Culver City Observer -

1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-1): The Chiefs are winning with defense and their running game, with their lone loss at the beginning of the season to the Lions at home. When their passing game gets going, they are going to be tough to beat. Could they meet the Lions in the Super Bowl in Las Vegas? Next: -5.5 vs Los Angeles Chargers - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 47.5 (ATS: 4-2 – O/U: 2-4)

2. Detroit Lions (5-1): Quarterback Jared Goff is ranked 3rd in passer rating in the NFL and 5th in passing yards per game. The Lions are 5-1 and 3-0 on the road, and Goff looks like the quarterback the Rams thought they had drafted with the first pick overall in the 2016 NFL draft. Next: +3 at Baltimore Ravens – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 41.5 (ATS: 5-1 – O/U: 3-3)

3. San Francisco 49ers (5-1): Running back Christian McCaffrey scored a touchdown for the 15th consecutive game, then went out with an oblique injury. The 49ers also lost wide receiver Deebo Samuels, the weather was bad and rookie kicker Jake Moody missed a 41-yard field goal with six seconds remaining as the 49ers suffered their first loss, 19-17 to the Browns in Cleveland. Next: -7 at Minnesota Vikings – Mon, Oct. 23 – O/U: 44 (ATS: 4-2 – O/U: 4-2)

4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-1): The luck of the Eagles finally wore out. The Eagles were unbeaten but not playing particularly well. That finally caught up with them in a 20-14 loss to the Jets on the road. Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw three interceptions in the loss. Next: -2.5 vs Miami Dolphins – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 51.5 (ATS: 3-2-1 – O/U: 3-3)

5. Miami Dolphins (5-1): The Dolphins used their top ranked offense in the NFL to score 42 points and easily defeat the Panthers, 42-21. The Dolphins have a tough schedule in the next three weeks, beginning this Sunday Night. Next: +2.5 at Philadelphia Eagles - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 51.5 (ATS: 5-1 – O/U: 4-2)

6. Buffalo Bills (4-2): The Bills hung on for a 14-9 win over the Giants in Buffalo. The Bills were shutout for three quarters and trailed 6-0. It was a win, but this team is better than that, especially at home against the Giants led by Tyrod Taylor. Next: -8.5 at New England Patriots - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 40.5 (ATS: 3-3 – O/U: 2-4)

7. Dallas Cowboys (4-2): Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 272 yards and a touchdown and ran for 40 yards and a touchdown in a victory over the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Prescott was the best quarterback on the field, which should be a concern to the Chargers. Next: Bye – Following week: N/A vs Los Angeles Rams - Sun, Oct. 29 – O/U: N/A (ATS: 4-2 – O/U: 3-3)

8. Baltimore Ravens (4-2): Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers caught his first touchdown pass of his career, and as it turned out, the only touchdown the Ravens scored in a 24-16 victory over the Titans in London. Future Hall-of-fame kicker Justin Tucker made six field goals in the game for the Ravens. Next: -3 vs Detroit Lions – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U 41.5 (ATS: 4-2 – O/U: 1-5)

9. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2): The Jaguars easily knocked off the Colts this week behind four turnovers from the defense. The Jags lead the NFL in takeaways with 15 (8 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries). Next: +1.5 at New Orleans Saints - Thu, Oct. 19 – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 4-2 – O/U: 3-3)

10. Cleveland Browns (3-2): The Browns are allowing only 200.4 yards per game on defense, which is the best in the NFL and the best through the first five games of the season since 1971. The Browns used their defense to upset the 49ers, 19-17. Next: -2.5 at Indianapolis Colts – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 40 (ATS: 3-2 – O/U: 2-3)

11. Seattle Seahawks (3-2): Despite being well-rested coming off a bye week, the Seahawks were held to 13 points and quarterback Geno Smith threw two interceptions in a 17-13 loss at Cincinnati. The Seahawks outgained the Bengals 384 to 214 in total yardage, but somehow managed to lose a very winnable game. Next: -7.5 vs Arizona Cardinals - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 44.5 (ATS: 3-2 – O/U: 2-3)

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2): The good news for the Bucs is that they are in first place in the NFC South after Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season. The bad news is, once they get the best the NFC South competition, they are an average team, as the Lions showed in beating the Bucs 20-6 in Tampa. Next: -2.5 vs Atlanta Falcons - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 3-2 – O/U: 1-4)

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2): The Steelers are coming off a bye and Steeler fans are hoping that the team was working on their running attack. The Steelers are averaging 80.4 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is a good young quarterback, but not good enough to win without help. Next: +3 at Los Angeles Rams – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 3-2 – O/U: 1-4)

14. Los Angeles Rams (3-3): The Rams have found their running attack and may have a shot at the playoffs. Running back Kyren Williams rushed for 156 yards and one touchdown in a 26-9 victory over the Cardinals. However, an Williams suffered an ankle sprain and will be out for weeks. With backup Ronnie Rivers injured reserve with a knee injury, the Rams signed 5th-year running back Myles Gaskin off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad on Wednesday. Next: -3 vs Pittsburgh Steelers – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 4-1-1 – O/U: 2-4)

15. New Orleans Saints (3-3): The Saints are finding that life with Derrick Carr at quarterback can have its good days and its bad days. Carr threw for 353 yards and a touchdown but struggled to finish drives in a 20-13 loss to the Texans. Next: -1.5 vs Jacksonville Jaguars – Thu, Oct. 19 – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 1-4-1 – O/U: 0-6)

16. Indianapolis Colts (3-3): The Colts have lost rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season to a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew will become the starter, at least until the Colts can find a suitable starter. Minshew had four turnovers in the loss to the Jags. Next: +2.5 vs Cleveland Browns – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 40 (ATS: 3-3 – O/U: 4-2)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (3-3): The Bengals were held to 214 yards in total offense but somehow managed to beat the Seahawks, 17-13. The Bengals are last in the NFL in total offense yardage per game. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan says, "We have too many good coaches, too many good players to not play to our standard that we have set for ourselves." Next: Bye – Following week: N/A at San Francisco 49ers – Sun, Oct. 29 – O/U N/A (ATS: 2-3-1 – O/U: 2-4)

18. Las Vegas Raiders (3-3): The Raiders have a two-game winning streak, and they finally scored over 20 points in a game, in a 21-17 win over the Patriots. The Raiders are 31st in rushing yardage per game at 73.5 yards per game and 31st in yards per carry at 3.0 yards per carry. The Raiders averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2022. What has happened to the running game? Next: -3 at Chicago Bears - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 37.5 (ATS: 3-3 – O/U: 1-5)

19. Houston Texans (3-3): Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud threw the first interception of his career but has his team at 3-3 and the Texans have a top ten offense in the NFL. Stroud has thrown nine touchdowns and just one interception. The former Rancho Cucamonga high school star looks like the early choice for NFL Rookie of the Year. Next: Bye – Following week: N/A at Carolina Panthers – Sun, Oct. 29 – O/U N/A (ATS: 4-2 – O/U: 2-4)

20. New York Jets (3-3): The Jets stunned the Eagles with a late rally, winning 20-14. Despite losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the season, head coach Robert Saleh has done a terrific job keeping this team tough and competitive. Saleh was a defensive coordinator that deserved to be a head coach. Next: Bye – Following week: N/A at New York Giants - Sun, Oct. 29 – O/U: N/A (ATS: 4-2 – O/U: 3-3)

21. Washington Commanders (3-3): The Commanders broke a three-game losing streak with a 24-16 win over the Falcons. The Commanders won this game despite being outgained on offense by the Falcons in yardage, 402-193. Next: -2.5 at New York Giants – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 3-3 – O/U: 3-3)

22. Los Angeles Chargers (2-3): The Chargers dropped to 2-3 after their loss to the Cowboys on Monday Night. The Chargers are underperforming, again, and it is beginning to become noticeable. ESPN TV/radio host Mike Greenberg lamented that the Chargers are wasting Justin Herbert's career, just as they did with Philip Rivers. The Chargers need to turn this around and soon. Next: +5.5 at Kansas City Chiefs - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 47.5 (ATS: 2-3 – O/U: 2-3)

23. Atlanta Falcons (3-3): The Falcons need a starting quarterback. On Sunday, they dominated the Commanders in total yardage, 402-193, but lost 24-16 to the Commanders. Quarterback Desmond Ritter threw three interceptions in the loss to the Commanders. Next: +2.5 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 1-5 – O/U: 1-5)

24. Minnesota Vikings (2-4): The Vikings hung on to beat the Bears, 19-13. The Vikings are the NFC version of the Chargers. Every game is close, decided by one score or less, and they always seem to do just enough to win or lose the game. Next: +7 vs San Francisco 49ers – Mon, Oct. 23 – O/U: 44 (ATS: 2-3-1 – O/U: 1-5)

25. Tennessee Titans (2-4): The Titans lost quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a high ankle sprain and are on the verge of losing their season. Backup quarterback Malik Willis played just one quarter, the 4th quarter, and was sacked four times in a 24-16 loss to the Ravens. Willis looked overwhelmed at quarterback. Next: Bye – Following week: N/A vs Atlanta Falcons – Sun, Oct. 29 – O/U: N/A (ATS: 3-3 – O/U: 1-5)

26. Green Bay Packers (2-3): The Packers are coming off a bye, trailing the NFC North first place Lions by 2.5 games. Since they also have a home loss to the Lions, they are actually further behind than 2.5 games. They are in a must-win situation this weekend. Next: -1.5 at Denver Broncos - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 45 (ATS: 3-2 – O/U: 3-2)

27. New York Giants (1-5): The Giants got running back Saquon Barkley back, but were without quarterback Daniel Jones, out with a neck injury. Veteran Tyrod Taylor replaced Jones and had the Giants in position to win the game but was unable to execute goal-line offensive opportunities in a 14-9 loss to the Bills. Next: +2.5 vs Washington Commanders – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 1-5 – O/U: 1-5)

28. Arizona Cardinals (1-5): The bad news for the Cardinals was another loss, this time to the Rams. The good news is that two pro bowl players have come off the injury lists and are back at practice. Quarterback Kyler Murray and safety Budda Baker returned to practice this week. Next: +7.5 at Seattle Seahawks - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 44.5 (ATS: 3-3 – O/U: 4-12)

29. Denver Broncos (1-5): Bronco head coach Sean Payton took the Bronco job because the job he really wanted was not available. The Bronco job is a rebuilding project that needs a new quarterback, like a young Justin Herbert. Next: +1.5 vs Green Bay Packers - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 47.5 (ATS: 0-5-1 – O/U: 4-2)

30. New England Patriots (1-5): The gurgling sound you are hearing if you live in New England is the Patriots circling the drain on their season after another loss, this one to the Raiders. The Patriots are averaging 12.0 points per game, just ahead of the New York Giants, who average a league worst 11.8 points per game. Next: +8.5 vs Buffalo Bills – Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 40.5 (ATS: 1-5 – O/U: 1-5)

Travis Ellison - LA Chargers

Linebacker Khalil Mack sacks quarterback Dak Prescott in Chargers loss to Cowboys at SoFi Stadium on Monday Night Football

31. Chicago Bears (1-5): The Bears lost another game, this time to the Vikings, 19-13. They also lost their starting quarterback, Justin Fields, to a thumb injury. The backup quarterback is Tyson Bagent, who played his college football at Shepherd University in West Virginia, a D2 school. It will be a bad sign for Fields if Bagent looks better at QB. Next: +3 vs Las Vegas Raiders - Sun, Oct. 22 – O/U: 37.5 (ATS: 1-4-1 – O/U: 5-1)

32. Carolina Panthers (0-6): Quarterback Bryce Young lost a total of four games at Alabama in three seasons, but the NFL is a different world. The Panthers were blown out by the Dolphins on Sunday. Maybe Young now understands how those SEC teams felt when they faced Alabama. This team could use a few bye weeks this season. Next: Bye – Following week: N/A vs Houston Texans - Sun, Oct. 29 – O/U: N/A (ATS: 0-5-1 – O/U: 3-3)