Wildest Week Yet in the NFL: Upsets, Comebacks, and Heartbreak
What began under the lights in Los Angeles on Thursday and ended 72 hours later in Buffalo—with a quick stop in London along the way—became the wildest, most unpredictable week of the NFL season.
Eight of the week’s 14 games came down to the wire, featuring dramatic comebacks, stunning upsets, and moments that reminded fans why this league dominates Sunday television. Seven underdogs won outright, two previously winless teams got their first victories, and both of the NFL’s remaining undefeated teams suffered their first losses.
Let’s break down how Week 5 unfolded—game by game.
San Francisco 26, Los Angeles 23 (OT): 49ers Shock the Rams
With half their starters in street clothes, the injury-depleted 49ers somehow gutted out a 26-23 overtime win over their NFC West rival. Quarterback Mac Jones delivered in clutch moments, helping the Niners move to 4-1. The Rams, who fumbled at the 2-yard line with just over a minute to play, still managed to force overtime—but failed on 4th-and-1 to tie the game.
Minnesota 21, Cleveland 17 (London): Wentz Revives Vikings Late
In London, Cleveland led 17-14 and appeared to have the game wrapped up—until a punt that should’ve been downed at the 1-yard line was ruled a touchback. Carson Wentz then engineered an 80-yard drive, finding Jordan Addison with 25 seconds left for the game-winning touchdown.
Carolina 27, Miami 24: Panthers Rise from the Dead
Miami jumped out to a 17-0 lead, but the Panthers clawed back behind Rico Dowdle’s 206 rushing yards and two touchdown passes from Bryce Young. Carolina sealed the comeback with Young’s 4-yard strike to Mitchell Evans in the final two minutes.
New Orleans 26, New York Giants 14: Saints Snap the Skid
The Saints snapped an eight-game losing streak as rookie head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Spencer Rattler both earned their first NFL wins. The Giants self-destructed, committing five turnovers on five straight possessions—something no team had done since 2016.
Denver 21, Philadelphia 17: Mile High Miracle
The Eagles led 17-3 entering the fourth quarter but inexplicably abandoned star running back Saquon Barkley. Denver stormed back, scoring 18 unanswered points. It marked the Broncos’ first win after trailing by 14 or more in the fourth quarter in 113 tries.
Tennessee 22, Arizona 21: A Collapse in the Desert
Arizona blew a 21-3 lead—its third loss this season on a walk-off field goal. A bizarre sequence sealed their fate when a Titans fumble recovery in the end zone turned what could have been a clinching interception into the winning score.
Tampa Bay 38, Seattle 35: Bucs Do It Again
The Buccaneers pulled off their fourth straight late-game win, scoring 10 points in the final 68 seconds. Chase McLaughlin’s 39-yard field goal as time expired capped the comeback after Lavonte David’s clutch interception.
Washington 27, Los Angeles Chargers 10: Scoreboard Doesn’t Tell the Story
The Chargers led early and looked dominant before Quinton Johnston’s fumble and a nullified punt return touchdown turned the game. Washington took advantage, scoring 27 unanswered points.
New England 23, Buffalo 20: The Last Unbeaten Falls
The Patriots shocked Buffalo on Sunday night, handing the Bills their first loss at home since the 2023 playoffs. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye outdueled Josh Allen as New England improved to 3-2—their best start since 2019.
A Week That Defined the Season
From London to L.A. to Orchard Park, Week 5 delivered everything: comebacks, heartbreak, and pure chaos. If this is a sign of what’s to come, the 2025 NFL season might go down as one of the most unpredictable ever.
