Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season delivered shocking upsets, historic defensive collapses, and statement wins that reshaped the league’s landscape. The Baltimore Ravens, preseason Super Bowl favorites, suffered their most humiliating defeat in franchise history, while the New England Patriots resurrected their season with a stunning upset over the division-rival Bills. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers enjoyed what might be the most profitable bye week in NFL history as their AFC North rivals crumbled.
This comprehensive breakdown examines every game through detailed analysis, letter grades, and key takeaways that reveal which teams are legitimate contenders and which are spiraling toward disaster.
Historic Collapse: Houston Texans 44, Baltimore Ravens 10
The Ravens’ Defensive Disaster
The Baltimore Ravens didn’t just lose—they suffered a systematic dismantling that raised serious questions about their championship aspirations. Surrendering 44 points to a Houston Texans team that entered the game 1-3, the Ravens extended their streak of defensive ineptitude to historic proportions.
Key Statistics:
-
Ravens allowing 35.4 points per game through five weeks (11th-worst in NFL history)
-
Four games allowing 37+ points (first team in 71 years to accomplish this dubious feat)
-
Defense has given up 177 total points, matching their worst five-game stretch since moving to Baltimore
What Went Wrong for Baltimore
The Ravens’ defensive scheme, typically their cornerstone, completely collapsed against Houston’s balanced attack. The Texans exploited Baltimore’s overaggressive pass rush with screen passes and misdirection runs, while rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud picked apart a secondary that looked lost in coverage.
Grade: F
This represents rock bottom for a franchise that entered the season with Super Bowl expectations. The coaching staff must completely reassess their defensive approach before this season spirals beyond recovery.
This represents rock bottom for a franchise that entered the season with Super Bowl expectations. The coaching staff must completely reassess their defensive approach before this season spirals beyond recovery.
Divisional Shock: New England Patriots 23, Buffalo Bills 20
Patriots’ Resurgence
The New England Patriots, written off after a 1-3 start, delivered Bill Belichick’s most significant regular-season victory since Tom Brady’s departure. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye orchestrated a game-winning drive in the final minutes, converting three third-down attempts while showcasing the poise that made him the third overall pick.
Key Factors:
-
Maye’s 68% completion rate under pressure
-
Defense limited Josh Allen to 198 passing yards
-
Special teams blocked a crucial fourth-quarter field goal attempt
Bills’ Concerning Pattern
Buffalo’s loss marks their second consecutive divisional defeat, dropping them to 2-3 and raising questions about their mental toughness in close games. Josh Allen’s three turnovers, including a devastating red-zone interception, continued a troubling trend of crucial mistakes in big moments.
Patriots Grade: A-
Bills Grade: C+
Bills Grade: C+
Complete Week 5 Game Grades and Analysis
Detroit Lions 37, Cincinnati Bengals 24
The Lions’ high-powered offense continued rolling as Jared Goff threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns against a Bengals defense that appeared unprepared for Detroit’s tempo. Cincinnati’s offense showed signs of life but couldn’t overcome three first-half turnovers.
Lions Grade: A-
Bengals Grade: C
Bengals Grade: C
Washington Commanders 27, Los Angeles Chargers 10
Washington’s defense dominated Justin Herbert, sacking him five times and holding the Chargers to 3.2 yards per carry. The Commanders’ balanced offensive attack controlled possession for 37 minutes, keeping Herbert off the field during crucial stretches.
Commanders Grade: A-
Chargers Grade: D+
Chargers Grade: D+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38, Seattle Seahawks 35 (OT)
In the week’s most entertaining shootout, Baker Mayfield outdueled Geno Smith in overtime, throwing for 385 yards and four touchdowns. The Seahawks’ defense, particularly their secondary, struggled with Tampa’s tempo and Mayfield’s quick decision-making.
Buccaneers Grade: A
Seahawks Grade: B-
Seahawks Grade: B-
Tennessee Titans 22, Arizona Cardinals 21
The Titans escaped with a one-point victory when Cardinals kicker Matt Prater missed a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Tennessee’s defense made crucial adjustments in the second half, limiting Arizona to 127 total yards after halftime.
Titans Grade: B
Cardinals Grade: B-
Cardinals Grade: B-
Denver Broncos 21, Philadelphia Eagles 17
Sean Payton’s Broncos delivered their most complete performance of the season, controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting Jalen Hurts to 182 passing yards. Denver’s running game accumulated 186 yards, keeping Philadelphia’s offense off the field during critical fourth-quarter possessions.
Broncos Grade: A-
Eagles Grade: C+
Eagles Grade: C+
Dallas Cowboys 37, New York Jets 22
Dak Prescott threw for 293 yards and four touchdowns as Dallas’ offense finally found consistency against a Jets defense that had allowed the fewest points in the AFC entering Week 5. New York’s offense showed improvement with Zach Wilson completing 71% of passes, but three turnovers proved costly.
Cowboys Grade: A
Jets Grade: C
Jets Grade: C
Indianapolis Colts 40, Las Vegas Raiders 6
The Colts delivered the week’s most dominant performance, outgaining the Raiders 487-203 while holding Las Vegas to 1.8 yards per carry. Anthony Richardson threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 rushing yards, showcasing the dual-threat ability that made him the first overall pick.
Colts Grade: A+
Raiders Grade: F
Raiders Grade: F
Carolina Panthers 27, Miami Dolphins 24
Bryce Young engineered his first career fourth-quarter comeback, throwing the game-winning touchdown with 1:47 remaining. The Dolphins’ offense, without injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, managed just 268 total yards against Carolina’s improved defense.
Panthers Grade: B+
Dolphins Grade: C
Dolphins Grade: C
New Orleans Saints 26, New York Giants 14
Derek Carr threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns as the Saints’ offense found rhythm against a depleted Giants secondary. New York’s offense managed just 247 total yards and failed to convert any of their four red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
Saints Grade: B+
Giants Grade: D+
Giants Grade: D+
Minnesota Vikings 21, Cleveland Browns 17 (London)
In the NFL’s London game, the Vikings improved to 5-0 behind another efficient performance from Sam Darnold, who threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns dropped to 1-4 despite Deshaun Watson’s return from injury, as Cleveland’s offense managed just 286 total yards.
Vikings Grade: B+
Browns Grade: C-
Browns Grade: C-
San Francisco 49ers 26, Los Angeles Rams 23 (OT) – Thursday
Brock Purdy threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime, as the 49ers overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit. The Rams’ defense, particularly their pass rush, couldn’t contain Purdy during crucial late-game drives.
49ers Grade: A-
Rams Grade: B
Rams Grade: B
Week 5 Takeaways and Trends
The AFC North Meltdown
The Steelers’ bye week couldn’t have come at a better time, as their division rivals combined for an 0-3 record while being outscored 104-51. Baltimore’s historic defensive collapse, Cleveland’s continued offensive struggles, and Cincinnati’s inability to close games have suddenly made Pittsburgh the division favorite despite their 2-2 record.
Rookie Quarterbacks Shining
Week 5 showcased why the 2025 quarterback class was considered generational. Drake Maye (Patriots), Anthony Richardson (Colts), and Bryce Young (Panthers) all led game-winning drives while combining for 712 passing yards and seven touchdowns with just one interception.
Contenders and Pretenders Emerging
The Vikings (5-0) and 49ers (4-1) have established themselves as NFC favorites, while the AFC remains wide open with no team demonstrating consistent dominance. The Ravens’ collapse and Bills’ struggles have created opportunities for teams like the Colts and Patriots to emerge as legitimate playoff contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the Ravens’ defensive struggles fixable this season?
A: The Ravens’ problems appear systemic rather than tactical. Their secondary has been depleted by injuries, and the pass rush hasn’t generated consistent pressure. While some improvement is likely, their current trajectory suggests a lost season unless dramatic changes occur.
Q: Should the Bills be concerned about their 2-3 start?
A: Buffalo’s struggles in close games represent a concerning pattern dating back to last season. With a difficult schedule ahead, including matchups against Kansas City and Philadelphia, the Bills face an uphill battle to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Q: Which 1-4 or 2-3 teams still have realistic playoff chances?
A: Based on remaining strength of schedule and divisional dynamics, the Bengals (1-4) and Broncos (2-3) maintain the best playoff probabilities among struggling teams. Both teams have shown offensive improvement and face relatively weak divisional competition.
Q: How significant is the Steelers’ bye week advantage?
A: Pittsburgh gained substantial ground without playing, as their three division rivals lost by a combined 53 points. With games against the struggling Ravens and Browns approaching, the Steelers control their destiny in the AFC North race.
Looking Ahead to Week 6
Week 6 promises crucial matchups as teams attempt to establish playoff positioning before the season’s midpoint. The Ravens face a must-win situation against the Titans, while the Bills need a victory over the Jets to avoid falling to 2-4. Meanwhile, the undefeated Vikings host the Packers in a pivotal NFC North clash that could establish Minnesota as the conference’s team to beat.
The NFL’s parity has never been more evident, as Week 5 demonstrated that any team can rise or fall on any given Sunday. With four teams at 5-0 and six teams at 1-4, the playoff picture remains fluid, promising an exciting stretch run as the league approaches its midpoint.