NFL Week 6 game picks: Odds and expert predictions for every matchup

The NFL's Week 6 schedule could provide some of the clearest answers yet about the league's Super Bowl race.

Nearly a third of the 2026 regular season is complete, and the list of contenders already looks

different than it did in the preseason . The San Francisco 49ers have surged in the betting odds, the Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged as a legitimate AFC threat and several preseason favorites are already fighting to stay in the NFL playoff picture.

Week 6 also offers plenty of opportunities for those perceptions to change again. Six games have spreads of three points or fewer as of Tuesday, Oct. 13, including the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks' trip to Denver on Thursday night and an AFC South showdown between the Jaguars and Texans in London. The week also features a traditional rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers on Sunday night before the undefeated 49ers close out the league schedule against the Washington Commanders on "Monday Night Football."

Here's a look at expert picks, predictions and odds for every game on the Week 6 slate:

NFL Week 6 game predictions, picks

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 4:45 p.m. ET.

Seattle Seahawks vs Denver Broncos

• Date: Thursday, Oct. 15
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• Location: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver)
• TV: None
• Streaming: Prime Video, NFL+
• Spread: Seahawks (-2.5)

CBS Sports: Seahawks 27, Broncos 17

"Going into this game, (Seattle) has one of the best defenses in the NFL and they get to face a Broncos offense that can't get out of its own way this year. One reason the Broncos' offense has been struggling is because they keep getting off to slow starts. They've scored just 23 points in the first half this year (4.6 points per game), which is tied with the Titans – THE TITANS – for the fewest in the NFL."

BetMGM: Pick the Seahawks to win

"Denver owns a winning record despite a negative point differential. They’ve now won three games despite earning a halftime lead only once in five tries. Guess who won’t blow a halftime advantage? Seattle’s defense. Since taking over as head coach, Mike Macdonald is 21-3 when he takes a halftime lead. All three losses came in 2024."

Watch Thursday Night Football on Prime Video

Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
• Location: Wembley Stadium (London, England)
• TV: NFL Network
• Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo, NFL+
• Spread: Jaguars (-2.5)

New York Post: Take the Texans

"Houston has a divisional matchup here and they should be getting a little bit of a boost ... with their trade for Marvin Harrison Jr. ... They’re the No. 11 team in the NFL now per DVOA and while the Jaguars are rated second, this is a good spot."

CBS Sports: Texans 20, Jaguars 17

"The Texans have a chance to completely turn their season around this week. They just traded for Marvin Harrison Jr., DeMeco Ryans just started calling defensive plays again, and if they win here, they'll only be two games out of first place heading into Week 7, which is about all you can ask for when you open a season with four straight losses."

Chicago Bears vs Atlanta Falcons

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: FOX One, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo, NFL+
• Spread: Bears (-3.5)

Arizona Republic: Bears 27, Falcons 20

"The Bears don't want to fall to .500, and the Falcons don't want to go to 2-4, making this an important game. The Bears were embarrassed in their Week 5 loss to the Packers. They will play angry against the Falcons and bounce back with a win in Atlanta, especially if Caleb Williams is back for Chicago."

Sporting News: Bears 26, Falcons 20

"Which quarterbacks will be under center? Caleb Williams (groin) and Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) are dealing with injuries, and that makes this line tenuous. The Bears have a minus-7 turnover ratio the last two weeks, but they are solid against the run. That should be enough against Bijan Robinson, who leads the NFL with 580 rushing yards."

Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Huntington Bank Field (Cleveland)
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
• Spread: Ravens (-4.5)

Sports Illustrated: Back the Ravens

"There's a chance that Lamar Jackson will return for the Ravens this week, and if he does, we're going to have a great number on Baltimore at -4.5. ... Not enough people have realized how good the Ravens have played this season, ranking second in offensive success rate and eighth in opponent success rate. They are one of just four teams that rank in the top 10 in both metrics, alongside the 49ers, Rams, and Bears."

Sportsnaut: Ravens 24, Browns 17

"The hope right now from the Baltimore Ravens is that Lamar Jackson suits up, but they have to be feeling a little bit more confident now about their chances of winning with Tyler Huntley. ... Derrick Henry can be the centerpiece of this Ravens offense if Jackson is out, taking advantage of a unit that has allowed nearly 120 rushing yards per game. Cleveland can at least keep this game competitive, but Watson’s penchant for turnovers and taking sacks will prevent any real hopes of winning this one at home."

Watch live NFL games with Fubo

Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
• Spread: Colts (-7)

NFL Spin Zone: Colts 27, Titans 17

"(Jonathan) Taylor is coming off a down week against the Steelers in Week 5, so the Colts are going to make an effort to get him going against the Titans again. And if he is out there breaking tackles and busting off big runs, the Titans are in trouble. Tennessee is just looking for signs of life from quarterback Cam Ward."

Arizona Republic: Colts 30, Titans 14

"The Titans don't want to fall to 0-6, while the Colts don't want to fall to 2-4. We have no faith in Cam Ward and the Titans' ability to score. Daniel Jones and Indianapolis will win this must-win game between AFC South rivals."

Carolina Panthers vs Philadelphia Eagles

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: Paramount+, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo, NFL+
• Spread: Eagles (-1)

CBS Sports: Panthers 27, Eagles 24

"Not only do the Panthers have the scheduling advantage here, but they might actually be the better team. Through four weeks, Carolina's biggest weakness is that its defense can't stop the run. The Panthers are surrendering 156.5 yards per game on the ground, which is the second-highest number in the NFL, but if there's one team that might not be able to take advantage of that, it's the Eagles. With Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby out, the Eagles were down to their third-string running back (Will Shipley) in Week 5."

Sports Betting Dime: Panthers score an upset

"Superior offensive balance makes Carolina a standout upset target. The Panthers possess a balanced +12 point differential and average 30.3 PPG, contrasting sharply with an Eagles unit stumbling through a three-game losing streak accompanied by a -20 differential and an offense stalling at 18.4 PPG."

New York Jets vs New England Patriots

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
• Spread: Patriots (-7)

Sporting News: Patriots 24, Jets 14

"Drake Maye is coming off a 374-yard, four-TD performance against the Raiders. New York is 1-2 against the spread as an underdog this season, and this is a battle of two top-10 scoring defenses. The hook makes the Jets an interesting play here. New England, however, will have success with its multi-dimensional running game with Maye, Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson."

Sports Illustrated: Jets cover the spread

"Geno Smith has also been interesting this season. He hasn't been throwing the ball all over the field and racking up yards, but he's been accurate, ranking 10th in completion percentage over expected, and he has yet to throw an interception. Efficient play from your quarterback goes a long way in covering spreads as an underdog."

New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
• Spread: Saints (-1)

Sports Betting Dime: Giants win

"New Orleans is currently hemorrhaging 148.8 rushing yards per game and sits at -6 in turnover differential with 11 giveaways. The market incorrectly over-weights New Orleans’ early strength of schedule, undervaluing New York’s discipline and ability to dominate the line of scrimmage against a reeling run defense."

Sportsnaut: Giants 28, Saints 23

"It’s difficult to have any faith in the New Orleans Saints right now. The team is riding a three-game losing streak, and quarterback Tyler Shough has a 69.5 passer rating while averaging just 5.2 yards per attempt in the last two games. Meanwhile, defensively, New Orleans has allowed its opponents to put up a 73.5 percent completion rate, average 8.4 yards per attempt, and compile a 118.5 passer rating in the last three games, all the while allowing 103 total points (34.3 per game). Jameis Winston isn’t playing great football, but he’s giving Isaiah Likely and Malik Nabers plenty of chances to make plays."

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
• Spread: Steelers (-2.5)

ESPN: Take the points with Tampa

"Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels has completed almost 70% of his throws in his first two pro starts. He's seeing the field fast – hitting the defined reads. Todd Bowles' defense can heat up the quarterback, and it also features a top-three unit against the run. Take the points at home versus Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers."

BetMGM: Bucs cover

For the previous three games, the Steelers defense has played atrociously. Now you get them as a road favorite in a sell-high spot off a misleading victory. The Steelers offense scored 34 points against Indianapolis. However, the offense reached the red zone only twice over the entire game. ... Of the Steelers’ 352 yards, 37% came on two plays! Tampa Bay ended its four-game losing streak with a win over Dallas last Thursday. It gives Todd Bowles’ team a rest advantage over the Steelers for their Week 6 encounter."

Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
• Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
• Spread: Rams (-12.5)

Arizona Republic: Rams 38, Cardinals 24

"Matthew Stafford and the Rams can't afford to lose this game as they look to get a boost in the NFC West race, while the Cardinals, at 1-4, really need a win. The problem for Arizona is that it can't stop other teams from scoring. Los Angeles will get a critical win at home in this NFC West game."

Sports Illustrated: Cardinals can cover big spread

"The Rams have a glaring issue that cost them on Monday Night Football ... the worst special teams in the league ... for the past couple of years. If they make another blunder in Week 6, it's going to tee the Cardinals up to at least cover this big point spread. The Cardinals' defense is one of the worst in the NFL, but they have enough weapons on offense that they should be able to be at least somewhat effective in this game against a Rams team on a short week."

Los Angeles Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
• Location: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo
• Spread: Chiefs (-8)

Sporting News: Chiefs 25, Chargers 19

"The Chargers lead the NFL with 13 turnovers – an ugly stat that continues to pop up in the worst moments. The Chiefs are coming off a bye week. The Chiefs are 9-4 straight up after a bye week under Andy Reid, a trend that will continue at home with (Kenneth) Walker III providing the run support. The last four meetings have been one-score games."

Sportsnaut: Chiefs 27, Chargers 13

"Kansas City has been causing all kinds of issues for quarterbacks this season, thanks in part to a 24.2 percent pressure rate (eighth in NFL) with the sixth-lowest yards per attempt (6.2) allowed. Kansas City’s defense should be in control of this one throughout, allowing Patrick Mahomes and Kenneth Walker to just control the clock and take advantage of opportunities as they come."

Buffalo Bills vs Las Vegas Raiders

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
• Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: Paramount+, NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube), Fubo, NFL+
• Spread: Bills (-5)

BetMGM: Raiders get upset win

"Las Vegas still ranks 13th in pass offense DVOA and passes the eye test since Brock Bowers returned. The unit gets a Buffalo defense that, excluding Monday, ranked 27th in pass defense. In the Raiders’ Week 5 loss at New England, they lost because New England exploited the secondary. Right now, Buffalo lacks the passing weapons to achieve the same feat."

New York Post: Fade the Raiders

We’re fading the Raiders in every way possible until Fernando Mendoza is installed as quarterback. ... What about last week’s blowout loss to the Patriots screams that they’re better than we thought? Las Vegas went from the No. 12 team in DVOA to No. 25 with that embarrassing loss ... and that’s a more realistic spot for them going forward, and right in line with their preseason expectations."

Watch Cowboys vs. Packers with Peacock

Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
• Location: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin)
• TV: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, NFL+
• Spread: Packers (-1)

CBS Sports: Cowboys 30, Packers 27

Despite not having (Micah) Parsons, the Packers defense has actually played reasonably well this year, especially when it comes to stopping the pass. They've held three of their five opponents under 200 passing yards and no one has topped 260. That being said, the three quarterbacks they've held under 200 yards were Carson Wentz, Tyson Bagent and Jalon Daniels ... When it comes to stopping the pass, this will be the Packers' biggest test of the season."

Sports Betting Dime: Cowboys win

"Dallas profiles as an undervalued commodity fueled by elite down-to-down offensive efficiency. Despite a losing record, the Cowboys have generated 138 points (27.6 PPG) for a positive +2 point differential, spearheading the league’s top-tier passing attack (276.2 pass YPG) while converting 49.2% of their third-down opportunities behind an offensive line that has surrendered just six sacks all season. The Packers mask a negative -8 differential and an offense that ranks dead last in rushing (60.4 YPG) and third-down efficiency (a dismal 27.6% conversion rate)."

Washington Commanders vs San Francisco 49ers

• Date: Monday, Oct. 19
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• Location: Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo, NFL+
• Spread: 49ers (-7.5)

Arizona Republic: 49ers 27, Commanders 24

"The Commanders desperately need to win this game after blundering their tie against the Giants in Week 5. Easier said than done against a 49ers team that looks like it is the NFL's best so far this season. Brock Purdy will be efficient, and San Francisco hands Jayden Daniels and the Commanders a very tough loss."

CBS Sports: 49ers 34, Commanders 20

"The 49ers offense is firing on all cylinders right now, no one can cover Mike Evans and Brock Purdy is looking like an early MVP candidate. And now, Shanahan's offense gets to go up against a Commanders defense that has surrendered the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL this year."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Week 6 game picks: Odds and expert predictions for every matchup

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it. 

Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.