Week 5 of the regular season offered no shortage of surprising upsets, standout performances and dramatic moments.
Amidst the chaos, the San Francisco 49ers endured yet another late-game collapse while the Baltimore Ravens mounted their own fourth-quarter comeback to help knock off the Cincinnati Bengals in a nail-biting divisional clash. The New York Jets suffered their second straight deflating loss, prompting owner Woody Johnson to make a coaching change in an effort to keep their season from completely unraveling.
(Week 6 matchups are on Sunday unless noted.)
Week 5: W 26-13 (vs. New Orleans) | Last week: 1
What year is it again? The Chiefs head into their bye week with a perfect 5-0 record after receiving vintage performances from RB Kareem Hunt (102 rushing yards and one touchdown) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (seven receptions for 130 yards) on “Monday Night Football.”
Week 6: Bye
Week 5: W 23-17 (vs. Jets) | Last week: 2
The 5-0 Vikings are undoubtedly the most surprising team in the NFL to begin the season, but they continue to show that their success is no fluke. Brian Flores’ stingy defense continues to make opposing quarterbacks miserable, as the unit picked off three Aaron Rodgers passes on Sunday, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Week 6: Bye
Week 5: Bye | Last week: 3
The well-rested Lions aim to avenge their controversial loss to Dallas from Week 17 of last season, during which an incorrect penalty was called to negate a game-winning two-point conversion. Detroit hit its stride heading into its bye, winning its last two games, but will need Jared Goff to look more like the quarterback he was in Week 4 to extend its streak.
Week 6: at Dallas (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: W 23-20 (vs. Buffalo) | Last week: 5
Houston survived a late rally from Buffalo in Week 5 but managed to capitalize on a clock management gaffe, allowing Ka’imi Fairbairn to kick a 59-yard game-winning field goal as time expired. Even so, the Texans offense could continue to stumble much like it did during the second half on Sunday, since star wideout Nico Collins is dealing with a hamstring injury that could affect him for several weeks.
Week 6: at New England (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: W 41-38 (at Cincinnati) | Last week: 6
Oct 6, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson escapes the tackle of Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone during the second half at Paycor Stadium.
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
The Ravens secured a thrilling come-from-behind road victory to knock off the Bengals in overtime and solidified themselves as one of the league’s top teams. Not only is QB Lamar Jackson somehow playing at a higher level than he did during his 2023 MVP season, but he and RB Derrick Henry have emerged as arguably the NFL’s most dominant offensive duo.
Week 6: vs. Washington (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: L 23-20 (at Houston) | Last week: 4
The Bills could have (and should’ve) let their Week 5 matchup with Houston go to overtime. However, their questionable late-game play calling and HC Sean McDermott’s poor clock management prevented that, leading to a Texans win and helping WR Stefon Diggs get the last laugh against his former team.
Week 6: at Jets (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN)
Week 5: W 24-19 (at Rams) | Last week: 8
The Packers might not have many household names on offense, but they continue to prove they have as deep a unit as any team. With WRs Christian Watson (ankle) and Romeo Doubs (suspension) sidelined, second-year TE Tucker Kraft served as a focal point for the Packers offense in Week 5, catching four passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
Week 6: vs. Arizona (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: W 34-13 (vs. Cleveland) | Last week: 12
Just like we all expected, the Commanders boast the top offense in the NFL, with the team averaging a league-leading 31 points per game. QB Jayden Daniels continues to make history, becoming the first player to pass for at least 1,000 yards and rush for at least 250 in his first five career games.
Week 6: at Baltimore (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: W 36-30 (vs. Tampa Bay) | Last week: 13
Perhaps signing QB Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal was a wise move for the Falcons after all. During last Thursday’s exhilarating overtime clash with Tampa Bay, the 36-year-old threw for a franchise-record 509 yards and four touchdowns to lead Atlanta to its second straight win.
Week 6: at Carolina (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: L 36-30 (at Atlanta) | Last week: 7
Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Buccaneers were on the wrong end of last Thursday’s thriller, and while the defense allowed 36 points, the team’s offense should bear most of the responsibility. Tampa Bay scored just six points in the second half, and rookie RB Bucky Irving’s costly fourth-quarter fumble opened the door for Atlanta to send the game to overtime.
Week 6: at New Orleans (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: Bye | Last week: 14
The bye week came at the perfect time for the injury-riddled Eagles. They’ll welcome star wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, as well as RT Lane Johnson, back to the lineup as they look to get their season back on track against a dismal Browns team.
Week 6: vs. Cleveland (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: W 20-17 (at Pittsburgh) | Last week: 17
Despite missing star edge-rushers Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas’ defense stepped up in a big way during its road win over Pittsburgh on “Sunday Night Football.” The Cowboys held Pittsburgh’s offense to just 17 points and 226 total yards, which are the fewest the team has allowed this season.
Week 6: vs. Detroit (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: L 29-20 (vs. Giants) | Last week: 11
The Seahawks have hit a rough patch after starting the season on a three-game winning streak, losing their second straight game to a Giants team that boasts one of the NFL’s worst offenses. The quickest way for Seattle to turn things around would be by improving its run defense, as the unit has allowed at least 99 yards on the ground in four of its five games.
Week 6: vs. San Francisco (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Amazon Prime Video)
14. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
Week 5: L 24-23 (vs. Arizona) | Last week: 9
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: HC Kyle Shanahan blew a double-digit fourth-quarter lead. While RB Jordan Mason (536 rushing yards and three touchdowns this season) has impressed, it’s clear the 49ers offense needs Christian McCaffrey back, especially considering how ineffective the unit has been in the red zone.
Week 6: at Seattle (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Amazon Prime Video)
Week 5: L 20-17 (vs. Dallas) | Last week: 10
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up next to quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Steelers offense is in a rut, and the unit’s inability to contribute much in the running game consistently has been a key reason why. If the offense doesn’t improve quickly, Pittsburgh might need to name nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson as its starting quarterback.
Week 6: at Las Vegas (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: L 26-13 (at Kansas City) | Last week: 16
With each passing week, the Saints offense’s explosive start to the season seems more and more like an anomaly. After scoring just 13 points during its “Monday Night Football” loss to the Chiefs, New Orleans could see its offensive woes worsen, given that it’s unclear how long an oblique injury will sideline QB Derek Carr.
Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: Bye | Last week: 18
Los Angeles’ Week 5 bye allowed for Pro Bowl QB Justin Herbert to continue recovering from his ankle sprain. Although the Chargers offense disappointed over the team’s last two contests, scoring 20 points, the unit should be more effective with Herbert in better health, in addition to the return of OTs Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.
Week 6: at Denver (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: W 36-10 (vs. Carolina) | Last week: 21
While it was against the lowly Panthers, rookie QB Caleb Williams appears to finally be getting the hang of life in the NFL. The No. 1 overall pick completed 69% of his passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns this past Sunday, leading Chicago to its best offensive output of the season.
Week 6: vs. Jacksonville (in London) (9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network)
Week 5: W 34-18 (vs. Las Vegas) | Last week: 22
Sean Payton’s Broncos are suddenly one of the hottest teams in the NFL, winning their last three consecutive games in large part due to their stifling defense. Through five weeks, Denver has allowed the third-fewest points (14.6) and yards (271.2) per game, according to StatMuse.
Week 6: vs. Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
20. New York Jets (2-3)
Week 5: L 23-17 (at Vikings) | Last week: 15
East Rutherford, NJ — September 29 — Jets head coach Robert Saleh as Aaron Rodgers of the Jets walks off the field in the first half as the Denver Broncos edged the New York Jets 10-9 at MetLife Stadium.
Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Jets offense once again looked like a disaster in this past Sunday’s loss to Minnesota in London, prompting the team to fire HC Robert Saleh on Tuesday. The decision isn’t particularly shocking, especially since New York’s 93 points through five games is the same output the team produced at this point last season when it had a far inferior unit.
Week 6: vs. Buffalo (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN)
Week 5: W 24-23 (at San Francisco) | Last week: 25
The Cardinals rebounded from a poor Week 4 showing to stun the 49ers on the road behind a fourth-quarter comeback led by QB Kyler Murray. Arizona’s defense is still a major work in progress, but the unit should soon get a boost with first-round rookie edge-rusher Darius Robinson (calf) returning to practice this week.
Week 6: at Green Bay (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: L 41-38 (vs. Baltimore) | Last week: 19
The Bengals’ season is essentially over, and they have HC Zac Taylor and a defense that has allowed the second-most points per game to blame for that. Nevertheless, it’s hard to rank Cincinnati any lower due to its talented offense, especially considering Joe Burrow, who has completed 72.3% of his passes for 1,370 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, is playing as well as any quarterback.
Week 6: at Giants (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)
Week 5: W 29-20 (at Seattle) | Last week: 26
The Malik Nabers-less Giants earned one of the most impressive wins of the Brian Daboll era, outclassing the NFC West-leading Seahawks thanks to their imposing pass rush and QB Daniel Jones’ steady play. DT Dexter Lawrence II (six sacks and 23 pressures this season) is making a compelling argument to be considered the top defensive lineman in the NFL.
Week 6: vs. Cincinnati (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)
Week 5: L 37-34 (at Jacksonville) | Last week: 20
QB Joe Flacco’s late-game heroics weren’t enough to help the Colts clinch their first win in Jacksonville since 2014. Even though Anthony Richardson is the rightful starter, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Indianapolis’ offense take a step back once the dual-threat signal-caller returns from his oblique injury.
Week 6: at Tennessee (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: L 34-18 (at Denver) | Last week: 23
Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Las Vegas, which had already been dealing with plenty of early-season turmoil, continued to spiral in its Week 5 blowout loss against Denver. After benching Gardner Minshew II in favor of Aidan O’Connell mid-game, HC Antonio Pierce is left to decide which of the two underwhelming quarterback options will serve as the team’s starter going forward.
Week 6: vs. Pittsburgh (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: L 24-19 (vs. Green Bay) | Last week: 24
The Rams are limping into their bye week on a two-game losing streak after dropping another one-score game. Fortunately for Los Angeles, star WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) should be back in action the next time it takes the field.
Week 6: Bye
Week 5: Bye | Last week: 27
Tennessee secured a season-saving win over the Dolphins before entering its early Week 5 bye. Titans HC Brian Callahan has committed to Will Levis remaining his starting quarterback, though it’ll be intriguing to see whether he’ll insert Mason Rudolph into the lineup if the Kentucky product’s turnover issues continue.
Week 6: vs. Indianapolis (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Week 5: W 15-10 (at New England) | Last week: 31
The Tyler Huntley-led Dolphins finally ran into an offense worse than their own and now head into a much-needed bye week. All things considered, Miami should be pleased with its 2-3 record, which is still good enough for second place in the AFC East standings.
Week 6: Bye
Week 5: L 34-13 (at Washington) | Last week: 28
The Browns can’t keep trotting QB Deshaun Watson out onto the field much longer, right? Despite HC Kevin Stefanski recently dismissing the idea, it’s impossible to argue that Watson (34.3 QBR ranks 32nd of 34 qualified passers) gives Cleveland a better chance to win than Jameis Winston.
Week 6: at Philadelphia (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: W 37-34 (vs. Indianapolis) | Last week: 32
Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Cam Little (39) kicks a field goal as punter Logan Cooke (9) holds during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jacksonville held off the Colts to secure its first win of the season in thrilling fashion, as Cam Little hit a game-winning 49-yard field goal with 17 seconds remaining in regulation. QB Trevor Lawrence put together a strong performance that should help silence his critics for now, finishing 28-of-34 passing for 371 yards and two touchdowns.
Week 6: at Chicago (in London) (9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network)
Week 5: L 36-10 (at Chicago) | Last week: 29
After shining in his first start of the season, QB Andy Dalton’s production and effectiveness have declined dramatically, with the journeyman throwing for 356 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions over his last two games. Dalton’s struggles have raised questions about whether Carolina should turn back to Bryce Young, but it seems unlikely the team will do that anytime soon.
Week 6: vs. Atlanta (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
Week 5: L 15-10 (vs. Miami) | Last week: 30
New England’s offense is performing at a historically bad rate, as its 119 net passing yards per game are not only the fewest in the league but are also the fourth-fewest among teams through five contests since 2010. It appears Drake Maye will soon take over as the team’s starting quarterback, but such a move would be risky against a formidable Texans defense.
Week 6: vs. Houston (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
