Photo via CBS Sports

Three underrated NFL Week 6 games that could help shape the playoff race

Week 6 of the NFL is shaping up to be a pivotal stretch, with three underrated matchups that could have major implications for the playoff picture. The Philadelphia Eagles, already in a precarious 2-3 position and on a three-game losing streak, face a critical test against the Carolina Panthers.

The Eagles’ struggles are compounded by the absence of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out with a superficial blood clot, and injuries to key offensive players Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith. With head coach Nick Sirianni’s job security hanging in the balance, the Eagles’ desperation is palpable, especially if they drop to 2-4.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have shown inconsistency this season with a loss-win-loss-win pattern, but their recent trajectory and schedule advantage could give them the edge in this matchup.

Elsewhere, the Chicago Bears have a chance to regain their starting quarterback Caleb Williams, who could return from injury against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears’ offense has been a bright spot this year, and Williams’ presence would add another layer of threat to a team already looking to climb out of the AFC’s bottom tier.

The Falcons, meanwhile, are navigating their own challenges, but this game could serve as a litmus test for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Up nextNFL· 39m ago

TV series about the 1985 Chicago Bears under development