The sixth week of the 2023 National Football League season is just hours away. Here are the key injuries, difference makers and projected upsets.
NFL Injuries
There are several key injuries from week five that are impacting week six and beyond. Among those out are New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker of Oakland, California (out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon), Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley of Greensboro, North Carolina (out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament), Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner of Erie, Pennsylvania (one month with a knee injury), Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano of Orlando, Florida (most of the rest of the season with a broken leg), Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones of Johnson City, New York (indefinitely with a torn pectoral muscle), Miami Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane of Missouri City, Texas (one month with a knee injury), Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson of Miami, Florida (one month with a shoulder injury), and Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson of Saint Rose, Louisiana (one month with a hamstring injury).
This was the second straight year Vera-Tucker suffered an injury. He tore his triceps in week seven of last year. With the loss of Richardson, Gardner Minshew II of Flowood, Mississippi will be the starting quarterback for the Colts. This is a huge loss for the Vikings as Jefferson led the NFL last season in receptions (128), and receiving yards (1809).
Difference Makers
Once again, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the top rated quarterback and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is the top rated running back for week six. Mahomes of Tyler, Texas is projected to get 301 passing yards, 23 rushing yards and two touchdowns on Thursday night in primetime against the Denver Broncos. McCaffrey of Castle Rock, Colorado is projected to get 19 rushes for 88 rushing yards, along with four catches for 31 receiving yards and one touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.
Meanwhile, there is a new top wide receiver in week six, with the injury to Jefferson. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill of Douglas, Georgia is projected to get seven catches for 95 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.
Projected Upsets
I like two underdogs in week six. First, take the Washington Commanders to beat the Atlanta Falcons outright. The Commanders have scored 51 points over the last two games after a turnover fest against the Bills. In that time, quarterback Sam Howell of Waynesville, North Carolina combined for 678 passing yards. Second, take the Los Angeles Chargers to beat the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. The Cowboys looked extremely sloppy in their primetime loss to the San Francisco 49ers, while the Chargers are well rested after coming off the bye week.
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