

PRESSURE’S ON

Ben Roethlisberger. After a disastrous, five-interception performance last weekend that was arguably the worst of his career, followed by the armchair psychoanalysis that persisted after Roethlisberger cracked about not “having it anymore,” the heat is on the Steelers’ quarterback. No, Big Ben hasn’t been as prolific as we’ve often seen him (6 TDs, 7 INTs, 75.8 passer rating), but it’s still too early – and there’s too much healthy talent around him -- to panic. Remember, the entire Steelers’ offense has been slow to find its rhythm. Le’Veon Bell, the multi-tasking running back who missed training camp and the preseason amid a contract matter, could be the biggest key for relieving pressure and helping Roethlisberger get out of his funk. Bell hasn’t been himself, either. All of which makes the Steelers mighty dangerous heading into Sunday’s game against Kansas City. Pittsburgh swept both matchups against the Chiefs last season, including the divisional playoff game at Arrowhead. Now the Chiefs may loom as the perfect matchup for Ben and Co. to send the statement that they remain the top contender that many envisioned them to be.

KEY MATCHUP

Mike Evans vs. Patrick Peterson. Chances are good that with the Bucs coming to town, the Cardinals will assign Peterson, arguably the NFL’s best cornerback, to shadow the prolific Evans, maybe the most athletically-gifted wideout in the game. Generally, Peterson doesn’t get many balls thrown in his direction. But Jameis Winston will have to occasionally try it, nonetheless, with the 6-foot, 5-inch Evans providing such an inviting radius. The Cardinals should be more worried about whether Justin Bethel can handle the other Tampa Bay receiver, speed merchant DeSean Jackson. Chances are that he can’t. If Winston and Jackson can establish the flow they’ve been seeking, it could be the big swing factor. Then there’s the other Peterson in the mix for Arizona. Just-acquired Adrian Peterson makes his Cardinals debut against a Bucs defense solidified by two of the best young linebackers in the game, Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander.

NEXT MAN UP

Roger Lewis and Tavares King. Who? With ankle injuries decimating the Giants receiving corps last week – Odell Beckham, Jr. and Brandon Marshall are done for the season, while Sterling Shepard is hobbling – Lewis finished the loss against the Chargers last weekend as the only receiver on the field. King has since been called up from the practice squad. And now the patched up receiver corps has a Sunday night encounter into the “No Fly Zone” of the Denver defense as the winless Giants looks to pull off a shocker.

ROOKIE WATCH

Aaron Jones. Packers starting running back Ty Montgomery is expected to return for Sunday’s NFC North showdown at Minnesota after missing a week to nurse fractured ribs. The converted receiver causes so many issues with his skill in the passing game. But Jones, a fifth-round pick from Texas El-Paso, showed during a 19-carry, 125-yard outing at Dallas that he has plenty to offer with his quick burst and decisive running. The 125 yards were more than Green Bay had rushed for in the past seven games combined.

STAT’S THE FACT

With Mitchell Trubisky heading to the Big ATM on the heels of his NFL debut for the Bears last Monday night, it’s time for a warning: Under John Harbaugh, the Ravens are 10-0 against rookie quarterbacks.