Sunday takeaways: Week 5

By: Josh Frey-Sam

This was the game that the Denver Broncos couldn’t win. They did on Sunday in Philadelphia.

A 21-17 road victory over the Eagles was more than a statement from the Broncos; it was a signature win that vaulted them into the conversation with the rest of the contenders in the AFC.

Prior to the Eagles, the Broncos lacked that extra gear that was needed to steal a win away from home against a good team. They were often close, but unable to rise in the most important moments — which explains their 1-8 record in one-score games since last year, coming into this week.

For three quarters, it looked like more of the same. Sean Payton’s offence lacked rhythm and was unable to crack Vic Fangio’s stifling defence, while Denver’s defence, led by Vance Joseph, did its best to keep the visitors in the contest.

The Eagles led 17-3 before the Broncos’ offence came to life, rattling off 18 unanswered to steal a win in the city of brotherly love. That defence? Outstanding. Bo Nix? Unfazed. Courtland Sutton? An alpha.

Denver, on a short week, got the win that they so desperately needed to prove they were legit and that the time is now.

And look out, because now they could go on a run.

Their next five contests: Jets, Giants, Cowboys, Texans, Raiders.

Let me also add: Nik Bonnito is the Defensive Player of the Year through five weeks. Argue with a wall.

Let’s get into the rest of my Sunday takeaways from a wild Week 5:

Minnesota 21, Cleveland 17

This was a beautiful game to watch from the perspective of an offensive playcaller. Kevin O’Connell and Kevin Stefanski both called gems while working with backup quarterbacks. Dillon Gabriel looked solid, considering the situation he faced. Fantasy takeaway: the tight ends figure to be a big part of this offence moving forward. David NJoku and Harold Fannin Jr. should both be back on the radar.

Houston 44, Baltimore 10

The winner and loser of this contest came as no surprise, but the final score was much worse than any Ravens fan could’ve imagined. Nothing — and I mean NOTHING — was going for the home team, which had a roster of pro bowlers on the inactive list. The Ravens are in serious trouble if Lamar Jackson can’t return this week.

New York Giants 14, New Orleans 26

Another result that didn’t surprise me. One week after a brilliant debut, Jaxson Dart had to go on the road without his No. 1 receiver. Tough spot for the rookie. Tell you what, Spencer Rattler deserved a win — he’s played well enough to earn one on a crap team.

Dallas 37, New York Jets 22

The Jets are one in a small group of teams that just can’t seem to help themselves. Another fumble and 10 penalties on this day. This was never going to be fixed in one year, but there are mistakes that can be coached out of this group, but they aren’t so far. Even if we weren’t expecting the Jets to be very good, this has been disappointing top to bottom.

Las Vegas 6, Indianapolis 40

The Raiders’ offence might look like this until Brock Bowers returns. This team just isn’t talented enough; it never was, even with Bowers. The Raiders v Titans game next week could very well decide who picks No. 1 overall next year. Feels like it’s between them, the Jets and the Saints for that spot.

Carolina 27, Miami 24

Talk about teams that get in their own way… this was painful to watch at points. The drama at the end made up for it a bit, but neither of these two sides are in a good place right now. I think I’m over the Bryce Young experiment. Meanwhile, I think we need to assume that Mike McDaniels is fighting for his job every week now. Win or go home.

Tampa Bay 38, Seattle 35

The Buccaneers are the grittiest team in the NFL through five weeks, and Baker Mayfield is in the MVP conversation. Seattle was on 10 days rest, and the Bucs were dealing with a ton of injuries. They continue to find ways to win in the fourth quarter.

Tennessee 22, Arizona 21

Inexcusable. Embarrassing. I’ve said it for a while now, the Cardinals are the worst team to watch in football. They were effectively a foot away from cementing their victory, but stupidity won over Emari Demercado before he scored. What ensued can only prompt one question: What the fuck, Arizona?

Washington 27, Los Angeles Chargers 10

The Bolts were in complete control of this game through most of the first half, and then Quentin Johnston coughed up the ball after a big gain. It was like that moment completely flipped everything for the rest of the game. Bottom line for the Chargers right now is they’re way too injured. Justin Herbert continues to play at an elite level, but he can’t erase everything when he’s on his back.

Detroit 37, Cincinnati 24

The positive takeaway here was for Ja’Marr Chase owners. Perhaps he and Jake Browning can build on this and salvage a tough few weeks in fantasy.

New England 23, Buffalo 20

The Buffalo Bills had looked very beatable at times against lower-echelon squads in the last two weeks, and now they ran into a team that wouldn’t let them get away with it. For the Pats, this was a similar statement to the one made by the Broncos earlier in the day. Drake Maye was awesome in his NFL primetime debut. Now, with the team’s favourable upcoming schedule, this looks like a group that could make a run into the playoffs.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh