Yardbarker's NFL Week 6 game-by-game analysis, grades

LIONS (2-2-1): The progress Detroit had been making in the ground game was halted by the Packers. Two weeks after rushing for a season-best 186 yards against the Chiefs (Detroit's fourth-best mark of the decade), the Lions were held to 56 rushing yards on 20 attempts in Green Bay. The Lions averaged a measly 2.8 yards per attempt and failed to register a running play longer than 10 yards. Matt Patricia must do a better job getting lead back Kerryon Johnson going. The talented, young runner from Auburn ran for only 34 yards (2.6 yards per carry). On the season, Johnson is averaging 3.3 yards per carry ⁠— unacceptable for a back of his caliber. Of course, no discussion of this game is complete without mentioning blown calls by the officiating crew. Two illegal hands to the face penalties against the Lions' Trey Flowers were especially egregious -- the last one extended the Packers' game-winning drive. Predictably, social media melted down. So did ESPN's Booger McFarland, who (rightfully) ripped the calls. GAME GRADE: C+  | NEXT: vs. Vikings (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

PACKERS (5-1): AARON RODGERS is still trying to hit his stride under new head coach Matt LaFleur. The legendary quarterback produced at a "just OK" level again, completing 24 of 39 passes for 283 yards (7.3 yards per attempt, below league average of 7.4). He tossed two touchdowns and one interception, which was not his fault. (Wide receiver Darrius Shepherd mishandled the ball.) Rodgers' passer rating boiled down to a mediocre 90.0 (league average: 91.3), marking his fourth straight game with a passer rating below 100. It's the first time since 2015 Rodgers has gone four straight games without breaking a 100 passer rating. More importantly, Green Bay's average of 23.7 points per game is its third lowest under a healthy Rodgers. The defense has carried the Packers to this point, but the offense needs to catch up if the Packers are going to compete for a Super Bowl. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: vs. Raiders (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

COWBOYS (3-3): The Cowboys could not find the end zone in the first  half, their third straight game without a first-half touchdown. Dak Prescott (28-for-40, 277 yards) had an off game, failing to get anything done deep; he averaged just 9.9 yards per completion (entered the game averaging 13.5). With starting tackles La'el Collins and Tyron Smith out of action, the Cowboys allowed the Jets to get too much pressure on Prescott. New York had only one sack, but it knocked Prescott down eight times, tying for the most hits he has taken in a game this season. The protection issue bit Dallas the hardest at the worst moment, as a Jamal Adams pressure led to a Prescott incompletion on a two-point attempt late in the fourth quarter. GAME GRADE: D-minus | NEXT: vs. Eagles (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

JETS (1-4): Returning to an 0-4 team averaging 179 yards per game, SAM DARNOLD re-established his career track with the best game of his career. Darnold’s 338-yard showing in the upset win  featured a career-best 10.6 yards per attempt, buoyed by a deft deep drop-in to Robby Anderson that went for a 92-yard touchdown. Since-fired GM Mike Maccagnan’s 2018 first-round decision looks savvy again. Adam Gase also dialed up several quick passes to reintegrate his quarterback. But Darnold delivered quality mid-range strikes to Jamison Crowder and Demaryius Thomas, and he found backup tight end Ryan Griffin twice in the red zone on a TD drive. This was always a developmental year for the Jets, but it takes on greater purpose now. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Patriots (Mon.)

-- Sam Robinson

TEXANS (4-2): Although DESHAUN WATSON has played an enormous role, Houston's defense is the key to the Texans taking the AFC South lead. Romeo Crennel’s unit, which came into the game 25^th against the pass, gave up three TD passes to Patrick Mahomes. But Tashaun Gipson’s interception in the end zone — Mahomes’ first pick of the season — stopped a Chiefs drive that could have put them up 24-9 in the second quarter. The defense's best work came in the second half, when it forced consecutive three-and-outs on Kansas City’s final two drives. Mahomes’ 273 yards passing were a season low, and all things considered, Houston’s secondary did excellent work. The Texans sacked Mahomes only once, but it was a strip sack, and like they did with Gipson’s interception, the Texans turned it into a six points. Houston is imperfect, but an opportunistic defense, plus Watson, could turn the AFC South into a two-horse race with Indianapolis. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: at Colts (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

CHIEFS (4-2): Blessed with the league’s top quarterback on American sports’ best contract, the Chiefs have major issues. They allowed a Texans team that built a backfield around a recent Chiefs cut candidate (Carlos Hyde) and an ex-Browns passing-down (Duke Johnson)  back to amass 192 rushing yards. Kansas City is in danger of squandering what is likely Patrick Mahomes’ final year on a rookie deal. The Chiefs have allowed at least 180 rushing yards in four straight games – only the fourth team this century to do that. GM Brett Veach’s top-market contracts to Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu, and $9 million-per-year deal for run-stopping (supposedly) linebacker Anthony Hitchens, have barely moved the needle. Why should Chiefs fans believe their defense will improve once Mahomes signs an NFL-record extension?  GAME GRADE: D + | NEXT: at Broncos (Thurs.)

-- Sam Robinson

49ERS (5-0): Sheesh, San Francisco can play defense. Los Angeles netted only 157 yards and rarely threatened coordinator Robert Saleh’s gang after the first drive. San Francisco has dominated turnover-prone quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Baker Mayfield, and beat a backup in Mason Rudolph, so what it did against JARED GOFF is eye-opening. The big question for San Francisco concerns Jimmy Garoppolo (243 yards). He was pedestrian against the Rams, and the rest of the NFC powers — New Orleans, Green Bay and Seattle — have proven commodities at QB. If Garoppolo can make steady progress throughout the season, San Francisco looks like a team that will have a serious say in who represents the NFC in the Super Bowl. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: at Redskins (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

RAMS (3-3): Los Angeles ran the ball down San Francisco’s throat to start, taking a 7-0 lead, and then things fell apart horribly. Jared Goff threw for 78 yards total -- is that really possible in the pass-happy NFL? -- and was sacked four times. Los Angeles failed to convert a third or fourth down, going 0-for-13. Los Angeles has lost three games in a row for the first time since Sean McVay became head coach. Goff's poor play is a huge concern. He has five touchdowns and six interceptions in his last four games, and moreover, hasn’t looked like a difference-maker. If anything, he’s looked like a bottom-tier quarterback. Super Bowl loser’s hangover? Sure looks like it for the Rams. If they don’t get things right against Atlanta, it will be a full-blown crisis. GAME GRADE: F | NEXT: at Falcons (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

STEELERS (2-4): Despite losing Stephon Tuitt (pectoral injury), the Steelers' best player on defense, Pittsburg continues to get better on that side of the ball. But we can’t discuss this win without mentioning DEVLIN "DUCK" HODGES. The game wasn't too big for the undrafted free agent QB. Pittsburgh’s defense took the pressure off him, giving him a 24-0 cushion, but Hodges played well throughout, passing on time and accurately for a guy who has had little playing time. He threw an ill-advised fourth-quarter interception, but he kept mistakes to a minimum. The MVP of Pittsburgh’s offense was James Conner, especially early on, but Hodges acclimated himself well and was instrumental in getting the Steelers a huge victory heading into a bye.GAME GRADE: B + | NEXT: Bye | vs Dolphins (Mon., Oct. 28)

-- Matt Williamson

CHARGERS (2-4): Steelers supporters, perhaps the league's best traveling fan base, swarmed StubHub Center. This made matters tougher for a battered Bolts offensive line that struggled in a game that quickly got away from the “home” team. The plays in Pittsburgh’s upset victory will be remembered less than a nationally televised game being overrun with an away team’s fans – which was notable to a degree even for a franchise that regularly observes versions of this scene. The Bolts are now 1-3 in Los Angeles this season, 5-7 over the past two seasons. Perhaps this experiment, now in Year 3, should not be judged until the new Rams-Chargers stadium opens next year. But the Bolts’ San Diego-to-LA move has been a bad look for the league. And it’s hard to believe a slew of new fans will be there for Chargers home games in a nicer stadium. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: at Titans (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

EAGLES (3-3): After a 10-sack outburst against the brutal Jets offensive line, the Eagles struggled, sacking the very average Kirk Cousins once. In addition, Philadelphia notched only four knockdowns across Cousins' 30 dropbacks. Poor secondary coverage is likely the reason Philadelphia didn't pressure the QB; it allowed Cousins to pass for 11.4 yards per attempt, his best mark as a Viking. The banged-up Eagles secondary must be better or Philadelphia won't climb back to elite level. GAME GRADE: D+ | NEXT: at Cowboys (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

VIKINGS (4-2): The Eagles excel at stopping the run, but their secondary is susceptible. That seems like the exact opposite type of defense that Minnesota would like to see. But it really didn’t matter, as the Vikings jumped all over Philadelphia early. STEFON DIGGS exploited the Eagles' substandard cornerbacks (seven catches for 167 yards, 3 TDs). Diggs, upset with his role earlier this season, is an immense talent; few are better route runners. He explodes out of his breaks at an Antonio Brown-like level. He can align all over the formation and routinely shows body control that few wide receivers can match. We know Kirk Cousins can’t put the offense entirely on his back, but the Vikings have stars around him in Diggs, Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen. If this offense can build momentum, look out. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: at Lions (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

FALCONS (1-5): The Falcons could barely lay a finger on KYLER MURRAY, as they allowed the No. 1 pick to post a career-best passer rating of 128.2 (his first game above 100; 92.2 is the league average). The main reason? Atlanta's pass rush was shut out, picking up zero sacks and zero quarterback hits against a Cardinals offense that entered Sunday having allowed the fourth-most sacks per game (4.2). It was the Falcons' third contest without a sack. It marked the fourth time in franchise history they've done that over their first six games. Production like this is unacceptable, and the heat is really on head coach Dan Quinn, who might not get much more time to turn the team around. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: vs. Rams (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

CARDINALS (2-3-1): Matt Bryant’s missed extra point gave the Cardinals the win, but the impactful big-picture story was the play of Kyler Murray (27-for-37, 340 yards). He had by far his best game as a pro, looking efficient and dangerous in equal measure, and ending up with three touchdowns and no interceptions. But for a lull in the second half, Arizona was able to sustain long drives and put a quick-strike offense on display. The latter capability should scare opponents, as Murray’s talent with his legs will open up other opportunities for his teammates. The Cardinals probably don’t have much of a chance at the playoffs in a stacked NFC, but they do appear to be a team taking clear steps in the right direction. They could even their record against the Giants in Week 7, but then a brutal stretch (at New Orleans, then two of the next three with San Francisco) will really show how far Murray has come.  GAME GRADE: B + | NEXT: at Giants (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

TITANS (2-4): MARCUS MARIOTA'S benching in this game makes it clear: The Titans are at a crossroads at quarterback. Ryan Tannehill isn’t an average backup, although he probably isn’t the long-term answer under center either. It's obvious Mariota isn’t either. His two interceptions were the first he threw this season, but his inconsistency has hurt a team struggling to establish an offensive identity. There are pieces in place for Tennessee, some tantalizing skill talent and a defense that came into the game ranked in the top 10 in points and yards allowed. But unless Mike Vrabel gets more from whomever he decides to start at QB, the Titans will go nowhere. A possible explanation for Mariota’s problems? No coordinator consistency; Arthur Smith is the fourth offensive coordinator in the past five years in Nashville. Sunday’s loss may be the clearest signal yet that the Titans must restart their search for a franchise quarterback. GAME GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Chargers (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

BRONCOS (2-4): After the Broncos’ three sack-less games, and the loss of Bradley Chubb in the game when that skid snapped, they submitted virtuoso work against the Titans. Forgotten or unproven players produced a pressure rampage. Defensive ends Derek Wolfe and DeMarcus Walker, the latter a 2017 second-rounder who entered the season nearing the “bust” label, combined for four of Denver’s seven sacks. New inside linebacker Alexander Johnson posted 1.5, and Von Miller disrupted pockets despite frequent double-teams. Two of the Broncos’ three interceptions came when Tannehill or MARCUS MARIOTA faced multi-angle pressure. Rounding out the rare shutout, Denver allowed just 28 yards to Derrick Henry; two weeks ago, a similar back (Leonard Fournette) rushed for 225 against Denver. Vic Fangio deserves credit for his scheme producing this result without multiple starters. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Chiefs (Thurs.)

-- Sam Robinson

SAINTS (5-1): New Orleans' defense is starting to play at an elite level. After holding GARDNER MINSHEW'S offense out of the end zone, the Saints have allowed only 13.3 points per game over their last three contests. Great coverage bailed out a quiet pass rush (three QB hits, two sacks) on Minshew; the Saints deflected seven passes and held the rookie to a 48% completion rate (14-for-29 for 163 yards) and less than six yards per attempt. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore led the way with three passes defended -- he is playing extremely well after a rocky start to the season. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: at Bears (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

JAGUARS (2-4): The story of the game was Gardner Minshew’s inability to handle pressure. The Saints sacked him only twice, but they hurried him repeatedly, and while Minshew has dealt with pressure all season — Jacksonville had the 24^th-ranked team pass-blocking grade entering the game, per Pro Football Focus — he was unable to break the pocket and make plays on the run. The Jaguars have a chance for a get-healthy game against the Bengals in Week 7, even though it is on the road, then get the suddenly scary Jets and the Texans at home before their bye week. If the Jaguars can’t find at least two wins out of those three games, they could be out of the AFC South race by the time Nick Foles returns. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: at Bengals (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

REDSKINS (1-5): In the "Tank Bowl," a "battle" between winless teams, 34-year-old ADRIAN PETERSON emerged as the star. He rushed 23 times for 118 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Washington ran 32 times (for a season-high 145 yards) and dropped back to pass only 25 times with Case Keenum. It's the first time Washington has topped 140 rushing yards in back-to-back games since Weeks 1-2 of 2015. Peterson told reporters earlier in the week he was "hyped" about the Redskins' commitment to the run under interim coach Bill Callahan. A stout running game might be Washington's only chance to win another game this season. GAME GRADE: B-  | NEXT: vs. Niners (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

DOLPHINS (0-5):  Thrown into two of this generation’s worst offenses and exiting start 15 with a 3-12 record, Josh Rosen is straddling the “bad quarterback-bad situations” line. Rosen bombed in a prime spot – against winless Washington after a bye – throwing two interceptions and averaging 3.4 yards per attempt. Despite Sunday’s benching, Rosen will start again next week. The second-year passer took at least three sacks he had no hope of avoiding behind the Dolphins’ replacement-level offensive line – one that may be worse than the historically bad Cardinals front he was left with by 2018’s end. Throwing 2001 Tom Brady into these messes would not yield a much better result. The Dolphins will learn little about their 22-year-old QB under these circumstances, and Rosen may exit Year 2 a lost cause. The UCLA product’s career is becoming an all-time example of NFL business interfering with a prospect’s development. GAME GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: at Bills (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

SEAHAWKS (5-1): Seattle never deviated from its game plan despite falling behind 20-6, and it paid off. Russell Wilson (23-for-33, 295 yards) was excellent again, and the Seahawks outscored the Browns 26-8 the rest of the game. Wilson routinely made big plays in and outside of the pocket and made the Browns pay for their sloppiness. How good is he this season? Only four quarterbacks in league history have posted a passer rating of 100 or better in each of their team’s first six games: Wilson this year, Aaron Rodgers in 2011, Tom Brady in 2007, and Carson Palmer in 2005. Wilson’s performance was even more impressive in light of the windy conditions he had to deal with in Cleveland. Christian McCaffrey has been great, but Wilson is the clear MVP front-runner. GAME GRADE: A-minus | NEXT: vs. Ravens (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

BROWNS (2-4): Cleveland’s offense clearly played better than it did in Week 5 against the Niners, but BAKER MAYFIELD'S turnover issues (three picks) remain a huge concern. To be fair, his interception went off his receiver’s hands near the end of the first half. But it wasn’t a well-thrown ball, and in the red zone, he must be more precise. The Browns led at the half, 20-18, but should have had a commanding lead. A young team with a first-year head coach, Cleveland hasn't mastered details. Contrast that with the coach/quarterback combination of Seattle's Pete Carroll/Russell Wilson, who are masterful with lesser talent than what Cleveland has. The term “game manager” often has a negative connotation. But wow, Cleveland needs better game-management skills from its second-year quarterback, who suffered a hip injury in the third quarter. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: Bye | at Patriots (Sun., Oct. 27)

-- Matt Williamson

BENGALS (0-6): All attention was in Miami for the Redskins-Dolphins “Tank Bowl,” which supposedly featured the league's worst teams. But that's really selling Cincinnati’s ineptitude short. The Bengals are awful. Cincinnati took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, but this game wasn’t as competitive as the score indicates. ANDY DALTON, a lower-tier starting quarterback over his career, is playing like a shell of what he once was. The Bengals' dreadful offensive line surely has something to do with that. Dalton never has dealt with pressure well, but Baltimore’s pass rush isn’t daunting. Still, Dalton was shaky and off target. He was bailed out by Auden Tate (an interesting find in injured A.J. Green’s absence) on several occasions (five catches for 91 yards). At this point of a lost season with a new coach, it might be time to turn to rookie Ryan Finley, who played well in the preseason. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: vs. Jaguars (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

RAVENS (4-2): This game was in hand early, allowing the Ravens to play slowly, run the ball and eat massive amounts of clock. The time-of-possession discrepancy of 19 minutes, 24 seconds best illustrates Baltimore's dominance. The Ravens were far from perfect, however. Baltimore is far too dependent in the passing game on tight end Mark Andrews, who caught six passes for 99 yards, and rookie wideout Marquise Brown, who was inactive because of an injury. Besides Andrews, eight other Ravens caught passes, but other than Andrews, no one had more than three receptions or 28 yards. Super-athlete Myles Boykin is the pass-catcher most likely to step up, but he remains raw in the finer points of wide receiver play. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: at Seahawks (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

BUCCANEERS (2-4): JAMEIS WINSTON had been making nice strides under Bruce Arians, most notably doing a much better job keeping the ball safe. The Bucs' QB entered Week 6 with just two interceptions in his last four games. That streak of mostly clean plan came to a screeching halt, as Winston threw a career-high five interceptions. He now owns a career-worst interception rate of 4.5 percent. His recurring turnover issue is a shame, because he continues to show big-time play-making potential. Winston averages a career-best 295.2 passing yards per game after throwing for 400 against Carolina — but at some point, the turnovers must stop if he is going to hang on to his job. GAME GRADE: D  | NEXT: Bye | at Titans (Sun., Oct. 27)

-- Michael Nania

PANTHERS (4-2): Carolina's pass rush has been dominant. The Panthers knocked Jameis Winston down 10 times and sacked him seven times, pushing their sack total to a league-leading 27 (surpassing the Patriots). Gerald McCoy broke out against his former team, recording 2.5 sacks, his first as a Panther. Rookie first-round selection Brian Burns picked up a sack for the fifth straight game, tying Julius Peppers' Panthers rookie record. GAME GRADE: B+  | NEXT: Bye | at 49ers (Sun., Oct. 27)

-- Michael Nania

GIANTS (2-4): Following a dazzling Week 3 debut in Tampa Bay (336 pass yards, two passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns), Daniel Jones is now producing more like a normal rookie. He owns well below league average marks in passer rating (74.1 versus league average of 92.2), yards per attempt (6.6 versus 7.4), and interception percentage (4.3 versus 2.4) — each mark ranks bottom-five among passers with 100-plus attempts. On the positive side, Jones broke the Patriots' six-game streak without allowing a passing touchdown when he hit Golden Tate for a 64-yard score. He also went his third straight game without a fumble, after losing two in his starting debut. GAME GRADE: C-  | NEXT: vs. Cardinals (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

PATRIOTS (6-0): New England could probably earn a 10th straight playoff bye without adding a pass-catching weapon before the Oct. 29 trade deadline. Winning another Super Bowl? Less certain. The Bills' muzzling of Tom Brady revealed more about their defense, but the Patriots’ struggles against a much weaker Giants defense showed they could use another man coverage-beater. Fifty-one percent of Brady’s passes Thursday traveled three yards or fewer downfield. With JULIAN EDELMAN its only reliable weapon, this station-to-station pass offense is New England’s worst in 13 years. Once the Patriots’ defense faces non-basement-level offenses, this may become an issue. Josh Gordon and Phillip Dorsett might be enough against a soft schedule, but with Brady near the finish line, this is no time to gamble. The Pats’ ability to pilfer other teams' receivers has compensated for Bill Belichick’s issues drafting them, and the NFL’s trade kingpins need to try again. With a record seventh Super Bowl title in play, these will be high-stakes trade calls. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: at Jets (Mon.)

-- Sam Robinson

BILLS (4-1): The defense justifiably receives credit for Buffalo's start, but its rushing attack has made a remarkably swift transformation. The Bills' offensive line ranked 30th in Football Outsiders’ top run-blocking metric (adjusted line yards) last season. Through five games, the revamped unit sits second. After seeing LeSean McCoy plod through his worst season, ending with a 3.2-yard per-carry average, the Bills added four new O-line starters. Guards Jon Feliciano and Quinton Spain and center Mitch Morse start; Ty Nsekhe and second-round rookie Cody Ford share the right tackle spot. These additions, and the progression of third-year left tackle Dion Dawkins, invigorated a ground game that’s featured mostly 36-year-old Frank Gore. The future Hall of Famer boasts a 4.4-yard rushing average and helped close out wins over the Bengals and Titans. When rookie Devin Singletary returns from injury, Buffalo will have another dependable dimension. The Bills ranked seventh on the ground heading into Week 6, compensating for a still-suspect aerial attack. NEXT: vs. Dolphins (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

BEARS (3-2): Soon it will be decision time for Chicago at quarterback. Ten-year veteran CHASE DANIEL is the far less risky choice over Mitch Trubisky, who has missed time with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. But the limited Daniel cannot make the big plays that Trubisky provides. Trubisky can blow you away with his play-making skills, but he's not consistent. He doesn't complete simple throws regularly. With Chicago’s great defense, does Daniel give the Bears the best chance at victory on any given week? Possibly, but if Daniel plays, Trubisky’s growth is stunted. I expect Trubisky at the controls, but maybe the Bears should explore trading for Cincinnati's Andy Dalton, Jacksonville's Nick Foles or even Miami's Ryan Fitzpatrick by the Oct. 29 deadline.. NEXT: vs. Saints (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

COLTS (3-2): If any team needs a bye in the worst way, it's the Colts. Indianapolis has played without injured LB Darius Leonard and safety Malik Hooker for three and two games, respectively, and strong safety Clayton Geathers missed the upset win in Week 5 over the Chiefs. Indy has been decidedly average: Its point-differential is -2, it has given up 56 more yards than it has gained, and its turnover margin is 0. If the defense returns to health, it could become a force and serve as the Colts' trump card in the up-for-grabs AFC South. A showdown with the Texans looms, and after that, Indy gets Denver, Pittsburgh and Miami, with only the Steelers on the road. Win in Week 7 and 7-2 in mid-November is a real possibility. NEXT: vs. Texans (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

RAIDERS (3-2): The Raiders’ breakthrough rushing attack is likely set to take another step forward. Right guard Gabe Jackson’s impending return from a knee injury that has sidelined him since training camp will pair one of the holdovers from the Raiders’ last good offensive line, their Pro Bowler-laden 2016 front, with promising rookie JOSH JACOBS. The first-round pick already has first-round tackle Kolton Miller, top-tier center Rodney Hudson and hired guns Trent Brown and Richie Incognito blocking for him. The Raiders have morphed from No. 29 in run-offense DVOA last season to No. 4, with Jacobs gashing defenses for 4.9 yards per carry. Oakland ranks top 10 in adjusted line yards and runs between the guards, per Football Outsiders, without its reliable sixth-year guard. With a rejuvenated line and the kind of young backfield talent the Raiders haven’t had since maybe Napoleon Kaufman, this Oakland ground force has serious staying power. NEXT: at Packers (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson