The sixth week of the 2016 NFL season is already underway, with the Chargers' win over the Broncos on Thursday. As the action continues, be sure to watch these key one-on-one matchups in every remaining NFL game.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
In this critical NFC East battle, keep an eye on the right side of the offensive line, as Morgan Moses attempts to keep Brandon Graham — the second-highest-graded edge defender this season — at bay. Graham also owns the second-highest pass-rushing productivity mark among 4-3 DEs this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins
Although much of the Steelers' secondary has performed at an average or below-average level this season, one CB has stood out. Through five weeks, William Gay owns the 13th-highest grade among NFL cornerbacks, and will often face Miami's top target, Jarvis Landry, in Week 6. This season, Landry owns the most receptions from the slot (27) among NFL receivers, as well as the most yards (348).
Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears
Playing under the franchise tag, Bears WR Alshon Jeffery has yet to make a big-money statement this season, owning just the 24th-highest grade among NFL wideouts. On Sunday, he'll battle Jaguars rookie CB Jalen Ramsey; this season, QBs targeting receivers in Ramsey's coverage have recorded a 118.4 passer rating, the 10th-highest mark among NFL with at least 115 coverage snaps this season.
Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans
Arguably the best left tackle of the past decade, Cleveland's Joe Thomas has again impressed this season. His one-on-one battle with Titans OLB Brian Orakpo will be a matchup to watch on Sunday, with the Tennessee outside linebacker already recording 21 quarterback pressures this year (fifth-most among 3-4 OLBs).
Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots
With Patriots CB Logan Ryan playing just 21 percent of his snaps from the slot this season, he'll likely face off against Bengals WR A.J. Green often on Sunday. Green is behind only Antonio Brown in number of receptions this season (36 to 37), and Marvin Jones in total yards (518 to 519).
San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills
The 49ers-Bills game will feature possibly the most exciting matchup in the slot this week. Buffalo's Nickell Robey-Coleman earned the highest grade among all slot cornerbacks in Week 5 (91.1), and will be tasked with shutting down San Francisco's Jeremy Kerley, the NFL's most-targeted slot receiver this season (42 targets).
Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants
Last season's best run-stuffer, Giants DT Damon Harrison, will face off against the best right guard of the past decade in Baltimore's Marshal Yanda. Through five weeks, Harrison owns the 13th-best run-defense grade among interior defenders.
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions
The best player in the league last season is again showing incredible form, with Rams DT Aaron Donald dominating through Week 5. While the Los Angeles offense could struggle to keep up with the hot-handed Detroit attack, Donald's incredible play will likely continue against Larry Warford.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
With Cam Newton returning from a head injury this week, Andrew Norwell and the Panthers' offensive line would do well to keep the former NFL MVP clean against the Saints. Nick Fairley could make that task difficult, however, currently owning the fifth-highest pass-rushing productivity mark among DTs, as well as the seventh-best run-stop percentage.
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders
In a battle of second-year stars, WR Amari Cooper will aims to continue his hot connection with QB Derek Carr against the NFL's leader in interceptions (for the second season in a row), cornerback Marcus Peters. Last week, Cooper earned the highest grade among all wideouts (84.3).
Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers
The Cowboys' offensive line has been impressive this season, as expected, with the interior combination of RG Zack Martin and C Travis Frederick especially standing out. On Sunday, Green Bay interior defender Mike Daniels will test that strength, already owning 10 QB pressures this season.
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
In what is possibly the most-anticipated WR-CB matchups of the week, Seahawks CB Richard Sherman is set to track Falcons WR Julio Jones on Sunday. For a detailed breakdown of this matchup, be sure to check out Senior Analyst Sam Monson's article from earlier this week.
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
While the Colts' safeties have been the bright spot in the team's defense this season, the matchup between WR DeAndre Hopkins and CB Vontae Davis is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Davis' season grade thus far is well below his career average (he earned an 82.2 mark in 2015, and 94.6 in 2014); can he bounce back against one of the top wideouts in the game?
New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals
Like many of Ryan Fitzpatrick's seasons, 2016 has been filed with major ups and downs. He faces a tall task on Monday in the form of the Cardinals' secondary — without WR Eric Decker's help. Arizona CB Patrick Peterson will likely stick with Brandon Marshall, who is averaging 1.78 yards per route run this season — the 25th-best mark in the NFL.
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