NFL Week 6: Momentum, Mayfield, and Meltdowns

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Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season was a collision of chaos, grit, and revelation — the kind of Sunday that reshapes storylines and exposes truths. From London to Los Angeles, defenses dominated, quarterbacks crumbled, and unexpected heroes seized the spotlight. The Broncos unleashed a historic defensive masterpiece overseas, Baker Mayfield turned back the clock in Tampa, and rookies across the league proved they belong on the biggest stage. It was a weekend that reminded fans — in this league, momentum is a myth and every Sunday rewrites the script.

Denver dominates in London — Jets embarrassed.

In a game that felt like a statement, the Broncos edged the Jets 13–11 in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The story wasn’t just about the close margin — it was about Denver’s defense crushing New York’s offense. The Broncos recorded nine sacks, held the Jets to -10 passing yards (that’s right, negative), and completely shoved Justin Fields around.

Inside the chaos, quarterback Bo Nix threw an early touchdown pass, and Wil Lutz delivered a late 57-yard field goal to seal it.

2. Baker Mayfield shines, Buccaneers push through injuries

Despite missing top weapons (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka among them), Baker Mayfield orchestrated a 30–19 win over the 49ers. He threw for 256 yards and two scores, while Tampa’s defense roughed up Mac Jones, dropping him with six sacks and forcing two interceptions.

Tampa Bay improved to 5–1, one of its best starts in recent memory.

3. Heartbreaker finishes & emerging narratives

- Bears 25, Commanders 24: In Monday Night Football, Chicago beat Washington on a 38-yard game-winner by rookie kicker Jake Moody as the clock expired. Despite nine penalties and a chaotic game, the Bears held on.

- Falcons 24, Bills 14: Atlanta’s defense put the clamps on Josh Allen (just 14 points allowed), while Bijan Robinson exploded with 170+ rushing yards (including an 81-yard TD). Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. also played efficiently.

- Steelers 23, Browns 9: Pittsburgh exploited rest edges and mismatches. The Browns, still recovering from their London trip, looked flat. The Steelers outgained them and forced turnovers.

- Panthers upset Cowboys: With a last-second field goal, Carolina stunned Dallas in a wild finish. Bryce Young delivered when it mattered.

Standouts & Storylines

Winners

Denver’s defensive resurrection — Turning in one of the most dominant front-seven performances of the young season.
Baker Mayfield’s resurgence — Without his stars, Tampa leaned on his poise and clutch fourth-quarter play.
Falcons defense plus Robinson’s breakout — A combo that blew open what had been an up-and-down season.
Chicago’s comeback DNA — Two straight wins by the skin of their teeth — that kind of grit builds identity.

Losers & warning flags

Jets collapse in the fundamentals — Nine sacks, negative passing yards — that’s a blueprint for despair.
49ers hit by injury & inconsistency — The loss of Fred Warner (ankle injury) looms as a season-altering blow.
Cowboys in disarray — To lose late at home is one thing; to do it in glamorous fashion adds insult.
Browns can’t build momentum — Travel, turnovers, and uninspired play continue to sink their season.

What We Learned, What’s Next

The balance of power is fluid

Week 6 showed us just how fast things can shift. Teams that looked solid last week got exposed. Momentum is fickle, and every injury or collapse compounds.

Defense still wins

Denver’s near-shutout, Tampa’s blowups of Mac Jones, and the Falcons’ ability to limit Allen — all speak to this season’s defensive resurgence. Offenses are powerful, but stop one, and get yourself in the win column.

Quarterbacks under the microscope

Mayfield is reminding us why he was once at the top of MVP conversations.
Penix is maturing under pressure in Atlanta’s scheme.
Fields in New York? He’s under siege — maybe the league’s most tortured quarterback right now.

Running backs matter

Robinson’s 170+ yard day, fresh life from Cam Skattebo in New York, and Denver leaning on their ground game — backs that can carry games are back in fashion.