Vikings Go 5-0 as Texans Finally Win in Week 5 Early Games
Sunday’s early slate in Week 5 had a little of everything. The Vikings stayed perfect, the Texans finally got into the win column, and the Giants and Commanders played to the NFL’s first tie of the season after a wild overtime finish. Here’s how all seven early-window games played out.
Bengals 31, Dolphins 24
Cincinnati snapped a two-game losing streak behind quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw a season-high four touchdown passes. The highlight came in the third quarter, when Burrow hit receiver Ja’Marr Chase for a spectacular 45-yard touchdown. It was the pair’s 18th touchdown connection of 40-plus yards, the third-most by any duo over the last 40 seasons, trailing only Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison and Steve Young and Jerry Rice. The Bengals head into their bye at 3-2, while the Dolphins fall to 0-5.
Patriots 45, Raiders 17
New England put up its most points in five years and never trailed. Quarterback Drake Maye threw four touchdown passes and ran for another, becoming the first Patriots quarterback with three or more touchdown passes in back-to-back games since Tom Brady in 2018. With the game out of reach, Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, made his NFL debut in the fourth quarter. Both teams are now 3-2.
Vikings 23, Saints 13
Minnesota remained the NFL’s only unbeaten team in the early window, improving to 5-0. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed his first 12 passes, a career-best start, and finished 24 of 30 for 229 yards and a touchdown. Kicker Will Reichard added three more field goals, including a 54-yarder and a 55-yarder, extending his streak to 34 straight makes. The Saints fell to 1-4.
Jets 17, Browns 12
New York’s defense dominated on a rainy afternoon at MetLife Stadium, sacking Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times, the most by any team in a game this season. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey, the No. 2 overall pick, led the way with three sacks, tying a Jets rookie record. The deciding moment came late, when a snap sailed over the Browns punter’s head, setting up running back Braelon Allen’s 22-yard go-ahead touchdown. The Jets improved to 2-3, and the Browns fell to 3-2.
Steelers 34, Colts 22
Running back Jaylen Warren carried Pittsburgh with an 80-yard touchdown catch and a 50-yard touchdown run, becoming the first player since Herschel Walker in 1986 to do both in the same game. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes, passing Peyton Manning for third on the NFL’s all-time list. The Steelers moved to 3-2, while the Colts dropped to 2-3.
Texans 26, Titans 3
Houston finally got its first win of the season in dominant fashion. The Texans’ defense held Tennessee to 187 total yards, with edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. recording three sacks. Houston improved to 1-4, while the Titans remain winless at 0-5.
Giants 27, Commanders 27 (OT)
This one ended in the first tie of the season, and it came with a chaotic finish. Giants running back Cam Skattebo fumbled in field goal range late in overtime, giving Washington one last chance. The Commanders drove into range but had no timeouts left, and they couldn’t get a spike off before time expired, wasting a chance at a game-winning kick. The botched ending overshadowed a strong return from Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who ran for 109 yards and two touchdowns in his first game back from a dislocated elbow. The Giants are now 3-1-1, and Washington is 1-3-1.
Want more NFL coverage? Head to Sports Pass for the latest. And for more stories that keep you informed and entertained, YourLifeBuzz has you covered.