NFL 2025 Week 5 Recap
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams was the Thursday night game. This division rivalry has been one-sided. Despite both of these teams being very good, the 49ers have owned the Rams, especially in Los Angeles. The 49ers began at their own 28. Mac Jones, again starting for the injured Brock Purdy, hit Christian McCaffrey for a pair of 15 yard gains. On 1st and 20 form their own 47, Jones went to Bourne for 35. On 3rd and 1 from the Rams 9, McCaffrey gained 3. Jones hit Tonges for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 49ers. The 49ers got it back at their own 9 yard line. Jones went to Robinson for 13 with roughing the passer adding 15. Kyle Shanahan gambled on 4th and 1 from midfield. Jones gained 2. Shanahan went for it again on 4th and 1 from the Rams 29. Robinson got the yard. The second quarter began with the 49ers facing 3rd and 9 at their own 24. Jones went to Robinson for 18. Jones went to McCaffrey for a one yard touchdown to make it 14-0 49ers.
The Rams took over at their own 15. On 3rd and 4 a completion only gained 3 but defensive holding added 5. On 3rd and 4 from their own 32, Matthew Stafford went to Ferguson for 21, to Whittington for 23 and 11, and to Kyren Williams for a 14 yard touchdown to get the Rams within 14-7. Eddie Pineiro hit a 37 yard field goal for the 49ers to end the half. Joshua Karty’s 53 yard try for the Rams in the third quarter was no good. The 49ers moved to a 2nd and goal at the one. A run lost a yard and Jones threw incomplete. kyle Shanahan was not in a gambling mood on 4th and goal at the 2. Pineiro hit from 20 to have the 49ers comfortably up 20-7 with 6 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.
The Rams took over at their own 31. Stafford went to Tutu Atwell and to Puka Nacua for 16 and 11. Stafford went to Nacua for a one yard touchdown to have the Rams within 20-14 after three quarters. The Rams took over one minute into the fourth quarter at their own 12. Stafford went to Nacua and Williams for 9 apiece. On 3rd and 1 from their own 34. Williams gained 3. Stafford went deep to Davantae Adams for 24. Stafford went to Williams for the 8 yard touchdown. The Rams had tied the game 20-20 with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Yet the extra point was blocked.
Midway through the fourth quarter the 49ers took over at their own 2 yard line. They moved to a 1st and 10 at the Rams 40. The drive stalled there but Pineiro leveled a 59 yard field goal to have the 49ers up 23-20 with 3 minutes left in regulation. The Rams quickly moved from their own 35 to a 1st and goal at the 3 with just over one minute left. Williams got the carry and after one yard fumbled the ball away. The jubilant 49ers appeared to have the game locked up. Yet the Rams had all 3 timeouts and took them on defense. Kyle Shanahan went ultra-conservative, and 3 straight runs up the gut netted 2 total yards. The Rams got the ball back at midfield with 42 seconds left. Karty came in with 2 seconds left for a 48 yard try to tie the game and force overtime. Karty’s kick was good.
Yet party quickly went from hero to goat as the overtime opening kickoff failed to reach the landing zone. The 49ers took over at their own 40. The 49ers moved to a 2nd and 3 at the Rams 14. A sack of Jones killed the drive. Pineiro hit a 41 yard field goal for a 3 point 49ers lead. The Rams took over at their own 33. With 3:40 left in overtime the Rams had moved to a 4th and 1 at the San Francisco 11. A field goal to tie the game would only be 29 yards. Sean McVay risked it all and went for it. Williams got the carry and ran stone cold into a red and gold brick wall. Just like that, the game was over. Again, the 49ers had the Rams number. 26-23 49ers, OT
Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns was the Sunday early morning game from London. After losing a close game in Dublin, Ireland, the Vikings were now in England. Carson Wentz again got the start in place of injured JJ McCarthy. As for the Browns, starting veteran Joe Flacco was traded earlier in the An early Vikings fumble gave the Browns a short field at the Minnesota 47. Judkins gashed the defense for gains of 32 and 9. Kevin Stefanski went for it on 4th and 1 from the Minnesota 6. After getting stopped on 3rd and 1, Judkins this time gained 2. Gabriel went to Fannin for a one yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Browns. The Vikings took over at their own 18. Carson Wentz went to Justin Jefferson for 15 and 12. Wentz hit Naylor for 20. On a wildcat snap, Cam Akers went to Oliver for a 32 yard touchdown and a 7-7 ballgame.
A defensive second quarter saw only one score, a 31 yard field goal at the end of the half by Szmyt to make it 10-7 Browns. The Vikings took over at their own 29 in the third quarter. On 3rd and 7, Wentz threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 12 yard gain. Wentz hit Jefferson for 21 and Addison for 15. Mason ran for 14. Mason ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Vikings. The Browns took over at their own 31. On 1st and 15, Judkins ran for 14, 3 and 7. Ford ran for 10. Gabriel went to Judkins for 18. On 3rd and goal from the 9, Gabriel went to David Njoku for the touchdown. The 13 play, 69 yard, 8 minute drive had the Browns back on top 17-14 after three quarters.
The Vikings in the fourth quarter fumbled the ball away. They got it back but a 51 yard field goal try by Will Reichard to tie the game was no good. With 3 minutes left, the Vikings took over at their own 20. From their own 32, went hit TJ Hockenson for 14 and Jefferson for 21. On 3rd and 4 from the Cleveland 21 with one minute left, Wentz hit Addison for just enough. With 25 seconds left, Wentz hit Addison for a 12 yard touchdown. The Browns took over at their own 29. Gabriel hit Bond and Thrash for a pair of 22 yard gains to the Minnesota 27, but the clock ran out before the Browns could get one try at the end zone. In a strange statistic, the Vikings are an undefeated 5-0 in London. 21-17 Vikings
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens — Both playoff teams from last year came in at a surprising 1-3. The Texans finally got a win last week against winless Tennessee. The Ravens are injury-riddled, and had to play this game without Lamar Jackson and a few key pieces on defense. The Texans began at their own 33. CJ Stroud hit Nico Collins for 24. On 3rd and 1 from the Baltimore 31, Brooks gained 9. On 3rd and 3 from the Baltimore 15, Stroud hit Dalton Schultz for 11. Stroud hit Hutchinson for a 5 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Texans lead. The Ravens from their own 25 moved 66 yards in 12 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. Yet on 3rd and 4 from the Houston 10, Cooper Rush completed a pass for only one yard. Tyler Loop hit a 27 yard field goal to get the Ravens on the board. Yet after that the Texans blasted the Ravens to pieces.
Kaimi Fairbairn hit a 50 yard field goal in the second quarter to make it 10-3 Texans. The Ravens punted on 4th and 29 from their own 6. A shanked 35 yard punt had the Texans taking over at the Baltimore 41. On 3rd and 3, Stroud ran for 30. On 3rd and goal at the 10, Stroud went to Collins for the touchdown to make it 17-3 Texans. The Texans got it back at their own 23. On 3rd and 4 from their own 42, Stroud was sacked for a 16 yard loss. Yet the sack was nullified because the defense jumped offside. Stroud went to Schultz for 21. Defensive pass interference on an incompletion added 9. Stroud went to Hutchinson for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 24-3 Texans with 30 seconds left in the half. The Ravens missed a field goal to end the half and began the third quarter with Rush getting intercepted. From the Baltimore 38, 3 plays was enough for Nick Chubb to run for a 27 yard touchdown to make it 31-3 Texans. Fairbairn drilled a 57 yard field goal for a 34-3 Texans lead. The Ravens managed a garbage touchdown late in the third quarter, but the Texans poured it on. In t he fourth quarter, Stroud hit Noel for a 4 yard touchdown and Fairbairn tacked on a 34 yarder to complete the blowout. 44-10 Texans
Miami Dolphins at Carolina Panthers — Sometimes a pair of bad teams can come together and play a thrilling game for the ages. While this was not that game, it was a pretty good football game. A 43 yard Riley Patteson field goal had the Dolphins up 3-0 early. Later on the Panthers reached a 2nd and 7 at the miami 30. Bryce Young was sacked by Bradley Chubb, forcing a fumble that Chubb recovered. The Dolphins soon faced 3rd and 8 at their own 44. Tua Tagovailoa went to Jalen Waddle for 11. Mike MacDaniel gambled on 4th and 5 at the Carolina 40. Tagovailoa went to Darren Waller for 6 and again to Waller for 13. On 3rd and 7 from the Carolina 18, Tagovailoa went to waddle for 13. On 3rd and goal from the 10, Tagovailoa went to Devon Achane for the touchdown to make it 10-0 Dolphins. 2 plays later Young was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick to have the Dolphins just past midfield. Tagovailoa went to Waller for 21. On 3rd and 4 from the Carolina 17, Tagovailoa went to Waddle for 13 and then to Waller for the 4 yard touchdown. With 11 minutes left in the half, the Dolphins were dominating up 17-0.
The Panthers took over at their own 24. Rico Dowdle gained 11 and 14. On 4th and 5 from the Miami
48, Dave Canales desperately tried to spark his dormant offense by going for it. Young went to McMillan for 21 and again for 12. On 3rd and 4 from the Miami 7, Young went to Leggett for the touchdown to cap the 12 play, 76 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive and get the Panthers within 17-7. Fitzgerald hit field goals of 35 to end the half and 31 to start the third quarter as the Panthers crept within 17-13. The defenses dug in and the Panthers took over at their own 15 with 10 minutes left in regulation. Dowdle ripped off a 43 yard run. Young threw incomplete but a defense hip drop tackle penalty meant a 14 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the one, Dowdle got in. 20 straight points had the Panthers up 20-17 with 6 minutes left in regulation.
A strong kickoff return had the Dolphins taking over at their own 43. 3 plays later Tagovailoa went bombs away to Waddle for a 46 yard touchdown. With under 5 minutes left, the Dolphins were back on top 24-20. The Panthers took over at their own 17. Dowdle gained 16 with defensive holding adding 5 more. Young then found Leggett for a 24 yard gain. With 3 1/2 minutes left the Panthers were down to their last gasp facing 4th and 5 at the Miami 33. Young went to Horn for 17. Trevor Etienne ran for 12. Young hit Evans for a 4 yard touchdown to have the Panthers back up by 3 at the 2 minute warning. A sack of Tagovailoa had the Dolphins facing 4th and 17 at their own 15 with 1:10 left. Mike MacDaniel actually chose to punt. Yes, 4th and 17 is tough, but punting with 1:10 left is crazy. The dolphins took their timeouts on defense as everything came down to the Panthers facing 3rd and 5 at their own 32. Dave Canales went bold Young threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant an automatic fist down as Young took a couple knees. 27-24 Panthers
Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts — The Colts are very good and were coming off their first loss, a close road game against a very good Rams team. The Raiders had no offensive line and Geno Smith throws a ton of interceptions. The Raiders began on defense by forcing a 3 and out. The Raiders offense then took over at their own 14 and mounted a staggering 16 play, 80 yard drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes off the clock. On their first play from scrimmage, Smith found Ashton Jeanty for a 29 yard gain. The Raiders were completely clicking as they faced 2nd and goal at the 3. Rather than try to play smash mouth, the Raiders put the ball in Geno’s hands. He was sacked for an 11 yard loss. After all of that, the Raiders settled for a 24 yard Daniel Carlson field goal. The Raiders led 3-0 after the first quarter. Then reality set in.
The Colts returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, but an illegal block nullified the score and had the Colts at their own 17. It didn’t matter. Daniel Jones went to Downs for 10 and Pittman for 16. On 3rd and 1 from the Raiders 48, Jones gained 2. On 3rd and 4 from the Raiders 40, Jones went to warren for 19. On 3rd and 12 from the Raiders 23, Jones went to Downs for just enough. Jones hit Warren again for an 11 yard touchdown. The 13 play, 83 yard, nearly 7 minute drive gave the Colts their first lead up 7-3. The Raiders punted on 4th and 17 from their own 36 and AJ Cole’s punt was blocked. The Colts took over at the Raiders 8 yard line. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Jonathan Taylor ran it in to make it 14-3 Colts. The Raiders moved from their own 25 to a 1st and 10 at the Indianapolis 11. After an incompletion, Smith was intercepted. The Colts then put the game away with a 14 play, 88 yard drive. Jones hit Pittman for a 4 yard touchdown. An injured kicker had the Colts forced into trying 2 point conversions try but it didn’t matter. Instead of only leading 14-10, the Colts led 20-3. A 57 yard field goal try by Carlson to end the half and give the Raiders a ray of hope was no good.
The second half was also pointless. The Colts moved 68 yards in 11 plays and 6 minutes. Taylor ran for a one yard touchdown. Another failed 2 point try made it 26-3 Colts. Smith was intercepted again, and Blackmon returned the pick 32 yards to the Raiders 6 yard line. Amir Abdullah ran for 4 and then the 2 yard touchdown run. A 3rd failed 2 point try had the Colts up 32-3. The Raiders went for it on 4th and 1 from their own 44. Jeanty got stuffed for no gain. Jones immediately went to Dulin for 35. Taylor ran for 3 and then the 6 yard touchdown. Tis time the 2 point try succeeded as the Colts led 40-3 after three quarters. In fourth quarter garbage time, the Raiders moved to a 1st and goal at the 5. Again rather than try and run it in, the Raiders relied on Smith. This time he was sacked for a 14 yard loss. Down by 37 points, the Raiders opted for a field goal. From 37 yards out, Carlson closed out the scoring just as he opened it. The Raiders won the first and fourth quarters by 3-0 each. They lost the second and third quarters by 20-0 each. The Colts got to 4-1 while the Raiders lost their fourth straight after another miserable performance by Smith and the offensive line. 40-6 Colts
New York Giants at New Orleans Saints — A pair of bad teams played, but the winless Saints were considered worse. The Giants took over at their own 41. Dart came out firing to Robinson for 5 and to Bellinger for 14. On 3rd and 2 from the New Orleans 22, Dart threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 3 yards. Dart went to Bellinger for 18 down to the one. Dart went to Johnson for the touchdown for a 7-0 Giants lead. The Saints from their own 20 moved 70 yards in 14 plays and 8 minutes. Yet on 1st and 10 from the Giants 12, a run lost 4 yards and killed the drive. Blake Grupe hit a 28 yard field goal. The Giants took over at their own 30 and began the second quarter at their own 47. Dart ran for 20. Dart hit Darrius Slayton for 16. On 3rd and 8 from the New Orleans 15, Dart hit Johnson for the touchdown. The Giants led 14-3 and were on their way to a relatively easy win.
The Saints moved from their own 16 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Giants 33. A completion lost 2 yards and Spencer Rattler threw incomplete twice. Grupe hit from 53 to get the saints within 14-6, but their lack of offense was destined to doom them. The Saints got the ball back at their own 13. One play and 11 seconds changed the game. Rattler went bombs away to Shaheed for an 87 yard touchdown. Just like that, the Saints were within 14-13. With 90 seconds left in the half, Grupe missed a 52 yard field goal try that would have given the saints the lead. Yet the Giants fumbled the ball back. Grupe hit the 29 yarder to have the Saints up 16-14 at halftime. It was deja vu all over again to start the third quarter. The Giants fumbled the ball and the Saints took over at their own 46. Grupe hit from 28 to make it 19-14 Saints.
The fourth quarter began with the Giants facing 2nd and 7 from the New Orleans 13. Looking to take the lead, Skattebo fumbled and Howden returned it 86 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown. 3 straight Giants drives ended in fumbles. Dart would be intercepted on the next 2 drives as 5 straight drives with a turnover doomed the Giants. 23 unanswered points gave the Saints their first win of the year. 26-14 Saints
Dallas Cowboys at New York Jets — The Cowboys have no defense, but the winless Jets are terrible in every way. The Jets early on had a 7 minute drive that led to a 2nd and goal at the 3. A run got blown up for a 4 yard loss and Justin Fields then threw incomplete. Nick Folk hit a 26 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Jets. The Cowboys moved into the redone but on 3rd and 6 from the Jets 16, Dak Prescott threw incomplete. Brandon Aubrey hit from 35 for a 3-3 game. In the second quarter, reality set in.
The Cowboys began the second quarter at their own 10. Williams ran for 9 and 3. On 3rd and 6 from their own 39, Prescott went to George Pickens for 14. On 3rd and 10 from the Jets 47, Prescott went to Luke for just enough. On 3rd and 1 from the Jets 28, Williams gained 2. Prescott went to Ferguson for a 26 yard touchdown to make it 10-3 Cowboys. The Jets moved to a 1st and 10 at the Dallas 23. Hall gained 10 and then fumbled the ball away for the second time on the day. The Cowboys took over at their own 9 with 2:13 left in the half of what was still a close game. Prescott went to Flournoy for 10.Prescott ran for 14. Prescott went deep to Flournoy for 46. Williams ran for 11 and then for a 5 yard touchdown. With one minute left in the half the Cowboys led 17-3. The Cowboys got it back at their own 33 with 30 seconds left in the half. Looking to just run out the clock, Williams ripped off a 66 yard run down to the Jets one yard line. Prescott hit Ferguson for the touchdown. A 2 point try failed but the Cowboys were coasting up 23-3.
In the third quarter the Jets went for it on 4th and 1 from the Dallas 47. Fields threw incomplete. 2 plays later Prescott went deep to Pickens for a 43 yard touchdown for a 30-3 Cowboys lead. The Jets managed a third quarter field goal and a fourth quarter touchdown and 2 point conversion, but they would get no closer. A failed onside kick had the Cowboys at the Jets 46. Prescott went to Williams for a 4 y yard touchdown to have the Cowboys romping up 37-14. The Jets managed one more garbage touchdown as J-E-T-S again stood for Just End The Season. 37-22 Cowboys
Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles — The Broncos are a good football team with a solid quarterback in Bo Nix and a very good defense. Yet the eagles were the undefeated defending champions and they were at home. In the first quarter Wil Lutz hit a 55 yard field goal for the Broncos and Jake Elliott answered from 31 for a 3-3 game. In the second quarter the Eagles took over at their own 10. On 3rd and 2, Jalen Hurts went to AJ Brown for 11. On 3rd and 17 from their own 22, Hurts went deep to Devonta Smith for 52. Defensive pass interference added 24. Hurts hit Dallas Goedert for the 2 yard touchdown to make it 10-3 Eagles. The Eagles began the third quarter at their own 26. Hurts went to Smith for 21. Hurts then went deep to Saquon Barkley for a 47 yard touchdown. The Eagles led 17-3 only 90 seconds into the third quarter. Their defense clamped down as the fourth quarter began with that same score.
The Broncos took over late in the third quarter at their own 36 having been stifled all game. On 3rd and 2 from the Philadelphia 44, Nix went to Cortland Sutton for 6. The fourth quarter began with JK Dobbins running for 13. Nix hit Franklin for 10. Dobbins ran for a 2 yard touchdown as the Broncos only trailed 17-10 with 13 minutes left in regulation. The Broncos forced a 3 and out and got it back at their own 28. Nix went to Evan Engram for 18 and to Sutton for 14. On 3rd and 15 from the Philadelphia 45, Nix went to Sutton for 34. Nix then went to Engram for an 11 yard touchdown. Sean Payton has what Bill Parcells called “big balls.” Payton went for a surprise onside kick int he Super Bowl. In this game on the road he went for a 2 point conversion. Nix hit Franklin successfully. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Broncos led 18-17.
The Browns got it back at their own 32 and moved to a 3rd and 8 at the Philly 12. Nix got taken down for a one yard loss followed by a false start. Lutz hit from 36 to have the Broncos up by 4 points with 1:11 left. The Eagles moved from their own 26 to a 1st and 10 at the Denver 29 with 9 seconds left. Hurts had 2 chances at the end zone, and the last relatively short Hail Mary was a good one. Yet two Eagles receivers collided, knocking the ball out of one of their hands for an incompletion. After three quarters of being dominated, the Broncos outscored the Eagles 18-0 in the fourth quarter for s stunning come from behind road win to knock the Eagles from the unbeaten ranks. 21-17 Broncos
Tennessee Titans at Arizona Cardinals — The Cardinals are nothing special but they were expected to easily steamroll the winless and hapless Titans, perhaps the worst team in football. The Cardinals began the game at their own 33 and made it look easy. Kyler Murray went to McBride for 10. Murray ran for 9 and on 3rd and 2 from the Tennessee 47, added 3 more. Murray went deep to Marvin Harrison Jr. for 43 yards down to the one. Carter got the yard to make it 7-0 Cardinals. Joey Slye hit a 44 yard field goal for the Titans but the Cardinals kept coming. The Cardinals took over at their own 35. Murray went to Harrison for 20 and 16. On 3rd and 3 from the Tennessee 12, Murray ran for the touchdown for a 14-3 Cardinals lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter the Titans fumbled on their first play from scrimmage and the Cardinals took over at the Tennessee 27. Murray went to Knight for 13. Knight ran for 10 and then for the one yard touchdown. With 43 seconds left in the half, the Cardinals were coasting up 21-3. This game was over.
The Titans returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards to the Arizona 34. Slye hit a 51 yard field goal to have the Titans within 21-6. Yet after a scoreless third quarter, there was no chance that the anemic Tennessee offense could come back.In the fourth quarter the Cardinals took over at their own 7 and moved quickly to end any suspense. On 3rd and 1 from the Arizona 28, Demercado raced for a 72 yard touchdown tun and an extra point away from a 28-6 Cardinals lead. The game was now a blowout, but something was off. All scoring plays are reviewed. After further review, Demercado was the second or third player this year to pull a Leon Lett. Demercado voluntarily gave up the ball thinking he had crossed the goal line. Yet he actually let go of it just before crossing the goal line. Instead of a touchdown, it was a 71 yard run, a fumble and a touchback. This was FCO1. Despite the absolute gift to the Titans, they still trailed 21-6 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
From their own 20, Cam Ward hit Ayomanor for 13. On 3rd and 10 from his own 33, Ward went bombs away to Calvin Ridley for 47. Ward then went to Helm for 19. Pollard got the last yard. Yet the Titans are winless for a reason. Slye missed the extra point. With 10 1/2 minutes left, the Titans were still down 21-12. It was a 2 score game. All the Cardinals had to do was not completely give the game away. The Titans got it back at their own 19 and moved to a 3rd and 2 at the Arizona 20 with under 5 minutes left. Then came the craziest play in the NFL since the Holy Roller.
Ward was intercepted, which should have sealed the game. Yet big men with football are told to just stay down. In making the interception, the defender rolled over and lost the ball without being touched. It was a fumble and a live ball. This was FCO2. In an attempt to pick it up, one of the Cardinals turned into a bad version of David Beckham and delivered an own goal. The ball was kicked backward by the Cardinals all the way into their own end zone, where the Titans fell on it. This was FCO3. 2 completely bizarre gift touchdowns came not in one game, but in one quarter. The last time something like this happened, it was 2006. Again it was the Cardinals. After that meltdown loss, Dennis Green had his epic meltdown where he screamed that “The Bears are who we thought they were!” Yet this was the 2025 Titans, and they were still down 21-19.
Yet the Cardinals could not regroup and put the game away. On 3rd and 8 from their own 35, a run gained nothing and the Cardinals punted. This was FCO4. The Titans took over at their own 18. On 3rd and 3, Ward went to Helm for 6. Ward then went to Okonkwo for 16 and to Ridley for 38. Slye came in for a 29 yard field goal try for redemption and the win. FCO5 was the gut punch. Slye’s kick was good. In an absolute shocker, 19 unanswered points including 16 in the fourth quarter alone produced the result. Instead of an easy 28-12 win, the Cardinals added to their 125+ years of NFL frustration. For the Titans, perhaps it will be a building block. In reality, they got very lucky to finally get a win. Ward did not care. He got his first NFL win. 22-21 Titans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks — A pair of good football teams played a thriller. In the first quarter Chase McLaughlin hit a 30 yard field goal for the Buccaneers while Jason Myers from 44 missed for the Seahawks. In the second quarter McLaughlin hit from 36 for 6-0 Buccaneers lead. Yet what seemed to be a defensive boneblack by the end of the day would be a track meet. The Seahawks moved to the Tampa 38 but then fumbled the ball away. The Buccaneers took over at their own 41. Baker Mayfield went to Egbuka for 24. On 3rd and 14 from the Seattle 39, Mayfield went to Cade Otton for 17. White ran for a 7 yard touchdown. The Buccaneers led 13-0, but the rout would eventually turn into a blow for blow matchup.
A strong kickoff return had the Seahawks taking over at their own 46 just before the 2 minute warning. On 3rd and 6, Sam Darnold went to Cooper Kupp for just enough. On 3rd and 4 from the Tampa Bay 27, Darnold went to Arroyo for 10 and to Barner for 11. Darnold hit Smith-Nigba for a 6 yard touchdown pass. With just 6 seconds left in the half, the Seahawks had put themselves right back in it down 13-7. The Seahawks began the third quarter at their own 23. Darnold went deep to Young for 36. Kenneth Walker then ran for 31 more. Zach Charbonnet ran for a 5 yard touchdown. The Seahawks were able to double up and take the 14-13 laad. The touchdowns then came in bunches as neither defense had an answer.
The Buccaneers took over at their own 23. On 3rd and 4, Mayfield went to Chris Godwin for 11. Mayfield went to Johnson for big gains of 9 and 27. On 3rd and 15 from the Seattle 20, Mayfield went to Egbuka for the touchdown. Todd Bowles went for 2 and Mayfield hit Egbuka successfully to have the Buccaneers up 21-14. The Seahawks took over at their own 20. Darnold hit Smith-Nigba for 11 and Barner for 9. Darnold then went bombs away to Smith-Nigba for 53. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Darnold went to Barner for the touchdown and the 21-21 tie.
The Buccaneers took over at their own 25. Mayfield went to Egbuke for 19. On 3rd and 13 from their own 41, this time it was Mayfield unleashing his cannon for a 57 yard gain to Egbuka. White got the last yard to put the Buccaneers up 28-21 after three quarters. A 50 yard kickoff return had the Seahawks starting just shy of midfield. An interception of Darnold was wiped out by defensive illegal contact. On 3rd and 5 from the Tampa Bay 32, Darnold went to Smith-Nigba for 11. On 3rd and 2 from the Tampa Bay 13, Charbonnet gained 7. Darnold went to Barner for a 6 yard touchdown. Mayfield and Darnold were going blow for blow in an arms race that was tied 28-28 with 10 minutes left in regulation.
After 5 consecutive touchdown drives combined, the Buccaneers actually punted. The Seahawks were pinned at their own one. Darnold went to Kupp for 9. Kenneth Walker ran for 22. Darnold went to Smith-Nigba for 22 more. On 4th and 2 from the Tampa Bay 21, the choice of a field goal for the lead seemed obvious. Yet with 3 1./2minutes left and neither defense able to do much, Mike McDonald decided to go for it, Rather than just move the chains, Darnold went for it all and found Horton for the touchdown. 4 straight touchdown drives for the Seahawks had them up 35-28. From his own 30, mayfield went to Egbuka and Otton for a pair of 25 yard gains. Mayfield put on a clinic, hitting Egbuka for 9 and Shepard for the 11 yard touchdown. With 1:08 to play, this game was tied for the 3rd time at 35-35.
Yet despite brilliant plays by both quarterbacks all game, this battle of explosive offenses was decided by defense and special teams. On 2nd and 1 from his own 32 and looking to get into field goal range, Darnold was intercepted by David. The Buccaneers were immediately at the Seattle 35. On 3rd and 7, White ripped off a 12 yard gain. That allowed the Buccaneers to take the clock down to 3 seconds. With everything on the line form 39 yards out, mcLaughlin’s kick was good. Mayfield was a lights out 29 of 33 for 379 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Darnold was an equally phenomenal 28 of 34 for 341 yards and 4 touchdowns, but with the one killer interception at the end. Egbuka had 7 receptions for a whopping 163 yards while Smith-Nigba had 8 receptions for a very impressive 132 yards. Somehow the Seahawks also managed 122 yards on the ground including 86 from Walker on only 10 carries. This was not the ugly Buc Ball that grinder out wins on defense. This was a spectacular arial show as Pewter Power survived a fine, fine football game. 38-35 Buccaneers
Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals — The lions came in with their high octane offense humming while the Bengals were an injured mess, especially at quarterback. The Lions went right to work from their own 42. Jared Goff went to Jahmyr Gibbs for 13 and to Sam LaPorta for 22. Goff went to LaPorta for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Lions. The second quarter began with Jake Browning throwing an interception and the Lions taking over at the Cincinnati 17. From the 3 yard line and the running game working, Dan Campbell went to his bag of tricks. David Montgomery took the wildcat snap and threw the halfback option pass to Wright for the touchdown and the 14-0 Lions lead.
The Bengals managed a field goal before the half, but this game was never a contest. The Bengals began the third quarter with Browning throwing another interception to give the Lions another short field at the Cincinnati 28. Goff hit Amra St. Brown for 10 and Gibbs for a 20 yard touchdown to make it 21-3 Lions. The Lions got it back at their 20 and made it look easy. Goff connected with LaPorta for a 39 yard gain. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincy 33, Goff went to David Montgomery for 6. Montgomery gained 19. Montgomery ran for an 8 yard touchdown to have the Lions in total command up 28-3 after three quarters. The Lions took their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter and the Bengals actually scored 3 touchdowns to make the score look more respectable. Yet Goff also added a 12 yard touchdown pass to Teslea The Lions eve capped the game with a safety to add 2 more points to their total. 37-24 Lions
Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers — The Chargers were coming off a stunning loss to the Giants. While Marcus Mariota played well enough in relief, the Commanders were happy to get their Commander Jayden Daniels back at the helm. In this game the Chargers began at their own 24 and came out smoking. They moved to a 3rd and 5 at the Washington 11. Justin Herbert threw incomplete. Cameron Dicker hit from 29 to make it 3-0 Chargers. Yet the defense jumped offside. Jim Harbaugh took the points off he boar. Herbert hit Ladd McConkey for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Chargers. The Chargers got it back at their own 20 and moved to a 3rd and 5 at the Washington 31. Herbert was sacked. Dicker nailed a 55 yard field goal for a 10-0 Chargers lead after the first quarter. Yet starting in the second quarter, the game changed. The Chargers were on the move facing 2nd and 8 at the Washington 42, close to long field goal range. Herbert hit Johnston for 19, but Johnston fumbled the ball away.
The Commanders took over at their own 26. On 3rd and 16, Daniels went to Lane for just enough. Daniels went to deb Samuel for 21. Croskey-Merritt ran for 9 and then again for a 15 yard touchdown to get the Commanders within 10-7. The Commanders the punted on 4th and 15 from their own 2. McConkey returned the punt 57 yards for a Chargers touchdown, but it was all wiped out by a roughing the punter penalty. The Commanders kept the ball at their own 17 and moved all the way to the Chargers 11 with 6 seconds left. May Gay hit a 29 yard field goal for a 10-10 deadlock at the midpoint.
The Commanders began the third quarter failing 3rd and 1 at their own 40. Croskey-Merritt gained 4. Daniels went to Croskey-merritt for 28. Daniels went to Martin for 9 and Croskey-Merritt for 11. Croskey-merritt ran for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 17-10 Commanders. A 27 yard punt return had the Commanders getting it back at their own 43. They moved to a 2nd and 5 at the Chargers 13. A delay of game penalty followed by an incompletion killed the drive. Gay hit from 36 to have the Commanders up 20-10 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter the Chargers turned it over on downs. The Commanders fumbled. The Chargers moved to a 3rd and goal at the 4. Herbert was intercepted at the one. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Commanders ground the Chargers into dust with a 13 play, 99 yard drive that took 6 1/2 minutes. On 4th and 7 from the Chargers 8 with just over one minute left, Dan Quinnwent for it. Daniels went to Samuel for the touchdown to turn out the lights. 27 unanswered points gave the Chargers their second straight loss. 27-10 Commanders
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills was the Sunday night game. For 2 decades the Patriots dominated the AFC East and the Bills. Yet the last 5 years have been the Bills division. They were expected to again take care of the Patriots. Yet the first half was a defensive slugfest. Borregales hit a 30 yard first quarter field goal for the Patriots. In the second quarter Matt Prater hit from 31 for a 3-3 game. The Patriots moved to a 1st and goal at the one with 4 seconds left in the half. A quick pass fell incomplete, leaving one second. Borregales hit the 19 yard field goal as the Patriots took a 6-3 lead to the locker rooms.
The Bills offense finally got going in the third quarter from their own 29. Josh Allen went to Kincaid for 20. Cook ran for 9. Allen hit Knox for 7 and Shakir for 8. Allen went to Samuel for 6 to put the Bills up 10-6. Yet momentum quickly shifted back. The Patriots took over at their own 26. Drake Maye went to former Buffalo receiver Stefan Diggs for 16 and to Boutte for 16 more. Maye went deep to Diggs for 32. Raimondre Stevenson ran for a 4 yard touchdown to have the Patriots up 13-10. The Bills moved from their own 29 to a 2nd and 2 at the New England 9. Looking for the lead, offensive pass interference pushed the Bills back. They were still in tying field goal range, but then Allen was intercepted. The Patriots took over at their own 10. On 3rd and 7, Maye went to Diggs for 10. On 3rd and 3 from their own 30, Maye went to Diggs for 11. To start the fourth quarter, Maye found Hunter Henry for 24 and Diggs for 30. Stevenson ran for a 7 yard touchdown to have the Patriots up 20-10 with 12 minutes left in regulation.
The Bills took over at their own 26. Allen hit Kincaid for 23. Roughing the passer added 15. On 1st and goal at the 2, Allen ran for the touchdown. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Bills were within 20-17. The Bills got it back at their own 20 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the New England 27. Looking for he lead, Allen threw 3 straight incompletions. Prater hit from 45 to tie the game 20-20 with 2:17 to play. The Patriots took over at their own 29. MAye found Diggs for 12 and bout for 19. With 15 seconds left, Borregales came in for a 52 yard field goal try for the lead. His kick was good. The Bills took over with 8 seconds left at their own 18. One completion netted 13 yards and the clock ran out to knock the Bills from the unbeaten ranks. To quote ESPN uber-announcer chris Berman, “THAT’s why they PLAY the GAMES! 23-20 Patriots
Kansas City Chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars was the Monday night game. The Chiefs took over in the firs quarter at their own 28. Xavier worthy gained 9. Patrick Mahomes went to Juju Smith-Schuster for 8. Isaiah Pacheco gained 16. On 3rd and 9 from the Jacksonville 38, Mahomes went to Thornton for 32. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Mahomes went to Travis Kelce for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Chiefs. The Jaguars moved to a 4th and goal at the one to start the second quarterTrevor Lawrence tried to go over the top and had the ball knocked out by the defense. The Chiefs recovered the fumble at their own 3 yard line. Karim Hunt immediately ripped off a 33 yard gain. Mahomes went to Worthy for 5, to Malcolm Hollywood Brown for 16, and to Thornton for 34. Mahomes ran for a 9 yard touchdown to have the Chiefs up 14-0.
The Jaguars took over at their own 30. On 3rd and 15, Lawrence threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 13 yards and a new set of downs. Lawrence ran for 16. Lawrence went to Hunter for 12. On 3rd and 5 from the Kansas City 29, Lawrence gained 14. On 3rd and 2 from the Kansas City 7, Travis Etienne gained 4. Lawrence went to Washington for the 3 yard touchdown. with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Jaguars were finally on the board down 14-7. in the third quarter the Jaguars took over at their own 13. Etienne caught a pass from Lawrence for 7 and ran for 8. Lawrence went deep to Hunter for 44. Lawrence ran for a 10 yard touchdown and a 14-14 tie. The Chiefs moved from their own 32 to a 1st and goal at the 3. Mahomes went to the end zone andlloyd jumped the route. Loyd picked ups convoy and raced 99 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown. The home crowd erupted in celebration as the Jaguars led 21-14 late in the third quarter.
The Jaguars got it back in the fourth quarter at their own 12 looking for the kill shot. Instead Lawrence was intercepted to give the Chiefs gift field position at the Jacksonville 19. Mahomes went to Kelce for 14. Hunt ran for a 5 yard touchdown for a 21-21 game. A long kickoff return had the Jaguars at their own 41. Cam Little hit a 52 yard field goal to have the Jaguars up 24-21 midway through the fourth quarter. The Chiefs took over at their own 14. Mahomes ran for 15 and hit Smith-Schuster for 9. Mahoems found Kelce for 11. At the 2 minute warning, Mahomes went to Brown for 20. Hunt ran for a 2 yard touchdown to put the Chiefs back on tope 28-24 with 1:45 to play.
Butker hit the ensuing kickoff out of bounds to have the Jaguars at their own 40. On 3rd and 7, Lawrence went deep to Thomas for 33 and then to Brown for 13. On 3rd and 13 from the Kansas City 14Lawrence was intercepted. Yet defensive pass interference instead meant a 13 yard gain and 1st and goal at the one. This time Lawrence got in for the touchdown. The Chiefs took over at their own 17 with 16 scenes left needing a field goal to force overtime. On 3rd and 10 and needing 83 yards, a completion from Mahomes to Kelce came up just short by 72 yards. For those who complain that the Chiefs get every call from the officials, they certainly did not in this game. The Jaguars are a quiet 4-1 while the 3 time defending AFC Champion Chiefs fell to 2-3, making Andy Reid a most concerned furrow-browed walrus indeed. 31-28 Jaguars