The NFL Week 6 slate produced enough drama to keep fans talking well into next week. Here are the key stories from Sunday, with a focus on surprising outcomes, quarterback questions, and standout performances.
Rams fall to an upset loss in Arizona
Arizona pulled off an upset, scoring six field goals to beat the Rams 18-16. Los Angeles entered the contest favored by 13.5 points, but the Cardinals kept things tight and capitalized when it mattered most. The result drops the Rams to 2-4, marking back-to-back losses.
Special teams played a pivotal role in the defeat. The Rams’ new kicker, Blake Grupe, connected on a 44-yard field goal but suffered a knee injury during the kickoff return that followed. With Grupe unavailable, the Rams faced difficult decisions, opting to go for two and attempting fourth-down plays on Arizona’s side of the field. The strategy didn’t pay off, as Los Angeles turned the ball over three times in Cardinals territory—twice on downs and once via a fumble.
Arizona’s defense stepped up in a big moment, even though the unit had been among the league’s less effective groups this season. The Rams managed 286 total yards, with a passing success rate of 44.4% and a rushing success rate around 50%.
Ultimately, the game came down to execution: converting opportunities on two-downs, avoiding turnovers, and sustaining drives on third down. The Rams couldn’t make the necessary plays when it counted, underscoring ongoing concerns about their consistency.
Chargers face quarterback questions
The Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with pronounced quarterback challenges. Justin Herbert’s play has drawn scrutiny, with a notable pressure-to-sack rate of 22% and an EPA per play of -0.69 in the loss to Kansas City. The offense struggled further against Arizona, failing to reach a high level of efficiency.
Several factors have hampered the Chargers: starting four rookie offensive linemen, a limited receiving corps, and injuries to key targets. One interception Herbert threw in the Arizona game stood out as a costly mistake for a quarterback with years of experience.
Offensive performance overall was far from viable, with the unit posting only a 30.2% success rate. The team heads into a bye week needing to reassess and reset. The remaining schedule doesn’t get easier, with upcoming games against the Rams and Houston, among others.
Herbert’s confidence appears fragile, and defenders and analysts have noted how frequently he’s under pressure during drops. A system change or a fresh approach could potentially rekindle his rhythm, but whether the franchise pursues such a change remains uncertain. What’s clear: the Chargers need to find a path forward to stabilize the offense.
Houston shows MVP-level form from CJ Stroud
CJ Stroud continues to deliver elite-level play, reinforcing why many observers view him as an MVP-caliber quarterback this season. In a London showcase, Stroud went 24 of 34 for 312 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Advanced metrics from the week highlighted Stroud’s efficiency: he led quarterbacks in success rate, EPA per pass, and total yards in the week’s action, despite facing pressure on about 40% of his dropbacks. Most notably, Stroud posted a zero percent pressure-to-sack rate, meaning he wasn’t sacked at all in the game.
Houston has won two consecutive games and now heads into Week 7 with momentum. The Texans’ schedule features a matchup with the New York Giants next, presenting another opportunity for Stroud to excel. He sits among the league leaders in passing yards and impact plays, ranking highly in those categories as Week 7 approaches.
The Houston offense is also poised to grow as Marvin Harrison Jr. becomes more integrated. Harrison had a modest stat line in London but finished with three receptions for 34 yards on four targets. As Stroud continues to distribute the ball effectively, Harrison’s involvement is likely to increase, providing another dynamic weapon for Houston.
Houston has leaned into spread concepts and quick reads to maximize Stroud’s effectiveness. The team relied on shotgun formations in the mid-60% range and used multiple personnel packages to keep defenses off balance.
Bottom line
The Week 6 results showed the NFL’s unpredictable nature: even strong teams can stumble, and emerging talents can dominate. As teams head into and out of byes, the league landscape can shift quickly, making every subsequent game a critical piece of the season’s narrative.
