Week five of the NFL began with a bang on Thursday, as the Atlanta Falcons secured a dramatic overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the game, Kirk Cousins threw for an astounding 509 yards, making him the second player ever to surpass 500 yards in a primetime game, joining only Tom Brady. The action continued early this morning in London, where the undefeated Minnesota Vikings (5-0) edged out the New York Jets (2-3) with a 23-17 victory. The Jets’ ground game has been almost nonexistent after five weeks, something that their 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers desperately needs to complement his offense.
Rookies Shining Bright: Top Picks Proving Their Worth
In the first window of games, only two contests were decided by more than one score, both featuring the top two draft picks. First, Caleb Williams, the number one pick, led the Chicago Bears (3-2) to a commanding 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers (1-4). Williams threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, securing the Bears’ ninth consecutive home win, stretching back to last season.
In another dominant performance, the Washington Commanders (4-1) crushed the Cleveland Browns (1-4) 34-13. The Commanders made history, becoming the first team since the 1970 merger to score 150+ points in their first five games while starting a rookie QB. Jayden Daniels has been exceptional, leading Washington to 30+ points per game this season. Notably, Daniels is the first player in NFL history to amass 1,000+ passing yards and 250+ rushing yards in his first five career games. The race for Rookie of the Year is heating up, especially with Malik Nabers also in the mix.
Tight Contests Define NFL Week 5’s Early Window
Of the remaining four games played so far in Week 5, all were decided by a single possession. Three games ended with just a three-point margin, while one game had a five-point difference. The Miami Dolphins (2-3) narrowly defeated the New England Patriots (1-4) 15-10 in what was easily the dullest matchup of the early slate. Miami’s victory came at a cost, with Devon Achane suffering a concussion in the first quarter. The Dolphins nearly lost the game after rookie Ja’Lynn Polk’s touchdown was reversed upon review, as he was ruled out of bounds before scoring. It was also Odell Beckham Jr.‘s first game with the Dolphins who hope to return after the bye week they have coming up.
High-Scoring Divisional Games Provide Plenty of Offense
Contrary to expectations, two divisional games showcased offensive firepower rather than the usual defensive battles. The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) secured their first win of the season, defeating the Indianapolis Colts (2-3) 37-34. Despite Joe Flacco’s impressive 359 passing yards and three touchdowns, the Colts couldn’t pull off the win, missing key starters Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor due to injuries. The Colts’ 10-year streak of road losses in Jacksonville continues, the longest active streak in the NFL.
In another thrilling divisional matchup, the Baltimore Ravens (3-2) outlasted the Cincinnati Bengals (1-4) 41-38 in overtime. Joe Burrow‘s five touchdowns and 392 passing yards, along with Ja’Marr Chase’s 193 receiving yards, weren’t enough to overcome Lamar Jackson’s 348 passing yards and four touchdowns. Jackson also recorded his sixth game with 4+ passing TDs and 50+ rushing yards, the most in NFL history since 1950. Additionally, Derrick Henry’s 100th career touchdown, scored on the game’s opening drive, played a pivotal role in the Ravens’ victory.
Diggs Dominates in Revenge Game Against Bills
In Stefon Diggs’ finished with 82 yards and 6 receptions in the highly anticipated revenge game against one of his former teams, the Houston Texans (4-1) edged out the Buffalo Bills (3-2) with a 23-20 victory. Unfortunately for the Texans, wide receiver Nico Collins left the game in the second quarter with an injury, though early reports suggest it’s not serious. Collins had already posted 78 yards and a touchdown before being ruled out. Houston’s defense held Josh Allen to just 131 passing yards, and the Texans secured the win with a last-second field goal. With this win, the Texans seem poised to dominate the AFC South once again. Now fans eagerly await the afternoon games and tonight’s Sunday Night Football showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) and the Dallas Cowboys (2-2).
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