Another week is in the books, and away teams dominated it. Away teams won 10 out of 14 games, and just like that, the league is out of perfect records. Somewhere down in Florida, the ‘72 Dolphins popped the corks again, celebrating the Eagles’ and Bills’ losses and another year as the NFL’s only team to go undefeated and win the Super Bowl. This was the earliest that every team had at least one loss since 2014, when every team had lost by week 4. Eagles and Bills fans, I wouldn’t panic yet. Since 2000, 94% of the last unbeaten teams have made the playoffs.
The Cardinals Crash
Along with some first losses, we saw the Titans and Saints get their first wins of the season, thanks to some sloppy play from their opponent. The Cardinals basically handed the Titans their win because of two crazy turnovers in the fourth quarter. The first was by running back Emari Demarcado, who ran 72 yards just to drop the ball early before crossing the goal line, turning a long touchdown into a touchback for the Titans. The second was one of the wilder sequences you’ll ever see as Titans QB Cam Ward threw an interception that was then fumbled on the return, kicked into the end zone, and then somehow recovered by Titans WR Tyler Lockett for a touchdown. The Titans would go on to put the Cardinals out of their misery with a game-winning field goal as time expired.
Keeping Up With the Joneses
Keeping up with the Joneses never felt more literal with Mac Jones and Daniel Jones bringing their teams to 4-1 on the season. Both joined new teams as presumed backups, but have found themselves putting the league on notice. Mac is 3-0 and averaging over 300 passing yards per game as the injured Brock Purdy’s replacement, and Daniel beat out Anthony Richardson Sr. in camp and is now averaging over 250 passing yards per game and has nine total touchdowns to show for it. Maybe a change of scenery was all that was needed for them.
Rookie Risers
Did you have Mike Evans or Austin Ekeler on your fantasy team? If you did, I hope you also took the rookie behind them. Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka and Commanders RB Bill Croskey Merritt shone in the week 5 spotlight, taking advantage of their increased playing time due to team injuries. Egbuka posted career highs with 7 receptions and 163 yards along with a touchdown in a big road win over the Seahawks, claiming Baker's WR1 spot. Croskey Merritt was not far behind him with 14 carries for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, all career bests, leading the Commanders to a road win against the Chargers.