NFL Week 5 Review: Ravens Triumph in Overtime, Texans Secure Last-Minute Win, and Daniels Shines
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Week 5 of the NFL brought excitement and drama, highlighted by thrilling finishes, record-setting performances, and even a game in London.
The Sunday action kicked off with the Minnesota Vikings defeating the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, maintaining Minnesota’s undefeated start to the season. Here are the key takeaways from the week’s games.
Ravens Edge Bengals in Overtime Thriller
The Cincinnati Bengals believed they were on the road to recovery after a competitive matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. In overtime, they had a chance to seal their second win of the season with a 53-yard field goal attempt from Evan McPherson. However, in a dramatic twist, McPherson’s kick went wide left, prolonging the game.
The Ravens quickly capitalized on the missed opportunity. Just moments later, Derrick Henry burst through the defense for a 51-yard gain, setting up a 24-yard field goal from Justin Tucker that clinched a 41-38 victory for Baltimore.
The AFC North rivals exchanged blows throughout the game, featuring Henry’s powerful runs and explosive connections between Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow threw two impressive touchdown passes, including a 41-yarder and a stunning 70-yard strike that gave Cincinnati a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter.
However, Baltimore, led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, fought back. Jackson threw for four touchdowns and orchestrated a 13-play, 60-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely, narrowing the gap. A field goal after a Burrow interception sent the game into overtime, where the Ravens secured their third consecutive win, improving to 3-2, while the Bengals fell to 1-4.
Henry’s late-game heroics were particularly notable as he joined the 10,000-yard rushing club, becoming the 32nd player in NFL history to reach this milestone. Following the game, he focused on the team’s resilience rather than personal achievements. “This win is big because of what transpired today,” Henry stated. “It puts us up two in the division, and we definitely needed this one.”
Despite the loss, Burrow had an impressive performance, passing for 392 yards and five touchdowns. He acknowledged the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need for collective improvement. “There have been tough conversations had,” he said. “When you’re 1-4, there are going to be tough conversations that guys aren’t going to like.”
Texans Claim Dramatic Last-Second Win
In another thrilling clash, the Houston Texans edged the Buffalo Bills 23-20 with a last-second 59-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn at NRG Stadium. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm.
The Texans managed to score just two touchdowns, while their defense held Buffalo to a mere 276 total yards. Bills quarterback Josh Allen faced relentless pressure, throwing for only 131 yards and one touchdown. In a critical moment, with less than 30 seconds remaining and the game tied, the Bills failed to capitalize on their opportunity, resulting in a series of incompletions that allowed the Texans to set up their game-winning drive.
After receiving a punt at their own 46-yard line, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed a short pass to set up Fairbairn’s decisive kick, leading to jubilant celebrations on the field. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised his team’s tenacity in close games, stating, “These are the type of games you find out who you are as a team.”
The Texans improved to 4-1, while the Bills suffered their second consecutive loss, dropping to 3-2. Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed frustration with his team’s inability to close out games, stressing the need for improvement.
Jayden Daniels Continues His Stellar Rookie Season
In the midst of the excitement, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders shone brightly once again. The No. 2 overall pick passed for 238 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a commanding 34-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Daniels’ combination of accurate passing and mobility made him a tough challenge for opposing defenses. He also rushed for 82 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. The Commanders’ balanced offensive attack kept the Browns’ defense off balance, with running back Brian Robinson Jr. scoring two touchdowns.
Daniels is now the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 1,000 yards and rush for over 250 yards in his first five career games. The Commanders are also setting records, becoming the first team since 1970 to score over 150 points in their first five games with a rookie quarterback.
Despite his success, Daniels remains focused on improvement, with star receiver Terry McLaurin noting their growing connection. Meanwhile, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed his commitment to quarterback Deshaun Watson despite ongoing offensive struggles.
Full Week 5 Scores
- New York Jets 17-23 Minnesota Vikings
- Carolina Panthers 10-36 Chicago Bears
- Baltimore Ravens 41-38 OT Cincinnati Bengals
- Buffalo Bills 20-23 Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts 34-37 Jacksonville Jaguars
- Miami Dolphins 15-10 New England Patriots
- Cleveland Browns 13-34 Washington Commanders
- Las Vegas Raiders 18-34 Denver Broncos
- Arizona Cardinals 24-23 San Francisco 49ers
- Green Bay Packers 24-19 Los Angeles Rams
- New York Giants 29-20 Seattle Seahawks
- Dallas Cowboys 20-17 Pittsburgh Steelers
As Week 5 concludes, the league remains thrillingly unpredictable, with several teams showcasing resilience and star performances.
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