Week five of the NFL season delivered immediate drama in London and frantic conclusions across the United States, headlined by the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings both improving to 5-0. The proceedings included a bizarre overtime sequence in Washington that resulted in a 27-27 tie between the Commanders and New York Giants.
The action began at Tottenham with a disallowed touchdown and two player ejections on the opening play. Later, Jacksonville edged Philadelphia on two late field goals, setting the tone for a week defined by chaotic finishes.
San Francisco defeated the Seattle Seahawks 32-29 in a physical divisional matchup. The 49ers capitalized on seven total turnovers—forcing a season-high—and converted 21 points from them, marking Seattle’s most points surrendered from giveaways in ten years. Wide receiver Mike Evans contributed 113 receiving yards and a touchdown, while defensive star Dre Greenlaw was ejected early for a headbutt on Ernest Jones. With their defense ranked in the top five alongside their offense, San Francisco has now reached 5-0 for the third time under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings shut down the New Orleans Saints 23-13 behind a dominant performance from Brian Flores’ defense. Victories over New Orleans, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Miami Dolphins have positioned Minnesota as a serious contender heading into their bye week.
In a farcical overtime climax in Washington, both the Commanders and Giants missed opportunities to win. The Giants forced overtime with two late touchdowns but lost possession when Cam Skattebo fumbled on a run play from field goal range. Washington subsequently ran out the clock instead of kicking a game-winning field goal.
Other notable results included the Baltimore Ravens defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-23 in overtime, with Tyler Huntley leading the charge in relief of an injured Lamar Jackson. The Green Bay Packers dominated the Chicago Bears 31-7 as Jordan Love threw for 367 yards and two long touchdown passes. The New England Patriots routed the Las Vegas Raiders 45-17 behind Drake Maye’s four touchdown passes, and the Detroit Lions matched the score against the Arizona Cardinals, powered by Jahmyr Gibbs’ 207 rushing yards.
Aaron Rodgers continued his historic season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, throwing three touchdown passes to move past Peyton Manning into third place on the NFL’s all-time passing list with 582 career touchdowns. However, struggles persisted for the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, and Miami Dolphins, all of whom fell to 0-5.
Surrendering 29 points to Seattle is rough, but forcing seven turnovers is impressive. The defense is stepping up.
Did anyone else see the Commanders just run out the clock? That’s some bold, confusing strategy right there.