2026 NFL Week 5 Biggest Takeaways for Every Team

After four weeks of play, the NFL doesn't look anything like the league many expected entering the 2026 campaign.

The Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings own a combined 13-3 record. Conversely, the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers have yet to win a game. The Super Bowl-bound Los Angeles Rams, based on preseason expectations, haven't been a dominant squad.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected to compete for their fifth NFC South title in six seasons, especially after signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a contract extension before the season began. Mayfield may be hurt, but the Bucs found a way to win their first game of the season during Thursday Night Football.

Bleacher Report NFL analysts Brent Sobleski, Kris Knox, and Moe Moton will follow all of the action and then break down each contest, provide takeaways and ask the most pressing questions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving

Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 16

RB Bucky Irving Drives Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Offense

With Baker Mayfield out of the lineup, undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels wouldn't be able to carry the Buccaneers' offense. He didn't need to when he could hand the ball to Bucky Irving.

Irving led the way Thursday with 165 yards on 21 carries, including a 72-yard run during the first play of the second half, which turned the game in an instant. He added two scores.

When Tampa needed a play late to milk the clock and secure the victory, Irving sealed the deal with a 22-yard run. Thursday's career-high effort happened at the exact right time for the Bucs to finally get into the win column after an 0-4 start.

Can Jalon Daniels Usurp QB1 From Baker Mayfield?

The short answer is simple: No, Daniels is not going to become the Buccaneers' starting quarterback. But the undrafted free agent deserves credit for stepping into a difficult situation and playing well enough for Tampa to claim its first victory.

Daniels still isn't driving the ball down the field, which will be necessary against better opponents. Plus, the Cowboys defense is counted among the league's worst, which can make anyone look somewhat better, especially when DaRon Bland drops what would have likely been a pick-six.

Still, the first-year signal-caller used his legs to extend plays, completed most of his early throws and continued to get more comfortable in the pocket as the game progressed. At the very least, he showed why he was deserving of being the Bucs' QB2 this season.

Dallas Cowboys Defense Remains Dismal

Last week's effort from the Cowboys' defense turned out to be an aberration.

To be fair, Dallas allowed nearly 400 yards of offense against the Houston Texans. However, the unit played much better during key downs and slowed the Texans' run game.

Four days later, Tampa Bay pushed past the 400-yard mark and did so with an undrafted rookie making his first NFL road start. The Cowboys' angles and tackling were abysmal. Dallas couldn't get a stop when absolutely necessary late in the contest. Clearly, the group is poorly coached, because the unit has too much individual talent to not improve eventually.

Instead, the Cowboys rank 31st in total defense going into this weekend's action only because the Detroit Lions are the only team in the NFL surrendering over 300 passing yards per game.

WR CeeDee Lamb Goes from Unstoppable to Injured

Lamb obliterated the Texans defense this past weekend. After 17 receptions, Tampa Bay needed to key on him at all times, of course. Lamb finished Thursday's contest with two receptions for nine yards.

Two things happened along the way.

First, Lamb's presence allowed others to shine. Specifically, George Pickens posted season-highs with nine catches for 130 yards. Second, the five-time Pro Bowl receiver suffered a quad injury. Lamb tried to play through it during the second half, but he clearly wasn't comfortable.

The loss coupled with Lamb's situation make the 2-3 Cowboys for more difficult to buy into as the season progresses.

Sunday's Slate

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy

Once again, the action begins early, with a showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars meeting in London. But the game of the day will happen eight times zones over, when the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers for first place in the NFC West.

Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars (9:30 am)

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (1 pm)

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans (1 pm)

Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins (1 pm)

Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots (1 pm)

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (1 pm)

Cleveland Browns at New York Jets (1 pm)

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers (1 pm)

New York Giants at Washington Commanders (1 pm)

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (4:05 pm)

Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 pm)

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (4:25 pm)

Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons (8:20 pm)

Monday Night Football: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams

The NFL's last two league MVPs will take the field Monday. Though an argument can be made that wide receiver Davante Adams has been the best player on either the Los Angeles Rams' or Buffalo Bills' roster this season. The Rams will need him, too. Sean McVay's squad has disappointed to start the campaign. A win over Josh Allen and Co. will immediately validate the Rams or vice versa.