NFL Week 6 kickoff times, TV info, betting lines
Game to watch
Dallas Cowboys (4-1) at Green Bay Packers (3-1)
TV: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, (Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews)
Line: Packers by 4
Injuries of note: Packers RB Eddie Lacy, who injured his ankle vs. the Giants, is expected to play Sunday. Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (knee) says he’ll play if he’s able, though coach Jason Garrett sounded somewhat skeptical Friday.
Key to the game: QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott have established themselves as two of the best rookies in Cowboys history. Elliott recorded has averaged 8.9 yards a carry and leads the NFL with 546 rush yards. Prescott hasn’t thrown a pick in 155 attempts and has accounted for seven TDs. But the Packers defense is the NFL’s best against the run, allowing 42.8 yards a game and has 14 sacks in four games. This is a classic strength-vs.-strength matchup.
Player to watch: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. With top target Jordy Nelson back after losing all of last season to injury, the consensus was Rodgers would again fling the ball around like it’s 2014. But the two-time NFL MVP’s .561 completion percentage and 87.7 rating are his worst since he became a starter in 2008.
Quote: “He’s done an excellent job (of) leading our football team. When you have a young quarterback like that a big part of it is everybody believing in him, and him doing things necessary to earn that trust and that belief.” – Cowboys coach Jason Garrett on Prescott
San Francisco 49ers (1-4) at Buffalo Bills (3-2)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox (Dick Stockton, David Diehl, Kristina Pink)
Line: Bills by 8.
Injuries of note: Bills DT Marcell Dareus (hamstring) is doubtful.
Keys to the game: The Bills had four sacks Sunday, giving them 17, four fewer than they had in 16 games last year. ... Niners coach Chip Kelly is starting Colin Kaepernick at QB for the first time this season.
By the numbers: The Bills have averaged 178 rushing yards since Anthony Lynn replaced Greg Roman as offensive coordinator before Week 3. Buffalo rushed for an average of 75.5 yards in its first two games.
Quote: “Offensively, we need to be better and we need to just make a move. It’s not Blaine’s fault. I think it’s just as a group, offensively, we need to be better in a lot of ways, so we’re going to see what we can do to make a move here.” – 49ers coach Kelly on replacing starting QB Blaine Gabbert with Kaepernick.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) at Washington Redskins (3-2)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox (Kenny Albert, John Lynch, Pam Oliver)
Line: Eagles by 3
Injuries of note: Redskins TE Jordan Reed is in concussion protocol, didn't practice this week and is listed as questionable. CB Bashaud Breeland (ankle) expected to play; Eagles DL Fletcher Cox (ankle) expects to play.
Key to the game: The Eagles’ 33.3% third-down conversion rate is tied for 26th in the league, and Washington’s 37.9% isn’t much better. The difference is on defense. Philadelphia is third best, allowing 32.5%, while Redskins are dead last at 48.4%. They did, however, hold Baltimore to 3-for-15 (20%) last week.
Quote: “When I wake up at 5:30 in the morning and (Jackson) is standing outside my garage with a baseball bat, I think I better get him the ball, you know?” - Redskins coach Jay Gruden, joking about the need to get the ball to DeSean Jackson more
Cleveland Browns (0-5) at Tennessee Titans (2-3)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Tom McCarthy, Adam Archuleta)
Line: Titans by 7
Injuries of note: Browns OG Joel Bitonio (sprained foot) went onto injured reserve Friday.
Key to the game: Both passing attacks tend to lean heavily on playmaker tight ends (Tennessee’s Delanie Walker and Cleveland’s Gary Barnidge), but opening up the field and effectively moving the chains with pass completions of 15 yards or more will be crucial. Tennessee’s longest pass completion to a wide receiver Sunday was for 11 yards, while only one Browns receiver made a catch longer than 15 yards vs. New England.
Player to watch: Browns WR Terrelle Pryor. The Patriots contained Cleveland’s most effective playmaker to 48 receiving yards, 3 rushing yards and 5 passing yards, but if the Titans don’t have similar success, he could be the X-factor.
Quote: “I think it’s important to get a win because you don’t want the losses to snowball. It’s important to stop the bleeding, we’re 0-5 right now, that’s who we are and we own it.” - Thomas on the Browns being the last winless team in the league
Baltimore Ravens (3-2) at New York Giants (2-3)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl)
Line: Giants by 3
Injuries of note: Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul (groin) is questionable; RB Rashad Jennings (thumb) is likely to play. For the Ravens, KR Devin Hester (thigh), LB C.J. Mosley (thigh), WR Steve Smith (ankle), T Ronnie Stanley (foot) and G Marshal Yanda (shoulder) are all doubtful.
Story line: Ravens coach John Harbaugh fired offensive coordinator Marc Trestman and replaced him with QB coach Marty Mornhinweg. Trestman’s offense averaged 18.7 points during his 21 games as Ravens coordinator. The last time Harbaugh changed coordinators during the season was in 2012, when he replaced Cam Cameron with Jim Caldwell after a three-game skid. The Ravens went on to win the Super Bowl.
Key to the game: Giants QB Eli Manning has two TD passes in the last four games, and the Giants rank 27th in points scored (17.8 a game). Poor protection and lack of a run game (83.6 rushing yards a game) have hurt, but so have Manning’s inconsistent throws. Another erratic outing could spell disaster for the slumping Giants.
By the numbers: Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. has one TD catch in five games this season. Before that, he had 25 in 27 career games.
Quote: “I am getting some good reps out there practicing with the offense, getting in the flow of things and getting ready for Baltimore. I prepare every single week like I am carrying the load, no matter what, that is just my mentality.” - Jennings on the possibility of playing vs. the Ravens
Carolina Panthers (1-4) at New Orleans Saints (1-3)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox (Sam Rosen, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin)
Line: Panthers by 3
Injuries of note: Saints DB Erik Harris (torn ACL) had surgery and is out for the season. Panthers QB Cam Newton (concussion) is questionable as is RB Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) and WR Kelvin Benjamin (knee), but coach Ron Rivera is optimistic they will play.
Story line: A cloud of uncertainty still hovers over Newton. Will the reigning league MVP return from his concussion after being scratched against Tampa Bay? Or will backup QB Derek Anderson be under center again?
Player to watch: Newton. The Panthers’ undisputed leader says he will try to do a better job of protecting himself in the pocket and on the run when he returns. Whether he is able to integrate a renewed sense of restraint remains to be seen. Playing safe and flying under the radar haven't been consistent with his style thus far.
By the numbers: 4-11. The Saints' home record in their last 15 games, dating to 2014, including losses to the Oakland Raiders (35-34) and Atlanta Falcons (45-32) this season and losses to Carolina in 2015 (41-38) and 2014 (41-10). Before that, the Saints had 11 consecutive home wins.
Quote: “There’s no pressure at all. We just have to do what we do and execute the gameplan. ... We feed off the crowd and the hype.” – Saints WR Willie Snead on playing at home.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) at Chicago Bears (1-4)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein)
Line: Bears by 3
Injuries of note: Bears QB Jay Cutler (thumb) and RB Jeremy Langford (ankle) are doubtful.
Player to watch: Bears WR Cameron Meredith. Filling in for injured Kevin White, the 2015 undrafted free agent Meredith had a career day — nine catches for 130 yards and a TD — but lost a critical fourth-quarter fumble, his second giveaway on 15 catches this season.
Key to the game: These one-win teams are making far too many mistakes. Jaguars QB Blake Bortles has eight total TDs to seven turnovers. And although Bears QB Brian Hoyer has played clean, the Bears couldn’t overcome Meredith’s fumble and PK Connor Barth’s third missed field goal in eight tries. Whichever team stays out of its own way figures to notch win No. 2.
By the numbers: 145. Jacksonville was penalized 11 times for 145 yards in London, the most by any team this season. Chicago is coming off its most-penalized outing (10 for 80 yards).
Quote: "It kind of is what it is and everybody on the team knows that Brian Hoyer is the quarterback right now and that's where our focus is going. I think Jay (Cutler) understands, too. Moving forward, I can't predict the future, otherwise I'd be in a different line of work.” – Coach John Fox on the Bears' QB situation
Los Angeles Rams (3-2) at Detroit Lions (2-3)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox (Justin Kutcher, Charles Davis/Chris Spielman, Peter Schrager)
Line: Lions by 3
Injuries of note: Lions DT Haloti Ngata (shoulder), TE Eric Ebron (ankle, knee), LB DeAndre Levy (quadricep, knee), RB Theo Riddick (ankle) and Rams CB Trumaine Johnson (ankle) are out.
Key to the game: Rams RB Todd Gurley broke out for 140 rushing yards and two TDs when these teams met last season but is averaging 2.7 yards and has yet to break the 100-yard barrier this season. Is he due for a breakout game?
By the numbers: Three times in the last eight drafts, one of these teams has owned the No. 1 overall pick. On all three occasions, they chose quarterbacks — Detroit took Matthew Stafford in 2009, and the Rams chose Sam Bradford in 2010 and Jared Goff this year.
Quote: “Obviously, he’s a guy that has had production. He’s certainly a guy who can create some space. He’s a tough runner, he can catch the ball. There’s a number of things we think he’ll be able to do for us.” — Lions coach Jim Caldwell on RB Justin Forsett, who was signed Wednesday.
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) at Miami Dolphins (1-4)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots, Chris Fischer)
Line: Steelers by 8
Injuries of note: Steelers DE Cameron Heyward (hamstring) is out; Dolphins TE Jordan Cameron (concussion) is not expected to play, but RB Arian Foster (hamstring) could return.
Key to the game: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is playing with poise and confidence. The return of Le’Veon Bell has given him an extra weapon, and Roethlisberger certainly isn’t afraid to throw it deep. With Antonio Brown and Sammie Coates making plays, the Dolphins have to be on alert for a Steelers home run.
By the numbers: 6. Miami QB Ryan Tannehill was sacked six times last week by the Tennessee Titans. The Dolphins had a makeshift offensive line and were playing from behind, but Tannehill has been caught holding the ball too long.
Quote: “Roethlisberger is a very slippery quarterback. ... If he gets outside the pocket he can hurt you. At the end of the day he’s a weapon we have to contain.” – Dolphins DT Ndamukong Suh.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) at New England Patriots (4-1)
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS (Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Evan Washburn)
Line: Patriots by 9
Injuries of note: Bengals WR A.J. Green (calf) returned to practice Thursday and expects to play, but TE Tyler Eifert (ankle, back) still isn't ready. A host of Patriots were listed as questionable, including: TE Martellus Bennett (ankle), RB LeGarrette Blount (hip), LB Jamie Collins (hip), WR Julian Edelman (foot), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (right shoulder) and TE Rob Gronkowski (hamstring, illness).
Key to the game: The Bengals haven’t been able to create big plays with anyone besides Green, and the Patriots have long made a living on taking away the opponent’s best option. The Bengals and Green will have to find a way to beat double teams.
By the numbers: 8. Last week was Patriots QB Tom Brady’s eighth career game topping 400 yards passing. With the way Cincinnati played defense against Dallas, don’t rule out a ninth such effort this week.
Quote: “The Patriot Way when I was there was do your job. Find any and every way to win. Be consistent. Play at a high level. Expect the highest from yourself and the man next to you and be reliable.” – Former Patriot and now Bengals WR Brandon LaFell
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (4-1)
TV: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS (Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon)
Line: Raiders by 1
Injuries of note: Raiders RB Latavius Murray (turf toe) won't play.
Key to the game: Oakland is averaging 28.4 points a game and has scored more than 30 twice. The Raiders aren’t consistent with the running game, but seven players have 10 or more receptions as QB Derek Carr is spreading the ball around. He has two interceptions and a passer rating of 102.3.
By the numbers: 15-2. Andy Reid-coached teams in Philadelphia and Kansas City are 15-2 in the first game back after their bye. Reid’s overall regular-season winning percentage as a head coach is .592. It’s .882 in the game after the bye.
Quote: “It’s great to be 4-1 and have a share of first place. I think we see a lot of things that we need to do better as we go forward. ... I’m happy with that because anything short of that would be unrealistic.” – Raiders coach Jack Del Rio
Atlanta Falcons (4-1) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
TV: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox (Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale)
Line: Seahawks by 6
Injuries of note: Falcons LBs Deion Jones, De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) are expected to play. Seahawks RB Thomas Rawls (fibula) is still out.
Key to the game: Atlanta had six sacks against Denver’s injury-riddled offensive line. OLB Vic Beasley led with 3½. Suffice to say, the Seahawks have taken notice and will do their best to protect QB Russell Wilson, who has been sacked nine times in four games and plagued by leg injuries.
By the numbers: 115.6. Wilson’s passer rating over the last 12 games. He is completing 66.8% of his passes, with 30 TD passes and three interceptions over that time, including 65.4%, five TDs and one pick this season.
Matchup to watch: Falcons WR Julio Jones vs. Seahawks CB Richard Sherman. This must-see matchup drips with intrigue, pitting two of the best players at their positions against each other. Jones reduced Carolina’s secondary to rubble (12 catches, 300 yards, one TD) two weeks ago while Sherman hopes to add to his team-high two interceptions.
Quote: “I feel a little bit uncomfortable talking about me. I just so want it to be about our guys, the team.” – Falcons coach Dan Quinn on returning to Seattle for the first time since he won a Super Bowl there as the Seahawks' defensive coordinator.
Indianapolis Colts (2-2) at Houston Texans (3-2)
TV: Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC (Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya)
Line: Texans by 3
Injuries of note: Colts WR Donte Moncrief (shoulder) is still out, but expect WR T.Y. Hilton (hip) to play. WR Will Fuller (hamstring), CB Kareem Jackson (hamstring) T Derek Newton (ankle) are questionable for Houston.
Key to the game: In this rivalry, the games usually are won by the team that protects the ball best and makes plays on the defensive side. It’s been five years since the winner of this matchup committed more turnovers and still managed to win.
By the numbers: 7-1. Colts QB Andrew Luck has thrown one touchdown pass in the first half of games and seven in the second half this season.
Quote: “I think this team can be a good football team, but I have to do a much better job.” – Texans head coach Bill O’Brien.
New York Jets (1-4) at Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
TV: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN (Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters)
Line: Cardinals by 8
Injuries of note: Jets WR Eric Decker was placed on IR this week. C Nick Mangold (knee), LB David Harris (hamstring) are doubtful, but CB Darrelle Revis returned to practice. Cardinals QB Carson Palmer and LB Kevin Minter cleared concussion protocol. OGs Evan Mathis and Mike Iupati are out.
Key to the game: A couple of turnover-prone quarterbacks, Arizona’s Palmer, and the Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick, could open the door for some tide-turning plays. Arizona is one of the league leaders in interceptions, so Fitzpatrick needs to take better care of the football. Both defenses can get to the passer. Footballs could be up for grabs.
By the numbers: 25. Points per game scored by the Cardinals this season, 11th in the NFL, but a far cry from the 38 ppg this team attained over the first five games of last season.
Quote: "It's tough. You can't really replace Eric Decker. He's his own talent but we've got a lot of talented young guys. ... We all know what they're capable of." – WR Quincy Enunwa, who rises to No. 2 opposite Brandon Marshall.
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