Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season kicked off with a thrilling overtime game, and the action continued across the league with dramatic wins, key quarterback performances, and significant storylines unfolding
The Atlanta Falcons edged out a 36-30 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an overtime showdown that started off Week 5. Both teams fought hard, but the Falcons made key plays in the clutch, securing the win and kicking off the NFL weekend with a bang.
Vikings Stay Undefeated With London Victory Over Jets
The Minnesota Vikings continued their unbeaten run with a victory over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets in the first of three consecutive London games. Aaron Rodgers made history, becoming the ninth quarterback to reach 60,000 career passing yards, but his milestone was marred by a tough day. The Vikings’ defense picked him off three times, tying his single-game career high for interceptions.
Sam Darnold struggled mightily in his worst game since signing with the Vikings in the offseason. Darnold completed only 14 passes while missing 17, but he redeemed himself in the fourth quarter. His key throws to Justin Jefferson for 25 yards and to Johnny Mundt for 20 yards set up Minnesota’s game-winning field goal.
Ravens Outlast Bengals in Great NFL Overtime Game
In a heated AFC North rivalry, the Baltimore Ravens pulled off a thrilling 41-38 overtime win against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens’ defense came through when it mattered most, limiting Joe Burrow to just one touchdown and sealing the victory in dramatic fashion.
Giants Surprise Seahawks in Road Win
The New York Giants earned a much-needed road victory against the Seattle Seahawks, improving to 2-3 on the season. The Giants’ defense stepped up to the challenge, while Daniel Jones made key plays to guide them to a 29-20 win.
The Giants relied on their defense to stifle the Seahawks’ offense. Their resilience on the road kept them in contention as they continued to adjust their game plan around key injuries.
Cowboys Edge Steelers in Low-Scoring NFL Battle
A lengthy weather delay couldn’t stop the Cowboys from defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 20-17 defensive battle. Justin Fields, the Steelers’ starting quarterback, put together a mixed performance, throwing for 138 yards and two touchdowns but struggling to capitalize on defensive opportunities.
Fields completed 15 of 27 passes, but his inconsistencies remain a concern. Though Mike Tomlin remains steadfast in waiting for Russell Wilson to return from his calf injury, the pressure on Fields is mounting, especially after the Steelers turned three key defensive stops—a fumble recovery, interception, and blocked field goal—into punts instead of points.
Caleb Williams’ Deep Ball Accuracy Shines in Week 5
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams made a huge leap in his deep-ball accuracy in Week 5. In the first four games, Williams had struggled on passes of at least 15 air yards, completing just 17% of such throws with three interceptions. Against the Panthers, however, Williams went 4 of 4 on deep passes, totaling 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams’ improved accuracy on deep throws allowed the Bears’ offense to make big plays, connecting with targets like Cole Kmet, Keenan Allen, Gerald Everett, and DJ Moore. This marks a significant turnaround for Williams, who had been ranked among the worst in deep ball completion percentages through the first four weeks.
Browns Slump Continues in 1-4 Start
The Cleveland Browns’ playoff hopes have taken a major hit after starting the season 1-4. Despite entering the year with high expectations, Cleveland has failed to score more than 18 points in a game through five weeks, and their once-dominant defense has regressed significantly.
Cleveland’s new-look offense has struggled to find an identity, and their defense is a shadow of its 2023 form. Without any standout performances on either side of the ball, the Browns appear to be headed toward a top-five draft pick rather than a playoff push.
Commanders Boast NFL’s Best Offense
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Washington’s offense has been unstoppable, averaging 33.8 points and 409 yards per game over the last four games. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has shown remarkable poise, finishing Week 5 with 238 passing yards and 82 rushing yards in another dominant display.
Though Daniels did not have his best start in Week 5, his ability to adjust and lead Washington’s offense helped the Commanders remain one of the top-scoring teams in the league. Washington is now averaging 31 points per game on the season, solidifying their place as one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.
Patriots Inch Closer to Starting Drake Maye
The New England Patriots’ passing game has been struggling, and veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett has failed to deliver consistent results. Coach Jerod Mayo may soon turn to rookie Drake Maye as Brissett’s inconsistencies continue to hamper the offense.
Brissett completed just 52.9% of his passes against the Dolphins, raising more questions about his future as the Patriots’ starter. With improved pass protection, the onus is now on Brissett’s decision-making, and the potential for Maye to take over is becoming a more realistic scenario.
Panthers Bench Bryce Young and Dolphins Struggle Without Tua Tagovailoa
The Carolina Panthers made headlines by benching Bryce Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. This decision has sparked plenty of discussions as the Panthers look for a spark to turn around their season. Dalton’s experience could bring stability to a team that has struggled during its rebuilding phase.
The team looked better with Dalton under center until Sunday, when the Bears crushed them 36-10. The Panthers beat the Raiders in Dalton’s first start of the year, but they’ve now lost two straight games. Panthers head coach Dave Canales pulled Dalton in the fourth quarter but said that the veteran will start against the Falcons next week. According to Canales, Young looked fantastic in a mop-up role.
NC Sportsbook Promos could come in handy for Carolina fans who think veteran QB Andy Dalton can find success at the helm of a Panthers team that has struggled the last couple of seasons during the rebuilding stage of the franchise.
Miami’s issues without Tua Tagovailoa continue to be a major factor, as the Dolphins struggled to find a rhythm without their starting quarterback.
Tagovailoa remains on injured reserve after suffering his third career concussion. Diagnosed on September 17, Tua is expected to miss at least four games. He’s already missed three of those games. The Dolphins are 1-2 in those games after Sunday’s 15-10 road win against the Patriots.
Tagovailoa’s return is uncertain as he seeks opinions from independent neurologists before any potential comeback. The Dolphins’ season hangs in the balance, and they face crucial decisions on how to manage their quarterback situation moving forward.
Chiefs Lean on Stars to Defeat Saints 26-13, Remain Undefeated
With their offense depleted by injuries, the Chiefs turned to familiar faces in Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, along with the return of former star running back Kareem Hunt, to secure a 26-13 victory over the Saints on Monday and move to 5-0 this season. Mahomes threw for 331 yards, Kelce hauled in a team-high nine receptions for 70 yards, and Hunt powered his way to 102 rushing yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.
The Chiefs’ defense played a pivotal role, limiting Saints quarterback Derek Carr to 185 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception before he exited with an oblique injury. The injury occurred with just under 10 minutes remaining as Carr took a hit from blitzing defensive back Chamarri Conner on a failed fourth-down attempt, ending New Orleans’ comeback hopes with the Saints trailing 23-13.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara struggled to gain ground, managing just 26 yards on 11 carries, joining a list of top rushers stifled by Kansas City’s stout run defense. The Chiefs have already held Baltimore’s Derrick Henry to 46 yards, Cincinnati’s Zack Moss to 34, Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson to 31, and J.K. Dobbins to 32 yards in their recent win over the Chargers.
These moments from Week 5 highlight the evolving storylines in the NFL, with teams navigating successes, disappointments, and major roster decisions. As the season progresses, these developments will continue to impact the race for playoff spots and set the stage for the road ahead.
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Featured Image: Cooper Neill/Getty Images
