2026 NFL Week 5 Biggest Takeaways for Every Team

In Week 5, two of the NFL's most surprising teams came back to earth with losses, while a couple of winless teams notched their first victories. The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings remained undefeated.

On Sunday, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye flexed on the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. The Houston Texans throttled the Tennessee Titans and will welcome wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Also, the Washington Commanders had one of the most embarrassing late-game sequences you'll see in pro sports.

The Buffalo Bills capped a wild Week 5 with a back-and-forth overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams.

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

BAL vs. ATL | SF vs. SEA | DET vs. ARI | DEN vs. LAC | NYG vs. WAS | IND vs. PIT | LV vs. NE | CLE vs. NYJ | MIN vs. NO | HOU vs. TEN | CIN vs. MIA | CHI vs. GB | PHI vs. JAX | TB vs. DAL | BUF vs. LAR

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Scott Strazzante

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen

Bills 37, Rams 34 (OT)

Bills Survive Sloppy Game Thanks to Josh Allen

When Rams linebacker Nate Landman forced James Cook's second fumble of the night, and L.A. recovered in overtime, it felt like Buffalo's mistakes would cost them a second straight game. However, the Bills got new life with a blocked field goal. A couple of big Josh Allen scrambles later, it was Buffalo's chance to win it with an overtime field goal.

As is often the case for the Bills, Allen was the hero of the night, and he did a lot of his damage with his legs. The 2024 MVP completed 12 of only 19 pass attempts for 210 yards, and he gashed the Rams' defense for 121 yards on the ground.

Buffalo will have a chance in almost every game when Allen is at his best. However, the Bills can't expect to push all the way to Super Bowl LXI by consistently asking Allen to bail them out.

Allen very much stole a victory on Monday. The defense surrendered 454 yards of total offense, Cook's lost fumble was almost a game-ender, and 13 penalties and 112 penalty yards are just unacceptable for a Super Bowl hopeful. Buffalo has to play cleaner football moving forward.

Where Can the Bills Find Wide Receiver Help?

Buffalo had to lean heavily on its backfield and Allen's ability to create plays because its wide receivers consistently struggled to find separation against Los Angeles' man coverage. Khalil Shakir finally broke a big one in overtime just before Cook's fumble, but Allen's most reliable targets were his tight ends and running backs. Shakir, Keon Coleman, and rookie Skyler Bell combined for four catches on seven targets.

New No. 1 receiver D.J. Moore was inactive with a shoulder injury, but it's been a nagging issue, and his return won't fix the Bills' lack of receiver depth.

The Arizona Cardinals just dealt Marvin Harrison Jr. It's probably time for GM Brandon Beane to see if any other teams are willing to give up a wideout before next month's trade deadline.

It's Getting Harder to View the Rams as Serious Super Bowl Contenders

The Rams were the clear preseason Super Bowl favorites, and they do have a very talented team. However, they're also sitting at 2-3, and it's starting to feel like their losses aren't outliers.

To be fair, slowing Josh Allen and the Bills' offense isn't easy. However, the 436 yards that L.A.'s defense surrendered were only part of the equation. The Rams were flagged 11 times for 84 yards, and some of their penalties came at critical times. Los Angeles' special-teams unit, which has been an issue all season, left six points on the board with a missed field goal and a block.

When Will Myles Garrett Return?

Allen struggled to find open wide receivers for most of the game. Yet, he still made the Rams' defense pay by finding checkdowns or simply taking off himself. One difference-making defender with the combination of power and speed needed to corral Allen is Myles Garrett.

Unfortunately, Garrett has been out since undergoing knee surgery after the season-opener, and Rams coach Sean McVay still cannot offer a timeline for his return. Getting Garrett back won't fix every issue the Rams have, but it could make the difference in tight contests like Monday's.

Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry

Ravens 30, Falcons 23

Tyler Huntley Keeps Baltimore Ravens Atop AFC North Standings

Anytime a quarterback of a Lamar Jackson's caliber suffers an injury and misses time, the thought of a team's season being derailed immediately comes to the forefront.

The Baltimore Ravens aren't quite as worried when Tyler Huntley takes the reins, because he's an ideal backup option for their scheme.

After settling for three field goals earlier in the contest, the Ravens finally got going by scoring two second-half touchdowns and one in overtime. Huntley was particularly sharp during the team's two most important possessions. He completed all 10 of his pass attempts during that stretch.

As a result, the 4-1 Ravens sit alone atop the AFC North, with Jackson possibly coming back next weekend against the Cleveland Browns.

Derrick Henry, the Closer

At this point, the Pro Football Hall of Fame should already have Henry fitted for his eventual gold jacket. But the Ravens continue to enjoy Henry's output even at the ripe old age of 32.

Henry ran the ball more than 20 times for the fourth time this season. His 102 yards against the Atlanta Falcons are his second-best outing.

When Baltimore needed a play, the coaching staff placed the ball in Henry's hands. The Ravens needed a two-point conversion late in regulation to tie the game and send it into overtime. Henry lined up from a wildcat formation and ran the ball off the left side for the conversion. Inside the 5-yard line during overtime, Henry got the first crack at the end zone, which Huntley finished a play later on a quarterback sneak.

Also, Henry caught a pass and scored an 18-yard touchdown. He remains unstoppable.

Michael Penix Jr. Suffers Another Injury

Injuries have always been the biggest concern regarding Michael Penix Jr.'s career and whether he was the right choice by the Falcons.

Penix left the collegiate ranks and became a top-10 draft pick despite two ACL tears in the same knee and surgeries to both shoulders. He wasn't ready to start this season after another ACL tear, albeit in the other knee.

The third-year quarterback didn't finish Sunday's contest, because he took a hit late in the fourth quarter and wasn't comfortable enough to return, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Tua Tagovailoa led the Falcons during overtime and threw a game-ending interception.

Whether Penix will miss more time has yet to be determined.

Falcons Defense Can Be Exploited at Point of Attack

Atlanta entered its latest contest with the league's best run defense. The Ravens didn't seem to care.

Baltimore ran the ball 35 times for 208 yards. Keep in mind, Jackson wasn't in the lineup and Huntley added only 20 yards. Henry wasn't the only one doing damage, either. Justice Hill carried the ball four times for 73 yards, including a 47-yard scamper.

The Falcons defense is talented, but it's not quite as tough as envisioned entering Sunday's contest.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (5) reacts after making a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game.

49ers 32, Seahawks 29

Mike Evans Is the NFL's Ageless Wonder in 2026

At 33, Mike Evans is still one of the league's top wide receivers. Dealing with a rib injury in recent weeks, he came up big for the San Francisco 49ers in a crucial divisional win over the Seattle Seahawks, hauling in seven passes for a season-high 113 yards and a touchdown.

In 12 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Evans became a clutch playmaker, and he's brought that ability to San Francisco. With a banged-up wide receiver corps, the 49ers need him to be an elite receiver who wins his matchups.

Is Brandin Cooks the Next Man Up if Deebo Samuel Sr. Is Out?

Deebo Samuel Sr. suffered a hamstring injury in the second half of this matchup, and the 49ers immediately ruled him out. In his absence, Brandin Cooks recorded a seven-yard touchdown reception.

At 33, Cooks isn't Evans in terms of stiff-arming Father Time, but he's a savvy veteran who can find holes in coverages and showed that on Sunday. Out of necessity, the 49ers may have to ramp up his snap count because of their laundry list of injured receivers.

Seahawks' Miscues and Missed Opportunities Are a Growing Problem

The Seahawks aren't playing championship-level football. Since Week 2, Seattle has turned the ball over nine times, seven of those giveaways in its two losses. 

On Sunday, star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a strong outing, catching five passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, but he dropped a wide-open pass on 3rd-and-10 to extend a late fourth-quarter drive. 

George Holani fumbled inside the Seahawks' 5-yard line, which allowed the 49ers defense to score before halftime. Fellow running back Emanuel Wilson fumbled, and subsequently, San Francisco scored on the short field.

Head coach Mike Macdonald must hammer home the fine details in the coming weeks. A loss to the division-rival 49ers may serve as a wake-up call for the reigning champions, who have lost two of their last three games.

How Can the Seahawks Rein In Sam Darnold's Turnovers?

Sam Darnold has thrown five interceptions over the last three weeks. The 49ers capitalized on one of them with a touchdown.

With a middling ground attack, the Seahawks can't afford to turn the ball over through the air at a high rate. The Washington Commanders and 49ers made them pay for those turnovers, and that trend could continue against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs in the next two weeks.

Darnold doesn't have Jameis Winston's interception track record, but Seattle may consider less is more with its starting quarterback and try to get more out of the ground game.

Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell

Lions 45, Cardinals 21

Lions Are a Solid Defense Away from Being Super Bowl Contenders

The Detroit Lions can score their way out of big deficits and to wins, but their defense will need to make critical stops in competitive games. So far, they've alternated wins and losses, giving up an average of 36.5 points in their defeats.

Entering Week 5, the Lions ranked fourth in scoring and allowed the second-most points and most yards per game. They're a mediocre squad that can squash bad teams like the Arizona Cardinals, but need to show more resistance against tougher opponents.

Will Brian Branch's Return Significantly Change the Defense?

Detroit has a Week 6 bye, which gives Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch an extra week to recover from a torn Achilles. He hasn't played since Week 14 of the previous season.

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that "it'll take a minute" for Branch to get back into regular-season form, though he's already back on the practice field.

As a well-rounded safety who can make an impact in pass coverage and against the run, Branch can provide a strong defensive boost for the Lions' Week 7 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Jeremiyah Love Has Hit Early Rookie Wall

Last week, rookie running back Jeremiyah Love admitted that his body is "down" and "sometimes tired." 

The Cardinals have managed Love's workload. He's logged 15 or fewer touches in all but one game. On Sunday, the rookie tailback recorded 12 carries for just 22 yards. 

Clearly, Love must adjust to the physical demands of the pro game. A big favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, he may be part of the backfield committee for the foreseeable future.

Is It Time for a Fire Sale in Arizona?

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Arizona Cardinals traded Marvin Harrison Jr. and a 2027 seventh-round pick for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. 

Harrison didn't contribute much to the Cardinals offense this season, catching five passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Still, Arizona should keep moving players who don't fit its long-term outlook.

On Sunday, the Cardinals lost their fourth consecutive game, and they'll go on the road to face the Los Angeles Rams next week. It's time for Arizona to look ahead to 2027. General manager Monti Ossenfort needs to find out what he can get for edge-rusher Josh Sweat, who has no guaranteed money on his contract after this year.

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Denver Broncos DT Malcolm Roach

Broncos 23, Chargers 17

Broncos Defense Finally Takes Control

During the Denver Broncos' 2-2 start, we rarely saw the sort of dominant defense we saw during last year's march to the AFC title game. Denver came into Week 5 ranked 28th in yards allowed and 18th in points allowed, and its defense was a liability in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.

Against a short-handed Los Angeles Chargers team on Sunday, the Broncos' defense truly dominated for the first time this season. It held Los Angeles to just 237 total yards, forced three turnovers, and sacked Justin Herbert five times. All 13 of Denver's second-half points came off of turnovers.

The Broncos will need more performances like this one from their defense if they hope to reestablish themselves as legitimate AFC contenders. Of course, it will face a much tougher challenge next week against the Seattle Seahawks.

What's The Real Issue With the Broncos Offense?

The Broncos' 28th-ranked offense has been just as disappointing as its defense in 2026. Therefore, it wasn't a major surprise when head coach Sean Payton took back play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Davis Webb ahead of Week 5.

Unfortunately, having Payton hold the call sheet didn't seem to make a significant difference on Sunday. Bo Nix completed just 16 of 27 attempts, while Denver totaled just 224 yards. The Broncos' best path to scoring position in Los Angeles came through turnovers from the defense.

Nix hasn't been as efficient as he was in his first two seasons, but that's only been part of the equation. Denver's offense has seemed disjointed on many levels. If play-calling wasn't the overarching issue, the Broncos need to figure out what is sooner rather than later.

It's Becoming Too Late for the Chargers to Turn Around Their Season

No team in NFL history has ever made the playoffs following a 0-5 start. It's probably too late for the Chargers to become the first.

A win over the rival Broncos would have provided the sort of spark that might have gotten L.A.'s season back on track. However, the Chargers were without several key players due to injury—including Joe Alt, Rashawn Slater, Quentin Johnston, and Derwin James Jr.—and they watched promising young receiver Tre' Harris exit the game with a hamstring injury.

The Chargers are banged-up, winless, and scrambling for answers. Those answers are unlikely to come in time for this season to be meaningful.

Can the Chargers Turn Things Around for Justin Herbert?

The Chargers are spiraling toward a lost campaign, but they're financially married to Herbert through the 2029 season. They'll find it hard to justify keeping that long, though, if he continues to play as he has through the first five weeks of this season.

Herbert had a couple of bright moments against Denver, but he threw for just 121 yards, turned it over twice, and struggled to sustain drives. Granted, he was playing without many of his top offensive players—Ladd McConkey was active with a foot injury but wasn't part of the game plan—but he has stuggled all season.

The seventh-year signal-caller came into Week 5 with a career-low passer rating of 70.6, and his marriage with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has looked like a mistake. With the playoffs now looking like an extreme long shot, returning Herbert to his previous Pro Bowl form might become Los Angeles' new goal for the rest of the season.

New York Giants at Washington Commanders

(AP Photo/Nick Wass

Provider's Caption and Credit: Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn

Giants 27, Commanders 27 

Commanders HC Dan Quinn Should Be on a Sizzling Hot Seat

The Washington Commanders had one of the most inexcusable ties you'll see in the NFL. With 12 seconds and no timeouts, they ran a play and, of course, time expired before the offense could reset, spike the ball, and let the field-goal unit take the field.

Jayden Daniels should be more aware of the game clock, but ultimately, head coach Dan Quinn has to answer for that late-game gaffe. The Commanders' lead skipper should also be held responsible for the team squandering a 14-point fourth-quarter lead. 

The New York Giants engineered two touchdown drives in under eight minutes. As a defensive-minded head coach, Quinn must take accountability for a collapse on his side of the ball. He should've been in first-year defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' ear late in the game.

If the Commanders don't recover from this missed opportunity to win, Quinn's job security should be in serious question. As a leader, if the people under you fail, you have to take a look in the mirror.

Is Jayden Daniels' Play Style Sustainable?

In his first game back from a dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm, Daniels logged nine carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns. His strong performance sparked the Commanders offense, but the coaching staff should be mindful that its oft-injured starting signal-caller logged 30 percent of the team's rush attempts.

The Giants didn't touch Daniels on some of his runs, but this play style could expose him to more physical contact, which isn't ideal given his recent injury history.

Isaiah Likely Is an Emerging Pass-Catching Tight End

As a backup with the Baltimore Ravens, Isaiah Likely showed promising signs that he could be one of the league's premier pass-catching tight ends. Now, in a featured role in New York, he's emerged as a primary target in the aerial attack.

Likely has racked up 66-plus receiving yards in three of five games and has a couple of two-touchdown performances.

Jaxson Dart, out since Week 2 with a season-ending knee injury, and Jameis Winston have both thrown two touchdown passes to Likely, indicating the fifth-year tight end has solidified his spot as one of the primary reads in the Giants' passing attack.

Likely is on pace to eclipse career highs in multiple receiving categories before Thanksgiving. He's fulfilling the expectations that come with a new three-year, $40 million contract.

Can the Giants' Running Backs Fix Their Fumbling Issues?

In five games this season, Cam Skattebo has fumbled four times; he lost one on Sunday, which nearly cost Big Blue the game if not for the Commanders' clock-management incompetence.

In overtime, the Giants offense advanced the ball deep into Commanders' territory, where ball security is the top priority, and Skattebo lost possession. Beyond the turnover, he would've had an inefficient outing without a 19-yard overtime run.

Najee Harris fumbled in the fourth quarter of last week's game. The Giants need a reliable ball-carrier in the closing moments of games.

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren

Steelers 34, Colts 22

RB Jaylen Warren's Evolution Into Elite Offensive Weapon

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense belongs to running Jaylen Warren, not quarterback Aaron Rodgers or wide receiver DK Metcalf. Warren has been exceptional this season, specifically over the last three weeks.

Against the Indianapolis Colts, Warren produced 188 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. He became the first player since at least 1991 to record a receiving touchdown of 75 or more yards and a rushing score of 50 or more yards, per NFL Researcher.

Warren's explosiveness shredded an ill-prepared Colts defense. The Steelers' RB1 has averaged 163.3 yards from scrimmage over the last three contests.

Impressive Run Defense on Display in Pittsburgh

Jonathan Taylor tends to grind down opponents. Even if the three-time Pro Bowl ball-carrier doesn't get going early, he usually finds creases later in contests to slash through opposing defenses. He's almost automatic in the red zone, too. Tayler didn't do either against the Steelers.

Pittsburgh held Taylor to 45 yards at 3.0 yards per carry. As a team, Indianapolis managed only 3.8. The Steelers were stout at the point of attack against the Colts' talented offensive line.

The Steelers have now posted back-to-back outings where they held an opponents' RB1 in check, which is a welcome change of pace after Bijan Robinson's big day in Week 1.

Colts Defense Can't Tackle

The Colts may field the league's worst group of tacklers. While Jaylen Warren deserves credit for his big plays, multiple missed tackles could be spotted during each of his long touchdowns.

Indianapolis' defense may have played better over the last two weeks, but the unit still isn't very good. Too many mistakes are happening, which doesn't allow the group to get off the field.

The Colts' D has been a problem since the squad's losing streak began last season. It only becomes more glaring with each passing week.

Tyler Warren's Expanded Usage Is Positive Step

The deployment of tight end Tyler Warren was the one silver lining during Indianapolis' latest loss. Head coach/offensive play-caller Shane Steichen needed a solution to Alec Pierce not being on the field, making the Colts' offense vertically challenged. Steichen turned to Warren.

Through the first four games, the team's talented tight end was primarily used as an underneath threat and safety blanket. Against Pittsburgh, Warren's routes were pushed farther down the field and gave Indianapolis a legitimate threat.

As a result, Warren set a season-high with 83 receiving yards. Until Pierce returns to the lineup, the tight end will likely be the one working the seams and the deep-middle of the field.

Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye

Patriots 45, Raiders 17

Drake Maye Is Back in Top-Tier Form

For consecutive weeks, Drake Maye has looked like the player who nearly won 2025 league MVP, throwing for 643 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception with a rushing score. 

This is the quarterback many expected to see in his third year. Maye has quieted the critics who believed he was in a regression year. The two-time Pro Bowler has built up his confidence.

Are the Patriots Still the Best Team in the AFC East?

New England won the division last season, but the Buffalo Bills came into the 2026 campaign with more Super Bowl buzz. Many questioned the strength of the Patriots' 2025 schedule.

New England is a loss behind Buffalo in the AFC East standings, but the Patriots have a head-to-head road win over the Bills. If Buffalo loses to Los Angeles Monday night, New England will lead the division.

Perhaps the Patriots deserve more respect than they received headed into the season.

Raiders Must Strengthen WR Corps

The Las Vegas Raiders went into this game with a shorthanded wide receiver corps. They placed Jack Bech on injured reserve. Jalen Nailor didn't play because he's in concussion protocol.

The Raiders can't rely solely on Brock Bowers to pull them out of multiscore deficits. They need an outside wide receiver who can win one-on-one matchups.

Can the Raiders Beat Playoff-Caliber Teams?

Las Vegas has back-to-back losses, one against the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs and last season's AFC champions.

The Raiders had a respectable 30-27 loss to the Chiefs, but aside from Bowers, they no-showed on a road trip to New England. Looking ahead at their schedule, you have to wonder if they can hang with the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams, two Super Bowl contenders.

Keep in mind Las Vegas' three wins are against teams that had one win combined entering Week 5.

Cleveland Browns at New York Jets

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

New York Jets linebacker David Bailey (31) celebrates with teammate linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) after a sack during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns.

Jets 17, Browns 12

David Bailey Is the Front-Runner for DROY Award

In five games, David Bailey has five sacks. In Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns, he had his breakout game, logging seven tackles (five solo) and three sacks.

The Jets made the right choice with the No. 2 pick in this year's draft. As a disruptor off the edge, Bailey can transform Gang Green's defensive front and close out games as he did on Sunday.

Can Jets Turn Sunday's Ground-and-Pound Approach into Their Offensive Identity?

The Jets played in the rain, which likely factored into their game plan, but they should maintain a run-heavy scheme going forward. Gang Green rushed for 134-plus yards in both of its wins this season.

Braelon Allen isn't Breece Hall in the passing game, but he's good enough to handle a workhorse role in a run-first offense.

Browns Need an Efficient Ground Game 

In inclement weather, the Jets ran the ball well, and Deshaun Watson was the Browns' most efficient ball-carrier, rushing for 40 yards on six carries.

Meanwhile, Quinshon Judkins ran for 44 yards on 14 carries. He's averaged fewer than four yards per rush attempt in every game this season.

Cleveland.com's Ashley Bastock noted that Judkins wore a walking boot after the game. The Browns may need to add a running back if he's out for an extended period.

When Are the Browns Going to Trade Jerry Jeudy?

Jerry Jeudy caught two passes in the first three games of the season. He's recorded three receptions in back-to-back outings, but those catches provided little impact.

Rookie wideout KC Concepcion left Sunday's game with a head injury. Yet still, Jeudy couldn't carve out a bigger role for himself. Even if Concepcion misses the next game, Cleveland should look to trade Jeudy.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Matthew Hinton

Minnesota Vikings defense celebrates after interception.

Vikings 23, Saints 13

Minnesota Vikings Continue to Challenge NFL's Oldest Adage

"Offense wins games; defense wins championships," or so they say. 

The Minnesota Vikings are now 5-0. The spotless start to the season is almost entirely the doing of the game's best defense. 

The New Orleans Saints entered Sunday's contest with a top-10 offense. The group averaged 367 yards per game through the first month of the season. Minnesota held Kellen Moore's team to 142 yards. 

The Vikings' defense is dictating terms. Meanwhile, the offense continues to underwhelm. As RotoWire's Ian Hartitz noted, Minnesota's offense has produced a minus-1.5 EPA per play this season, which ranks dead last. Conversely, the Vikings defense is first in the same category. 

RB Aaron Jones Sr.'s Toughness Deserves Spotlight

The Vikings' depth at running back is suspect at best. As a result, Minnesota's coaching staff has decided to lean on 31-year-old veteran Aaron Jones Sr. 

Jones carried the ball 25 times for 113 yards against the Saints. He provided a certain level of toughness as he slammed into the middle of New Orleans' defense. 

Minnesota's lead back now has 20 or more touches in four straight contests. He's averaged 110.5 yards from scrimmage during that stretch. 

Saints Feature "Predictable" Offense

The Saints organization honored the franchise's greatest player by inducting Drew Brees into the team's Ring of Honor prior to Sunday's contest. Brees then called Sunday's action as part of the telecast. The all-time great passer referred to the Saints' offense as "predictable" multiple times. 

The Vikings defense is difficult to face. It should bring out the creativity of a coaching staff and its players. Instead, New Orleans fell flat.

The setup becomes more problematic considering the Saints' head coach Kellen Moore doubles as the team's offensive play-caller. As competitive as New Orleans has been during Moore's tenure, the team isn't winning games because it's not doing enough.

A four-game winning streak late last season isn't enough to counterbalance this year's 1-4 start. 

Saints' Non-Existent Run Game Makes Matters Worse

New Orleans' offense could be helped with a much better ground game. Right now, the Saints have been stuck in the mud and unable to generate much. 

During the last two games, the Saints have averaged 2.9 yards per carry. 

The downturn in production coincides with Travis Etienne Jr.'s injury and subsequent placement on injured reserve. Interestingly, Alvin Kamara only has 10 carries over the last two weeks. Kendre Miller has 16. Maybe those roles should switch. 

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. hits Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward.

Texans 26, Titans 3

Houston Texans Defense Back on Track

The Texans found themselves in unfamiliar territory when Demeco Ryans' defense entered Sunday's action as a bottom 12 unit. The Tennessee Titans were the perfect opponent to rediscover exactly what the unit is supposed to be. 

Once Houston built a 23-point fourth-quarter lead, the Titans could only manage 155 yards in response and finished with 187 in total. Also, Tennessee's run game mustered a meager 3.2 yards per carry

Obviously, the Titans aren't a top NFL offense. In fact, the unit ranked dead last coming into the contest. Sometimes, that's exactly what an opponent needs to rebuild its confidence, as Houston did. 

Texans QB CJ Stroud Continues to Deal

CJ Stroud is now starting to stack positive outings. Yes, Houston just won for the first time. However, Stroud hasn't held the team back.

The fourth-year quarterback has yet to throw an interception this season. He set a season-high Sunday with a 76.5 completion percentage. 

Houston's primary hope coming into this season was for Stroud to play complementary football. He has, but the defense failed to do the same. Finally, both sides of the ball performed to expected levels upon facing the rival Titans. 

This outing may not be enough to propel the Texans toward a winning streak, but Stroud's continued play definitely portends an offseason contract extension. 

Titans QB Cam Ward Under Constant Barrage

It's nearly impossible to evaluate a quarterback when his offensive line can't slow an opposing defense. 

Case in point, Cam Ward has been under duress all season. His mobility allows him to avoid many sacks, but that doesn't mean he's not being pressured on a regular basis. 

Houston sacked Ward four times and hit him on seven more occasions. Ward has plenty of questions himself. At the same time, the evaluation becomes blurred when a quarterback isn't placed in a position to succeed—which is the case in Tennessee. 

Big Questions Star to Enter Conversation Regarding Titans

At 0-5, the Titans have more questions than answers. Right now, Tennessee is staring at the possibility of next year's No. 1 overall draft pick despite bringing in a new coaching staff and spending significantly in free agency to upgrade the roster. 

Even if Tennessee doesn't "earn" the top selection, the team could easily be among the top three slots. As each week passes and victories become less likely, Titans brass must consider two significant changes.

First, could Robert Saleh be a one-and-done head coach? Two, a top pick means the Titans could be in position to draft another quarterback. Should they based on what they've seen from Ward so far? 

Patience isn't a virtue in the NFL. A team must deliver. The Titans continually fail to do so. Eventually, something will need to change. 

Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

Cincinnati Bengals TE Mike Gesicki

Bengals 31, Dolphins 24

The Bengals Are Finding Their Complementary Weapons

Star Cincinnati Bengals receivers Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (adductor) were both injured coming into Week 5. While both ended up facing the Miami Dolphins, it's clear that Cincinnati crafted a game plan that involved other contributors.

Chase may have provided the dagger with one of the filthiest touchdown grabs we've seen this season. However, Joe Burrow spent much of the game leaning on ancillary targets like tight end Eric All Jr., tight end Tanner Hudson, depth receiver Dohnte Meyers, and backup running back Samaje Perine. Despite some occasional miscues, the Bengals still had little trouble building a comfortable lead before Chase's score.

Yes, having Burrow behind center certainly helps complementary pass-catchers look better. However, Cincinnati should still come out of this game feeling good about its offensive depth and its ability to beat game plans that are heavily centered on stopping Chase, Higgins, and starting RB Chase Brown.

Can the Bengals Build Off This Win and Come Out of the Bye Ready to Contend?

Cincinnati made it easy on Sunday, but to be fair, the Dolphins haven't been very good this season. While the victory does snap a two-game skid for the Bengals and give them some momentum heading into the bye, it doesn't erase their struggles against quality opponents over the past two weeks.

The Bengals have to beat the teams they're supposed to beat if they hope to be AFC contenders. However, they're not going to have a get-right game against a winless opponent every week. In fact, Cincinnati will face a tough road game against the rival Baltimore Ravens right out of the bye.

Malik Willis Doesn't Look Like the Dolphins' Answer

The Miami Dolphins took a three-year, $67.5 million flier on quarterback Malik Willis this offseason. While the Dolphins didn't surround him with a stellar supporting cast, they hoped he would show enough to allow them to potentially pass on a quarterback in the 2027 draft.

Through five weeks, Willis simply hasn't looked like a long-term starter. He had a couple of big runs against Cincinnati and delivered a couple of late touchdown passs and two-point play that made things closer in the fourth quarter. However, Willis also had a pair of ugly interceptions and did virtually nothing for the first three-and-a-half quarters.

Will the Dolphins Make Moves During the Bye Week?

The Dolphins will carry a 0-5 record into their Week 6 bye, and they'll have plenty of time to think about where they plan to go from here. It's fair to wonder if Jon-Eric Sullivan's strategy will involve making moves before the November 10 trade deadline.

Miami parted with most of its notable veterans during the offseason, and star running back De'Von Achane is out with a torn ACL. However, veterans like edge-defender Josh Uche and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. might draw some interest on the trade market. Alternatively, the Dolphins could consider upgrading their receiving corps to get a more accurate read of Willis over the remainder of the season.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson

Packers 31, Bears 7

Packers Have to Feel Good About that Christian Watson Extension

The Green Bay Packers once again struggled to establish their running game on Sunday, forcing quarterback Jordan Love to carry the offense for most of the game. Fortunately, Love was able to win more often than not against the rival Chicago Bears, and he got a massive assist from wide receiver Christian Watson.

Watson burned the Bears early and often, and he came through wth an absolutely absurd touchdown grab when Green Bay was still trying to build on a one-score lead. Watson finished with six catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets.

The 27-year-old looked and played like the No. 1 receiver the Packers believed he could be when signing him to a four-year, $92 million extension in the offseason. Watson had never reached 700 receiving yards in a season before this year, but he's now averaging 94.8 yards per game in 2026.

Where Can the Packers Find Rushing Help?

Green Bay's ground game has been an issue ever since former starter Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list. New starter MarShawn Lloyd came into Sunday averaging just 2.7 yards per carry, and the Packers ranked dead last in rushing yards. Lloyd was again ineffective against Chicago, and neither Kaleb Johnson nor the recently elevated Pierre Strong were much better.

With multiple backfield injuries around the league, the Packers probably won't find a proven starter on the trade market, but something has to change with their ground game. Green Bay simply cannot expect to continually field a one-dimensional offense and make any sort of push to the postseason.

The Bears Should Hope Caleb Williams Is Ready for a Week 6 Return

Starting Bears quarterback Caleb Williams appears close to returning from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 2. He got some practice during the week but was ultimately ruled inactive on Sunday. However, he has a chance to return in Week 6, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Chicago should desperately hope that Williams is indeed ready to face the Cowboys next week because the Bears' offense—which tallied just 252 yards and four of 14 third-down attempts—was a massive problem against the Packers.

The Bears got wins with both Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent behind center, and they should feel good about notching a 2-1 record in the full games without Williams. However, Sunday's lopside loss was a reminder that Chicago is a much bigger threat with Williams running the offense.

Which Version of The Bears' Defense Is Most Accurate?

The bad version of the Bears defense surfaced for the first time since it surrendered 37 points in Week 1. Chicago allowed 28 combined points over its last three games and came into Sunday ranked third in yards allowed. However, the defense was a major liability in Green Bay.

Chicago did largely corral Green Bay's running game, and it limited the Packers to a 4-of-12 conversion rate on third down. However, it did little to slow the Packers' passing attack, aside from Austin Booker's pair of sacks. Despite struggling on the ground, the Packers racked up 427 total yards. Love finished wth 25 completions on 3 attempts.

If the performances we saw in Weeks 1 and 5 are an accurate reflection of what Chicago's defense can be, it's going to be difficult to view the Bears as a legitimate Super Bowl threat.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Alastair Grant

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

Jaguars 19, Eagles 17

The Jaguars Are Too Sloppy to Take Seriously as Contenders Right Now

The Jacksonville Jaguars were extremely fortunate that the Philadelphia Eagles essentially handed them a chance to win at the end of the game. After one of the sloppiest games we've seen this season, the Jags had no business getting to 4-1 on Sunday.

The Jaguars are 4-1, and finding ways to win is always important. However, it's hard to watch this version of Jacksonville and view it as a true Super Bowl team.

The loss of long-snapper Ross Matiscik (shoulder) clearly impacted Liam Coen's decision-making—and led to one missed extra point. However, questionable play-calling was a problem throughout the game and likely cost the Jags points at the end of the first half.

More alarmingly, the Jaguars committed a whopping 13 penalties for 100 yards, one week after committing 13 for 125.

Is It Time to Trade Brian Thomas Jr.?

Jaguars defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. was ejected following a personal foul on the opening kickoff of the game. Any fans who thought that maybe wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was booted instead can probably be forgiven.

Brian Thomas was a rookie Pro Bowler and a 1,200-yard receiver in 2024. This season, he's been a seldom-highlighted complementary option in the Jags' offense. He came into Week 5 with nine catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. He did come close to scoring on Sunday, but he was pushed out of bounds on a would-be red-zone touchdown and finished with no catches on three targets.

With the Arizona Cardinals trading wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., the Jaguars have to wonder if now is the time to flip Thomas for a player who can contribute more to their 2026 success.

Eagles Pull Defeat From the Jaws of Victory With Questionable Kick Decision

Fans can expect Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni to be under a ton of scrutiny in the coming week. The Eagles nearly scraped together a victory in a game defined by injuries and absences, but they were done in by the decision to deliver a returnable kick at the end of the game.

Jake Elliott delivered a go-ahead 48-yard field goal with just eight seconds remaining. Putting the ball into the end zone would have forced the Jaguars to get into field-goal range with no timeouts. Instead, Philly gave Ameer Abdullah a chance to return it. He did so for 53 yards, giving Cam Little a chance to make the 57-yard game-winner.

How Quickly Can the Eagles Regroup and Recover?

Elliott's field goal nearly gave the Eagles a much-needed sense of hope. His three points were the first second-half points Philadelphia has scored since Week 2, and a parade of injuries has the team barreling toward panic mode.

Lane Johnson is now retired, and the Eagles just traded Cam Jurgens. They entered Week 5 with Saquon Barkley, Landon Dickerson, Drew Kendall, DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, Tank Bigsby, Marcus Epps, and Jonathan Greenard on the injury list. They watched Tyler Steen, Jalyx Hunt, and Will Shipley suffer injuries on Sunday.

The Eagles don't have time to wallow in their misfortunes, either. They'll face the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants before reaching their Week 10 bye.

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.