Week 5 NFL Surprise: Broncos Upset Eagles and Patriots Stun Bills
The last two unbeaten squads in the NFL saw their perfect records broken during the fifth week as the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills endured shocking home defeats.
The Denver Broncos transformed from underdogs to front-page news thanks to an impressive comeback victory against the reigning Super Bowl champions Philadelphia, before hopping on a flight for Sunday's overseas matchup.
New England's squad then traveled to Buffalo and ended Buffalo's undefeated start with a statement win of their own in their initial national television game in twelve months.
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a third straight defeat - their defensive unit's woes could be fatal for their play-off hopes - while Dallas, Indianapolis Colts, and Detroit Lions enjoyed decisive victories on another action-packed Sunday.
Denver Downs Champions
It wasn't just defeating the reigning title holders, but the way of their 14-point comeback that made Denver's win by 21-17 in Philadelphia such a signature achievement.
The Eagles had won 10 games consecutively, 12 in a row on home turf and 20 of their last 21 overall before Broncos quarterback Bo Nix engineered two touchdowns in the final five minutes and a last-minute field goal.
The Eagles are currently 4-1 but there is a big worry about the offence, which sits among one of the worst in the NFL. Receiver DaVonta Smith stated they are not "on the same page" with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Denver's defence, which sacked Hurts six times, had much to contribute with it, and, together with a genuine franchise quarterback in Nix and top head coach in Sean Payton, they possess all the components to mount a serious challenge.
The Broncos face New York's Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
Primetime Patriots Shock Buffalo
Should the Broncos' victory was somewhat anticipated, few predicted New England traveling to Buffalo and defeating Josh Allen's Bills, but they did so with tremendous resilience.
Their initial national television appearance for the rookie quarterback delivered a star-making showing as he directed a decisive field goal drive in the final moments to win 23-20.
The young QB was tough and made accurate passes at the right times, many to former Bills receiver Stefon Diggs, who delivered a big game for Mike Vrabel's side.
Vrabel was anticipated to turn things around in New England, but such a significant victory came sooner than many predicted.
New England's defensive squad bottled up the Buffalo Bills attack during their surprising road victory.
Baltimore Postseason Dreams Dashed?
This campaign is turning into a nightmare for the Ravens, who were missing a host of defensive stars as they were dominated 44-10 by the Houston Texans.
It equaled their largest home defeat, and dropping to 1-4 for this year means among the preseason Super Bowl favourites have just a small opportunity of making the play-offs.
The Ravens are currently 4-11 playing without star QB Lamar Jackson, who was hurt, but the real issue is a historically bad defensive unit that is the real problem - for a team that have been synonymous with stout defense over the years.
The Texans strolled to the win as Baltimore became the initial squad in modern NFL history to allow at least 37 points in four of their first five contests. Their campaign is already in tatters.
Detroit, Tampa and Indianapolis Reach 4-1
The Lions' running back duo Gibbs and Montgomery scored six points in the same game for the fourteenth occasion - a shared NFL record - as the Lions defeated Cincinnati 37-24.
Victory made it four wins consecutively for the highest-scoring team Detroit, but none against teams with positive records.
A more unexpected 4-1 side are the Indianapolis Colts. With Jonathan Taylor scoring three touchdowns in their decisive hammering of the Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Daniel Jones looking like a new man, they will be a difficult opponent for any side.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the 4-1 club with a thrilling 38-35 victory in Seattle in which both teams traded nine scores in 10 impressive drives before Seattle faltered initially with a late interception.
The kicker booted the game-winner with the final play of the game for the second time this year. All four of Tampa Bay's wins have been clinched in the last minute.
Saints and Titans Receive Assistance for First Wins
Given how the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans started the season, they needed help to secure their first wins, and they received ample due to several comical errors from the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.
Following a good start from New York rookie Jaxson Dart, New York made five turnovers - including one decisively taken back for six points - while additionally permitting Rashid Shaheed to score on a long reception as the Saints prevailed 26-14.
The Cardinals were even worse as they blew a substantial advantage mainly thanks to two huge blunders.
Initially, Emari Demercado inexplicably fumbled the ball moments before reaching the end zone for a 72-yard touchdown.
More disastrous followed when the Cardinals intercepted Cam Ward close to their end zone, then lost the football across the goal line for Tyler Lockett to score as the Titans ended a 10-game slide with a 22-21 victory.
Tyler Lockett scored among the most bizarre scores witnessed this season.
That left New York's Jets as the sole victory-less team remaining in the NFL after their bruising 37-22 defeat by the Cowboys.
The quarterback became the initial athlete in NFL history to eclipse 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 yards rushing in his first 20 professional contests as he came back from being hurt to guide the Washington Commanders to a notable 27-10 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers.
The running back was the standout performer for the Carolina Panthers with 206 rushing yards in their thrilling 27-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
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)
