Panthers 21, Dolphins 17
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback Bryce Young secured his starting role and potentially salvaged the Panthers’ season with a dramatic comeback victory. After committing two turnovers and falling behind 17-0, Young orchestrated a late surge, culminating in a game-winning 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mitchell Evans with 1:59 remaining. He finished 19-for-30 with 198 yards and two touchdowns. In a surprising turn, running back Rico Dowdle, starting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, delivered a career-best performance. Dowdle, who entered the game with only 83 rushing yards on the season, exploded for 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, including a 53-yard run that marked Carolina’s longest play from scrimmage this year.
Miami Dolphins
In their first game without star receiver Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins’ offense emphasized a balanced, committee-based approach. Six different players touched the ball on the opening drive, and all six finished with multiple receptions, spreading the offensive load as coaches had promised. Tight end Darren Waller was a significant factor in limited snaps, recording 78 yards and a touchdown in the first half alone. However, a troubling trend continued for Miami’s defense. After ranking ninth against the run last season, the Dolphins’ run defense has struggled in 2025, surrendering a season-high 239 rushing yards. The unit has now allowed at least 150 yards on the ground in four of its five games.
Cowboys 34, Jets 16
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ defense, which had been heavily criticized after poor performances in its previous three games, showed significant improvement against the Jets. While the opponent’s offensive struggles must be considered, Dallas recorded five sacks, two fourth-down stops, and forced a crucial fumble at its own 9-yard line. The most impressive performance, however, came from the team’s makeshift offensive line. With three starters out and another limited to reserve duty, the unit paved the way for running back Javonte Williams and receiver Ryan Flournoy to each surpass 100 yards in the first half, while quarterback Dak Prescott threw two touchdown passes to tight end Jake Ferguson.
New York Jets
The Jets fell to 0-5 for the third time in the past 30 years as fundamental issues continued to plague the team. Despite coach Aaron Glenn’s emphasis on discipline, the Jets were hindered by 14 missed tackles, 10 penalties, and another costly fumble. The loss made Glenn the first coach in franchise history to start his tenure 0-5. The defense also made history for the wrong reasons, becoming the first NFL team since 1933 to record zero takeaways through the first five games of a season. The unit is on pace to set a franchise record for most points allowed.
Saints 26, Giants 14
New Orleans Saints
The Saints secured their first victory of the season, snapping an eight-game losing streak that dated back to December 2024. While the offense continued to struggle with red zone execution and protecting quarterback Spencer Rattler, the defense dominated by forcing turnovers on five consecutive Giants possessions. The young secondary was particularly impressive. Safeties Jonas Sanker and Jordan Howden each recorded a takeaway, with Howden returning a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown. Rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry added two interceptions to seal the win.
New York Giants
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had a mixed performance in the loss, connecting with tight end Theo Johnson for two touchdowns but also committing critical errors. Dart lost a fumble near midfield and threw two interceptions, underscoring the growing pains the team will face with a first-year signal-caller. The Giants committed five turnovers overall, including a red-zone fumble by running back Cam Skattebo that was returned for a touchdown. The secondary was a significant liability, committing numerous costly penalties and allowing receivers to run uncovered, highlighted by an 87-yard touchdown reception by Rashid Shaheed.
Colts 31, Raiders 13
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ offense continues to prove its legitimacy, powered by the steady play of quarterback Daniel Jones and the dominance of running back Jonathan Taylor. Jones was efficient once again, completing 20 of 29 passes for 212 yards. The offense’s versatility was on full display as Taylor scored three rushing touchdowns, bringing his season total to seven. The team also continued to find creative ways to use rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who attempted a pass from the goal line on Sunday after previously taking snaps as a fullback and quarterback.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders’ fourth consecutive loss was defined by a lack of discipline and execution, raising questions about the coaching staff’s effectiveness. Despite being down four starters, the team was plagued by special teams blunders, including a blocked punt, along with missed tackles and mental errors. Quarterback Geno Smith threw two interceptions, bringing his season total to nine—the most by a Raiders quarterback through five games since Jim Plunkett in 1982. This team, meant to embody a new culture under coach Pete Carroll, has so far been a reflection of the franchise’s recent struggles.
Texans 44, Ravens 10
Houston Texans
The Texans’ offense delivered a breakthrough performance in a dominant 34-point victory. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was sharp and decisive, throwing for four touchdowns while completing 85% of his passes for 244 yards and no interceptions. The running game provided strong support, totaling 167 yards, led by Nick Chubb’s season-high 61 yards. Although the Ravens’ defense was missing several key players, the 44-point outburst marked a season high for Houston and a significant step forward for the unit.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens fell to 1-4 as their injury-depleted defense collapsed in the team’s second-worst margin of defeat in coach John Harbaugh’s 18 seasons. Playing without three Pro Bowl defenders, Baltimore allowed five touchdowns to a Houston offense that had scored only six all season. It marked the first time in franchise history the Ravens have allowed 40 or more points twice in a single season. The loss drops Baltimore’s record to 4-11 in games without quarterback Lamar Jackson, who was sidelined. In his first start, Cooper Rush struggled to move the offense, finishing with three interceptions.
Vikings 21, Browns 17
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings salvaged their historic two-game international trip with a 21-17 victory over the Browns in London. After losing to the Steelers in Dublin last week, Minnesota secured the win with a 12-yard touchdown pass with 25 seconds remaining. Receiver Jordan Addison, who was surprisingly benched for the entire first quarter for a “coach’s decision,” proved to be the hero. He returned to the game and made three consecutive catches on the final drive, capped by the game-winning score, demonstrating his importance to the offense.
Cleveland Browns
In his first career NFL start, quarterback Dillon Gabriel delivered a composed and decisive performance despite the loss. Gabriel got the ball out quickly, threw for two touchdowns, and, most importantly, avoided the turnovers that plagued the offense in previous weeks. Running back Quinshon Judkins also had a strong outing, finishing with 110 rushing and 18 receiving yards. He became the first Browns rookie since Nick Chubb in 2018 to record 100 or more scrimmage yards in consecutive games.
49ers 26, Rams 23 (OT)
San Francisco 49ers
Now 4-1 and undefeated in their division, the 49ers are proving they can win even when not at full strength. Despite numerous injuries, particularly at wide receiver, the team secured a crucial overtime victory. Receiver Kendrick Bourne stepped up with a career-high 142 yards on 10 catches, becoming the top target in the passing game. Linebacker Fred Warner credited the coaching staff for the win, stating, “A game like [Thursday] speaks to that completely… to get your players prepared enough to go out there and compete at the level that we did, I think the intensity was there from the first snap.”
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ kicking game has become a major concern after a missed field goal and a blocked extra point contributed to Thursday’s loss. Kicker Joshua Karty has now missed five kicks this season, tied for the most in the NFL, with four of them being blocked. On a positive note, receiver Puka Nacua continued his historic start, catching 10 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. His 50 receptions are the most by any player through a team’s first five games in NFL history. Running back Kyren Williams took responsibility for the loss after a critical fourth-quarter fumble near the goal line, saying, “I feel like I let the team down… I put this all on me.” Williams now has a league-high seven fumbles lost since the start of the 2023 season.
