Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season delivered surprises, upsets, and pivotal moments that could reshape playoff trajectories. Two of the league’s remaining undefeated teams—San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles—fell, while several underdogs rose to the occasion, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling remainder of the season.

49ers and Eagles Stunned

Both the 49ers and Eagles suffered their first losses of the season in dramatic fashion. The 49ers, who entered the game as heavy favorites, were upset by the Cleveland Browns in a game that showcased Cleveland’s resilient defense. Despite injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, the 49ers were within reach of victory, but a missed 41-yard field goal by rookie kicker Jake Moody sealed their fate in a 19-17 loss. This was especially surprising given that Cleveland’s starting quarterback, Deshaun Watson, was replaced by backup P.J. Walker, who managed to steer his team to victory despite struggles.

The Eagles, meanwhile, fell to the New York Jets, who managed a 20-14 victory despite missing star cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson made just enough plays, and the defense, led by Quinnen Williams, dominated Philadelphia’s offense. Jalen Hurts threw three interceptions, including a costly late-game pick that set up the Jets’ go-ahead score. This marked the Jets’ first-ever victory over the Eagles in franchise history, and it brought both teams to a 5-1 and 3-3 record, respectively.

Texans and Bengals Making Moves

The Houston Texans continued to exceed expectations with a hard-fought 20-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 199 yards and two touchdowns, bouncing back from a narrow loss the previous week. Houston’s defense was key in the victory, stopping Derek Carr and the Saints’ offense from finding any consistent rhythm.

Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals pulled out a gritty 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks, climbing back to .500 at 3-3. Joe Burrow showed signs of recovery from his early-season struggles, though it was the Bengals’ defense that made the biggest impact, preventing Seattle from converting in the red zone multiple times. For the Seahawks, red-zone inefficiency proved costly.

Commanders, Jaguars, and Bills Get Important Wins

The Washington Commanders bounced back from their Week 5 thrashing to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 24-16. Quarterback Sam Howell threw for three touchdowns, while Falcons QB Desmond Ridder struggled, throwing three interceptions. Washington’s defense capitalized on those mistakes to seal the win.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, riding high after their London success, completed a season sweep of the Indianapolis Colts with a dominant 37-20 win. Travis Etienne scored two rushing touchdowns, and the Jaguars’ defense forced Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew into four turnovers.

In a dramatic Sunday night matchup, the Buffalo Bills narrowly escaped an upset by the New York Giants, winning 14-9. The Giants, led by backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor, had a chance to steal the game on the final play but failed to score from the 1-yard line. The Bills, led by Josh Allen, rallied with two late touchdown drives to avoid a shocking loss

Dolphins and Lions Keep Rolling

The Miami Dolphins’ offense continued its dominant season, dismantling the winless Carolina Panthers 42-21. Raheem Mostert and Tyreek Hill led the way with stellar performances, keeping the Dolphins atop the AFC standings. Despite a solid effort from Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young, Miami’s firepower proved too much.

In another dominant display, the Detroit Lions solidified their status as Super Bowl contenders with a 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their defense stifled Tampa Bay’s offense, while Jared Goff and the Lions’ offensive unit remained efficient 

Looking Ahead

As the season approaches its midpoint, several key storylines are unfolding. The 49ers and Eagles must bounce back from their first losses while managing injuries, and surprise teams like the Texans and Jets are proving to be legitimate threats. Meanwhile, perennial contenders like the Bengals are showing signs of recovery after slow starts.

With Week 7 on the horizon, playoff races will start to take shape, and teams that have stumbled—like the Seahawks and Falcons—will be under pressure to regroup quickly. Every week, the NFL continues to deliver excitement, with underdogs making statements and elite teams showing vulnerabilities. Week 6 was no exception, and the coming weeks promise even more unpredictability and drama across the league.