NFL Football 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 17, 2026, 4:20 PM ET
Eagles Injury Concerns
The Eagles face a depleted backfield and uncertainty under center. Jalen Hurts espn.com is out indefinitely with a blood clot, and sources say the team is not planning to place him on injured reserve. Philadelphia will also be without Saquon Barkley espn.com for Sunday's game against the Panthers, while wide receiver DeVonta Smith is likely to return.
Patriots and Ravens QB Updates
New England is expected to activate A.J. Brown espn.com for Sunday's matchup with the Jets after he missed the past several games. In Baltimore, the Ravens ruled Lamar Jackson espn.com out for a second straight week, with Tyler Huntley set to start against the Browns.
Seahawks and Titans Stability
Seattle is standing by Sam Darnold espn.com despite seven interceptions in four games, with coach Mike Macdonald backing his starter. In Tennessee, Titans CEO Burke Nihill apologized to fans espn.com and said the organization believes coach Robert Saleh and general manager Ran Carthon can turn the team around.
Fantasy and Betting Outlook
Fantasy managers facing a struggling starter may want to consider six replacement options espn.com before Week. Last-minute pickups such as Winston and Tucker espn.com are also drawing attention for managers dealing with injuries or bye weeks. Experts have published their best bets and player props espn.com for Sunday's slate.
Week 6 Matchups and Predictions
Analysts have released previews for every Week 6 game, including Patrick Mahomes against Justin Herbert espn.com and C.J. Stroud facing Trevor Lawrence. Commentators also highlighted potential upsets espn.com and first-touchdown candidates, including Drake London.
Draft and League Notes
Early 2027 draft rankings have been released, with Mel Kiper's big board espn.com placing seven quarterbacks in the top. The Jaguars are unlikely to play three international home games espn.com in 2027. Packers running back Josh Jacobs is eligible to return next week espn.com after being removed from the commissioner exempt list, and Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper was also removed from the list espn.com but could still face league discipline.
Coming Up
Week 6 action continues Sunday, with Lamar Jackson's replacement starting against Cleveland espn.com and A.J. Brown's expected return against the Jets espn.com.