The NFL has a funny way of humbling the "untouchables" just when everyone starts looking for the 1972 Dolphins' champagne. Week 5 was exactly that: a giant, league-wide reality check. Entering the weekend, we still had teams flirting with perfection and others looking like they might never win a coin toss, let alone a game. By Monday night, the landscape was unrecognizable. Honestly, if you bet on the underdogs this week, you’re probably looking at a very nice vacation fund right now.
No more undefeated teams. None. The Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles both saw their "0" disappear in ways that were, frankly, a bit shocking. It wasn’t just that they lost; it was how they looked doing it. If you were following the nfl results week 5, you saw a weekend defined by rookie brilliance, veteran meltdowns, and a kicker in London who might have had a drone assist (okay, maybe not, but it was weird).
The Chaos of the AFC East: Patriots Stun the Bills
Let's talk about Orchard Park. The Buffalo Bills looked like a juggernaut heading into Sunday Night Football. Then Drake Maye happened. The rookie out of UNC played with a "Josh Allen-lite" flair that left the actual Josh Allen looking human. Maye finished 22-of-30 for 273 yards, but the stat line doesn't show the grit. He was literally being dragged to the turf when he fired a strike to Stefon Diggs—yes, that Stefon Diggs—to keep the game-winning drive alive.
Diggs’ revenge game was the story everyone wanted, and he delivered with 10 catches for 146 yards. It’s wild it took New England five weeks to figure out that throwing to an elite receiver works. A 52-yard field goal sealed the 23-20 upset. Just like that, the Bills drop to 4-1, and the Patriots have their first back-to-back wins in three years.
💡 You might also like: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
NFC Power Shift: The Eagles Fall in Philly
While Buffalo was struggling, the Philadelphia Eagles were busy letting the Denver Broncos back into the building. For three quarters, Denver's offense was practically nonexistent. Then, the fourth quarter started, and Bo Nix decided to play like a seasoned pro. The Broncos outscored Philly 18-0 in the final frame.
The Eagles had a chance. Jalen Hurts heaved a Hail Mary as time expired, but it was swatted down in a crowded end zone. Final score: Broncos 21, Eagles 17. Philadelphia’s undefeated streak died on their home turf, proving that even a 17-3 lead isn't safe when your defense decides to take the fourth quarter off.
Survival and First Wins: The Titans and Saints Break Through
Tennessee fans can finally breathe. It took until Week 5, but the Titans finally notched a "W" in a game that felt like a fever dream. Trailing the Arizona Cardinals 21-6 in the fourth, Cam Ward—the #1 overall pick—went into hero mode. He led two touchdown drives and a final march for a 29-yard Joey Slye field goal at the buzzer.
📖 Related: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
The most "NFL" thing you’ll ever see? A Ward pass that was intercepted, then fumbled, then recovered by Tyler Lockett for a Titans touchdown. It was messy. It was chaotic. But it ended a 10-game losing streak dating back to last year.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints finally stopped their own bleeding. Kellen Moore got his first win as head coach, and Spencer Rattler secured his first as a starter. They took down the Giants 26-14, highlighted by an 87-yard bomb to Rashid Shaheed.
Quick Hits from the Sunday Slate
- Houston Texans 44, Baltimore Ravens 10: C.J. Stroud is back. He shredded a Ravens defense that looks lost without Lamar Jackson. Baltimore is 1-4. Yikes.
- Detroit Lions 37, Cincinnati Bengals 24: Jared Goff remains a machine. Jake Browning threw three picks for Cincy, which usually doesn't end well.
- Washington Commanders 27, LA Chargers 10: Jayden Daniels returned from a knee sprain and looked every bit like the Rookie of the Year.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38, Seattle Seahawks 35: A pure shootout. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold traded blows until a late Darnold INT handed Tampa a walk-off field goal.
Monday Night Magic: Jags Topple the Chiefs
If you thought the surprises were over, Trevor Lawrence had other plans. In a Monday night thriller, Lawrence rushed for a go-ahead touchdown with only 23 seconds left on the clock. The Jaguars took down the Chiefs 31-28.
👉 See also: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
Jacksonville’s defense provided the highlight of the night when Devin Lloyd returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown. Patrick Mahomes threw for 318 yards, but it wasn't enough to stop the Jags from moving to 4-1. Kansas City, now 2-3, is starting to look vulnerable in a way we haven't seen in years.
What This Means for Your Fantasy Roster
If you’re hunting for waiver wire gold after these nfl results week 5, look at Washington. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is more than just a backup; he’s a workhorse. With 111 yards and two scores against the Chargers, he’s the clear lead back while Austin Ekeler is out. Also, don't sleep on Darren Waller in Miami. With Tyreek Hill out for the season (devastating blow for the Fins), Waller is basically playing wide receiver. He’s going to see double-digit targets every week.
The league is wide open right now. There are no "super teams" left, just a bunch of high-level squads trying to figure out how to stay consistent.
Next Steps for Week 6:
- Check the Injury Report: Specifically on Tyreek Hill’s replacement strategy in Miami and the status of the Ravens' QB room.
- Monitor the Waiver Wire: Grab Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) or Rico Dowdle (CAR) if they are still sitting there.
- Fade the "Unbeatens": There are none left, so look for value in mid-tier teams like the Buccaneers or Lions who are finding their rhythm.