Week 5 NFL Surprise: Eagles Fall to Broncos and Patriots Stun Bills
The final pair of unbeaten squads in the NFL saw their perfect records shattered during week five as both the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills endured surprising losses on their own turf.
The Denver Broncos evolved from dark horses to front-page news following an impressive comeback victory against the reigning Super Bowl champions the Eagles, before hopping on a plane for this Sunday's overseas contest.
New England's squad then traveled to Buffalo and halted the Bills' perfect record with an impressive victory of their own in their first primetime game in twelve months.
Baltimore's team experienced a third straight defeat - their defensive unit's struggles could be terminal for their postseason aspirations - while Dallas, Indianapolis, and Detroit Lions celebrated decisive victories on yet another eventful Sunday.
Broncos Defeat Title Holders
Not only was it beating the reigning title holders, but the manner of their 14-point comeback that made Denver's win by 21-17 in Philadelphia such a signature achievement.
The Eagles had secured 10 games in a row, 12 straight on home turf and 20 out of 21 total before Broncos quarterback Bo Nix orchestrated two scoring drives in five fourth-quarter minutes and a last-minute three-pointer.
Philadelphia are currently 4-1 but there is a big worry about the offence, which ranks as the poorest performing in the league. Receiver DaVonta Smith stated they are not "on the same page" with QB Jalen Hurts.
Denver's defence, which tackled Hurts six times, had much to contribute with the outcome, and, together with a genuine franchise quarterback in Nix and elite coach in Sean Payton, they have all the ingredients to launch a legitimate playoff push.
Denver meet New York's Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
Patriots on National TV Shock Buffalo
If Denver's win was almost half expected, nobody saw New England marching into Buffalo and beating Josh Allen's Bills, but they did so with huge character.
Their initial national television appearance for Drake Maye delivered a star-making showing as he led a game-winning field goal drive in the dying seconds to secure victory 23-20.
Maye was resilient and executed accurate passes at crucial moments, many to ex-Buffalo wideout Stefon Diggs, who delivered an outstanding performance for their coach's team.
The head coach was expected to improve the situation in New England, but such a significant victory arrived earlier than most expected.
New England's defensive squad contained the Buffalo Bills attack during their surprising road victory.
Ravens Play-off Hopes Over?
The season is turning into a nightmare for Baltimore, who were without multiple key defenders as they were dominated 44-10 by Houston's team.
It equaled their largest home defeat, and falling to 1-4 for this year means one of the preseason Super Bowl favourites have just a small chance of making the postseason.
The Ravens are now 4-11 when missing superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was injured, but it is an exceptionally poor defensive unit that is the primary concern - for a franchise that have been synonymous with stout defense historically.
Houston coasted to victory as Baltimore became the initial squad in modern NFL history to concede at least 37 points in four out of five contests. Their season is effectively in tatters.
Detroit, Tampa and Indianapolis Reach 4-1
Detroit's running back duo Gibbs and Montgomery registered a touchdown in one contest for the 14th time - a joint NFL mark - as the Lions defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 37-24.
Victory made it four wins consecutively for the league's top scorers the Lions, but not one against opponents with positive records.
A more unexpected 4-1 side are Indianapolis. With their star running back running in a hat-trick in their 40-6 hammering of Las Vegas and signal-caller Daniel Jones appearing as a new man, they will be a tough match for any side.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the 4-1 club with a mesmeric 38-35 victory in Seattle in which both teams exchanged nine scores in 10 sparkling drives before Seattle cracked first with a final-minute turnover.
Chase McLaughlin kicked the winner with the final play of the game for his second occasion this year. All four of Tampa Bay's victories have been secured in the final moments.
Saints and Titans Receive Assistance for Initial Victories
Given how the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee started this campaign, they required assistance to secure their first wins, and they received ample due to some farcical mistakes from the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.
Following a strong opening from first-year player Jaxson Dart, the Giants made five turnovers - one was crucially returned for a touchdown - while additionally permitting Rashid Shaheed to find the end zone on a long reception as New Orleans won 26-14.
Arizona were more disastrous as they blew a substantial advantage primarily thanks to two huge blunders.
First, Emari Demercado inexplicably fumbled the ball just before reaching the end zone for a long touchdown.
More disastrous followed when the Cardinals intercepted Cam Ward close to their own goal line, then lost the football across the goal line for Tyler Lockett to recover as Tennessee ended a 10-game slide with a narrow victory.
The receiver registered among the most bizarre touchdowns witnessed this season.
This left the Jets as the sole victory-less team remaining in the NFL after their punishing 37-22 loss by the Cowboys.
The quarterback became the initial athlete in NFL history to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 yards rushing in his initial twenty professional contests as he returned from being hurt to guide the Washington Commanders to a notable 27-10 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers.
Rico Dowdle was the standout performer for Carolina with 206 rushing yards in their exciting 27-24 victory over Miami.
Week 5 NFL Scores and Highlights
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)
