NFL Week 6 Overreactions and Underreactions: Steelers and Patriots Underrated

NFL Week 6 saw some Super Bowl favorites fall. The week boasted some big-time matchups, including Chiefs-Lions and 49ers-Buccaneers. It also saw the Eagles and Bills lose again after their undefeated starts. The NFL season is roughly one-third complete, and some teams have snuck under the radar with solid records. So, what are the biggest overreactions and underreactions?

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NFL Week 6 Overreactions

Overreaction 1: The Chiefs Win

The Chiefs doing anything will likely draw an overreaction. Since when is Kansas City winning at home as a favorite a big storyline? Only since the NFL became worried that the Chiefs' time was running out. This is not a deserving Super Bowl team. Last season, an argument began to take shape that the officiating helped Kansas City. Those narratives aren't being heard after a rare penalty-free game, which mainstream organizations argue was due to discipline but relatively poor or biased officiating. They still have the best quarterback in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes, and the biggest free marketing campaign in Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's relationship, but do they deserve that attention for their play on the field?

Overreaction 2: The Bills' Loss

The Bills lost again. They lost to another inferior opponent. So, what's going on? It's deserving of some attention, but because it is Buffalo, it will be blown out of proportion. Unlike the Ravens and the Bengals, this team is not in a state of panic. Two losses are not good, but they have a bye week and a game against the Panthers to right the ship before they play Kansas City. That's a game that will garner some major reactions, and it should. If Buffalo's slide continues into that game, then it will be time to panic.

Overreaction 3: The Jaguars Loss

Jacksonville will likely get the "frauds" moniker thrown around, but it isn't deserving. The Seattle Seahawks are a better team than the Kansas City Chiefs. The big reason they lost is that Mike Macdonald is a defensive guru. He's managed to fly under the radar himself, but the Jaguars should still allow them to compete for the division. The team hasn't yet settled into a clear tier. For how bad things were last year, there is no need to panic yet.

NFL Week 6 Underreactions

Underreaction 1: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves leading a division with the Cleveland Browns, a Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals, and a Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens. Just because the competition isn't exactly top of the line doesn't mean they shouldn't be receiving credit. It's odd, too. The media typically loves to fawn over Aaron Rodgers, no matter what. The reason is likely that they've beaten the Jets, Patriots, Browns, and Vikings, teams not considered elite. But the Patriots beat the Bills and sit at 4-2. At the end of October and into November, the Steelers will play the Packers, Colts, and Chargers. How that goes will determine if this is for real or not.

Underreaction 2: NFC West

The NFC West was viewed as the NFL's best division a few years ago. With the downfall of the 49ers, the remodelling of the Rams, and Pete Caroll's exit from Seattle, it was no longer viewed in the same light. However, all three of those organizations sit at 4-2. The 49ers have beaten the Rams and the Seahawks. The difference in this division is the coaching. Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, and Mike Macdonald are getting the job done. It's possible that this division sees all three make the postseason. The NFC North will get more attention because of the fireworks, chaos, and drama, but this division continues to stack up wins.

Underreaction 3: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots may be beneficiaries of their schedule, but don't overlook Mike Vrabel. Why the Tennessee Titans ever fired him is a mystery left for others to explore. New England sits at the top of the division at 4-2. Next up? The Titans, Browns, and Falcons. Now the Falcons have been an odd team this year. Some weeks, they look better than others (wins against the Bills and Commanders and a 30-point loss to the Panthers). New England also has two matchups with the Jets and games against the Dolphins and Bengals remaining. The path to 10-11 wins is there.

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