The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings distinguished themselves in Week 5 of the NFL season, both securing 5-0 records. The week was marked by intense competition, from an eventful start in London to an overtime conclusion in Atlanta.
Top Teams Remain Undefeated
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 32-29 in a divisional contest. The game saw 49ers defensive standout Dre Greenlaw ejected early for a headbutt. Both teams' defenses were prominent, forcing a season-high seven turnovers. The 49ers capitalized, scoring 21 points off turnovers, the most Seattle has conceded from turnovers in a decade. Quarterback Brock Purdy guided San Francisco to victory, aided by new wide receiver Mike Evans, who amassed 113 receiving yards and a touchdown. The 49ers, who possess a top-five scoring offense and defense, are 5-0 for the third time under coach Kyle Shanahan.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings also achieved a 5-0 record, following a 23-13 win against the New Orleans Saints. Coach Brian Flores' defensive unit was credited with a strong performance. The Vikings' wins include victories over the Saints (1-4), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4), and Miami Dolphins (0-5), consistently allowing only 13 points per game.
Dramatic Finishes and Key Games
A 27-27 tie unfolded between the Washington Commanders and New York Giants, characterized by a series of errors in overtime. The Giants forced overtime with two late touchdowns but fumbled an attempt at a winning field goal. Washington then ran a play instead of attempting a kick, ultimately running out of time. In another close game, the Baltimore Ravens, led by backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, secured a 30-23 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons, with Huntley throwing a touchdown late in regulation and running in the game-winner in the extra period. The Cleveland Browns also faced a tough finish, missing an extra point and fumbling a late punt, allowing the New York Jets to convert it into a winning touchdown in their 17-12 success, featuring eight sacks on Deshaun Watson by the Jets defense.
Other Notable Victories
The Green Bay Packers moved to 3-2 with a dominant 31-7 win over the Chicago Bears in their 201st rivalry meeting. Quarterback Jordan Love impressed with 367 passing yards and two touchdowns. The New England Patriots also reached 3-2, crushing the Las Vegas Raiders 45-17, with Drake Maye throwing for 374 yards, four touchdowns, and adding a rushing score. The Detroit Lions likewise hit 3-2, scoring 45 points against the Arizona Cardinals, fueled by running back Jahmyr Gibbs' 207 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 34-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts, throwing three touchdown passes to move past Peyton Manning into third place on the all-time career touchdown list with 582.
Teams Remain Winless
Three teams remain without a win at 0-5: the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, and Miami Dolphins. The Chargers experienced their first 0-5 start in 23 years, suffering a defeat against the Denver Broncos attributed to poor play-calling and execution. The Dolphins were outmatched by the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Titans scored only three points in their loss to the previously winless Houston Texans.
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