NFL Week 6 Recap: Ravens Win, Lions Dominate & More
Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels pay respect after the Ravens defeat the Commanders 30-23.
Week 6 of the NFL season delivered a rollercoaster of unexpected moments and statement performances across the league. The week opened with a compelling clash between dual-threat quarterbacks, as Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels faced off against Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson in a matchup packed with intrigue and explosiveness.
The action only escalated from there, highlighted by a showdown between the high-powered Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, chaos surrounded the New York Jets after firing head coach Robert Saleh just five weeks into the season, and the Cincinnati Bengals fought desperately to keep their playoff hopes alive.
With storylines unfolding across the league, here are my three biggest takeaways from NFL Week 6.
Should Baltimore be the AFC favorites?
Lamar Jackson throwing against the Commanders.
The Baltimore Ravens continue handling business, firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. Baltimore has now won four straight games, knocking off the Bills, Bengals, Cowboys, and Commanders.
Washington led the NFC East heading into the game, thanks to rookie Jayden Daniels, who has already generated early MVP buzz. Nonetheless, the Ravens demonstrated why they remain among the NFL’s elite.
Lamar Jackson remains the driving force behind Baltimore’s success. He’s posting his highest passer rating (107.3) and QBR (68.2) since his unanimous MVP season in 2019. His efficiency and command of the offense have elevated everyone around him.
However, Jackson isn’t doing it alone.
Derrick Henry Changes Everything
The offseason addition of Derrick Henry has transformed Baltimore’s rushing attack into a league-leading force. The Ravens rank first in rushing yards (211.2), first in yards per carry (6.1), and fourth in rushing touchdowns per game.
Henry’s old-school power running adds a punishing element that defenses struggle to contain. His ability to rip off 20+ yard runs forces opponents to stack the box, opening opportunities across the offense.
While Henry’s impact is massive, the continued growth of wide receiver Zay Flowers deserves attention. Flowers built momentum as a rookie and has taken another step forward in his second season.
Through six games, Flowers has 33 receptions for 401 yards on 48 targets. He isn’t a volume touchdown scorer, but his reliability and yards after catch remain invaluable. His 121 yards after the catch highlight his ability to extend plays and move chains.
After a slower start to the season, Flowers has surged over the past two weeks. Against the Bengals and Commanders, he averaged 121.5 receiving yards and over 14 yards per catch.
His presence stretches defenses horizontally and vertically, creating space for Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman. That balance explains why Baltimore ranks second in scoring and looks increasingly dangerous each week.
Baltimore’s run defense ranks among the NFL’s best, allowing just 60.1 rushing yards and 3.1 yards per carry per game. All-Pro defensive lineman Justin Madubuike leads a front that dominates the line of scrimmage.
However, the Ravens struggle defending the pass, ranking 31st in pass defense. Improving coverage and quarterback pressure is essential.
If Baltimore fixes its pass defense issues, it could be a legitimate Super Bowl-level unit on both sides of the ball.
Detroit destroys Dallas
David Montgomery diving into the endzone for a touchdown for the Detroit Lions against the Dallas Cowboys
Fans of the Detroit Lions have plenty to celebrate after their dominating 47-9 win over the Cowboys, marking their third straight victory. With this performance, Detroit sits second in the NFC North behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. competes with the young Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, led by promising quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jordan Love.
The Lions improved to 4-1 thanks to a powerful, versatile offense. David Montgomery maintains his dominance in the run game, while Jared Goff consistently locates targets such as Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and tight end Sam LaPorta, causing defenses to remain alert.
Cowboys Struggle Amid Injuries
Meanwhile, the Cowboys suffered their worst loss of the season. Their defense, already inconsistent, was further weakened by injuries to key players: All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons (high ankle sprain), cornerback Caelon Carson (shoulder), and linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf and shoulder). These setbacks leave Dallas vulnerable as they head into Week 7’s bye.
Despite the blowout, the Lions’ victory came with a major concern. Star defensive pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a severe leg injury, breaking his tibia and fibula. He underwent successful surgery but will miss the remainder of the season, creating a significant gap in Detroit’s pass rush.
Still, the Lions continue to build momentum and showcase why they are one of the league’s most dangerous teams this season. Fans and teammates alike are wishing Hutchinson a speedy recovery.
Caleb proves why he went No.1
Caleb Williams throwing a pass against the Jaguars .
Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Williams entered the NFL, considered the franchise’s savior over Justin Fields. Like most rookie quarterbacks, the NFL’s speed is a major adjustment. They must process reads quickly, identify coverages, and lead vocally.
Williams struggled early, throwing only three touchdowns in his first three games with a QBR below 40. However, Week 4 changed that. Against the Carolina Panthers, he threw over 300 yards, two touchdowns, and posted a QBR above 81, showing early signs of improvement.
He followed with a career-high four passing touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 79% of his passes with a QBR over 88. Williams’ improved pocket presence, ball placement, and mobility have been evident, displaying new confidence and poise over his last two games.
The Bears sit 4-2 in a competitive NFC North that includes the Vikings, Packers, and Lions, keeping playoff hopes realistic.
If Williams continues building on recent success, Chicago could become a legitimate playoff contender in the NFC North this season.
