Honestly, if you missed NFL Week 6 2024, you missed the moment the league finally stopped pretending it knew what was going on. It was a chaotic, beautiful mess of a weekend where the "best" teams looked human and the "struggling" rookies started looking like future Hall of Famers. Between the London turf in the morning and the blowout in Dallas in the afternoon, the hierarchy of the league basically got put into a blender.
You've probably heard people say the NFL season doesn't really start until October. Well, Week 6 was the proof. We saw the Detroit Lions absolutely dismantle the Dallas Cowboys in a game that felt like a changing of the guard, and we watched Caleb Williams finally have that "I’m the No. 1 pick for a reason" moment across the pond. It wasn't just another week of football; it was a weekend that redefined what we should expect for the rest of the year.
The Lions vs. Cowboys Massacre: A Statement in Arlington
Let's talk about the game everyone is still buzzing about. The Detroit Lions went into AT&T Stadium and didn't just win—they embarrassed the Dallas Cowboys with a 47-9 final score. It’s kinda rare to see a pro team look that much better than their opponent. The Lions scored on their first nine possessions. Read that again. Nine.
Jared Goff was surgical, finishing with 315 yards and three touchdowns. But the real story was the defense. They forced five turnovers and held Dak Prescott to a miserable 42.2 passer rating. It was the kind of performance that makes you realize the Lions aren't just a "gritty" team anymore; they're probably the best team in the NFC.
The win came with a massive cost, though. Aidan Hutchinson, the heartbeat of that Detroit defense, suffered a gruesome leg injury that ended his season. It’s a huge blow. Even with a 38-point win, Lions fans left that Sunday feeling a bit hollow because you just don't replace a guy who was leading the league in sacks.
Caleb Williams and the London Show
While most of the U.S. was still drinking their first cup of coffee, Caleb Williams was putting on a clinic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Chicago Bears crushed the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16, and Williams looked every bit the superstar.
👉 See also: Female Tennis Players Russian: Why the Talent Pipeline Never Actually Breaks
He threw four touchdowns—two to Cole Kmet and two to Keenan Allen. What was most impressive wasn't just the arm, but the legs. He rushed for 56 yards, constantly escaping pressure and making the Jags' defense look slow. It was the first time in NFL history a player had 3+ passing TDs and 50+ rushing yards in an international game.
The Bears moved to 4-2, and suddenly, the North looks like the toughest division in football. Meanwhile, the Jaguars dropped to 1-5, leaving Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson searching for answers that might not exist this season.
The Battle of the Beltway: Ravens Hold Off Commanders
One of the most hyped matchups of NFL Week 6 2024 was the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Washington Commanders. It was Lamar Jackson vs. Jayden Daniels—two of the most electric quarterbacks in the game.
👉 See also: The London Marathon Route Map: What Most People Get Wrong
The Ravens pulled it out 30-23, but it wasn't easy. Derrick Henry was the difference-maker, as he usually is. King Henry rumbled for 132 yards and two scores, showing everyone that even at 30, he’s still the most physical back in the league.
Key Stats from Ravens vs. Commanders:
- Derrick Henry: 24 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs.
- Lamar Jackson: 323 passing yards, 1 TD.
- Jayden Daniels: 269 passing yards, 2 TDs (no picks).
Daniels proved he belongs. Even in a loss, the rookie didn't blink against one of the toughest defenses in the league. The Commanders are for real, and this "rivalry" is going to be fun for a long time.
Strange Days in Philadelphia and Beyond
The Philadelphia Eagles managed to beat the Cleveland Browns 20-16, but it wasn't the "get right" game fans were hoping for. Nick Sirianni was seen chirping at his own fans after the game, which is... a choice. Jalen Hurts found A.J. Brown for a 40-yarder late to ice it, but the Eagles' offense still feels like it's stuck in second gear.
The Browns, on the other hand, are in a historically bad spot. Deshaun Watson struggled again, and the team fell to 1-5. It’s gettin' hard to see a path back for them this year.
Then you have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who went into New Orleans and dropped 51 points on the Saints. It was a wild back-and-forth game where the Bucs gave up 20 points in the second quarter alone, only to shut the Saints out in the second half. Baker Mayfield threw three interceptions but still managed 325 yards and four scores. It was pure chaos.
Why NFL Week 6 2024 Changed the Narrative
Before this week, we weren't sure if the Bears were actually good or just lucky. We weren't sure if the Lions could sustain their dominance. We weren't sure if Jayden Daniels could handle the big stage.
Now, we know. The Chicago Bears are a legitimate playoff contender because their rookie QB has "it." The Detroit Lions are the juggernaut of the NFC, even without Hutchinson. And the AFC North is going to be a bloodbath between the Ravens and Steelers all the way to January.
Actionable Takeaways for Football Fans:
- Watch the Lions' defensive adjustments: Keep an eye on how Dan Campbell replaces Hutchinson's production. They might need a big trade before the deadline.
- Don't sleep on the NFC North: All four teams in that division are playing high-level ball. It's the most competitive group in the league right now.
- Buy stock in Caleb Williams: The "bust" talk from Week 1 is officially dead. He’s processing the game faster every week.
- Fantasy Football Move: If Rico Dowdle is somehow still on your waiver wire (unlikely after his recent usage), get him. The Panthers are leaning on him heavily, even in a crowded backfield.
This weekend was a reminder of why we watch. It's unpredictable, it's brutal, and occasionally, it's a masterpiece of coaching and talent. NFL Week 6 2024 wasn't just a mid-season placeholder; it was the week the pretenders and contenders finally separated themselves.
Next Steps:
I can provide a deeper breakdown of the Lions' defensive stats without Aidan Hutchinson or compare Jayden Daniels' rookie stats to other historical greats if you're interested in the long-term outlook for the Commanders.