The NFL’s Sunday schedule culminated with some impactful matchups in both the AFC and NFC to close out the day, but also presented some outcomes that many fans found surprising. This mix of predictability and astonishment is what makes the sport so compelling.
Here are a few takeaways we’ve learned after Week 6’s games.
The New York Jets Might Be For Real
In the last several weeks, there has been a groundswell of positive energy around the New York Jets, who were displaying signs that their fortunes were starting to turn around. Before Week 6, their wins had come against reserves quarterbacks, and their true potential was somewhat unclear based on their opponents’ lack of talent at the game’s most important position.
However, what the Jets did on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers Sunday cannot be understated. Even though the Packers have some kinks of their own to work out, they’re still viewed as a perennial threat to come out of the NFC—and the Jets completely stymied them. In all three phases of the game, New York put their stamp on an inspiring victory that will leave fans excited for what’s to come in the next few months.
The New York Giants Have Staying Power
The Jets’ co-tenants at MetLife Stadium are also having an eye-opening start to the 2022 season, as the New York Giants improved to 5-1 with a home win over the Baltimore Ravens. One of the main storylines heading into the game was the matchup featuring Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale facing off against his former employer. If anyone would be able to contain the Ravens’ offensive attack, it would be someone who practiced against it for the last few years.
New York was able to force two turnovers from Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, including a fumble forced by Kayvon Thibodeaux that would ice the win.
Giants running back Saquon Barkley continues to have a fantastic season in his quest for a new contract. He scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard plunge into the endzone.
Buffalo’s Skyrocketing Confidence
The game of the day was played in Kansas City, where the Buffalo Bills and Chiefs vied for conference supremacy late Sunday afternoon. It was an exciting matchup of two quarterbacks who very well could finish at the top of the MVP voting.
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen did not disappoint, in a game that came down to the wire. Unlike the final moments of last year’s classic AFC Divisional playoff game, Buffalo found a way to hold on for the win. Allen orchestrated a masterful drive in the contest’s waning moments, which punctuated why he might be the best signal caller in the NFL.
He was able to leap over Chiefs’ safety Justin Reid on a run that will be talked about a lot this week. A few plays later, Allen would throw a strike to tight end Dawson Knox in the back of the endzone that would give Buffalo the leg up for the number one seed in the AFC.
