NFL Week 6: Commanders Fighting for Playoff Life, Jets Eye Top Draft Pick
Intro: The Playoff Picture Heats Up
We’re rolling into Week 6 of the NFL season, and the playoff race is already starting to take shape. Some teams are flying high, while others are staring down a long road ahead. The Washington Commanders are right in the thick of it — a win this week could seriously boost their playoff hopes. On the flip side, the New York Jets might already be thinking about next year’s draft board.
Form Guide: What the Numbers Say
According to the latest PFF simulations, the Commanders’ playoff odds sit at 63% with a Week 6 win, but that number tumbles to 34% if they fall short. That’s a massive swing — this game could define their season.
As for the Jets, the picture looks a lot different. They currently have about a 20% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick, meaning they’re deep in the rebuild zone. For fans of the green and white, every loss now brings a possible silver lining in April.
Current Standings Snapshot
AFC Playoff Race
Buffalo Bills (4–1)
Jacksonville Jaguars (4–1)
Pittsburgh Steelers (3–1)
Los Angeles Chargers (3–2)
Indianapolis Colts (4–1)
Denver Broncos (3–2)
New England Patriots (3–2)
NFC Playoff Race
San Francisco 49ers (4–1)
Philadelphia Eagles (4–1)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4–1)
Detroit Lions (4–1)
Green Bay Packers (2–1–1)
Seattle Seahawks (3–2)
Minnesota Vikings (3–2)
It’s still early, but those are some stacked leaderboards. The NFC looks fierce at the top, while the AFC race is heating up fast.
Projections: What’s Likely to Change
No one expects the standings to stay this way for long. The real fun is in the projections — those PFF playoff leverage charts that show how much one game can swing a team’s fate.
Each team’s logo sits at its current playoff odds, while a point to the right shows how things look after a win and to the left after a loss. For the Commanders, those points couldn’t be more critical — one win keeps them alive, one loss could send them tumbling.
Team News: Who’s In and Out
Washington’s coaching staff has been tweaking the lineup, focusing on offensive consistency and tightening up the secondary. Injury-wise, they’ll need a few key defenders healthy to hold off a late-season slide.
The Jets, meanwhile, continue to juggle quarterbacks and search for offensive rhythm. The defense is still holding its own, but they just can’t seem to score enough points to stay competitive.
Players to Watch
Sam Howell (Commanders): Needs to protect the ball and make better reads under pressure.
Garrett Wilson (Jets): Still the brightest spot on a struggling offense. One big play from him can change a game.
Chase Young (Commanders): Could be the difference-maker on defense if he gets to the QB early and often.
Prediction: Commanders Hold On
This one feels like a must-win for Washington, and that’s usually when teams dig deep. Expect a scrappy, low-scoring game, but the Commanders should edge it out — maybe something like 20–16.
Betting Tips
Commanders to Win: They’ve got more at stake and the stronger motivation.
Under 42.5 Total Points: Both offenses have been inconsistent.
Anytime TD – Terry McLaurin: The guy always shows up in big games.
Wrap Up
Week 6 might not crown a champion, but it’s shaping the road to January. The Commanders are fighting to keep their playoff dream alive, while the Jets might already be planning their next big draft move. Either way, there’s drama, stakes, and plenty of football left to play.