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NFL 2022: Grades, aftermath for teams coming off Week 6 bye

By Russell S. Baxter

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 9: Runningback Dameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans runs up the middle on a running play during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 9, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 13 to 6. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 9: Runningback Dameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans runs up the middle on a running play during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on October 9, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 13 to 6. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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It’s the start of vacation time around the NFL. What have we seen so far from the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans?

As usual, it has been an NFL season of surprises to this point. And last Sunday alone, there were more than a few shockers. The Falcons knocked off the 49ers, the Steelers stunned the Buccaneers and the resurgent Jets went to Lambeau Field and pushed around the Packers.

This past week, a trio of last-place teams and one division winner had some time to regroup. The Lions, Texans, and Raiders have dug themselves an early hole. That was also the case for the Titans, who have rebounded to win their last three games after a 0-2 start. What have we seen from each of these teams in 2022 and how have they graded out? And what happened in their respective divisions in Week 6.

NFL 2022: Grades for teams coming off Week 6 Bye

Detroit Lions (1-4)

Despite the fact that the Lions look like an improved team on the offensive side of the ball, Detroit’s defense never seems to get any better no matter the additions. Back in 2020, the team allowed 519 points – second-most in a season in NFL annals. In ‘21, only the Jets (504) gave up more points (467).

Entering Week 7, Dan Campbell’s club has given up the most points per game in the league (34.0) and was last in total defense and run defense.

Grade: C-

Houston Texans (1-3-1)

While Lovie Smith’s squad has won just once in five outings, the Texans have been highly competitive in every game. And that 13-6 victory over the Jaguars at Jacksonville came just before the team’s off-week. Rookie running back Dameon Pierce has been a huge bright spot.

The fourth-round pick from the University of Florida ranks eighth in the league with 412 yards rushing. Smith’s defense has given up plenty of yards but the Texans have eight takeaways.

Grade: C

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

The offseason was led by a head-coaching change (Josh McDaniels), the hiring of a new general manager (Dave Zeigler), a major wide receiver acquisition (Davante Adams), and the addition of one of the NFL’s best pass-rushers (Chandler Jones).

And yet the Raiders own a 1-4 record and come off a 30-29 Monday night loss at Kansas City in which the club blew a 17-0 lead. Only four teams have allowed more points per game than McDaniels’ squad.

Grade: D

Tennessee Titans (3-2)

Mike Vrabel’s team dropped their first two games, the second a humbling 41-7 Monday night loss at Buffalo. But the Titans bounced back and are atop the AFC South via three consecutive victories.

After committing a combined five turnovers during the 0-2 start, a Ryan Tannehill interception in the Week 3 win over the Raiders is Tennessee’s lone miscue during their three-game winning streak. The Titans have given up a dozen TD passes in five games.

Grade: C+

Aftermath

The Lions remained at the bottom of their division despite the fact that the Vikings were the only team in the NFC North to win in Week 6. The Packers and Bears fell to the Jets and Commanders, respectively, and both clubs won at home.

The Titans remained atop the AFC South and the Texans are still at the bottom of the division. The Colts edged a bit closer to Tennessee with a 34-27 victory over the Jaguars. And Indianapolis heads to Nashville this week looking to avenge a 24-17 home loss to Mike Vrabel’s squad in Week 4.

Meanwhile, the Raiders are still in the AFC West basement, even with the Chiefs and Broncos losing this past week.

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