The NFL’s Week 6 kicked off with a surprising twist before the games even began.

The New York Jets caught everyone off guard on Tuesday by dismissing coach Robert Saleh following a 2-3 start to the season. Now, with Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as interim coach and Todd Downing as the new play caller, the Jets aim to turn things around starting Monday when they take on the Buffalo Bills, the current leaders of the AFC East.

Before this pivotal divisional game wraps up the week, expect several intriguing storylines to unfold. This season is notable for the emergence of rookie quarterbacks, with two more making their starting debuts on Sunday: Drake Maye with the New England Patriots facing the tough Houston Texans defense, and Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints, who will be stepping in for the injured Derek Carr against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, a standout among 2024 draft prospects, will have his hands full against reigning MVP Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.

Here are some bold predictions for Week 6 from the NFL team at YSL News Sports:

Drake Maye Will Outrun Jayden Daniels

It’s all about the matchups. Daniels has shown he can be an electric, multi-faceted player for the Washington Commanders. Currently, he is fourth in the NFL in passing efficiency, while only Lamar Jackson has outrun him among quarterbacks, recording 363 rushing yards compared to Daniels’ 300. However, during his much-anticipated debut on Sunday, Maye, the youngest of the first-round rookie quarterbacks at just 22, is set to outpace Daniels. Maye faces a young and struggling offensive line in New England, which has allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL with 19, just behind the Browns’ 26. Jacoby Brissett took a beating behind that line, absorbing 49 hits in five games. Given that Maye averaged over 40 rushing yards per game at North Carolina, he may find himself scrambling against a formidable Texans pass rush. On the other hand, Daniels may face limited running opportunities against a Ravens defense that ranks first in the league against the run, but his dual-threat capability will be crucial for him, especially with the Ravens struggling in pass defense.

— Jarrett Bell

Jets Turn ‘MNF’ Win into a Playoff Run

This prediction is looking at the broader picture. I confidently stated back in August that Spencer Rattler would take the reins as the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints come Week 6, and now that moment is here with Derek Carr sidelined due to an oblique injury.

As a follow-up, I predict the Jets will perform well enough to make a deep playoff push, leading to Jeff Ulbrich being appointed the permanent head coach. Owner Woody Johnson is reportedly supportive of Ulbrich, who has a decade of playing experience, and players have responded positively to him. If the Jets manage to win the AFC East and secure a couple of playoff victories, Ulbrich will likely shed the interim label for a permanent position.

The journey for “Gang Green” starts with a critical primetime match against the Buffalo Bills on Monday. The Jets’ new offensive strategy under Todd Downing could ignite an effective performance against a beleaguered yet tactically sound Bills defense, making this a crucial game to realize the potential of this prediction.

— Chris Bumbaca

DMV Showdown Will See Over 400 Total Rushing Yards

The Ravens and Commanders are ranked first and second in rushing offense this season, respectively. Baltimore has notched at least 100 rushing yards in 38 consecutive games, tying the third-longest streak in NFL history. Meanwhile, the Commanders lead the league with 13 rushing touchdowns prior to Week 6. Both Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels are averaging over 225 passing yards and 50 rushing yards per game. I anticipate both quarterbacks will display their dynamic abilities in what should be an exciting clash. However, I predict running back Derrick Henry will be the key player who drives Baltimore to victory. After being held in check for most of last week’s game, he made a significant impact with a 51-yard run that set up a game-winning field goal in overtime. Henry leads the NFL with 572 rushing yards and has the most runs of at least 20 yards.

— Tyler Dragon

Lions Will Pass to a Lineman Against Cowboys, and It Will Count This Time

This prediction leans on the whimsical side, but it’s all in good fun.

The Detroit Lions might still have some lingering frustration over last year’s controversial finish in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys, where a touchdown catch by left tackle Taylor Decker was ruled invalid due to a mix-up about eligibility reporting before the play. While Dan Campbell was cautious not to criticize the officials too harshly, he made sure to communicate their game plan with them ahead of time.

Although many expected a potential playoff rematch, the Cowboys’ playoff exit means Sunday will be their first meeting since that dramatic finish. Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson typically aren’t ones to send messages, but it would be quite a statement if the Lions could successfully reward their offensive line with a touchdown pass this time around. Before that, though, Decker and his teammates will likely have to dominate the line of scrimmage to neutralize a Dallas run defense that remains 23rd in the league despite recent improvements.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz