Jets, Eagles, 49ers + More Surprises from the NFL Week 6

Did Friday the 13th have something to do with the wacky games that went down in the NFL on Sunday (Oct. 15)? Heading into the weekend, two NFL teams had undefeated records for the season, and both were going up against what appeared to be easy opponents. But, once you get to the NFL, you're at a very high level. Perhaps it can be easy to think beating a team that doesn't look very good on paper will be simple. But, the truth is that these NFL players are darn good, no matter if they're on the best team in the NFL or the worst. These are the cream of the crop. That's why there are no easy wins in the NFL, and that's why there were surprises from NFL Week 6.

Let's get into the obvious ones first. The San Francisco 49ers lost their first game of the 2023 season to the Cleveland Browns. This certainly wasn't a blowout, but all that matters is who wins, and that went to the Browns. The final score was 19-17. Then, after the 49ers fell, all eyes were on the Eagles. Philadelphia played a sloppy game, even clocking four turnovers, and that meant their first loss of the season to the New York Jets. This was actually the first time the Jets have ever beaten the Eagles, too.

Another shocker came in the form of the Buffalo Bills vs. the New York Giants game. This one was called for the Bills, but it was down to the wire, and they almost lost their second straight game in a row. That's shocking for a team that was considered one of the top five, at least going into the season. Finally, as a Detroit Lions fan, I have to mention the Tampa Bay game. This was another shocker in that even with a bunch of injured players, the Lions pulled off a win, and not just a small win, but a big point spread at 20-6.

So, who are the strongest teams in the NFL right now, and why? Listen to the latest episode of "The Squad with Anne Erickson" below, where we talk about NFL trends.

Well, my choices have certainly changed for the strongest quarterbacks in the NFL since the season's start. Of course, the major change was Aaron Rodgers being out for the entire season. I didn't see that coming. Who did? But, that's football. You never know what's going to happen and, unfortunately, injuries are all too common.

Here we are, almost into NFL Week 6, following Monday Night Football (Oct. 9). So, who are the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now? Let's look at some of the top players. Now, you might not agree with some of my picks, and that's okay. We're all entitled to our own opinions. But, I'm looking at a few things when I come up with my rankings. For one, the stats. Are these guys delivering on stats this year? I'm also looking at consistency and winning. Finally, I'm looking at the intangible factor. Do these guys have the heart and desire to really win? All of these factors go into being a great quarterback and leader. That's why they were all part of my decision.

I will say that No. 1 is staying the same for me. It's not a big surprise. You'll see who I picked at the end of this list, and while he hasn't had the best start to the season, he's still the strongest quarterback out there, in my opinion. I kept my No. 2 guy the same, too. But, everything else has changed.

Also, I'm a sports podcaster and host a podcast about NFL and Detroit Lions called "The Squad with Anne Erickson." Even if you aren't a Lions fan, check it out, as this season, we're talking about all the NFL teams and trends. Find my podcast here, listen below and reach out to me on socials here with your NFL thoughts and opinions.

I'm not just saying this because I'm a Detroit Lions fan, but Jared Goff is the real deal. Goff has helped turn this team around, after decades of losses. He's really found his stride in Detroit, and the Lions are loving him. He's delivered a 4-1 record so far, which is fantastic. Darn those Seahawks.

The Cincinnati Bengals have struggled this year, but Joe Burrow's stats are still among the best in the league. Fans should look at this team in the long-term, and Burrow is a big piece of their future.

I left the Buffalo Bills off my list of the best NFL teams right now, and boy, did I get some listeners disagreeing with me. I agree that the Bills are strong. But, my list came out before last weekend, and now, the Bills look weaker, having fallen to the Jag. So, I do feel a bit vindicated. But, Josh Allen is still a star quarterback.

You know I'm a big Jalen Hurts fan. He, literally, is one of the strongest quarterbacks, and he's also brilliant. He has a heart for this game, a strong will to fight and wisdom beyond his years. He's one of the best, and boy, the Eagles need him.

Patrick Mahomes got off to a rocky start with the Kansas City Chiefs, losing to the Detroit Lions. They've also struggled more in games than expected. But, Mahomes is still the best, when you look at stats and consistency. It'll be interesting to see what the rest of this season brings.

Football season is in full swing. I'm so happy that football is back, but the season is going way too fast, if you ask me. I can't believe we're already into week five. Make it slow down! Many things have changed early this season. The big change was Aaron Rodgers being out for the entire season with the New York Jets. That was a big bummer. As a Detroit Lions fan, I have usually rooted against Rodgers, but I was excited to see what he could bring to the Jets. So, who are the best NFL teams right now?

Many of the teams that were expected to do well this season, indeed, are doing well, but there have been plenty of surprises. For example, going into the season, many thought the Kansas City Chiefs would make it to the Super Bowl again this year. Don't get me wrong, they are that good. But, they fell to the Detroit Lions during that first NFL game of the season. That was a huge surprise to many NFL fans, even though I wasn't totally shocked, because I believed in the Lions. But, the rest of the season has been shakier than expected for the Kansas City Chiefs. They squeaked past the New York Jets with a small win last weekend. Oh, and Taylor Swift is at a lot of their games. There's that.

Even with their shaky start, they're better than most of the NFL teams right now. Similarly, I think the Eagles are flying this year, even though they've had a few difficult games. So, who are the best NFL teams as of week five? Read on for my thoughts. Also, I'm a sports podcaster and host a podcast about the Detroit Lions called "The Squad with Anne Erickson." Find my podcast here and reach out to me on socials here with your NFL thoughts.

I really think these guys are underrated. When it comes down to it, they have a not-so-secret weapon in star running back, and former Spartan, Kenneth Walker III. One of my best friends lived in Seattle working for Starbucks for years, so I've been following this team a long time. They've really bounced back the past two years, and I think their record is proving that they could go far this season.

I know what you're thinking. The Detroit Lions? Yes, I'm a lifelong Lions fan, so maybe I'm a tad biased, but wow, am I impressed. I feel like this team is starting where they left off last season. Other than a surprise loss to the Seahawks (darn you guys!), the Lions have won all their other games this season. I see them making it to the playoffs and, hopefully, keeping quarterback Jared Goff for the long-haul. They play the Carolina Panthers this weekend, and it's expected to be a blowout.

I have a weird hunch that these guys could make it to the Super Bowl. Okay, maybe it's not so weird, since the 49s and Eagles are the only undefeated teams in the NFL right now. But, I think they're strong and proving that they're one of the big teams to beat this season.

I know that it's been a rocky start for the Kansas City Chiefs, but they're still performing better than most NFL teams right now. They had a slow beginning but are starting to pick up momentum. It doesn't hurt that they have one of the best quarterbacks of this era, Patrick Mahomes.

I'm keeping my No. 1 pick the same this season. I'm still going with the Eagles as the strongest team in the NFL right now. The Eagles and 49ers are the only undefeated teams right now. That could change soon, but for now, Jalen Hurts and company are showing that they're hungry for another chance at that Super Bowl prize.