Week 6 NFL update: Buzz, predictions, questions, and fantasy advice | Sports

Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season has arrived, and league insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano are right here to interrupt down the largest questions, newest information and notable buzz heading into the slate of video games. Plus, they select which gamers ought to — or should not — be in your fantasy soccer lineups.

What's the newest within the aftermath of the Jets firing Robert Saleh? Which different coaches is likely to be on the recent seat? Could we see a quarterback be traded earlier than the Nov. 5 deadline, and was New England's QB1 change the appropriate name? Also, which gamers may land new contract extensions over the following couple of months? It's all right here, as Dan and Jeremy reply massive questions and empty their reporting notebooks with every little thing they've heard heading into Week 6.

Jump to a bit:
Jets rumblings | Who's on the recent seat?
QB trades | Extension watch | Maye's likelihood
Fantasy ideas | Latest buzz and notes

What are you listening to on the firing of Robert Saleh and what's subsequent for the Jets?

Graziano: I've been advised it was utterly an possession determination in New York and that it caught the remainder of the workforce unexpectedly. There has been a sense of apprehension within the Jets' constructing for the reason that offseason — a pervasive concern that individuals could be dropping their jobs if this season did not dwell as much as expectations. The vibe there was poor final week after a depressing 10-9 house loss to the Broncos, and it was grim on the journey house from London (a 23-17 loss to Minnesota) in Week 5. But individuals on the facility Monday stated issues had been beginning to really feel extra optimistic, because the 2-3 Jets started to give attention to subsequent Monday evening's alternative to maneuver right into a tie for first place within the AFC East with a victory over Buffalo. So when the information broke Tuesday morning, everybody was shocked.

Bottom line, workforce proprietor Woody Johnson feels he has a roster that may win and win massive. He felt prefer it wasn't being coached properly sufficient, and he needed to make a change earlier than it was too late and the season slipped away. The offense is not working easily, and there have been some conversations there about doable modifications on that aspect of the ball, however offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is Rodgers' favourite coach. I don't imagine there was any sort of vital rift between Rodgers and Saleh, based mostly on what I've been advised. Johnson determined there wanted to be a change in management geared toward salvaging the season. We'll all discover out collectively if he was proper. As for why it occurred now, Jeremy, do you need to handle the explanation the timing of Sunday's loss might need been an element?

Fowler: Dan, after making calls, my gauge on Saleh's firing is an easy one: Johnson determined it was time to shake issues up after the Jets produced two duds in a row, the latter of which got here in entrance of Johnson's buddies in London. The feeling is that Johnson, the previous U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, in all probability noticed that sport because the breaking level, with morale already low within the days after the loss to Denver.

One supply believed the notion that Aaron Rodgers deliberately obtained Saleh fired is “BS” and that Rodgers really advocated for Saleh on the finish of final season. The perception from some within the constructing is Saleh was good with Rodgers, regardless of the notion, together with common supervisor Joe Douglas. Maybe different components in relation to Rodgers had been at play in Johnson's analysis. But, as a separate supply stated, “It was 100% Woody.” One workforce supply believed Johnson, who did not hand-pick Saleh as a result of he was away from the workforce in 2021 whereas serving because the U.Ok. ambassador, wasn't all-in on Saleh properly earlier than his firing and had considerations in regards to the coach's ways and management.

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Why did the Jets resolve to fireplace Robert Saleh now?

Adam Schefter breaks down what went into the Jets' determination in firing Robert Saleh in the course of the season.

Others imagine that is much less about Saleh's acumen and extra in regards to the reality Johnson did not rent him and had a transparent exit technique. Do I believe Saleh's relationship with the locker room was an ideal one? No. Some chatter existed about pressure there. But this was hardly a mutiny. Much of the constructing was shocked on the information when it dropped, and Saleh was informing his employees of Johnson's determination because the information was already out. At a fundamental degree, the Jets have a small window to compete and Saleh wasn't maximizing that window.

Also, a number of individuals identified to me that each Douglas and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich are well-regarded by Johnson, who in all probability needed to present Ulbrich an prolonged look of 12 video games. Do they've a shot to be a tandem in 2025 in the event that they win? I imagine that is on the desk, and Johnson reducing ties with Saleh now opens the chances right here. Douglas is within the ultimate yr of his contract. Ulbrich's first massive determination: Keep Hackett as playcaller or elevate pass-game coordinator Todd Downing, the latter of which Saleh reportedly strongly thought of.

Are there some other head coaches on the recent seat?

Graziano: I imagine the Colts' annual loss in Jacksonville got here at a superb time for Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, whose seat is not chilly by any means. The Jaguars had excessive hopes for this season, and if the dropping begins up once more subsequent week and continues, that is the spot to observe for me.

Fowler: It's robust to overstate the significance of Pederson's first win of the season. Heading to London with an 0-5 document would have precipitated extra pressure. Showing indicators of life was big for the Jacksonville employees. Flying house from London after an unsightly loss is an uneasy proposition, too, with Saleh turning into the third coach fired after a loss on a London journey, becoming a member of Dennis Allen (Raiders in 2014) and Joe Philbin (Dolphins in 2015) earlier than him. But not less than Pederson now has respiration room after a divisional win.

Graziano: I do not assume any of the opposite one-win groups' coaches are in any near-term hazard, although I assume you by no means know in Carolina, given the proprietor's historical past. Looking forward to doable offseason modifications, the Browns may very well be a bother spot. And then there's the Philadelphia state of affairs, proper?

Fowler: Yeah, how Nick Sirianni's Eagles come out of the bye week is vital. Will modifications be made, notably on protection? After that, we all know the same old suspects right here, Dan. We've mentioned how Brian Daboll (Giants) and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys) want impressed performances this season. So far, that has been a combined bag. Daboll has Daniel Jones taking part in good soccer once more. McCarthy is surviving. We know he can win within the common season, however what he does within the playoffs will matter most.

Is it time to start out speaking about Sean McDermott after Buffalo's Week 5 debacle in Houston, Dan? I obtained a number of texts from individuals concerned within the hiring cycle asking whether or not McDermott could be on the recent seat. I replied that I hadn't sensed that, however Sunday's ending — a 23-20 loss — was merely not good.

Graziano: Yessir, the texts are definitely flying on that one. The Buffalo job is certainly the early chief for “Job that potential head coach candidates and their agents hope comes open.”

I'll say what I've stated at any time when this has come up over the previous couple of years. I've heard many on the surface speculate McDermott may very well be in bother if the Bills maintain failing to achieve the Super Bowl, however I've by no means as soon as heard from contained in the Bills' group that shifting on from him has ever been a consideration. Could that change? Heck yeah it may, and if it does, potential coaches will likely be lining up for an opportunity to work with Josh Allen and work for ultra-rich, affected person possession. As of now, although, I do not assume McDermott is in any rapid hazard.

Fowler: That's honest. Thus far, Buffalo has totally supported its mind belief of McDermott and common supervisor Brandon Beane, who got here in collectively and have largely produced. The Bills have stability, which many franchises do not. That was simply such a curious lapse on the finish of the Houston sport that it introduced his personal tenure into focus unnecessarily.

Otherwise, no head-coaching seat is magma sizzling in the meanwhile. But that may inevitably change over the following month. We will revisit this at midseason, little doubt.

Which quarterback has the very best likelihood to be traded earlier than the Nov. 5 deadline?

Fowler: I'll go along with Zach Wilson or Jarrett Stidham out of Denver. The Broncos have a surplus on the place, with the luxurious of sustaining a top quality backup whether or not it trades a passer or not. Wilson appears to be the logical candidate as a result of he is No. 3 on the depth chart. Coach Sean Payton has been excited to work with Wilson since buying the 25-year-old passer in April, and Wilson's $1.055 million wage is much cheaper than Stidham's $4.49 million. I may see Denver having dialogue with a number of quarterback-needy groups and shifting certainly one of Bo Nix's backups based mostly on the course of these talks.

Outside of Denver, Bryce Young is tempting, however I'm simply not bought on Carolina getting enough worth, and he may have to play once more this season. Russell Wilson's state of affairs in Pittsburgh may crystallize this week if the Steelers decide to play him now that he is returning nearer to full well being.

Graziano: All good ideas, however I'm curious in regards to the final passer you talked about. I used to be in Pittsburgh for Sunday's sport in opposition to Dallas, and speaking to individuals there I positively did not get the sense Justin Fields was on skinny ice or that the teaching employees was on the lookout for a cause to show it over to Wilson. Sunday wasn't Fields' greatest sport, however he did lead the Steelers again within the second half and they had been seconds away from successful. I'm unsure how Wilson improves something there except rapidly the working backs and the offensive line are all wholesome and they convey in two new large receivers.

At least Fields affords working skill, and the coaches and gamers I've talked to there had nothing however optimistic issues to say about him. So, it is attention-grabbing to see what coach Mike Tomlin does on this, however I'm sticking with my prediction that Wilson by no means performs for the Steelers except Fields will get damage. It's additionally value remembering Wilson's one-year, minimum-salary contract features a no-trade clause. It's doable this ends with him getting launched, not traded.

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Schefter would not be stunned if Steelers flip to Russell Wilson

Adam Schefter tells Pat McAfee that he would not be stunned if Russell Wilson will get an opportunity to start out at quarterback for the Steelers in some unspecified time in the future.

Fowler: Wilson's minimal wage could be engaging for groups, assuming he would waive his no-trade clause. And the Raiders had been as soon as on his desired checklist of locations. This is reaching a boiling level, as Wilson seems to be approaching full well being and the Steelers have not proven an eagerness to maneuver off Fields simply but. They may want each quarterbacks in some unspecified time in the future, and individuals within the constructing closely favored Wilson because the No. 1 possibility not way back.

They additionally have to discover a technique to unlock wideout George Pickens, who was stored off the sector on early downs Sunday and whose physique language was poor all evening. Wilson is likely to be extra prepared to take dangers downfield than Fields, who's making an attempt to maintain his job. If Wilson would not have a transparent path on the sector, will he be a supportive backup? That stays to be seen.

Graziano: Right. That's why it is extra about plotting an exit technique for Wilson in Pittsburgh than anything. Tomlin stated Tuesday that Wilson is lastly at some extent the place he is wholesome sufficient to follow in full this week, however that he'll work with the second workforce so Fields can give attention to making ready for the sport at Las Vegas with the starters. It would not sound as if a change is occurring this week, although it is doable Wilson may very well be lively for the primary time this season as a backup. On one hand, it'd assist his commerce worth if one other workforce obtained to see him play for the Steelers first. On the opposite hand … not if he performs the best way he performed the previous two years in Denver. Pittsburgh is making an attempt to win video games, not showcase gamers for trades. I do not know who the workforce is that might hand over belongings for Wilson proper now, however it's definitely doable one does and that he finally ends up being the reply to this query.

Let me pivot utterly, although, as a result of this got here up a number of weeks in the past as a risk. With the Rams' season on life help, may you see a workforce going to them and asking about Matthew Stafford? It may take an harm to a longtime starter on a contending workforce, however I'm wondering if the Rams or Stafford would take into account it.

Fowler: Definitely. The Rams have checked out Stafford's future as a year-to-year proposition. His reworked contract final offseason displays that, pushing his 2024 pay into the $40 million vary however lessening his ensures in 2025, basically permitting either side to resolve whether or not they need to stay married at that time. This is a state of affairs to observe intently, as a result of neither participant nor workforce appears to know the way or when it would finish. Stafford is 36 and has handled accidents lately. Does he need to play after this season?

The Rams and their quarterback have a number of inquiries to reply, that are simpler to place off if the workforce is successful. And perhaps L.A. can regain its successful methods as soon as Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and others return. It's additionally value noting the Jimmy Garoppolo signing obtained the eye of some across the league, as a result of Garoppolo may very well be an insurance coverage possibility down the street. While groups are unclear, the Raiders have a obvious want on the place.

Which participant is most probably to get a contract extension over the following two months?

Graziano: The actual, sort of not-super-fun reply is Chiefs guard Trey Smith, who's taking part in on the ultimate yr of his rookie deal. Kansas City prolonged heart Creed Humphrey proper earlier than the season and there was some thought on the time his 2021 draft classmate Smith would not be far behind. San Francisco 49ers security Talanoa Hufanga can be a man I'm watching, although he has had harm points that may very well be holding that up. He tore ligaments in his wrist in Week 5 and will likely be out a number of weeks.

Fowler: Love the Smith reply. He ought to be the NFL's fifth guard to fulfill or surpass $20 million yearly on a brand new deal. The Chiefs would love to increase him similtaneously Humphrey, however they knew that might be far too expensive.

I'll go along with Vikings security Camryn Bynum. Minnesota and Bynum mentioned an extension in latest months however could not attain an settlement. As of now, he's set to enter free company. He's thriving in Brian Flores' protection, with two interceptions, 5 go deflections and a fumble restoration. Making splash performs in a contract yr is a technique to nudge the workforce again to the negotiation desk with a stronger offense. That may very well be the case right here. Bynum additionally fortifies a transparent place of want sooner or later. Harrison Smith is popping 36 in February. The Vikings launched 2022 first-rounder Lewis Cine in August. Bynum has leverage and may wait till March to train it.

True or false: The Patriots are making the appropriate name in pivoting to Drake Maye.

Fowler: False. Stick to the plan. New England has lengthy needed Maye, the No. 3 total choose in April's draft, to get one thing near a redshirt yr. The offensive line is simply getting worse. This appears like an inflection level. Play Maye now and cope with the rising pains or shield him and make him the 2025 starter from the primary day of the offseason. We've seen this present too many instances, the rookie quarterback thrust into motion within the identify of groups making an attempt to see what they've. How did that work out for Bryce Young? The Patriots aren't one participant away.

Graziano: See, I've modified my thoughts on this and I'm going with “True.” I get the thought of not eager to play Maye too quickly in a foul state of affairs for concern that compounding negativity impacts his improvement in nonproductive methods. But the present situation of this offense underneath Jacoby Brissett makes me really feel like, not less than at the start, the impact on the Patriots and Maye could be a internet optimistic. Maye confirmed within the preseason he has particular skill as a thrower and could make performs together with his legs to an extent that Brissett can not. If you are a participant on New England, looking at 12 extra video games of this degree of futility, you've got in all probability been hoping one thing drastic would occur to inject some life into the place. I prefer it.

Fowler: You is likely to be onto one thing, Dan, as a result of coach Jerod Mayo's tepid help of Brissett earlier this week did not assist. Maye's mobility and pedigree may assist elevate a workforce that, regardless of its struggles, is not a misplaced trigger. While I nonetheless imagine Maye ought to sit, you've got virtually satisfied me. I'm open to being fallacious. It's not as if Jayden Daniels is surrounded by All-Pro expertise in Washington. Save Terry McLaurin, the Commanders' offense just isn't imposing on paper. But Daniels is making it work as a result of he was a tone-setter from day one. Maye was thought of extra of a undertaking than Daniels, however he is a significant expertise. What if he struggles mightily, although, Dan? Then what?

Graziano: Mayo and the teaching employees should handle this and keep on prime of it, ensuring that if Maye struggles, his perspective about it stays optimistic and he believes he can work his approach by way of it. What coaches who deliver alongside younger quarterbacks typically say is they do not need passers to undergo a lot negativity that it compounds and impacts their perspective about what it would take and what hope there's to get higher. The Patriots cannot simply throw Maye in there and say he is beginning the remainder of the season it doesn't matter what. They'll must continually be assessing the methods during which the negativity is or is not affecting his improvement, and be prepared to return to Brissett or another possibility in the event that they really feel that is what Maye wants. No one stated these things was straightforward. I simply assume there's an opportunity the workforce will get a bit optimistic jolt from a change like this, and that Maye may trip that to some early confidence and perhaps even success.

What's your prime fantasy soccer tip of the week?

Graziano: Don't hand over on Bijan Robinson. Don't bench him. Don't commerce him away. I get it. I really feel your ache. I'm dwelling it with you. But (A) the Falcons working again has been advantageous, though you drafted him for greater than advantageous, and (B) he is taking part in the Panthers this week. Carolina is giving up the second-most fantasy factors per sport to working backs this season. Heck, you would play Tyler Allgeier as a flex this week in case you're up in opposition to it because of accidents or bye weeks or no matter. This is the week Robinson appears to be like just like the man you spent that top first-round choose on. He simply has to, proper? Right?!?

Fowler: Ignore the Falcons' depth and play Darnell Mooney. The hesitancy to play him has been comprehensible due to all of Atlanta's playmakers, however Mooney has two issues going for him: Chemistry with Kirk Cousins and respect from opponents. In back-to-back weeks, opposing groups advised me Mooney was a excessive precedence on the scouting report, a real 1A to Drake London. He's averaging eight targets per sport, together with a 16-target Week 5 in opposition to Tampa Bay that was no fluke. He will get open. He'd be a much bigger identify however was camouflaged by the Bears' uneven passing sport. That's not a problem.

What else are you listening to this week?

Graziano's notes:

• Davante Adams may favor to play with Aaron Rodgers on the Jets or Derek Carr on the Saints, however I'm nonetheless watching the Steelers as a possible touchdown spot. They had been very lively within the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes when that was happening this summer time, and my understanding is that they plan to proceed to be aggressive in pursuing large receiver assist. Their prime receiver is George Pickens, whose decreased snap depend in Sunday evening's loss is a sign he would not have the total belief of the teaching employees, and they're ultra-thin behind him. Adams would instantly slot in as their No. 1 large receiver, and they're going to do what they'll to seek out out if they'll get him. A few individuals — not individuals linked with the Steelers, simply exterior observers — prompt the thought of a Pickens-for-Adams commerce, and you must admit it is attention-grabbing.

Another level to make right here is the Steelers do not presently have the cap house to accumulate Adams, although they'd if this drags on a few extra weeks or if they might get the Raiders to pay a number of the wage.

• The Eagles imagine they've an opportunity to get entire following their Week 5 bye, as they're hopeful to have prime wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in addition to proper deal with Lane Johnson again from their accidents. Their subsequent 4 opponents have a mixed document of 5-15, in order that they know they've a chance to get on a roll and maintain tempo with shocking first-place Washington within the NFC East.

• The Texans are bracing for the likelihood prime wideout Nico Collins will sit out a number of weeks due to the hamstring harm he suffered Sunday. They're properly geared up at large receiver with Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, and tight finish Dalton Schultz is somebody they have been making an attempt to include into the offense extra. But they've already been taking part in with out working again Joe Mixon and have not precisely been crushing groups as it's. Houston is 4-1, however its wins are by two, six, 4 and three factors, and its loss is by 27. The Texans are looking for methods to place groups away within the second half and not must depend on 59-yard subject objectives to win video games.

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Schefter tells McAfee why Davante Adams commerce talks have slowed a bit

Adam Schefter explains to Pat McAfee why a Davante Adams commerce may drag out awhile.

Fowler's notes:

• Speaking of Adams, the Raiders have advised not less than one workforce concerned in a possible commerce they do not plan to entrance any of the invoice on his $16.89 million wage. Perhaps negotiations change that, however that has been the perceived stance from Las Vegas. Teams I've talked to imagine the Saints may simply be the favourite, as a result of they're on Adams' quick checklist of most well-liked locations and are prepared to be aggressive. Yes, the Jets are concerned. But the Raiders in all probability will go along with the very best package deal. And as a result of Adams appears to favor going to the Jets or Saints, the Raiders are beginning there, realizing they'll develop the checklist if wanted. As of now, these two groups seem like within the driver's seat. To your level, Dan, sure, the Steelers have a want to commerce for Adams, hoping to handle their receiver wants as soon as and for all. But Adams is a consider all of this, and he appears able to play with certainly one of his former quarterbacks.

As for Adams' want to depart Las Vegas, my sense is the dearth of an answer on the quarterback place was a consider his decision-making. He has been there two-plus seasons and there is not any clear resolution. I am unable to communicate for Adams, however after asking round, some individuals within the constructing imagine that was an enormous situation for him. By the best way, a number of groups which have appeared into Adams are uncertain whether or not he could be able to play this week, because of a hamstring harm. That's one thing to remember, particularly with Adams due practically $1 million per week.

• Changes to the Eagles' lineup are on the desk as 2-2 Philly emerges from its bye week. One place to observe: Rookie Cooper DeJean taking on nickel nook duties from veteran Avonte Maddox. That's a transfer I'm anticipating, barring new developments. DeJean, a second-rounder with first-round expertise, obtained off to a gradual begin because of a preseason harm however is taken into account all caught up with Vic Fangio's scheme. I'm advised a number of defensive positions had been as much as discussions over the previous week because of a protection that ranks thirtieth in yards per play allowed (6.0). The shakeup started in earnest Tuesday, when the workforce launched linebacker Devin White, a former Pro Bowl participant who has been a wholesome scratch all season.

• Daniel Jones is having a pleasant bounce-back season for the Giants, with shades of his 2022 playoff run. He ranks twelfth in QBR, with a stable 774 yards, 4 touchdowns and one interception over the previous three weeks. When I caught up with Jones in Week 4, quite a lot of the identical themes ring true. He likes the Giants' adaptability. They can “change the pace” on defenses with the working sport or a fast dropback and play-action video games. “We feel like we're improving every game,” he stated. And when Malik Nabers returns from a concussion, Jones may have no downside throwing his approach on third downs. What helps the rookie Nabers win contested performs: “Every time he steps on the field, you can tell he really loves football, loves to compete. I feel really good about matching up in those situations.”

• It ought to be famous retread coaches are having success on the head coach and coordinator ranges, which may very well be an element throughout this yr's carousel. Last yr's hiring cycle introduced Dan Quinn to Washington, Jim Harbaugh to Los Angeles and Raheem Morris to Atlanta. Those three coaches are a mixed 9-5. And scanning the defensive rankings all through the league, look no additional than Vance Joseph's Broncos protection and Brian Flores' Vikings unit. Both coaches have their aspect of the ball taking part in wonderful soccer, which may springboard the previous head coaches into the interview circuit come January. While offensive coaches similar to Detroit's Ben Johnson, Houston's Bobby Slowik and Baltimore's Todd Monken ought to be sizzling candidates, the ex-head coaches getting a second shot are working to this point.