Now that teams are about a quarter of the way through the season we are starting to see just what type of team they are.
The NFL is an ever changing league with teams rising and falling each week. This past week’s results gave us a better glimpse into the state of each team. Check out last week’s Strength Rankings
- Scroll down to see the game by game picks for this week.
- See the game by game results of the pick results from last week at the bottom of the page as well as the picks for this week.
Win/Loss Records of the picks for Week 5:
| Picker | Rivalry Sports – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker |
| Win – Loss Record Week 5 | 9 – 5 | 8 – 6 |
| Overall Won/Loss Record on Picks | 20 – 10 | 19 – 11 |
Guest Picker Won/Loss Records
| Guest Picker | Week | Won/Loss Record on Picks | Winning Percentage |
| Brandon Kirby | 4 | 11 – 5 | 68.75% |
| Jarrod Kirby | 5 | 8 – 6 | 57.14% |
Rivalry Sports Lock Pick of the Week
| Week | Rivalry Sports Game Score Pick | Actual Result |
| 4 | San Francisco Over Arizona 27 -13 | San Francisco won 35 – 16 |
| 5 | Detroit Lions Over Carolina Panther 31 – 17 | Detroit Over Carolina 42 – 24 |
| 6 | Buffalo Bills Over New York Giants 34 – 20 |
Take a look at each division to see where Rivalry Sports currently has your team ranked within the division.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles (5 – 0)
The Eagles won again to stay undefeated. QB Jalen Hurts showed his heart and skill in leading the Eagles to victory with over 300 yards passing and led the team in rushing with 72 yards.
Philly continues to win, but has not yet shown the dominance that they flashed throughout last year.
If Hurts can keep them winning while they clean up a few areas such as pass defense and the running game, this team will be tough to beat!
Strengths: With a strong collection of offensive playmakers including QB Jalen Hurts and WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a loaded defensive front seven, the team is built to compete now and for years to come.
Weaknesses: An aging offensive line has not shown signs of regression, but could be an area to watch. The chemistry could be tested this year as sideline arguments have already been seen between star players.
Week 6 Opponent: @ New York Jets at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
Dallas was dominated in a measuring stick game as they lost to the 49ers 42 – 10.
This was a game that Dallas needed to win to prove that they were a true threat in the NFC and instead they were blown out.
The good news is that the season is still young and corrections can be made, but Dallas sure missed star CB Trevon Diggs as the 49ers did whatever they wanted in the passing game.
On the offensive side of the ball, Dak needs to step up in big games, but to be fair to him the Cowboys running game has been pretty much non-existent. In order for the offense to be consistent the Cowboys need to get RB Tony Pollard going.
Strengths: When healthy, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard form a strong base of skill position offensive players. The Defense is one of the NFL’s best with perennial Defensive Player of the Year Candidate Micah Parsons rushing the passer or manning the running lanes.
Weaknesses: Age on the offensive line and injuries. The devastating injury to CB Trevon Diggs as well as the injuries across the Offensive Line could derail the season.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Los Angeles Chargers at 8:15pm EDT, Monday 10/16/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Washington Commanders (2-3)
The Commanders were embarrassed by a Chicago Bears team that had been winless before this game.
In a game that Washington should have won, they were outcoached and outplayed. The commanders get a chance to redeem themselves this week when they play a gritty, but young Falcons team.
In order to win, Washington will need their underachieving Defensive Line to show up and put pressure on the passer, while also controlling the run game.
Strengths: Their Defensive line can wreak havoc when healthy and they have playmakers at the WR position.
Weaknesses: The Defensive line will soon become too expensive to keep all of the pieces. Sam Howell is a gutsy QB, but can he be the QB to lead the Commanders to dominance in the NFL?
Week 6 Opponent: @ Atlanta Falcons at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
New York Giants (1-4)
The Giants are going from the frying pan to the fire!
Daniel Jones was under pressure all game against the Dolphins and was eventually knocked out of the game.
The Giants go into this week’s game against a Bills team that should be angry possibly without their starting QB, RB, and LT. Although those players could possibly play, Some or all will most likely be out or hampered from their injuries.
Nothing has gone right for the Giants this year and the team doesn’t seem to have an identity.
Strengths: Brian Daboll is a good coach that has the Giants play hard each week. Daniel Jones has some dual threat talent that he is still tapping into and when healthy Saquon Barkley is a great RB.
Weaknesses: Saquon Barkley has a hard time staying healthy which throws off the entire offense. The other offensive playmakers have not stepped up enough to take the pressure off when Barkley is out.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Buffalo Bills at 8:20pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC North
Detroit Lions (4-1)
The Lions of the past are gone! Welcome the new Lions team that is talented, hungry, and motivated.
Led by star DE Aidan Hutchinson on Defense and Underrated QB Jared Goff on Offense, this team is on the rise.
If they can stay healthy and get more production from high first round picks in RB Jahmyr Gibbs and WR Jameson Williams, then the Lions will compete for the NFC Championship!
Strengths: Young defensive stalwarts such as Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, and Jack Campbell have a bright future. On offense, the strong offensive line provides protection for underrated QB Jared Goff and the running game.
Weaknesses: The Lions have a great slot receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown and a talented young TE in Sam LaPorta, but they need production from their outside receiving crew which is holding this team back from reaching even higher heights.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Green Bay Packers (2-3)
The Packers have been without Star RB Aaron Jones for a few games and it is putting more pressure on young QB Jordan Love.
This is Love’s first season starting and he has a lot of potential, but he has a lot to learn.
He has thrown 5 picks in the last two games and the Packers are not going to win many games when their QB throws multiple picks.
The loss to the Raiders came down to the three picks thrown by Love. The Bye week comes at a good time for the coaching staff to get to work with their young QB.
Strengths: Green Bay is a well run team from the front office to the coaching staff. They have talent across the board and their young QB Jordan Love looks like he may have what it takes to be the “answer” at QB.
Weaknesses: The age/injury history of the offensive line is concerning, especially when it comes to Pro Bowl Left Tackle David Bakhtiari. Also they have a young star WR in Christian Watson, but he has failed to stay healthy so far in his career.
Week 6 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Minnesota Vikings (1-4)
The Vikings are a team that puts forth effort, but the results have been lacking. With a veteran QB and a Defense that needs reloading, the Vikings may be better off planning for next year and trading assets that will not be with the team long term.
Star WR Justin Jefferson is a strong building block, but he left this past week’s game and his status for next week is uncertain. With the team already struggling, the loss of their best player would be crippling.
Strengths: Justin Jefferson is an All-Pro WR and T.J. Hockenson is a talented TE for steady and underatted QB Kirk Cousins.
Weaknesses: Kirk Cousins is now 35 years old and the Vikings have not committed to him past this year. Too much money is spent on a defense that is not dominant and the run game fails to hold up their end of the bargain on offense.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Chicago Bears at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Chicago Bears (1-4)
Give credit where credit is due. QB Justin Fields and the BEars played much better against the Washington Commanders and got their first win of the season.
If Fields and WR D.J. Moore can continue developing chemistry that will provide the team some consistent offense which is sorely needed.
Strengths: This team is a mess. They have some good players, but none of their units stand out on either side of the ball. The good news is that they will have two high first round picks in the upcoming draft.
Weaknesses: Justin Fields is in his third year in the NFL, but does not seem to be progressing at a rate to show that he is the future for the Bears at QB. Without a good QB in the NFL, you will be stuck in mediocrity or worse. Now Fields has publicly questioned the coaching so we will see where this goes.
Week 6 Opponent: Minnesota Vikings at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Tampa Bay has had a strong start to the season, but face a tough team in the Lions after their Bye Week.
This is a “prove it” game. If the Bucs can win vs the red hot Detroit Lions then we will know that they are for real.
Tampa Bay will be much tougher if star WR Mike Evans is able to play after his injury before the Bye Week.
Strengths: The Bucs have a strong D and a great 1 – 2 punch at WR with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Weaknesses: Tampa Bay is an aging team that must decide if they want to keep the band together, or trade some veterans now to reload instead of having to rebuild later. With many veteran core players that will need a new contract, now is the time to go all in or to trade them for young assets.
Week 6 Opponent: Detroit Lions at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
New Orleans Saints (3-2)
The Saints have been a team that is bouncing back and forth between winning and losing, but now would be a good time to string together some wins if they want to win the NFC South.
The return of RB Alvin Kamara has taken some of the pressure off of QB Derek Carr and Carr is starting to look healthy again after his shoulder injury.
The next few weeks are important for New Orleans to show what type of team they are.
Strengths: The Saints have a good offensive line, a star RB in Alvin Kamara, a star young WR in Chris Olave, a steady veteran QB in Derek Carr and a steady and strong defense.
Weaknesses: The heart and soul of the D is Cam Jordan and while Jordan is still a good player, he is 34 years old. Kamara will need a new contract soon or the Saints will need to replace the talented RB. Do they have enough young talent on Defense to make some noise in the playoffs?
Week 6 Opponent: @ Houston Texans at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
QB Desmond Ridder had his best passing game as a pro last week against the Texans.
If Ridder can consistently connect with his talented TE Kyle Pitts and talented WR Drake London, that will open up the running game for Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
The Falcons are starting to build a talented young nucleus, but they need QB Desmond Ridder to consistently improve if they want to challenge for the Division title.
Strengths: The Falcons have a lot of young talent on offense including RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts, and WR Drake London, but can QB Demond Ridder get the ball to the TE and WRs?
Weaknesses: The Falcons need to continue to add to their D and offensive line, but most importantly, they need QB Desmond Ridder to prove that he can be a dangerous passer in the NFL.
Week 6 Opponent: Washington Commanders at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Carolina Panthers (0-5)
Carolina is still winless, but that often comes with a rookie Quarterback. QB Bryce Young will turn things around, but like many rookies, he is currently turning the ball over too much to have a good chance at winning.
As the Panthers put more talent around Young and he gets more experience the wins will come, but it will be painful in the meantime.
Strengths: Bryce Young will be a good QB in the league, but it takes time. They have some young talent on defense including star DE Brian Burns.
Weaknesses: The Panthers need more playmakers to help Young out and they will need to continue to build a stronger offensive line.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Miami Dolphins at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC West
San FRancisco 49ers (5-0)
The 49ers just keep looking better and better.
With a dominant Defense and a strong and balanced offense that can hurt you on the ground or through the air, they will be tough to beat.
QB Brock Purdy is proving that he was not just “lucky” last year with his efficient play this year. He has a lot of weapons at his disposal and he is using them.
Strengths: This team is loaded. They have superstar RB Christian McCaffrrey at RB, George Kittle at TE, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at Wr and 2nd year surpise QB Brock Purdy leading the offense. The D is just as impressive with Nick Bosa and Jason Hargrave leading what might be the best D-line in the NFL.
Weaknesses: The only true “weakness” for the 49ers is the injury bug. For years now their starting QB seems to get injured and throw the season off the rails, but last year they had 4 QBs injured which led them to not being able to pass in the playoffs.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Cleveland Browns at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
The Seahawks are a tough team that constantly overachieves and this year is no exception.
Veteran QB Geno Smith is running a balanced offense and the Defense is tough like always.
They will rarely beat themselves and are on pace to once again challenge for the playoffs.
Strengths: Seattle is a well run team led by coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider. They seem to always fill out the roster with talented players and Carroll gets the team to play smart, tough football. They have a very talented WR and RB room this year.
Weaknesses: The offensive line has improved, but remains an area in need of an upgrade. Can career backup QB Geno Smith replicate his great season last year? They are near the bottom of the league in pressuring the QB and continuing to win without getting to the QB will be difficult.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Cincinnati Bengals at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
The Rams might be under .500, but don’t count them out. QB Matthew Stafford just got back one of the best weapons in the league in WR Cooper Kupp and Kupp should pair nicely with suprise rookie WR Puka Nacua.
If All-World Defensive lineman Aaron Donald and the Defense can stop opposing teams, this team will be a threat to win each week.
Strengths: Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford. Those three still have star level talent even though they are all in their 30’s.
Weaknesses: An older core of star players and not enough blue chip young players since so many of their draft picks were traded away in pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Week 6 Opponent: Arizona Cardinals at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Arizona is a team that is rebuilding and will have to determine if injured QB Kyler Murray is their future at the position or if they will replace him in the meantime.
In the meantime, they are going into most games outgunned, but give credit to Coach Jonathon Gannon and the players as the Cardinal play hard and don’t give up.
If they can keep that attitude and add the right pieces, they can quickly turn this team around in the next year or two.
Strengths: The Cardinals have a decent offensive line, but need to continue to add new talent to it. They also have some talented young players that can help with the rebuild such as WR Marquise Brown and LB Zaven Collins.
Weaknesses: The Cardinals need more impact players across the board. What do the Cardinals currently hang their hat on as a team?
Week 6 Opponent: @ Los Angeles Rams at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (3-2)
The Bills are disappointed with their loss to the Jaguars in London, but it is tough to travel across those time zones and play a team that has been there for two weeks.
Excuses won’t get the Bills where they want to go though. QB Josh Allen is playing great football and I expect the Bills to go on a run of wins, especially since LB Von Miller is getting back on the field.
Strengths: Franchise QB Josh Allen is one of the best QBs in the NFL, but he is not the only talent on the team. With talented TEs and WRs Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Allen has a lot of weapons. The Defense is still solid and if Von Miller can get back to his old self by the end of the year, the Bills will be tough to beat.
Weaknesses: Advancing age of the Defense and possibly chemistry issues between star WR Diggs and QB Allen.
Week 6 Opponent: New York Giants at 8:20PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Miami Dolphins (4-1)
Miami has a better record than the Bills and could be moved into the top spot in the AFC East, but the beating they just received from Buffalo a couple of weeks ago is too fresh in my mind.
If Miami can keep winning and Buffalo gets another loss then these two teams will be flipped in the Strength rankings.
Miami has to be happy with the Offense as their philosophy on adding speed has paid off in a big way.
Between WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and RBs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, the Dolphins could field a serious track team.
Strengths: Speed, Speed, Speed! When healthy Tua has become a top QB in the league and with weapons like WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and then speedy RBs Raheem Mostert and De’von Achane make it hard on any defense.
Weaknesses: The biggest obstacle to success for the Dolphins stands to be the injury bug. Star CB Jalen Ramsey has missed the first part of the year and the only thing that can hold QB Tua back is an injury.
Week 6 Opponent: Carolina Panthers at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
New York Jets (2-3)
The Jets are a QB (namely injured QB Aaron Rodgers) from being one of the best teams in the league.
QB Zach Wilson is putting forth a much better effort than last year, but he is still the glaring weakness on this team.
The Jets are loaded with skill players on Offense and have one of the best Defenses in the league.
They will continue to be a tough game for anyone they play, but without better QB play this team will fall short of the playoffs.
Strengths: This team is strong with a very good receiving and running back group and an exceptionally strong Defense. They added QB Aaron Rodgers and when healthy, he could be the missing piece to the team.
Weaknesses: The offensive line and the QB room now that Rodgers is out. The Jets are counting on former first round pick Zach Wilson to lead the team and he has not shown himself to be an NFL quality QB up to this point.
Week 6 Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles at 4:25 PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
New England Patriots (1-4)
The two worst losses of Coach Bill Belichick’s career have come in the last two weeks.
Coach Belichick has always been able to turn things around, but that was when he had the GOAT, Tom Brady.
Since Brady left the Patriots they have a losing record and in the fourth year without Brady things just seem to be getting worse.
Don’t count out Belichick, but this would be his greatest coaching job ever if this team challenged for the playoffs.
Strengths: This is a solid team across the board. You don’t see any unit on the team and say that it is a glaring weakness. They are well coached and play hard.
Weaknesses: While the Patriots don’t have a unit across the board with a glaring weakness, they also don’t have a unit that stands out unless it is the TE’s. Can QB Mac Jones take the reigns of the offense and show that he is the QB of the present and the future?
Week 6 Opponent: @ Las Vegas Raiders at 4:o5PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
The Steelers looked like they were going to fall far behind the Ravens in the division and then they came through and caused a turnover and QB Kenny Pickett then hooked up with WR George Pickens for the winning Touchdown.
With a strong Defense that is relentless and a developing offense, the Steelers hope to grow each week and be at peak come the end of the year.
Strengths: All-Pro LB T.J. Watt leads a Defense that is loaded with playmakers at every level. Coach Tomlin knows how to push the right buttons and he has a good WR room to build around on offense.
Weaknesses: The offensive line is still not as strong as it needs to be, QB Kenny Pickett needs to take the next step in his career and offensive coordinator Matt Canada has failed to build a cohesive offense during his tenure.
Week 6 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: bye Week
Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
The Ravens are still strong on Defense and in the running game, but as has been throughout QB Lamar Jackson’s career, the passing game is lacking.
This does not all fall on Jackson as his receivers dropped multiple passes in a close loss to Pittsburgh, but Jackson is paid like an All-Pro QB and will need to figure out a way to improve the passing game if the Ravens want to be a serious threat.
Strengths: The running game and the Defense are strong as always. Lamar Jackson is the best running QB the league has ever seen and the defense has star players littered across the roster.
Weaknesses: Passing. This was the reason the Ravens were reluctant to pay QB Jackson the amount of money that they did as good teams have learned how to beat the Ravens by taking away the run. Can Jackson take the next step in passing?
Week 6 Opponent: @ Tennessee Titans at 9:30AM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Cleveland Browns (2-2)
The Browns have fought valiantly even with losing the heart and soul of the team in Star RB Nick Chubb, but they are fighting an uphill battle.
QB Deshaun Watson is definitely playing better than last year, but he is nowhere near the QB he was earlier in his career with Houston.
In order for Cleveland to have a shot at the playoffs, Watson will have to turn back the clock and lead this team to some unexpected victories.
Strengths: The Browns have a solid offensive line along with a star RB, until Nick Chubb was hurt, and a good Defense led by DE Myles Garrett.
Weaknesses: It is hard to imagine that the passing game would be a weakness when QB Deshaun Watson was acquired, but he has failed to measure up to his previous self while with the Houston Texans. Can they turn the passing game around and can the running game succeed without the injured Nick Chubb.
Week 6 Opponent: San Francisco 49ers at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
Cincinnati got a much needed win this past week and even more importantly, Star QB Joe Burrow looked more like himself.
Burrow was able to move around the pocket and re-established his connected with Pro Bowl WR Jamar Chase.
With Burrow and Chase leading the offense, the Bengals just need the Defense to step up and they will be able to go on a run and make a push for the playoffs.
If the Bengals win this week and the Browns lose then Cincinnati will be able to move up in the Strength rankings.
Strengths: QB Joe Burrow is a star and one of the best QBs in the league. He has great weapons in WRs Ja’marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd along with RB Joe Mixon. The Defense is solid, but will the loss of Pro Bowl Safety Jesse Bates come back to haunt them?
Weaknesses: The offensive line is much improved, but could still use reinforcements and the Bengals could use some more playmakers on defense, but overall this is a strong team.
Week 6 Opponent: Seattle Seahawks at 1:ooPM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)
The Jaguars spent two weeks in London and got their season back on track by going 2 – 0 across the pond.
QB Trevor Lawrence is picking up his play and the offense follows his lead. If the defense can improve, especially last years number 1 pick Travon Walker, this team will be the favorite in the AFC South.
Another game this week against an AFC South competitor is important if the Jaguars want to take control of the Division.
Strengths: QB Trevor Lawrence, RB Travis Etienne, and WRs Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk represent a strong and talented young offensive core. They have many high draft picks on Defense that they are counting on as well.
Weaknesses: The defense has not had the impact the Jaguars would like, especially with high draft picks Travon Walker and Josh Allen leading the way. The offensive line also needs to be upgraded for more consistency.
Week 6 Opponent: Indianapolis Colts at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Indianapolis Colts (3-2)
The Colts have had a surprisingly good season after last year’s disappointing season.
The Colts are a strong team with talent across the board, but to take the next step they will have to have Rookie first round QB Anthony Richardson continue to grow.
However, Richardson was hurt again and will miss a week or two, but QB Gardner Minshew is more than capable of leading this team.
Strengths: The Colts have a strong and steady Defense and a solid offensive line with a couple of talented WRs.
Weaknesses: Missing star RB Jonathon Taylor who is at a stalemate with the organization over his contract. They could also bolster their offensive line and add another offensive playmaker to make life easier for QB Anthony Richardson.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Jacksonville Jaguars at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Houston Texans (2-3)
The Texans lost a close game to the Atlanta Falcons this past week.
The loss is frustrating, but more important for the long term for the Texans is that rookie first round QB C.J. Stroud has continued to improve and look like the franchise player they hoped he would be.
With a Franchise QB and LT in place and a young and talented Defense, this team needs to surround Stroud with more talent on Offense and they will be contenders for years to come.
Strengths: With two cornerstone players in Stroud and Anderson joining talented LT Laremy Tunsil and talented WR Nico Collins and CB Derek Stingley Jr., this team is building a strong foundation.
Weaknesses: This year is about experience for their young stars, so while no unit may dominate, they have talented players in each unit that will only get better.
Week 6 Opponent: New Orleans Saints at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Tennessee Titans (2-3)
The Titans continue to fight hard as you would expect from a Mike Vrabel coached team, but they have less young talent on their roster than their competitors in the AFC South.
It would take a minor miracle for Coach Vrabel to lead this team to the playoffs, but they might be better off starting a rebuild that is coming sooner than later.
Strengths: Mike Vrabel is an excellent coach that gets the most out of his roster. They are a tough team that don’t give up and play hard each week. D lineman Jeffrey Simmons is a star in the league.
Weaknesses: Age and offense. The offense has been hard to watch this year and with an aging core it doesn’t look like it will get much better.
Week 6 Opponent: Baltimore Ravens at 9:30AM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
AFC WeST
Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
The Defending Champs are undefeated this year when TE Travis Kelce and DE Chris Jones join Superstar QB Patrick Mahomes on the field.
The Chiefs will continue to be the team to beat in the NFL until someone knocks them off their pedestal.
QB Patrick Mahomes remains the best player in the NFL and with his superstar sidekicks he just needs the rest of the roster to be average.
Strengths: QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Travis Kelce, and D lineman Chris Jones are all at the top of the league for their respective positions. Along with coach Andy Reid, this team is poised to compete.
Weaknesses: Cost. Anytime you have great players you have to pay them and the Chiefs found that out last year when they had to trade star WR Tyreek Hill before the season. The cost of their star players costs them depth, but as long as the stars are healthy they have been able to overcome it.
Week 6 Opponent: Denver Broncos at 8:15PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
The Chargers are coming off a Bye Week, but they really got on track before that in their last game against the Raiders.
They will look to continue their winning ways this week against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football.
Young QB Justin Herbert is sure to pick up his pace with his talented teammates and if the Defense can stay healthy this team can make a serious run at a playoff spot.
Strengths: QB Justin Herbert is one of the best QBs in the league and he has a lot of weapons such as WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler. The Defense is also loaded with stars such as Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Khalil Mack.
Weaknesses: This team does not have many weaknesses in talent, but they need more from the defense and they need more consistent production from the offense.
Week 6 Opponent: Dallas Cowboys at 8:15PM EDT, Monday 10/16/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
QB Jimmy Garoppolo helped the Raiders win an ugly game this week, but the little help he provides in the short term may not override the experience one of their young QBs would get.
Jimmy G is not the answer long term at QB and WR Davante Adams is a star, but he is not a young star.
They do have young stars in RB Josh Jacobs and De Maxx Crosby, but this team needs to develop an identiy and a plan for the future.
Strengths: The Raiders have star WR Davante Adams and RB Josh Jacobs on offense and then they have pro bowl DE Maxx Crosby on defense so they have pieces to put together a good team.
Weaknesses: The Raiders need a more talent along the offensive line and the back end of the defense. They also need to develop an identiy as a team.
Week 6 Opponent: New England Patriots at 4:o5PM EDT, Sunday 10/15/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Denver Broncos (1-4)
Coach Sean Payton’s words came back to bite him and the Broncos this week.
He ripped Jets Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett for the job Hackett did coaching the Broncos last year, but maybe it wasn’t Hackett that was the problem.
The Jets went out and beat the Broncos, who look lost and look to be wasting another season paying an expensive QB in Russell Wilson.
Things don’t get much easier this week against the defending Super Bowl Champs. Looks like the Broncos are fighting the Raiders for last place in the AFC West.
Strengths: QB Russell Wilson might not be the player he once was, but he is still a talented QB. The secondary is young and talented and Coach Sean Payton has won a Super Bowl and knows how to get the most out of his teams so the Broncos should see progress this year.
Weaknesses: The running game is lacking and the Broncos need more to get more pressure on the opposing QB in order to be a better defense.
Week 6 Opponent: @ Kansas City Chiefs at 8:15PM EDT, Thursday 10/12/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Rivalry Sports Fantasy Players of the week (PPR Leagues)
QB – Tua Tagovailoa
RB – Bijan Robinson
WR – Tyreek Hill
WR – Cooper Kupp
TE – Travis Kelce
K – Justin Tucker
Defense – Buffalo Bills
Game Picks of the Week for Week 6
| GAME | RIVALRY SPORTS PICK – DUSTIN KIRBY | GUEST PICKER – Stephanie KIRBY PICK | Winning Team |
| Broncos @ Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs | |
| Ravens @ Titans | Ravens | titans | |
| Commanders @ Falcons | Commanders | Falcons | |
| Vikings @ Bears | Vikings | Vikings | |
| Seahawks @ Bengals | Bengals | Bengals | |
| 49ers @ Browns | 49ers | 49ers | |
| Saints @ Texans | Saints | Saints | |
| Colts @ Jaguars | Jaguars | Colts | |
| Panthers @ Dolphins | Dolphins | Dolphins | |
| Patriots @ Raiders | Patriots | Patriots | |
| Lions @ Buccaneers | Lions | Lions | |
| Cardinals @ Rams | Rams | Rams | |
| Eagles @ Jets | Eagles | Eagles | |
| Giants @ Bills | Bills | Bills | |
| Cowboys @ Chargers | Cowboys | Cowboys | |
| Wins per Picker |
Week 5 Picks and Results
| Game (Home Team listed 2nd) | Rivalry Sports Pick – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker – Jarrod Kirby | Actual Game Winner |
| Philadelphia Eagles vs Los Angeles Rams | Eagles | Rams | Eagles |
| Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers | 49ers | 49ers | 49ers |
| Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders | Commanders | Commanders | Bears |
| New York Giants vs Miami Dolphins | Dolphins | Giants | Dolphins |
| Carolina Panthers vs Detroit Lions | Lions | Lions | Lions |
| Green Bay Packers vs Las Vegas Raiders | Packers | Packers | Raiders |
| Kansas City Chiefs vs Minnesota Vikings | Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs |
| New Orleans Saints vs New England Patriots | Saints | Saints | Saints |
| Houston Texans vs Atlanta Falcons | Falcons | Falcons | Falcons |
| Cincinnati Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals | Bengals | Bengals | Bengals |
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs Buffalo Bills | Bills | Bills | Jaguars |
| New York Jets vs Denver Broncos | Broncos | Broncos | Jets |
| Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers | Ravens | Steelers | Steelers |
| Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts | Colts | Colts | Colts |
| Total Wins | 9 | 8 | 14 |
