NFL Week 6 latest intel, buzz questions, news, fantasy tips: What we're hearing

Somehow, we have already made it to Week 6 of the2026 NFL season. And insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have been making calls to sources around the league for the latest news and notable buzz.

On the positive side, there is still a trio of undefeated teams. (The Chiefs had a Week 5 bye, so they are 4-0, while the 49ers and the Vikings are both 5-0.) Which of the three has earned the most confidence from people around the league? But on the other side of things, some teams are really struggling as we hit Week 6. The Eagles have lost three straight games and have fallen apart in the fourth quarter in the past two. Is the panic meter rising in Philadelphia? Could we see changes?

Speaking of changes, are any quarterbacks in danger of getting benched? Could we see more wide receivers on the move before the trade deadline as some offenses try to find a spark? It's all here, as Jeremy and Dan answer big questions, hand out useful fantasy football nuggets and empty their reporting notebooks heading into Week 6.

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Eagles concern | Top undefeated

WR trades | Possible QB benchings

Fantasy football advice

How concerned are the Eagles amid three straight losses?

Graziano: Pretty concerned. This is a team that just saw a nearly complete overhaul of its offensive line last week, and not all of it was intentional. Lane Johnson's retirement leaves a significant hole on the line and in the locker room. The Eagles are also still awaiting Landon Dickerson's return from injury, and they're counting on significant contributions from the likes of Drew Kendall, Willie Lampkin and third-round rookie Markel Bell. This comes while still breaking in rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon, playing the past two games without top wideoutDeVonta Smith and missing the top three running backs from their depth chart.

The defense has looked better the past couple of weeks -- but it wasn't able to carry the Eagles through the early part of the season as they had hoped it would while the offense found itself under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion. That offense is dealing with a lot more than just growing pains right now, and after consecutive losses in which the Eagles' win probability exceeded 96%, there's reason to wonder where they'll find the leadership to get them through a tough part of their season.

Fowler: Yeah, my sense is the concern is quite high. The Eagles sought to implement an offense that, in part, utilizes play-action passes over the middle to match a potent running game. But that's not working as intended. The offense ranks in the bottom third in play-action usage. It ranks 31st in total offense. Jalen Hurts struggles at times throwing inside the numbers, which was apparent Sunday in London. The impending return of Saquon Barkley and Smith will help, but I'm not sure that will solve the problems that run deeper than one or two players.

The hiring of Mannion signaled a shift in thinking, an implementation of more under-center and play-action work for Hurts. A transitional period was expected, if not inevitable. But the Eagles now have to rebuild the offensive line at the same time, which is a huge challenge. It can't be ignored that the Eagles needed a last-minute drive in Week 2 against still-winless Tennessee to avoid a 1-4 start, a reality no one in Philadelphia will tolerate very long.

Graziano: That becomes the question, right? If they aren't going to tolerate it, then what are they going to do about it? We know general manager Howie Roseman is always on the lookout for trades to improve the roster, and the NFC East is certainly there for the taking. But the way the Eagles conduct themselves at this year's trade deadline will tell us a lot about how they view themselves. The Cam Jurgenstrade wasn't a sign of a roster-wide sell-off; they were done with Jurgens, and the return was good. But if they lose a couple of more games in the next three to four weeks, things could get very interesting in Philly.

Fowler:Very interesting. The schedule is manageable, even favorable. On deck is a two-game home slate against Carolina and Dallas, then at Washington, followed by the Giants at home and a perfectly placed Week 10 bye. After that comes Pittsburgh, Dallas, Arizona and Indianapolis.

The good news is all of those games are winnable. But if the Eagles don't capitalize on that stretch, it feels as if there will be change at some level. Because while the defensive formula is sustainable, Philadelphia is going on two seasons of bad offense. So, Roseman might not be done making moves, and the offense seems like a potential spot to watch in that regard.

Which of the three undefeated teams is getting the most confidence around the league?

Fowler: Kansas City was mentioned most when I asked league evaluators this week. The Chiefs' running game has been a revelation with Kenneth Walker III. Patrick Mahomes looks more comfortable by the week on his surgically repaired knee. Steve Spagnuolo's defense is as stingy as usual. The Chiefs are light at receiver, but a pass-catching trio of Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy is plenty viable. (Rice is out with a hamstring issue but will be back.) Basically, the Chiefs are the team with the fewest concerns out of the group.

San Francisco has been tremendous thus far -- you could argue no team is playing better -- but the looming question is whether the 49ers can stay healthy. That has been the question with them.And Minnesota rolls out a championship defense that has been enough to offset the team's 27th-ranked total offense -- so far. Whether Minnesota can win in January with this offensive attack is a real question unless it can prove otherwise in the coming weeks.

Graziano: Agreed on all accounts. The Chiefs seem to be impressing people the most in terms of the sustainability of their success. But people are taking note of what Kyle Shanahan is doing in San Francisco amid its annual cascade of injuries. After last season -- when the 49ers lost Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and others for extended periods and still managed to win 12 games and make it to the second round of the playoffs -- Shanahan's message to his locker room was that San Francisco could overcome just about anything. The Niners are continuing to play with that mentality, and they're in pretty good shape at 5-0, with head-to-head victories over each of the other three teams in the NFC West.

Fowler: San Francisco defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is pushing the right buttons. He has extensive knowledge of the NFC West from his time with the Rams and has a formula to combat the divisional gauntlet. The edge rusher position is still worrisome, as 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams is working his way back and Bosa can't stay healthy. Perhaps GM John Lynch will look for a short-term fix at the trade deadline. But the 49ers' offense can score against anyone, and Purdy has proved that he stands with the best in the league's quarterback hierarchy.

What do you make of Minnesota's offense, Dan? This is a timely bye week for coach Kevin O'Connell, a proven playcaller, to identify what works and accentuate the strengths of the passing game. O'Connell has smartly leaned into the running game while navigating the Kyler Murray transition, calling roughly 30 rushes per game. Aaron Jones Sr.has been up to the task with 410 rushing yards, and Jordan Mason (injured reserve, thumb) should be back soon.

Graziano: The Vikings are a fascinating case because they have largely been carried by Brian Flores' stifling defensive game plans. But they felt the offense showed improvement during the Week 4 victory over Miami and continued that progress in the Week 5 triumph in New Orleans. The Vikings felt Murray was distributing the ball better and using his legs more effectively than he had in previous outings. Murray missed most of the Week 1 game and the entire Week 2 contest while in concussion protocol. Mason injured his thumb in Week 1, and he hasn't played since. Guard Donovan Jackson is out for the season. Star widereceiverJustin Jefferson missed Week 4 with an injury, while wideoutJordan Addison and left tackle Christian Darrisawsat out Week 5, a game in which tight end T.J. Hockenson departed early with a concussion.

So, yes, the bye comes at a great time for Minnesota, which believes there's a good chance that all those guys (other than Jackson) can be back by Week 7. The Vikings might be the biggest surprise in an NFC North that has four teams with winning records, but they're very much in the driver's seat after pocketing back-to-back division wins over the Packers and Bears to start the season.

Who is the next-best WR who could get traded now that Marvin Harrison Jr.has been dealt?

Graziano: Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr.is a name teams get most excited about; but so far, the Jaguars havenot indicated a desire to trade him. He seems to have fallen behind both Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers in the Jaguars' wide receiver pecking order, which is one reason teams are interested in finding out if he's available. It's a logical thought: Thomas is a former first-round pick and a top talent who might fit better in a different offense, similar to Houston's thinking on Harrison. If Thomas isn't available, the next most recognizable name might be Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy, whose role has been reduced in a wideout rotation dominated by rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion.

Fowler:Those are two names to watch, though I would caution Jacksonville that (A) trading talented players while sitting at 4-1 is risky and (B) Thomas' presence changes how teams defend the Jaguars. His immense skill set requires defensive backs to play him deep, which opens the field for Washington and Meyers. But if Jacksonville gets a good offer, it would be foolish not to consider it. Jeudy is in a similar boat. The Browns are improved and need veteran help, so my sense is while they are not actively shopping Jeudy, a strong offer could change that.

What about Quentin Johnston? The Chargers' wideout has come up in a few of my recent conversations. The Bolts were firm in the offseason that they wouldn't deal him, but now that Los Angeles is sitting at 0-5, perhaps the timing is right.

Graziano: Someone the other day mentioned the possibility of a Chargers fire sale, and my response was, "Who wants them?" But you're right. Teams will have an eye on potentially helpful players from a Chargers roster that obviously hasn't come together. Veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack is the big name, but Johnston is certainly intriguing. A potential hang-up is that fully guaranteed $18 million fifth-year option for 2027, but Johnston just turned 25, has obvious talent and could benefit from a change of scenery.

Fowler: Another player I'm keeping an eye on is Baltimore's Rashod Bateman. Zay Flowers is the dominant wide receiver in the Ravens' offense, which means Bateman's production comes and goes. Bateman's contract is tradable -- he is due $6.5 million this year and $8.25 million in 2027 -- and other teams have had interest in the past. The Ravens are in contention and might not want to move players, but Bateman is at least a name on my list.

Also, Jauan Jennings is the forgotten man in Minnesota's passing attack. He would fit well with any Shanahan-style scheme, which is much of the league now.

Which QB is most in danger of getting benched?

Fowler: The best place to start is with losing teams led by bridge quarterbacks or struggling players on rookie contracts. Tennessee's Cam Ward and Miami's Malik Willis would be contenders, but their head coaches are on record saying they don't plan to bench them. In fact, the Titans' Robert Saleh said he plans to give Ward "every opportunity" to be successful. So, within that range, I'll go with Arizona's Jacoby Brissett.

Brissett isn't playing poorly. His 57.6 QBR ranks 16th in the NFL, and his 132 completions rank third. But Arizona is 1-4 with signs of regression in recent weeks, and if things worsen, the Cardinals might want to evaluate third-round rookie Carson Beck in game action. Plus, if injuries persist around the league, Brissett could be a viable trade candidate.

Graziano: I absolutely expect the Cardinals to take a look at Beck at some point this season, though I've been told it might not happen until late November, when their schedule eases up a bit. Arizona's next six games are at the Rams, home against the Broncos, at the Cowboys, at Seattle, home to the Rams and at Kansas City -- a bit of a gauntlet for a rookie QB. Of course, it's possible we will see Beck sooner, especially if Brissett gets traded at the deadline, but I don't get the sense the Cardinals are planning to rush this. Cards coach Mike LaFleur had some comments Monday that indicated Beck could be moving up the depth chart, though.

Fowler: In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson's runway is longer than it was six weeks ago. The Browns are a few plays from being 4-1, and Watson has had some bright moments, particularly with his mobility. For as maligned as his tenure with Cleveland has been, some NFL teams believe it's bad business to pay a player $46 million not to play. So, my sense is Watson will get more time to prove himself.

Graziano: The Browns are 3-2 and owe it to themselves and their fans to continue to play the quarterback they believe gives them the best chance to win. Right now, they believe that's Watson, which is why I also expect he'll keep the job until he gets hurt, he starts to play poorly or Cleveland tumbles out of contention. It would be stunning if the Browns' 2027 starter is someone on the current roster, but you can't always forecast what this franchise is going to do.

The Raiders threw Fernando Mendoza in at the end of Sunday's blowout loss to the Patriots, but I am told Kirk Cousins is in no danger of being benched any time soon. The Raiders were happy to get Mendoza's feet wet, but they remain in no hurry to make him their starter, especially sitting at 3-2 themselves.

Fowler: The Raiders have played this right in that Cousins is a quarterback who can help them win, so there's no need to rush Mendoza, who's learning an NFL system. But Sunday's lopsided loss was a reminder that Mendoza will play sooner or later.

Graziano: Moving to Indianapolis, Daniel Jones hasn't played well, and the Colts are under a ton of pressure to win this season. But with only Anthony Richardson Sr.and Riley Leonard behind him, it's hard to see Jones losing his job unless Indy makes a trade for a quarterback.

Fowler: You bring up an interesting point on Indianapolis. My sense is the Colts are not eager to turn to their backups. Jones will get more time; after all, they are paying him $50 million this year. But the urgency in the building can't be ignored. It's Year 4 for coach Shane Steichen, and the pressure to win is thick.

Graziano: And this is only speculative, but I wonder how long the Broncos will go with Bo Nix if he doesn't start playing better. They made the playcaller change for Week 5 and it didn't seem to work, so you start to wonder if the problem isn't the plays but the player.

What is your best piece of fantasy football advice for this week?

Graziano: With four teams on a bye this week, including Joe Burrow's Bengals and Jared Goff's Lions, Packers QB Jordan Love feels like the must-add streamer pickup. We know three things for sure:

• Love is going to keep throwing deep shots to Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.


• The Packers can't run the ball at all.


• The Cowboys' defense is incredibly vulnerable.

You can start Love with absolute confidence this week if you're looking for a Burrow or Goff fill-in (or a Justin Herbert one, for that matter). And if you need someone for more than one week, Green Bay will play the Lions in Week 7 and the Panthers in Week 8. Love is a three-week, set-and-forget option the way he's playing.

Fowler: Pick up Steelers WR Germie Bernard on waivers if available. His six-catch, 80-yard performance on nine targets Sunday felt more like a breakout than an aberration. He steps into the WR2 role in Pittsburgh after injuries to Michael Pittman Jr.and Roman Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers has raved about Bernard's instincts. Bernard can play inside or outside receiver. This is a player I wish I had picked up a week earlier, because he'll be snatched up quickly this week.

While it's hard to expect DeMario Douglas to repeat his two-touchdown Week 5 performance moving forward, he's a decent play for at least one more week. Targets in New England's offense must go somewhere with A.J. Brown and Mack Hollinsbothout.

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