Another week of football is nearly in the books with just the Chiefs and Saints left to play on Monday night.
That means it’s time to take a look some of the winners and losers from Week 5, highlighted by Bills coach Sean McDermott and his end-of-game decision-making.
The Bills coach acknowledged his accountability for Josh Allen going to the air three times late in the game with the score tied, instead of running out the clock to force OT.
The decision allowed the Texans to get the ball back and win on a 59-yard Ka’imi Fairbairn field goal.
It’s uncertain to say what would have played out had they reached overtime, but the decision-making that late in the game is hard to ignore, especially when it directly leads to the Bills demise.
Winners from Week 5
Jaguars
A win is a win and while the Jaguars cut it a little close against the Colts on Sunday, they did just that and finally picked up their first victory of the season.
Credit Trevor Lawrence for playing his best game of the season in which he completed 28-of-34 pass attempts for 371 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
The Jags QB took the Jacksonville offense down the field on an eight-play drive with the game tied at 34 to set up the game-winning 49-yard field goal.
Isaiah Simmons
The Giants veteran made one of the biggest plays in the win over the Seahawks on Sunday. The block he had on Jason Myers’ 47-yard field goal attempt sealed the Giants win as Bryce Ford-Wheaton was able to pick up the loose ball to run it back 60 yards for a touchdown late in the game.
Simmons seemed to be enjoying the moment after the game when he told reporters, “Just being able to go out there and, s–t, call it what it is, win the game for the team, shoot, it felt good.”
Those who tuned into Ravens-Bengals
The AFC North rivals delivered football fans a very exciting game that had a little bit of everything as Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson put on a pair of electric performances and the game ended with a dramatic finish in favor of the Ravens.
Losers from Week 5
Aaron Rodgers
Jets fans have become accustomed to misery, especially in recent seasons, but with Aaron Rodgers healthy there had been optimism that this year things would be different. But Sunday’s loss across the pond pushed the Jets to 2-3 and Rodgers did not look great in the loss. Rodgers looked out of sync with his receivers and three interceptions on the day didn’t help anyone.
Panthers
The vibes in Carolina likely aren’t great no matter who is at quarterback. Andy Dalton earned a win in his first start replacing second-year dud Bryce Young, but Carolina has now dropped two straight after getting throttled 36-10 by the Bears. The defeat is a harsh reminder of the ill-fated trade between the Bears and Panthers before the 2023 NFL Draft with Carolina getting the No. 1 pick, which turned into Young. Chicago got this year’s No. 1 pick, which became Caleb Williams, and star receiver DJ Moore, among other pieces. The duo combined for two touchdowns on Sunday.