NFL Week Five Surprise: Broncos Upset Eagles and Patriots Stun Bills
The last two undefeated teams in the NFL saw their perfect records broken during the fifth week as the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills endured surprising losses on their own turf.
Denver's football team transformed from dark horses to headline-makers following an spectacular comeback victory against the reigning Super Bowl champions Philadelphia, prior to boarding a flight for Sunday's London matchup.
New England's squad then visited Buffalo and ended Buffalo's perfect record with an impressive victory of their own in their first primetime game in twelve months.
Baltimore's team suffered a third consecutive loss - their defensive unit's struggles could be fatal for their postseason aspirations - while Dallas, Indianapolis Colts, and Detroit celebrated blowout wins on yet another eventful Sunday.
Denver Downs Champions
It wasn't just beating the reigning title holders, but the manner of their comeback from 14 points down that made the Broncos' 21-17 victory in Philadelphia such a signature achievement.
The Eagles had won 10 games consecutively, 12 in a row at home and 20 of their last 21 total before Denver's signal-caller Bo Nix engineered two touchdowns in five fourth-quarter minutes and a late three-pointer.
Philadelphia are now 4-1 but there exists a big worry about the offence, which sits among the poorest performing in the league. Receiver DaVonta Smith says they are not "on the same page" with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Denver's defence, which tackled Hurts six times, had much to contribute with the outcome, and, combined with an established starting QB in Nix and top head coach in Sean Payton, they have all the ingredients to launch a serious challenge.
The Broncos face New York's Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
Patriots on National TV Upset Bills
Should the Broncos' victory was almost half expected, nobody saw the Patriots marching into Buffalo and beating Josh Allen's Bills, but they did so with huge character.
A first primetime game for Drake Maye produced a star-making showing as he directed a decisive field goal drive in the final moments to win 23-20.
The young QB was tough and made accurate passes at crucial moments, several to ex-Buffalo wideout Stefon Diggs, who delivered an outstanding performance for their coach's side.
Vrabel was expected to turn things around in New England, but such a significant victory arrived earlier than many predicted.
The Patriots defence contained Buffalo's offensive efforts during their surprising away win.
Baltimore Postseason Hopes Over?
This campaign is turning into a nightmare for the Ravens, who were missing multiple defensive stars as they were hammered 44-10 by Houston's team.
It equaled their biggest home defeat, and falling to 1-4 for the season means among the pre-season Super Bowl contenders have only a slim opportunity of making the play-offs.
The Ravens are currently 4-11 when missing superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was hurt, but it is an exceptionally poor defense that is the primary concern - for a team that have been known for defensive toughness over the years.
The Texans coasted to victory as the Ravens became the initial squad in the Super Bowl era to allow at least 37 points in four out of five contests. Their season is already in tatters.
Lions, Bucs and Colts Go 4-1
The Lions' running back duo Gibbs and Montgomery scored a touchdown in one contest for the 14th time - a shared NFL record - as Detroit put away the Cincinnati Bengals 37-24.
The win made it four wins in a row for the league's top scorers the Lions, but none against teams with a winning record.
A more unexpected 4-1 side are the Indianapolis Colts. With their star running back scoring a hat-trick in their decisive hammering of the Las Vegas Raiders and signal-caller Daniel Jones appearing as a transformed player, they will be a tough match for any team.
Tampa Bay joined the 4-1 club with a thrilling 38-35 victory in Seattle in which both teams exchanged nine scores in 10 sparkling drives before the Seahawks faltered initially with a late interception.
Chase McLaughlin booted the game-winner with the last kick of the game for his second occasion this season. Each of the Bucs' wins have been clinched in the final moments.
New Orleans and Tennessee Receive Assistance for First Wins
Given how New Orleans and Tennessee started the season, they needed help to secure their first wins, and they got plenty thanks to several comical errors from New York and Arizona Cardinals.
After a strong opening from New York rookie Jaxson Dart, the Giants made five turnovers - including one decisively taken back for six points - while also allowing Rashid Shaheed to score on a long reception as New Orleans prevailed 26-14.
Arizona were more disastrous as they squandered a 21-3 lead primarily thanks to two huge blunders.
Initially, Emari Demercado inexplicably dropped the football moments before crossing the line for a long score.
Worse followed when Arizona picked off Cam Ward close to their own goal line, then lost the football into the end zone for Tyler Lockett to recover as the Titans ended a 10-game losing streak with a narrow victory.
The receiver scored one of the most farcical touchdowns witnessed this year.
This left New York's Jets as the only winless team remaining in the NFL after their bruising 37-22 loss by the Cowboys.
The quarterback became the first player in NFL history to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 yards rushing in his initial twenty professional contests as he returned from injury to steer the Washington Commanders to a notable 27-10 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers.
The running back was the standout performer for Carolina with 206 rushing yards in their exciting 27-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Week 5 NFL Results and Key Moments
Minnesota Vikings 21-17 Cleveland Browns
Houston Texans 44-10 Baltimore Ravens
Miami Dolphins 24-27 Carolina Panthers
Las Vegas Raiders 6-40 Indianapolis Colts
New York Giants 14-26 New Orleans Saints
Dallas Cowboys 37-22 New York Jets
Denver Broncos 21-17 Philadelphia Eagles
Tennessee Titans 22-21 Arizona Cardinals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-35 Seattle Seahawks
Detroit Lions 37-24 Cincinnati Bengals
Washington Commanders 27-10 Los Angeles Chargers
New England Patriots 23-20 Buffalo Bills
San Francisco 49ers 26-23 Los Angeles Rams (OT)
