Another week, and the NFL action is in full swing again. And Week 5 has been no shortage of drama so far, with Aaron Rodgers falling victim to a nemesis overseas, an unlikely NFC contender remaining undefeated, and Jaden Daniels putting on another big-play clinic as a rookie. did.
Here are the biggest winners and losers for Week 5.
Winner: NFC Afterword
Few expected the Arizona Cardinals to give the San Francisco 49ers much trouble, but for a while Sunday it looked like Kyle Shanahan’s good team was just going to be good. Then the wheels started coming off, from Jordan Mason’s fumble to Brock Purdy’s pocket collapse. And before you know it, running back Kyler Murray has helped Arizona slide for the second straight game and shake up the West. Meanwhile, the New York Giants survived the Seattle Seahawks’ comeback game with a dramatic field goal block touchdown return and pulled Daniel Jones and the others within .500 in one game in the NFC East.
Loser: NFC West “Heavyweight”
What happened to the 49ers? Purdy has been strong and Mason has exceeded expectations, but Shanahan’s conference champions are now 2-3 despite a +20 point differential. The red zone and kicker issues are a big culprit. And the Niners aren’t the only ones with problems. The Los Angeles Rams, who made a surprise playoff appearance in 2023, are currently 1-4 after a shaky performance against the Green Bay Packers. And the Seahawks lost their second straight after starting 3-0, despite another energetic push late in the game from Geno Smith, and had a strange day with seven losses due to offensive decision-making. Allowed a sack.
Winner: Brian Flores expected to become head coach
On a day when the New York Jets humanized their old friend Sam Darnold, rejuvenated, the Minnesota Vikings still had the advantage on defense in London, but Flores’ versatile unit confused Aaron Rodgers. He applied pressure and took aim many times. Andrew Van Ginkel was something of a walking pick-six for the linebacker corps, and the veteran secondary once again benefited from a tenacious front. There is no doubt that Flores’ coaching mistakes are one of the main reasons why the Vikings are currently 5-0.
Loser: Jets fans
There’s nothing more painful than watching Aaron Rodgers (barely) stay upright and run an offense as scattered as the one led by Zach Wilson in years past. The 40-year-old quarterback doesn’t seem to trust his front office (with good reason), and while he still has plenty of strength in his arm, his timing and accuracy are all over the place in Nathaniel Hackett’s system. be. The fall to ex-Jet Sam Darnold in London is just the icing on the moldy cake and ruins an otherwise decent performance from Robert Saleh’s defense.
Winner: Patient Bears Fans
For weeks, Caleb Williams looked like he wasn’t ready for the NFL and D’Andre Swift couldn’t seem to break out of Chicago’s stuffy backfield. That changed in a hurry, with Williams hitting it with new touch and confidence as the Bears started Week 5 with a big lead over the Carolina Panthers. Yes, it’s the Panthers, but to see him, Swift and DJ Moore steal the show. Playing as a group gives a preview of what’s to come in the Windy City. After a slow start this year, perhaps this team is ready to make some noise.
Loser: Patriots QB plan
Facing Tyler Huntley and the beleaguered Miami Dolphins, Jerod Mayo’s struggling team could barely muster 10 points in a low-scoring loss to their AFC East rival. Jacoby Brissett made some great throws, but completed just over 50% of his passes and struggled to find his explosiveness again. Does the team have bigger problems than the quarterback? Of course. But days after Brissett brushed off comments on the team’s podcast that suggested there was a borderline “rebellion” in the locker room over Brissett remaining as the starter, the club was truly convinced that first-rounder Drake Isn’t it fair to say that we can take advantage of Mei?
Winner: Commanders’ NFC East chances
Forget wildcards. Am I crazy to start calling Washington a favorite to win the division? Rookie Jaden Daniels continued his recent reign as a two-way superstar with a deep attack against the Cleveland Browns, and Dan Quinn’s defensive front looked like everyone was doing well against Deshaun Watson & Co. What he accomplished was that he swallowed Kevin Stefanski’s so-called offense. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles may have more all-around talent, but there are few clubs as talented and explosive as the Commanders right now.
Losers: Those who missed Bengals vs. Ravens.
We talk about the star-studded incident with a must-see touchdown. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are fantasy magic, suggesting that Cincy’s quarterback/wideout duo is back to peak form. Lamar Jackson, on the other hand, was equally MVP-worthy with the ball in his hands. That is, on a late, off-script provocation to Isaiah Riley for his 10th touchdown of the game, he first brought back Hubbard with a bobble snap and stiff-armed Bengals pass rusher Sam. Cincy is currently 1-4, and the Ravens just finished above .500 for the third consecutive season, but these two looked like the most dangerous prospects in the AFC.