NFL Week 5: Top questions, takeaways for every game

Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season began on Thursday night with an overtime victory for the Atlanta Falcons over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The first of three consecutive games in London began on Sunday morning. The Minnesota Vikings remained undefeated as they defeated Aaron Rodgers – the ninth QB to throw for 60,000 yards – and the New York Jets.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to the action, answered lingering questions about each game and explained in detail everything else you need to know about each team. Let's get down to business.

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Vikings

Is this a perfect start for the Vikings? Definitely, despite the drama of the second half. According to ESPN's Football Power Index, the Vikings enter Week 6 undefeated, just two shy of their projected win total (6.8). In London they proved they have plenty of ways to get a game over the line, a key attribute for any team hoping for good playoff success. In the worst game of quarterback Sam Darnold's short tenure at Minnesota and after losing running back Aaron Jones (hip) in the first half, the Vikings scored a defensive touchdown and beat Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers three times, ending his career in one single game finished high.

Describe the game in two words: Wild day. Rookie place kicker Will Reichard had a perfect day in a wild day for special teams. The Vikings might not have won if Reichard hadn't converted from 54, 53 and 41 yards. He is 9-for-9 on field goals and 16-16 on extra points this season.

Most surprising performance: Darnold. He delivered by far his worst performance since signing with the Vikings this offseason, missing a number of open receivers and throwing more incompletions (17) than completions (14) for the first time in 2024. But as he has done all season, he made some crucial throws in the fourth quarter, hitting receiver Justin Jefferson for 25 yards and tight end Johnny Mundt for 20 yards to set up the Vikings' final field goal. – Kevin Seifert

Next game: vs. Lions (October 20, 1 p.m. ET)

Jets

Can the Jets save their season by trading for WR Davante Adams? It would make Aaron Rodgers happy, and they could use a partner for Garrett Wilson on the perimeter. Wilson (13 catches for 101 yards) got out of his slow start, but Rodgers didn't get much help from Allen Lazard (three drops) or Mike Williams (two catches for 25 yards), who was invisible. Adams would help with that. But Rodgers also needs to play better. He threw three interceptions, including two in the first quarter – a first in his career. That included a pick-six that put the Jets in a 17-0 hole. The pass protection was shaky as Rodgers (29 of 54 for 244 yards) took a hit. He's shown his toughness, but the Jets need more than that to turn their season around.

Biggest gap in the game plan: No rushing attack. Again. Breece Hall was in dire straits and was held to 23 yards on nine carries. That's 27 yards on 19 carries in the last two games. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett gave up on the running game when it would have made sense to give rookie Braelon Allen more opportunities. The plan at the start of the season was to run the offense through Hall, but there is nothing there that would weigh on Rodgers and the passing attack. Hackett's hasty plan lacks creativity; it's so predictable.

Most surprising performance: The Jets defense. They looked terrible in the first quarter; it looked like one of those days. But they flipped the script. Playing without nickelback Michael Carter – who suffered a hamstring injury before the game – and without cornerback Sauce Gardner for a quarter, the Jets held the Vikings to two field goals in the second half. Good defense, inconsistent attack. Does this sound familiar? — Rich Cimini

Next game: vs. Bills (Monday, 8:25 p.m. ET)

Hawks

Is Atlanta's offensive performance sustainable? Probably not as successful as against Tampa Bay, but it could be close. The Bucs were without All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and making some deep plays in the passing game makes a difference when you're missing your best player on the back end. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​​​looks healthy and said he feels more predictive with his throws, which means he's starting to find a rhythm with Drake London, Kyle Pitts & Co. The more that happens, the more fluid the offense should be, which will lead to more nights like Thursday (but probably not lead to 550 offensive yards).

Describe the game in two words: Change in momentum. Had the Falcons lost — and had a 93 percent chance of winning with 22 seconds leaving Tampa Bay — they would be 2-3 and possibly two games behind Tampa based on tiebreakers. Now the Falcons are atop the division based on the tiebreaker, believing in what the offense can do after a 550-yard day.

Biggest gap in the game plan: Atlanta still can't get to quarterbacks. The Falcons had a sack and it was their only quarterback hit of the game. Atlanta's five sacks this season are tied for last in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference, its pressure percentage entering Sunday was second-worst at 14.4, ahead of only Carolina, and its rush percentage (3.4) was only better than Arizona and Cincinnati. –Mike Rothstein

Next game: on Panthers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

privateer

What is the Bucs' growing injury situation? Last week, 14 players were on the injury report. Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) returned to practice Friday but was limited. He would allow the Bucs to use more dime packages and have more speed. It's unclear when right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) will return. Goedeke was a full participant two weeks ago but has been on a limited basis since then, and Kancey has yet to practice. Coach Todd Bowles said it's unclear how much of a security concern Jordan Whitehead's groin injury is – he's one of their best communicators.

Describe the game in two words: Missed opportunities. With Tampa leading 30-27, the Bucs' Tavierre Thomas blocked a field goal attempt with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter, but Bucky Irving failed to score on the ensuing possession. With 1:52 left, Tampa's Lavonte David intercepted a pass and brought the Bucs to the Falcons' 28 yards. But Tampa couldn't get a first down on the following drive, actually losing 14 yards and having to punt.

Amazing statistics: The Bucs gave up 121 yards after initial contact, which is one of the strongest indicators of missed tackles. It was the fifth-most yards allowed after first contact in a game since 2020. It should be noted that they gave up 122 in Week 3 against the Broncos. – Jenna Laine

Next game: at Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)