After the Packers escaped with a controversial 23-22 win over the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, Week 6 of NFL action has wrapped up. There were surprises, disappointments, and big wins, and the playoff picture is looking a little clearer.
Let’s take a look at the biggest winners from this week in National Football League action.
Miami Dolphins
You might be wondering why the Dolphins made this list after losing 17-16 to the hapless Washington Redskins, dropping to 0-5 on the season.
Well, the answer is simple. After losing to the previously-winless Skins, Miami is now in a commanding position to win the number one pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Only the Bengals and the Dolphins have yet to win this season, and after another stinker, the team’s front office can start to dream big about taking a talent such as Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert or Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovaiola with the top pick.
Kyler Murray
Speaking of #1 picks, the 2019 NFL Draft’s top selection had his biggest game as a pro in the Cardinals’ 34-33 shootout win over the Atlanta Falcons on the season, moving the team’s record to 2-3-1.
Arizona probably won’t challenge for the playoffs this season, but they have to be happy with what they saw from Murray on Sunday. He went off, completing 27 of 37 passes for a total of 340 yards through the air, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. After an up-and-down start to his pro career, it looks like the former Oklahoma quarterback is on his way to becoming a star.
San Francisco 49ers
Who had the 49ers as being one of the NFL’s two unbeaten teams heading into the middle of October? Few could’ve predicted just how much San Francsico would improve this season, and they demonstrated their tenacity in a 20-7 defensive domination of the Los Angeles Rams.
Not even Sean McVay’s high-flying offense could get past the Niners’ defense, which has quickly become one of the league’s best. One of the league’s best offensive attacks only managed 165 total yards against the 49ers, who have yet to give up more than 20 points in a game this season. If defense wins championships, the Niners certainly look like contenders.
Sam Darnold
Who would’ve guessed that the Jets and Sam Darnold would break out against the Dallas Cowboys after their quarterback missed time with mononucleosis?
The time off didn’t appear to hurt the Jets’ quarterback, who had his best game as a pro in a 24-22 road win over the Cowboys. He completed 23 of 32 passes for 338 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. If Darnold can continue to perform like this, New York finally might have the franchise quarterback that they have been searching for over the past decade.
