Week five of the NFL marked the first week without the need for overtime. There were also plenty of close games and impressive performances across the board. This season is far more than knee deep, and will only continue to grow with excitement by the week. As cold weather approaches, each week only gets tougher and tougher for these teams.
As always, here is a recap of every game from week five so nothing sounds like old news:
Thursday Night Football
Chicago Bears 40 – Washington Commanders 20
After going 347 days without winning a game, The Chicago Bears walked into Washington with a purpose. Bear’s quarterback Justin Fields played quite possibly his best game in a Chicago uniform yet. He tossed four touchdown passes, three of them to wide receiver D.J. Moore, who also averaged 29 yards across eight receptions. Moore is now tied at five for the most receiving touchdowns this season.
Along with an interception and fumble on offense, Washington earned just 19 rushing yards. Given their past, the Bears were a team nobody wanted to lose to and unfortunately, Washington fell victim. Now owning a losing record, they will look to turn things around against Atlanta in week six.
Sunday
Jacksonville Jaguars 25 – Buffalo Bills 20
The Jacksonville Jaguars spent their second week in London and walked out with another victory. After defeating Atlanta in London last week, the Jaguars held the Buffalo Bills to just 29 rushing yards, playing key to their victory. Their quarterback Trevor Lawrence tossed 315 yards and a touchdown, however, lost the ball on two fumbles. Meanwhile, Bill’s quarterback Josh Allen tossed two touchdowns and 359 yards, but was intercepted by Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams early in the final quarter.
Safe to say Jacksonville’s defense won the day, as they limited the Bills to just 18 first downs while Jacksonville had 29. Jaguar’s running back Travis Etienne carried the offense with two touchdowns, while receiver Calvin Ridley earned 122 yards. The Jaguars are the first team to hold the Bills to 20 points or less since week one, and advance to a winning record. They play Indianapolis in week six with whom they currently hold the top spot in the AFC South.
Houston Texans 19 – Atlanta Falcons 21
Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo launched a game winning shot in the final seconds against the Texans on Sunday to restore his team’s winning record. Texan’s quarterback CJ Stroud failed to toss a touchdown pass until two minutes left in the game, but remained without an interception. Two different Falcons players lost the ball to fumbles, but quarterback Desmond Ridder’s peak precision and touchdown pass saved the day. He completed 28 of 37 attempts and tossed 329 yards.
Stroud’s touchdown gave his team a one point lead late in the game, while Texan’s kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn completed all four field goal attempts given. However it was Koo who was given the opportunity to play the hero for the Falcons. His 37 yard field goal was the final play of the game, preventing the Texans from a third win straight. Houston will return home in week six to face a rejuvenated New Orleans Saints.
Carolina Panthers 24 – Detroit Lions 42
With failure to defeat the Detroit Lions, the Panthers remain the final winless team across the league. Carolina’s quarterback Bryce Young tossed three touchdowns that were overlooked by two interceptions thrown. Running back Mike Sanders fumbled the ball, and earned just 32 rushing yards while his team was limited to 99.
The Lions scored six touchdowns three of which were passed into the end zone by quarterback Jared Goff. He also earned a rushing touchdown, along with running backs David Montgomery and Craig Reynold. They start their season 4-1 for the first time since 2011, while the Panthers face a tough Miami Dolphins next week. This is the first time since 2010 Carolina has lost their first five games.
Tennessee Titans 16 – Indianapolis Colts 23
Colt’s running back Zack Moss may be to thank for the Colts victory, as neither team threw a touchdown. Moss earned two rushing touchdowns in a game full of field goals. The Titans only lead came early in the third quarter with a touchdown from running back Tyjae Spears. Their opportunity to tie the game in the final minute was stripped by Colt’s safety Julian Blackmon who intercepted a pass from Titan’s quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
With just 17 seconds remaining after the interception, the Colts completed the kneel for the victory. Each team’s kicker took three field goal attempts and successfully made each one. The Titans were limited to 89 rushing yards, while the Colts earned 193. The Colts had lost to the Titans five times in a row, erasing a pattern of frustration.
New York Giants 16 – Miami Dolphins 31
Even with two interceptions by Dolphin’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, his team was able to get the job done. On paper, the Giants played the better game, with no turnovers, more third and fourth down conversions, and more ball possession. However, Giant’s quarterback Daniel Jones was sacked seven times, while his team failed to earn a combined 300 rushing and passing yards.
Miami earned 524 total yards, as wide receiver Tyreek Hill achieved 181 yards along with a touchdown, and running back De’von Achane earned 151 yards with a touchdown. Tagovailoa tossed two touchdowns and completed 22 of 30 attempts. Jones exited the game in the final quarter with a neck injury after facing possibly one too many sacks. The Giants remain last place in their division, and will play a heated Buffalo Bills in week six.
New Orleans Saints 34 – New England Patriots 0
The New England Patriots earned their worst record of the 21st century after suffering their largest defeat in history to the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Mac Jones tossed two interceptions and only completed 12 passes for New England. His first interception was by Saint’s free safety Tyrann Mathieu who returned the ball 27 yards for a touchdown. Jones has now thrown the same amount of pick-six plays at home as Tom Brady’s time with New England.
Meanwhile, Saint’s quarterback Derek Carr tossed two touchdowns and achieved 183 yards. After losing the past two weekends, the Saints have restored their winning record, holding their opponents to just 46 rushing yards throughout. This is the worst start for the Patriots under Coach Bill Belichick and his worst loss to the Saints. They will look to regain some momentum in week six as they travel to Las Vegas.
Baltimore Ravens 10 – Pittsburgh Steelers 17
These two division rivals never fail to disappoint. The Ravens looked to win it, but a late Steelers comeback allowed them to snag first in the AFC North. Raven’s quarterback Lamar Jackson failed to toss a touchdown, while losing the ball to a fumble and interception. After trailing 10-3 at halftime and a scoreless third quarter, Pittsburgh came to life. Steeler’s safety Mike Killebrew blocked a punt early in the final quarter resulting in a safety for his side. Their quarterback Kenny Pickett tossed his only touchdown pass of the game later on, giving his side the lead.
Steeler’s kicker Chris Boswell topped off the comeback for his team, knocking back a 42 yard field goal and his third of the game. Even with more rushing and passing yards, Baltimore failed to execute a victory. The Steelers, who have beaten the Ravens six of the last seven times, get the week off in week six.
Cincinnati Bengals 34 – Arizona Cardinals 20
Even with the struggle of Joe Burrow and the Bengals as of late, a shimmer of hope shined this season for his side on Sunday. Despite tossing a late third quarter interception, Burrow threw three touchdown passes and 317 yards, his best performance this season. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase proved he’s always open, earning three touchdowns and 192 receiving yards.
Late in the first half, Cardinal’s quarterback Joshua Dobbs tossed an interception, which led to an 11 yard touchdown return for Bengal’s cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. Dobbs had another interception and a fumble during the fourth quarter and failed to score. The Bengals controlled the ball well, earning almost 40 minutes of possession time, adding to their biggest win this season. This team’s true self will continue to show as they face a challenge in the Seahawks during week six.
Philadelphia Eagles 23 – Los Angeles Rams 14
The Eagles remained one of the two undefeated teams in the league after allowing their opponents just 54 rushing yards. Los Angeles achieved just 17 first downs to Philadelphia’s 28, and earned just over 200 less total yards, as their offense was stopped. Ram’s quarterback Matthew Stafford did toss two touchdown passes, however options seemed limited. Rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua scored a touchdown, but did not put up numbers of the past earning just 77 receiving yards.
The return of Ram’s wide receiver Cooper Kupp also seemed to help their case, but he failed to score a touchdown. A late third quarter interception from Eagle’s quarterback Jalen Hurts did not harm his performance, as he scored a passing and rushing touchdown. The Eagles narrowly escaped with a victory in week four against Washington, but proved their dominance once again. The Eagles have lost to the Rams just once since 2005 and add another win against the side.
New York Jets 31 – Denver Broncos 21
After trailing by five at halftime, the New York Jets allowed the Denver Broncos to just one second half touchdown, enough to rally on offense and win the game. Jet’s quarterback Zach Wilson tossed 199 yards, but threw an interception and not a single touchdown. The Jet’s defense may have saved the day, as they recovered three Bronco’s fumbles, giving them plenty of possessions. Jet’s running back Breece Hall earned 177 yards and a touchdown, while kicker Greg Zurlein played crucial, earning 15 points with five field goal kicks.
Bronco’s quarterback Russell Wilson found the end zone twice, but did not receive much help from his rushing team who failed to score a touchdown. The Broncos were given a chance to win on their final drive, down by just three, however, Wilson was sacked and fumbled the ball. This fumble led to a 39 yard touchdown return for Jet’s Cornerback Breece Hall, securing his team’s victory. The Jets get their first win since week one, while the Broncos continue to be disheartened.
Kansas City Chiefs 27 – Minnesota Vikings 20
Although they fumbled the ball on their first drive, the Minnesota Vikings never gave up against the Kansas City Chiefs. Their quarterback Kirk Cousins tossed two touchdowns and they somehow led in rushing yards with only 70. The game was tied at halftime, but two third quarter touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes gave his team the advantage. Mahomes completed 31 of 41 attempts and tossed for 280 yards.
The Vikings scored an early fourth quarter touchdown, but were halted 48 yards away from the end zone on their final drive. Viking’s wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been placed on injured reserve, after leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. The Chiefs have now defeated the Vikings four of the last five meetings. They will play a struggling Broncos team in week six.
Dallas Cowboys 10 – San Francisco 49ers 42
Two of the hottest teams faced off for Sunday night action, but one quickly established its dominance over the other and across the league. The 49er’s defense allowed the Cowboys to score just one touchdown and a field goal, and less than 200 offensive yards. Their offense looked unstoppable again, as quarterback Brock Purdy found the end zone four times, and completed 17 of 24 attempts. Once again running back Christian McCaffrey did not fail to etch his name on the scoring sheet. Meanwhile, tight end George Kittle earned three touchdowns.
Cowboy’s quarterback Dak Prescott tossed three interceptions and earned just two rushing yards. 49er’s middle linebacker Fred Warner, completed three tackles, a sack and an interception, earning the defensive effort of the night. This is a San Francisco team that remains red hot and are becoming a threat this season. As Purdy’s regular season record advances to 10-0 they hope to keep the pattern going in week six against Cleveland.
Monday Night Football
Green Bay Packers – Las Vegas Raiders
As Raider’s wide receiver Davante Adams received his homecoming in Green Bay, he added insult to injury in helping his new team secure a road victory. Adams only received 45 receiving yards, but his team was carried by running back Josh Jacobs, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Each scored a touchdown and led their category in yards. Three interceptions from Packer’s quarterback Jordan Love did not help his team’s case. His last was on the teams final drive, ending their chances of victory.
Green Bay may have received more rushing yards, with running back AJ Dillon earning a touchdown, but a third down conversion rate of 33% along with Love’s interceptions hurt their game. The Packers were just six yards away from victory, as the Raiders defeated them for the first time since 1987.
Teams On Bye:
- Seattle Seahawks
- Cleveland Browns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Los Angeles Chargers
