Recapping an eventful Week 5 in the NFL

Several close matchups highlighted a contested Week 5, including another Chargers win

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John Kimball, Staff Writer

Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season provided an exciting slate of games that kept fans on the edges of their seats all day. With multiple upsets, star players’ injuries and comeback victories across the league, this set of NFL games did not lack in drama. Here are the highlights of the week’s most exciting games.

Seattle Seahawks def. Los Angeles Rams 26-17

On Thursday night, the contest between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams finished in exciting fashion. The Seahawks’ chances — and season — changed in an instant when quarterback Russell Wilson left the game in the third quarter with a ruptured tendon in the middle finger of his throwing hand. Backup quarterback Geno Smith stepped in and gave the Seahawks hope, leading them on two straight scoring drives that cut the score to 23-17.

Smith had a chance to take the lead with two minutes left in the fourth quarter, but threw a costly interception, ending the Seahawks’ comeback hopes. Matthew Stafford threw for 365 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the important divisional win. The Seahawks dropped to 2-3, and the Rams improved to 4-1. 

New England Patriots def. Houston Texans 25-22

The New England Patriots, who looked to get back on track after suffering a devastating loss in the final seconds to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday night, started off slow against the Houston Texans. Texans quarterback David Mills had the best game of his young career, throwing for 312 yards and three touchdowns. However, the game’s momentum started to shift in the fourth quarter when the Patriots scored 13 unanswered points, including a Nick Folk 21-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the game.

The Patriots’ win brought them to 2-3 while the Texans fell to 1-4 on the season.

Green Bay Packers def. Cincinnati Bengals 25-22

In Cincinnati, the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals needed overtime to decide a winner. A late fourth-quarter push by the Bengals and a clutch two-point conversion from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins forced the game into overtime. Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby made up for his past three misses by hitting a 49-yard field goal with 1:55 left in overtime.

Aaron Rodgers’ Packers have now won four straight after dropping their season-opener and currently sit at 4-1. The Bengals’ surprisingly hot start ends, as they fall to 3-2.

Atlanta Falcons def. New York Jets 27-20

In this weekend’s London game, the New York Jets faced off against the Atlanta Falcons. It was another long day for Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson. Wilson threw for 192 yards and an interception. The Jets’ defense forced two fumbles, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Falcons’ passing attack, where quarterback Matt Ryan connected with rookie tight-end Kyle Pitts nine times for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons win brings them to 2-3, and the Jets fall to 1-4.

Minnesota Vikings def. Detroit Lions 19-17

The 2021 Detroit Lions cannot catch a break. The Lions and the Minnesota Vikings played a tight game until the final moments. Vikings kicker Greg Joseph hit a 54-yard field goal as time expired, sending the Lions to 0-5. The Lions had just previously converted a gutsy go-ahead two-point conversion, but it wasn’t enough to seal the game. Lions head coach Dan Campbell was visibly upset after the game, as it was his team’s second straight loss on a last-second field goal. The Vikings improved to 2-3 with the win.

Los Angeles Chargers def. Cleveland Browns 47-42

The Los Angeles Chargers and the Cleveland Browns put on an offensive masterclass in which both teams’ top talents were on display. Browns running back Nick Chubb rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield connected with tight end David Njoku seven times for 149 yards, which accounted for almost half of his 305 passing yards on the day.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 398 yards, four touchdowns, and ran for a touchdown. The win takes the Chargers to 4-1 on the season, with the Browns dropping to 3-2.

Other scores around the league

Steelers def. Broncos 27-19

Buccaneers def. Dolphins 45-17

Saints def. Washington 33-22

Eagles def. Panthers 21-18

Titans def. Jaguars 37-19

Bears def. Raiders 20-9

Cowboys def. Giants 44-20

Cardinals def. 49ers 17-10

Bills def. Chiefs 38-20

Ravens def. Colts 31-25