While Week 6 of the NFL season has generally been a quieter week for single-game records, it has still seen some extraordinary performances over the years. From eye-popping fantasy football feats to unusual records like the most punts in a single game, Week 6 has special moments that have left their mark on NFL history.
To this day, one of the most impressive performances in NFL history occurred during Week 6 of the 1990 season. San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice delivered a performance for the ages on October 14, 1990, against the Atlanta Falcons. Already known as the greatest wide receiver of all time, Rice set a fantasy football record that has stood the test of time.
In that game, Rice totaled 225 yards on 13 receptions and scored five touchdowns. His incredible day helped the 49ers secure a 45-35 victory and earned him a fantasy football score of 65.5 points. This remains the highest-scoring fantasy football performance by any player in history, and it came in a Week 6 showdown.
Rice’s five-touchdown day is a testament to his ability to make plays at any level of the field. Whether it was short routes turned into big gains or deep balls over the top, Rice was unstoppable against the Falcons’ defense. His ability to separate from defenders, paired with the precision passing of Joe Montana, made this one of the most unforgettable performances ever.
While Jerry Rice holds the top spot for the greatest fantasy football performance in Week 6, Seattle Seahawks WR Steve Largent isn’t far behind. On October 18, 1987, Largent delivered a monstrous game against the Detroit Lions, racking up 261 total yards on 15 receptions and scoring three touchdowns. His performance tallied 59.1 fantasy football points, which remains one of the top 10 fantasy football performances ever.
Largent’s ability to find open space and consistently make contested catches made him a nightmare for the Lions’ secondary that day. While he didn’t reach the end zone as often as Rice, Largent’s 261 receiving yards were remarkable, and his three touchdowns helped the Seahawks secure a 37-14 win.
That 1987 performance cemented Largent’s place in NFL history as one of the game’s most reliable and productive wide receivers. His contributions to the Seahawks’ offense throughout his career are legendary, but this Week 6 performance was a career highlight.
While most of the notable Week 6 performances have come from offensive stars like Jerry Rice and Steve Largent, special teams have also shaped NFL history during this week. One unusual but noteworthy record occurred on October 11, 1998, when Leo Araguz of the Oakland Raiders set the NFL record for the most punts in a single game.
In a defensive slugfest against the San Diego Chargers, Araguz punted an incredible 16 times. The game was far from a highlight reel for offensive play, but Araguz’s leg was constantly in motion as the Raiders struggled to move the ball. His 16 punts remain the most by any player in a single NFL game.
Though it may not be a glamorous record, Araguz’s performance illustrates how special teams can sometimes be just as crucial as offense or defense in the outcome of a game. Field position is a key element in low-scoring contests, and Araguz’s contributions were critical in keeping the game close, even if the Raiders ultimately fell short.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.