Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for fans, featuring stunning upsets, nail-biting finishes, and controversial calls. Let’s dive into the most exciting moments and analyze the biggest storylines that unfolded:
Falcons Soar Over Buccaneers in Overtime Thriller
The Atlanta Falcons pulled off a shocker, handing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a 36-30 overtime defeat in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins throws a pass during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kirk Cousins, often criticized for his lack of clutch performances, silenced his doubters with a stellar outing. He connected with his receivers for crucial touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, showcasing remarkable resilience and poise under pressure. The Buccaneers’ defense, expected to dominate, struggled to contain Cousins and the Falcons’ passing attack.
Vikings Remain Unbeaten, Expose Jets’ Flaws
The Minnesota Vikings continued their surprising undefeated run, cruising to a 23-7 victory over the New York Jets in London. Aaron Rodgers, considered a surefire solution for the Jets’ woes, had a disastrous game, throwing two interceptions that proved costly.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stefon Gilmore intercepts a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Stefon Gilmore, a key addition to the Vikings’ secondary, sealed the win with a late interception, showcasing the Vikings’ defensive prowess. The Jets, despite showing flashes of brilliance, continue to be plagued by inconsistency and questionable decision-making, leaving their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Jaguars Claw Their Way to First Win
The Jacksonville Jaguars finally tasted victory, overcoming the Indianapolis Colts 37-34 in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. Trevor Lawrence, after a shaky start, found his rhythm, connecting with Brian Thomas Jr. for a crucial touchdown and showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence celebrates a touchdown during the game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Jaguars’ defense, however, almost squandered a late 14-point lead, allowing the Colts to tie the game with minutes remaining. Ultimately, it was the Jaguars’ resilience and clutch kicking that secured their first win of the season, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
Bears Maul Panthers in Dominant Performance
The Chicago Bears showcased their offensive firepower, crushing the Carolina Panthers 36-10. Justin Fields, proving his doubters wrong, delivered a masterful performance, orchestrating the Bears’ attack with precision and throwing for multiple touchdowns.
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields scrambles for yardage during the game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers, struggling to find their identity, fell victim to turnovers and missed opportunities, leaving them searching for answers on both sides of the ball. The Bears, now a force to be reckoned with in the NFC North, look to build on this momentum as they face tougher opponents in the weeks to come.
Commanders Cruise Past Browns, Watson Struggles Continue
The Washington Commanders dominated the Cleveland Browns 28-7, exposing the limitations of Deshaun Watson and raising further questions about his ability to regain his pre-suspension form.
Jaden Daniels, the Commanders’ rookie quarterback, continued to impress, making key plays and throwing for a touchdown, while the Commanders’ defense stifled Watson and the Browns’ offense. The Browns, despite flashes of potential, remain a work in progress, leaving many wondering if Watson can ever return to his Pro Bowl form.
Texans Stun Bills in Upset of the Year
The Houston Texans pulled off the biggest upset of the season, edging out the Buffalo Bills 20-17 thanks to a last-second field goal.
The Bills, considered Super Bowl contenders, struggled mightily on offense, with Josh Allen having one of the worst games of his career, throwing for under 30% completion. The Texans capitalized on the Bills’ mistakes, forcing turnovers and making crucial plays when it mattered most.
This upset serves as a stark reminder that any given Sunday, any team can win in the NFL, and that even the most dominant teams are vulnerable to unexpected defeats.
Ravens Edge Bengals in Overtime Classic
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals lived up to the hype, delivering an instant classic with the Ravens emerging victorious 41-38 in overtime.
Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow put on a show for the ages, both quarterbacks showcasing their elite skills and making jaw-dropping plays throughout the game. Jackson’s incredible touchdown pass while falling out of bounds tied the game in the final minutes, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, a missed Bengals field goal due to a bizarre gust of wind gave the Ravens a second chance, and they capitalized with a game-winning field goal, solidifying their place as one of the AFC’s top teams.
Dolphins Squeeze Past Patriots in Defensive Slugfest
The Miami Dolphins escaped with a 13-8 victory over the New England Patriots in a game that can only be described as a defensive struggle.
Both offenses sputtered throughout the game, with missed field goals and punts being the order of the day. Mac Jones continued to struggle, failing to reach 200 passing yards once again, raising further questions about his viability as the Patriots’ franchise quarterback.
This game served as a reminder that not every NFL game is a high-scoring affair and that sometimes, it’s the team that makes the fewest mistakes that comes out on top.
Cardinals Shock 49ers in Comeback Thriller
The Arizona Cardinals stunned the San Francisco 49ers 24-23 in a game that featured a wild finish. The 49ers, in control for most of the game, saw their lead evaporate in the fourth quarter as Kyler Murray led the Cardinals on a furious comeback.
The game came down to the final seconds, with the Cardinals scoring a touchdown on a trick play to secure the improbable victory. This upset sent shockwaves through the NFC West, proving that the Cardinals, despite being counted off by many, are still a threat to contend in a competitive division.
Broncos Ride Defense to Victory Over Raiders
The Denver Broncos, fueled by a dominant defensive performance, defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10. The Raiders’ offense sputtered throughout the game, with Derek Carr struggling to find a rhythm and eventually leaving the game due to injury.
The Broncos capitalized on the Raiders’ miscues, forcing turnovers and scoring on a pick-six. Russell Wilson, while not spectacular, managed the game effectively, avoiding costly mistakes and allowing the Broncos’ defense to carry them to victory.
The Broncos’ win, while not pretty, showcased their ability to win low-scoring, defensive battles, a quality that could serve them well in the long run.
Packers Hold Off Rams in Back-and-Forth Affair
The Green Bay Packers held off a late surge from the Los Angeles Rams, securing a 24-20 victory in a game that was closer than the final score suggests.
Jordan Love, tasked with leading the Packers in Aaron Rodgers’ absence, had an up-and-down performance, showcasing both his potential and his inexperience. He threw for a highlight-reel touchdown but also tossed a pick-six that kept the Rams in the game.
The Rams, despite struggling to establish a consistent offensive rhythm, remained within striking distance until the final whistle. Ultimately, it was the Packers’ defense that made the crucial stops in the fourth quarter, securing the win for Green Bay.
Chiefs Outlast Saints in Gritty Win
The Kansas City Chiefs, despite not playing their best football, defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-17.
Patrick Mahomes, while not as sharp as usual, made enough plays to keep the Chiefs’ offense moving, connecting with Travis Kelce for a touchdown. The Chiefs’ defense stepped up, limiting the Saints’ offense and forcing key turnovers.
The Saints, hampered by Derek Carr’s injury, struggled to keep pace with the Chiefs, highlighting the importance of a reliable backup quarterback in today’s NFL.
Week 5 Awards
- Best Throw: Jordan Love’s 60+ yard bomb to his receiver for a touchdown against the Rams
- Worst Throw: Jordan Love’s pick-six against the Rams
- Tom Brady Checkdown of the Week: Joe Burrow’s 70-yard touchdown pass to Jamar Chase where Burrow barely did anything
- Puppy of the Week: Scooby, who’s very excited for these weekly reviews
Thursday Night Football Preview: 49ers vs. Seahawks
This Thursday features a critical NFC West showdown as the San Francisco 49ers (2-3) host the Seattle Seahawks (3-2).
The 49ers, coming off a shocking loss to the Cardinals, will be desperate for a win to stay afloat in the division race. The Seahawks, despite their winning record, have shown vulnerabilities on defense, making this a game the 49ers can win if they can protect the ball and capitalize on opportunities.
Prediction: 49ers 31, Seahawks 28 in a close, hard-fought battle.
