Week 6 Will Be Final Straw in Bears Alvin Kamara Trade Speculation
The Chicago Bears will face another pivotal matchup in Week 6. While Ben Johnson dismissed the notion of a rematch following last year's infamous loss, which has been dubbed the "Hail Maryland" in the D.C. area, it will still be another chance for Caleb Williams to one-up Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Also, that loss from 2024 certainly still stings.
However, that won't be the only crucial storyline to consider in Week 6. It might also be the final straw that either makes or breaks any potential trade for New Orleans Saints Alvin Kamara, as the veteran has been tangled up in multiple trade rumors since the start of the season.
Any Alvin Kamara Trade Might Hinge on Week 6
The Saints will host the New England Patriots as 3.5-point underdogs this weekend. Spencer Rattler has looked good, but chances are high that New Orleans will fall to 1-5. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Saints might have to consider moving on from their fan favorite and veteran running back.
It's also worth noting that the Bears will square off against the Saints in Week 7, and teams rarely, if ever, make deals with the very same team they're going to face that week. That puts more pressure on the front office to get a deal done before then, assuming the possibility is still on the table.
D'Andre Swift hasn't been efficient this season, and he's going to be in for a tough challenge on Monday night. The Commanders boast the second-best run defense in the league in terms of Pro Football Focus grades, and given the way he's struggled, another dud might be enough for the Bears to move on from him.
On the other hand, head coach Ben Johnson has had Swift's back, as he hasn't wanted to point the finger at just one player for the running game's struggles. That means that a strong game from Swift, albeit unlikely, could also lead Johnson and GM Ryan Poles to stay put and not make a trade for a running back at all.
To complicate matters a little more, the Bears might not be the only team trying to make a run at Kamara. The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are both also reportedly in the trade market for a veteran running back, and they could also look to pry him away before the trade deadline, so the Bears can't afford to wait much longer if they truly want him.
Whether it's to trade for him or not, all signs point to Week 6 as a potential make-or-break moment in the Alvin Kamara sweepstakes.
Bo Nix Draws Attention Before Broncos Take On Jets in London
Bo Nix did not mince his words heading into the Denver Broncos’ showdown abroad against the New York Jets.
The Broncos are 3-2 heading into the contest. However, they are also coming off a buzzworthy win over the defending champion
Still, the second-year passer is looking past the 0-5 Jets heading into Sunday’s tilt.
Bo Nix Rejects ‘Trap Game’ Narrative Before Broncos-Jets
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos reacts during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Nix and the Broncos’ offense have gotten off to a slow start, ranking 18th in scoring, but they are 10th overall. Moreover, they have the backing of the league’s No. 2 scoring and fifth-ranked overall defense.
Conversely, while the Jets rank 19th in scoring offense, they are 20th overall. Their defense ranks 22nd overall, and they are the 31st-ranked scoring group.
Still, Nix is giving them the respect he feels they deserve as an NFL team.
“Well, I think in the league, quite honestly, it’s a little disrespectful to consider anybody a trap team. I think they’re an NFL team, and they’re going to have some really good players on their defense, and it’s not really a trap game. I think any game you can walk in and slip up and lose, that’s just the league,”
“If you’re not careful, in a way, all of them could be. Because they’re that good of an opponent. But they’re a good football team. They’ve been close in some games. They’re a couple walk-off plays away from having two or three wins. So, I definitely think that that is something you got to be careful. This is not a team to just toss around like they’re winless, but I think we’ll be ready to go. It’s just another game.”
Nix has thrown for 1,103 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions on 64.8% completion this season. He has a 568-3-1 line on 65.4% completion over the last two weeks, including passing for 242 yards and 1 TD against the Eagles.
Win Over Eagles Fueled ‘Trap Game’ Narrative
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Nix had a historic rookie season, and he led the Broncos to their first playoff berth since the 2015 season.
Their win over the Eagles was a significant step, but beating the winless Jets can be, too.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on October 9 that, after beating the Eagles, facing the Jets “is the kind of situation that leads to people wondering if they could fall victim to the so-called ‘trap game’ in London on Sunday.
“The Broncos took a step forward by making the playoffs last season and that led to higher expectations coming into this year. That, in turn, leads to being part of more games that you’re expected to win and part of reaching those expectations is remembering that you can’t take any wins for granted in the NFL.”
Nix and the Broncos were 1-6 in one-score games in 2024, and they are 1-2 in such contests this season.
Beating teams like the Jets can provide a safety net in case the ominous trend continues.
Broncos Injury Situation Bad News for Bo Nix
GettyQuinnen Williams #95 of the New York Jets warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins.
One key situation to monitor around Nix is who the Broncos will replace starting left guard
Whomever the Broncos choose must be prepared to face Jets three-time Pro Bowler and 2022 First-Team All-Pro defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.
He is tied for third on the Jets with 1.0 sacks but leads them with 5 QB hurries.
Williams has been mentioned in trade speculation with the deadline less than one month away (November 4) and the Jets’ season spiraling. If Williams suits up against the Broncos, though, Nix must stay keyed on the standout defender at all times.
