Jets, Eagles, 49ers, Browns and More Surprises from the NFL Week 6
Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the first half in the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 15, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
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.
Surprises from the 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.
5 Strongest Quarterbacks in the NFL Right Now
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.
Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.