-
ESPN staff
The Week 6 NFL schedule The following are the recommendations: 2022 season The weekend is full of great matchups. We have all the information you need. Our NFL Nation reporters give us the key information and bold predictions for every matchup.
Additionally, ESPN Stats & Information provides a big stat to know and a betting Each contest has a nugget, as well as our Football Power Index (FPI), goes in the numbers with a matchup ratings (on a scale 1 to 100) as well as a game projection. Kyle Soppe, ESPN researcher, hands out helpful fantasy football Intel is also available. Eric Moody and Seth Walder give us the final score. picks Every game. To help you prepare for a full weekend of festivities, we have all the information you need. NFL football.
Let’s dive into Week 6, including the latest edition of Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh AllenThere will be an NFC East matchup between Philadelphia and Dallas, and a fast-paced battle between the Giants (and Ravens) The matchup between Chargers and Broncos culminates in a Monday Night Football matchup. ESPN. (Game times are Sunday, unless noted otherwise.
Jump to a matchup
BAL-NYG | CIN-NO | NYJ-GB
MIN-MIA | SF-ATL | TB-PIT
NE-CLE | JAX-IND | ARI-SEA
CAR-LAR | BUF-KC | DAL-PHI
DEN-LAC
Thursday: WSH 12 CHI 7
Bye: DET, HOU, LV, TEN
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: BAL -5.5 (44.5).
Watch out for these things: Wink Martindale is the Ravens’ former defensive coordinator. He left the Ravens this offseason after 10 years. He stated that it was nothing bad, but just time. Martindale knows Ravens quarterback Lamar JacksonJackson is familiar with Martindale’s defense and knows the game well. He has practiced against it four times in four seasons. Both have had success this season. Jackson is eighth in NFL with a QBR 63.6 while Martindale’s defense hasn’t allowed more than 23 point per game. — Jordan Raanan
Bold prediction J.K. Dobbins You will get more rushing yards than Saquon Barkley. Dobbins just completed his most explosive game with an average of 3.25 yards after contact. Giants have been unable to stop the run with an average of 2.36 yards after contact, which is fourth-worst in league. Barkley could face a difficult day against Baltimore. Since 2021, Baltimore has allowed only one running back to rush more than 80 yards per game.Dalvin Cook Last season, Week 9. — Jamison Hensley
Find out: According to Elias Sports Bureau, Jackson’s record as a starting quarterback against NFC teams is 12-0. It’s the longest streak of inter-conference wins in Jackson’s career, dating back to the 1970 merger.
What you need to know about fantasy Barkley has more receiving yards than any other player this season. That’s a great trend for someone who also has at minimum 13 rusher points in four out of five games. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Jackson has a record of 17-7-2 ATS while on the road during his career. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Giants 21, Ravens 24
Walder’s pick: Giants 16 vs. Ravens 27
FPI prediction: BAL, 64.8% (average of 4.5 points).
You must know the basics of matchup: Lamar to the rescue: How the Ravens’ QB saved the day after rough start … The magic behind the Giants’ 4-1 start … Ravens’ Ojabo debuts in practice after Achilles injury … Jones, Giants upset Packers to match 2021 win total
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: CIN -2 (43).
Watch out for these things: The Saints are very short of receivers. They are seriously short. Kick returner Deonte Harty A serious toe injury. Michael Thomas You haven’t practiced in weeks. Jarvis LandryThe status of’s will likely be in the air. Chris Olave is still going through concussion protocol. This means that things could fall on the shoulders Alvin Kamara And Taysom Hill For the second consecutive week. The Saints might just be okay if Hill can even come close to reliving last week’s four touchdown performance. Katherine Terrell
Bold prediction Kamara goes for 125 total scrimmage yards. Baltimore was able to attack Cincinnati horizontally, and made some decent gains. Kamara could be the Saints most reliable asset, given New Orleans’ many offensive concerns. — Ben Baby
Find out: The Saints seek their first win at home against the Bengals since Jan. 2, 1993.
0:27
Doug Kezirian explains the reasons he will take the over in the Bengals vs. Saints matchup.
What you need to know about fantasy Ja’Marr Chase He has failed to score 13 fantasy points in 4 consecutive games. He had a streak of five consecutive games that saw him score less than 14 fantasy point in the middle season (Weeks 8-13). The extreme bad is not always the best. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Cincinnati has been below the total in 10 consecutive games, including playoffs. This streak is one shy of the longest in the past 35 seasons. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Bengals 28, Saints 21
Walder’s pick: Bengals 33, Saints 19
FPI prediction: CIN, 63.1% (by an Average of 3.9 points).
Must-reads for Matchups Bengals offense, Taylor looking for answers after sluggish start … How former LSU WRs Landry, OBJ inspired Chase, Jefferson to be next wave … Burrow, Chase share Superdome memories upon return … Saints’ Winston practices for first time since Week 3 … There’s nobody else like him’: Hill’s four TDs give Saints’ offense big lift
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: GB -7(45)
Watch out for these things: It’s the second half that will decide this game. In four of five games, the Packers have scored seven points or less in the second half. The Jets have scored 61 combined points in the second half of this season, which is third in the AFC, behind only Kansas City and Buffalo. Rob Demovsky
Bold prediction The Jets’ young guns won the battle of the backfields.Breece Hall And Michael Carter() will defeat the Packers’ more revered tandem (Aaron Jones And AJ Dillon). Jones-Dillon has an average of 127 yards per contest, compared with Hall-Carter’s 87. But the Jets have two great runners coming off a big win against the Dolphins. On offense, the Jets are creating a run-first identity. — Rich Cimini
Find out: If the Packers lose, it will be their first loss since 2012. If the Packers lose, it will be their first 3-3 record after six games since 2012.
What you need to know about fantasy Aaron Rodgers Has yet to complete a week as a top-10 fantasy sign caller. For the record: Ryan Tannehill, Jimmy Garoppolo And Joe Flacco All of them have a top-10 ranking on their 2022 resumes. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Green Bay is currently 10-0 in the standings and ATS after a loss under Matt LaFleur. Green Bay’s winning streak of 12 consecutive games after a loss is the longest since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Packers 27, Jets 23,
Walder’s pick: Packers 21, Jets 13.
FPI prediction: GB, 82.6% (by an Average of 11.1 Points)
Must-reads for Matchups Williams has evolved into a stiff-arming, ‘absolute game-wrecker’ … Rodgers, Packers not concerned with QB’s thumb injury … Rookie RB Hall gives Jets offense missing dual-threat dimension … Rodgers not happy with talk in Packers’ locker room
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: MIN -3 (45.5).
Watch out for these things: Skylar Thompson He will be the 10th rookie to make his debut for the Dolphins since 1966. He could be joined by David Woodley as the third rookie to win their debut start. Tua Tagovailoa. However, they have struggled as a team, with six touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Only Dan Marino has been better. Ryan Tannehill It surpassed the 200 yard mark. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Bold prediction Dalvin Cook He will be rushing for at least 100 yard and two touchdowns in his best game of this season. The Dolphins’ run defense is actually quite good, ranking No. 7. The NFL’s best run defense based on expected point added. It has allowed seven rushing touchdowns which is tied for sixth in the league. Cook, a Miami native, has averaged over 100 yards per game since he was a college player with Florida-based teams. — Kevin Seifert
Find out: Kirk Cousins This season, he has 75 passing first downs. He is the third-most in all of the NFL. Patrick Mahomes And Josh Allen (78). (78). He will be facing the Dolphins defense, which allows 8.29 yards per attempt, the third worst in the NFL.
1:51
Eric Moody offers his thoughts on fantasy managers and the Dolphins’ skill position with Skylar Thomson at QB.
What you need to know about fantasy We are now five weeks into the season, and 47.7% have passed. Jaylen Waddle2022’s production was achieved in one game (Week 2 at the BAL: 40.1 fantasy point). See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Minnesota has a record of 1-5 against the spread in its six previous road games (0-2 against this season). Read more.
Moody’s pick: Vikings 21, Dolphins 20,
Walder’s pick: Dolphins 23, Vikings 17
FPI prediction: MIN, 65.3% (by a mean of 4.6 points).
Must-reads for Matchups Dolphins captains remove ping pong table from locker room … Jefferson tallying big numbers in O’Connell’s offense … Tagovailoa ruled out again; Dolphins to start Thompson
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: SF -5 (44.5).
Watch out for these things: No matter the running back, the Falcons have rushed for over 150 yards in each game but one of their season. Cordarrelle PattersonBefore the knee injury that forced him to the injured reserve, he was the third-ranked player in NFL rushing. The Falcons used a combination Tyler Allgeier, Caleb Huntley And Avery Williams All with at least two years of league experience. — Michael Rothstein
Bold prediction The 49ers will have a higher number of rushing yards than their Falcons counterparts. In a matchup that features Atlanta’s third-ranked running offense and the Niners’ top rushing defense, something has to give. San Francisco might be without several key defenders. Atlanta will still have chances to gain yards, but the Niners boast a strong ground defense. The Falcons have been the middle of the road in stopping runs. The 49ers will have the edge in this area, which could make a big difference in who wins. — Nick Wagoner
Find out: The 49ers have allowed only the third-fewest yards of passing in the league, while the Falcons have thrown for 834 yards.
What you need to know about fantasy Jeff Wilson Jr. He has rushed for more than 70 yards in four consecutive games (season high 20.2 fantasy points in Carolina last week) and averages 5.4 yards per run. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Atlanta is the only undefeated ATS team after its backdoor coverage against Tampa Bay. Only two teams have ever started ATS with a record of 6-0 (2018 Kansas City, 2021 Dallas) Read more.
Moody’s pick: 49ers 27, Falcons 17
Walder’s pick: Falcons 20, 49ers 19.
FPI prediction: SF, 52.0% (by a mean of 0.7 points).
Must-reads for Matchup: It’s early, but 49ers defense is on historically elite pace … Falcons turn to committee without Patterson … Will 49ers thrive despite injuries like 2019, or buckle like they did in 2020? … Jarrett still in disbelief over flag on Brady hit
1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: TB-8 (44)
Watch out for these things: After the 38-3 loss to The Buffalo Bills The Steelers will be without their top three cornerbacks and they’ll still be shorthanded in the secondary match against the Buccaneers. Safetyties Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee). Terrell Edmunds (concussion) is likely to play, the status the corners Cam Sutton (hamstring), Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) Levi Wallace Concussion — is less likely. This is bad news for a Bucs offense which averages 281.8 yards per game and gets stronger with a healthier receiving corps. — Brooke Pryor
Bold prediction Tom Brady He will throw for more that 350 passing yards in the third consecutive match, surpassing 2011 and 2013. This is his longest streak of consecutive games. This season, the Steelers have allowed 11 passing touchdowns — which is tied for third in the NFL. Five wide receivers have also eclipsed the 100-yard mark. This includes 171 yards from Gabe Davis This week. Pro Bowl wide receivers Mike Evans And Chris Godwin Should be of benefit. — Jenna Laine
1:52
Kimberley Martin explains how Mike Tomlin’s poor record should be criticised.
Find out: Leonard Fournette Back-to-back games featuring 50 receiving yards and a touchdown. He could be the Bucs’ first RB to accomplish this feat in three consecutive games.
Injuries: Buccaneers | Steelers
What you need to know about fantasy Najee Harris He was drafted eighth in the draft this summer, after averaging 17.7 fantasy point per game as a rookie. But, he has yet only scored 14 points this season. He has not scored 14 points in a single game! See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Pittsburgh is the largest home underdog since 1989, when it defeated Minnesota as an 8-point home underdog. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Buccaneers 30, Steelers 14
Walder’s pick: Buccaneers 27, Steelers 10
FPI prediction: TB, 82% (average 11.3 points).
Must-reads for Matchup: Bucs’ Bowles downplays attention on coaching matchup with Steelers’ Tomlin … Tomlin on Steelers’ struggles: ‘It starts with me’ … How do the 1-4 Steelers move on after Buffalo debacle?
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: CLE -2.5 (43.5).
Watch out for these things: Browns QB Jacoby Brissett The team that drafted Brissett faces him. Brissett, who was drafted by the Patriots as a rookie in 2016, started two games. Tom BradyA suspension from Deflategate and an injury Jimmy Garoppolo, has never played against Bill Belichick or The Patriots before. Jake Trotter
Bold prediction The Browns lead the NFL in rush yards per game. Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt They will be held below their 192.4 average rushing yards. This will be a difficult task for the Patriots run defense, which suffered from a tough period in Week 3 against the Ravens and Week 4 loss to their Packers counterpart. However, there were clear signs of a rebound in their win over the Lions in week 5. — Mike Reiss
Find out: The Browns have allowed the 3rd-worst yards per rushing (5.32). They will face Patriots RB Rhamondre StevensonThe eighth-ranked qualified running back in yards per rush (5.5) is
What you need to know about fantasy New England receivers have scored over 18 fantasy points four times in five week… and these performances came from three different players.Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor And DeVante Parker). See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Bill Belichick is 8-2 against Cleveland and 7-3 ATS. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Browns 16; Patriots 20
Walder’s pick: Patriots 16 vs Browns
FPI prediction: CLE, 73% (by an average of 7.3 points).
Must-reads for Matchup: Zappe keeping Patriots afloat with Jones sidelined … Browns running out of time to turm defense around … Jones’ foot-tap interception for Patriots denies Lions scoring chance … Browns swap picks with Falcons for linebacker Jones … Watson back at Browns facility, still out until December
1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: IND -2 (42)
Watch out for these things: Inexplicably, the Colts are now 3-8 against Jaguars in road games. This is since 2012. However, the Colts have won 8-2 at home over the Jaguars since 2012. The Jaguars’ only road win in this series was in 2017, when they finished 4-12. It was due to Andrew Luck, quarterback of the Colts, missing the season with an injury to his shoulder. — Stephen Holder
Bold prediction Jaguars WR Christian Kirk There will be a total of 10 or more catches. After having 18 catches in the first three games, the Jaguars offense was at its best with him involved. He had only three combined catches in the two previous games. Gus Bradley keeps the Jaguars’ defense in check, and there will be times when a linebacker is matched up against Kirk — a matchup Kirk exploited earlier in the meeting. He will do it again. Mike DiRocco
Find out: Trevor Lawrence He has a record of 2-1 with four touchdowns, zero interceptions and one interception in his career against the Colts. He is currently 0-5 and has four touchdowns, 10 interceptions, vs. all AFC South rivals.
What you need to know about fantasy Travis Etienne Jr. . James Robinson Last week, he scored a record 14.4 fantasy points against Texas. In his last three games, he’s produced at least six PPR fantasy point as a pass catcher. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Indianapolis is now one game shy of its longest streak in 35 years, when it has been below the total in 10 consecutive games. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Jaguars 24, Colts 26
Walder’s pick: Jaguars 30, Colts 7,
FPI prediction: JAX: 59.7% (an average of 2.9 points).
Must-reads for Matchup: Jaguars’ Pederson, Lawrence: We have to get Kirk the ball … While Ryan, Colts’ offense struggle, defense finds ways to overcome … Pederson says Jaguars confident in Lawrence despite recent struggles
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: ARI -22.5 (50.5)
Watch out for these things: The Seahawks have had a terrible start to defense for the third straight week, failing equally against the pass and the run. The Seahawks will get some relief from Arizona’s shorthanded backfield, but Seattle was run over last week. Taysom Hill To the tune of 112 yards rushing and three touchdowns. — Brady Henderson
Bold prediction The Cardinals have lost just one of their four top running backs for the season. Eno Benjamin Arizona had to replenish its running back room with street-level men this week. Kyler Murray Will ensure that the running attack doesn’t suffer, rushing for 75 yard and two touchdowns in Seattle. — Josh Weinfuss
Find out: The Cardinals have been outscored 38 to0 in the opening quarter of the season. This is the only team without any points in this quarter. The Seahawks have scored the most first-quarter points (41).
Injuries: Cardinals | Seahawks
What you need to know about fantasy Murray has a career average of 36.8 yards rush and completes 69.3% against the Seahawks. This is more than 16 fantasy points in just four of five games. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Arizona is currently at 10-1 ATS on road since last season’s start (2-1 ATS for road favorite). Read more.
Moody’s pick: Seahawks 31, Cardinals 27,
Walder’s pick: Seahawks 33; Cardinals 27
FPI prediction: ARI, 63.8% (average of 4.2 points).
Must-reads for Matchup: Seahawks-Cardinals game time may change for Mariners … Seahawks’ defense continues to stifle the team’s momentum … What went wrong on Cardinals’ chaotic final drive against Eagles? … RB Penny sidelined for rest of season
4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: LAR -10 (41)
Watch out for these things: The Panthers and Rams have the second- and third-worst offensive EPAs in the NFL this season, respectively, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Matthew StaffordThe NFL’s record for interceptions this season is seven. Los Angeles has not scored a touchdown in its last nine quarters. The defense of the Panthers ranks 22nd in Football Outsiders pass DVOA. They also have three interceptions. — Sarah Barshop
Bold prediction With only eight sacks this season, the Panthers will sack Stafford six more times to keep it closer than many expect. Stafford was sacked 12 times in the previous two games. The Rams are tied for 21th in the NFL with 21 sacks. Steve Wilks, interim coach at Carolina, is known for his aggressive blitz package as a defensive coordinator. — David Newton
Find out: PJ Walker Has a career Total QBR of 15.1, which is the lowest among all QBs with more than 100 attempts since 2020.
What you need to know about fantasy Christian McCaffrey He is still leading the charge in terms percentage of team-RB touches (89.9%). Saquon Barkley Has been the star of 2022 (85.2%) Jonathan Taylor McCaffrey was the overall winner, with 76.9% of the games played. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Los Angeles is 1-4 in the ATS this season (0-3 at home). Read more.
Moody’s pick: Rams 24, Panthers 10,
Walder’s pick: Panthers 9 vs. Rams 26
FPI prediction: LAR, 75.8% (by an overall average of 8.8 points).
Must-reads for Matchups Panthers fire coach Rhule after 1-4 record: What’s next? … McVay not closing the door on potential Beckham return … Panthers seek to ‘move on’ after shock of Rhule firing … LG Edwards on IR after entering concussion protocol … Source: Mayfield tests OK but QB likely out 2-6 weeks
4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: BUF -2.5 (54)
Watch out for these things: It is not unusual for the QB with more yards to determine the winner of a game. Patrick Mahomes In four of his career games against Bills, he has averaged 43 yards per rush, more than any other opponent. Josh Allen Against the Chiefs, he has averaged 64 yards per game. Both have done well in this rivalry. Mahomes had a QBR score of 86.1 against Allen and Allen, and 83.5 against Chiefs. — Adam Teicher
Bold prediction Wide receiver Stefon Diggs Diggs will play his 100th game as a Buffalo Bill against the Chiefs. Diggs averaged 49.8 yards per game in four games against Chiefs since 2020. However, he is averaging 101.6 yards this season. A now-healthy Diggs will be a problem for the Chiefs’ defense. Gabe Davis Three receptions for 171 yards were his accomplishment against the Steelers. Slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie Closed end Dawson Knox Diggs will be able to return to the field if other players succeed, which will allow Diggs to take on a defense that allows 255.6 passing yards per match, 24th in the NFL. — Alaina Getzenberg
Find out: Travis KelceThis season’s seven receiving touchdowns are tied for the second most by a close finish in the team’s first five NFL games.
What you need to know about fantasy Diggs is in a downwards trend This trend has been evident recently as Diggs failed to score 15 fantasy goals in five of his last seven games, which included a 50/plus. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Allen is 20-10-2 on the road. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Bills 31, Chiefs 27
Walder’s pick: Bills 34, Chiefs 31
FPI prediction: KC, 60% (by an average 3.0 points).
Must-reads for Matchups White takes another step toward return from torn ACL … The famous fans you’ll fnd at Arrowhead Stadium … What makes Mahomes and Allen so hard to stop?
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Spread: PHI-6 (42)
Watch out for these things: Four of the Eagles offensive linemen starting for the team are suffering from injuries, including left tackle. Jordan MailataHe plans to play, but will wear a sleeve around his right shoulder and a cuff around it to restrict arm mobility. Cowboys’ pass rush ranks second in pressures (85) compared to first in sacks (20). The Eagles’ defense front against Dallas is strength on strength when they are healthy. Pay attention to how Philly does in the trenches. Tim McManus
Bold prediction Micah Parsons Parsons will record his first interception, but not get a bag. This is the only thing Parsons didn’t do in his first two seasons. But Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts The Cowboys’ quarterback was intercepted four times in just two games, which is the most against any opponent. — Todd Archer
Find out: The Cowboys are currently leading the league in pass rush win rates this season. While the Eagles are sixth in pass block wins rate, the Cowboys are currently the top-ranked team in the league.
2:33
Stephen A. Smith explains why wide receivers of the Cowboys are key to a win against the Eagles.
What you need to know about fantasy Ezekiel Elliott He averaged more that 100 yards against the Eagles in the last season, which included his best game (26.6 FP in Week 3) See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Cooper Rush This is the sixth Super Bowl era quarterback to have his career started 5-0 outright and with ATS. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Cowboys 17 – Eagles 24
Walder’s pick: Eagles 27, Cowboys 20,
FPI prediction: PHI, 75.2% (by an Average of 8.0 Points)
Must-reads for Matchup Cowboys OL Peters gives Eagles fans brutal compliment … Cowboys-Eagles matchup promises NFC East fireworks … For 4-1 Cowboys, now comes the fun part — facing 5-0 Eagles on SNF … How did Eagles improve so much in 2022?
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Spread: LAC -5 (45.5).
Watch out for these things: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Broncos’ quarterback Russell Wilson Although Wilson has been suffering from a partially torn left lat near the right shoulder, Broncos coach Nathaniel Hacket indicated that Wilson will be able to play against any Chargers team. He’s a competitor and he’s doing well. Hackett spoke of Hackett’s 10-day gap between Week 5’s Thursday night matchup and Week 6’s Monday night matchup. “This extra mini-bye has been fantastic for him, and really our entire team,” Hackett stated. Despite not having a top pass-catcher, the Chargers are currently on a 2-game win streak. Keenan AllenA hamstring injury has forced him to miss four games. — Lindsey Thiry
Bold prediction Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert He’s been one of the most difficult to sack in the first five weeks of the season. In four of five Chargers games, he was sacked once or zero times. But the Broncos will get Herbert three times. The Broncos defense is tied for fourth place in the league with sacks. Herbert will give the Broncos an opportunity to see their rush. Herbert has been sacked in just nine games, and the Chargers have gone 3-6 in those games. — Jeff Legwold
Find out: Herbert has completed 972 career starts and could complete number 1,000 against Broncos, his 38th start in his career. This would make Herbert the QB start leader with over 972 career completions and his 38th career start. Matthew Stafford This distinction is currently held by 41 starts.
What you need to know about fantasy All the complaining in the industry about Austin EkelerWhy is it taking so long? Through five games, he is only 5.6 points back of his 2021 breakout. He has actually had two more touches in five games this season than last. See Week 6 rankings.
The best way to gamble: Los Angeles is at 4-1 ATS in this season’s edition, while Denver is at 1-4. Read more.
Moody’s pick: Broncos 23, Chargers 16
Walder’s pick: Chargers 24, Broncos 12
FPI prediction: LAC, 74.1% (by an Average of 7.5 Points)
Must-reads for Matchup: Five key problems facing Hackett … Staley says Allen’s critical tweet made them ‘closer’