NFL 2023 Week 5: Biggest questions, risers and takeaways

Week 5 of the NFL season acquired began Thursday evening with a Chicago Bears breakout, as Justin Fields threw 4 landing passes and the Bears acquired their first win, beating the Washington Commanders.

On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ protection slowed the high-flying Buffalo Bills offense sufficient to win in London. Again in the USA, the Detroit Lions rolled to 4-1, the New Orleans Saints shut out the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ protection shined brightly within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Cincinnati Bengals‘ offense discovered its rhythm in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals, and the Philadelphia Eagles remained undefeated after beating the Los Angeles Rams.

On Sunday evening, the San Francisco 49ers routed the Dallas Cowboys, as Brock Purdy and George Kittle related for a trio of touchdowns.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and choosing out who — or what — is rising and falling for each group. Let’s get to it.

Bounce to a matchup:
CHI-WSH | JAX-BUF | HOU-ATL | CAR-DET
TEN-IND | NYG-MIA | NO-NE | BAL-PIT
PHI-LAR | CIN-ARI | NYJ-DEN | KC-MIN | DAL-SF

49ers

When will the 49ers lose a sport? It is too early to begin speaking undefeated season, however the Niners’ demolition of Dallas was a convincing warning that it should take a particular effort to beat them. With quarterback Brock Purdy on the controls of an offense loaded with expertise and a stingy protection that had its finest efficiency of the season, the Niners have gained 15 straight regular-season video games (tied for the franchise report). There isn’t a apparent potential loss on this schedule till late November, if in any respect.

Fill up after the win: LB Fred Warner. It is exhausting to enhance on being the perfect participant at your place within the league, but it surely’s value tipping the cap to Warner for his virtuoso efficiency Sunday evening when he grew to become the primary Niner since NaVorro Bowman in 2013 to publish a sack, an interception and a pressured fumble in the identical sport.

Inventory down after the win: LG Aaron Banks‘ biceps. It is actually nitpicking to search out a lot mistaken with this efficiency, however Banks suffered a biceps harm that stored him out all the second half. — Nick Wagoner

Subsequent sport: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Cowboys

How huge is the hole between the Cowboys and 49ers now? The Niners did no matter they needed in opposition to a Dallas protection that was permitting 10.3 factors per sport. The Cowboys’ offense seemed worse than it seemed within the 19-12 January playoff loss to San Francisco. The excellent news? The Cowboys will not see the 49ers once more till the playoffs — in the event that they make it. They get two cracks on the equally undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, however there seems to be a niche between the highest two groups within the NFC and all people else, particularly after the embarrassment that was Sunday.

Fill up after the loss: The climate was actually good for a soccer sport. Cooler temperatures. Just a little breeze. Grass subject. Oh, you needed a participant? Possibly Johnathan Hankins. The defensive sort out had two move deflections within the first half. Possibly.

Inventory down after the loss: QB Dak Prescott. He had two interceptions within the playoff loss and three extra Sunday — the third three-interception sport of his profession. In 11 possessions with Prescott, the Cowboys managed one landing, one subject purpose, three interceptions and 9 drives that have been three performs or fewer. — Todd Archer

Subsequent sport: at Chargers (Monday, Oct. 16, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Chiefs

Has Travis Kelce‘s worth to the Chiefs ever been extra evident? No. Kelce has had some huge video games and big moments. However he virtually willed the Chiefs to a landing within the third quarter after returning to the sport following an ankle harm. His leaping 14-yard seize on third down allowed the Chiefs to proceed the drive early. He caught two extra passes on the drive, together with the landing that put them forward 27-13.

Fill up after the win: WR Rashee Rice. Rice caught two passes on the opening drive of the third quarter, one for a landing, whereas Kelce was out of the sport with the harm. Rice, a rookie, has dropped too many passes this season, but when he can lose that behavior, he’ll turn into a much bigger issue within the Chiefs’ passing sport.

Inventory down after the win: Defensive and particular groups. The Chiefs dedicated 4 penalties for 36 yards on one Vikings drive within the first half, giving their opponents a subject purpose. The Vikings additionally acquired a 15-yard enhance on one other first-half drive when rookie Nic Jones interfered with a punt catch. That led to Minnesota’s solely TD of the half. — Adam Teicher

Subsequent sport: vs. Broncos (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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Vikings

Is it time for the Vikings to begin planning for 2024? At 1-4, let’s simply say the chances are in opposition to them making the playoffs. Since 1990, 161 groups have began 1-4. Of these, 150 missed the postseason. That is a 7% hit charge, which means that the Vikings’ “aggressive rebuild” would possibly get accelerated within the coming weeks, regardless of all 4 losses being by one rating. Within the quick time period, the Vikings may need to push ahead with out receiver Justin Jefferson, who did not return after struggling a proper hamstring harm.

Fill up after the loss: WR Jordan Addison. The rookie caught a career-high six passes for 64 yards on 9 targets, together with a 5-yard landing within the second quarter and a key fourth-down conversion within the fourth quarter.

Inventory down after the loss: First-possession offense. The Vikings dedicated a turnover on their first possession in opposition to the Chiefs. It was the third consecutive sport by which they’ve performed so. On Sunday, it was a fumble by TE Josh Oliver that in the end grew to become a key play contemplating the Chiefs gained the sport by one rating. — Kevin Seifert

Subsequent sport: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Jets

Ought to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett purchase Breece Corridor a steak dinner? Completely. Come to think about it, everybody on the Jets ought to deal with Breece Hall to no matter he desires. With the Jets sputtering in an unsightly sport, Corridor lifted all the group with a profession efficiency — 22 rushes for 177 yards, together with a 72-yard landing that modified the sport. Enjoying on the identical subject the place he suffered a season-ending knee harm in 2022, Corridor changed that horrible reminiscence with a spotlight movie and helped Hackett have the final chuckle after coach Sean Payton maligned him earlier than the season.

Fill up after the win: LB Quincy Williams. He made the defensive play of the day, with a strip-sack that resulted in a scoop and rating for CB Bryce Hall with 29 seconds left. Williams, who had two sacks, is having a profession 12 months.

Inventory down after the win: QB Zach Wilson. He threw a late interception and mismanaged the clock on the finish of the primary half, costing his group a brief subject purpose strive. This was a step again after final week’s profession day, though he had a late turnover that day, as effectively. — Wealthy Cimini

Subsequent sport: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

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Broncos

Why is there cause to fret about Denver’s run protection? The Jets’ scoop-and-score fumble return within the closing seconds sealed the win, however the Broncos’ run protection set that messy desk lengthy earlier than. After holding the Raiders to 61 yards speeding within the season opener, Denver’s rush protection has given up 122, 350, 171 and 234 yards. Upcoming opponents such because the Chiefs, Packers and Payments will drive the Broncos to defend the run out of their nickel bundle, and that has been a major bother spot.

Fill up after the loss: RB Jaleel McLaughlin. He had 63 yards of offense and a landing the primary 4 instances he touched the ball. The Broncos moved away from him, or seemingly put him in a extra conventional between-the-tackles look as the sport progressed, which does not play to his strengths, however he continues to flash the sort of quick-strike functionality the group has not been in a position to produce typically sufficient.

Inventory down after the loss: WR Marvin Mims Jr. An early bobble on a first-quarter punt appeared to derail him for the afternoon. He completed with one catch and was a part of a nasty trade with RB Samaje Perine that resulted in one other turnover. — Jeff Legwold

Subsequent sport: at Chiefs (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Bengals

Is Joe Burrow again? Sure. Completely. Not solely did Burrow have his finest passing sport since he suffered his calf harm, finishing 36 of 46 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns, however the mobility he lacked via the primary 4 video games was very current in opposition to the Cardinals. Burrow had back-to-back scrambles for positive factors, one thing that was sorely missing within the first 4 video games. However his motion was on full show on an 11-yard landing move to WR Ja’Marr Chase within the fourth quarter. He held the ball for 4.8 seconds, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, shopping for time till Chase streaked open.

Fill up after the win: Chase. He had three touchdowns Sunday after coming into the week with zero and set the Bengals’ report for many catches in franchise historical past, ending the sport with 15 receptions for 192 yards.

Inventory down after the win: Run protection. Cincinnati was gashed for large performs on the bottom, which has turn into a typical theme this season and is a serious situation. WR Rondale Moore had a 41-yard run for the Cardinals and RB James Conner had a 35-yard rush. — Ben Child

Subsequent sport: vs. Seahawks (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Cardinals

What is going to it take for the Cardinals to maneuver from being aggressive to getting wins? The Cardinals have competed exhausting, if nothing else, this season, staying in video games till late. On Sunday, as was the case final week in San Francisco, they acquired down early, mounted a comeback however could not place themselves for a win. Arizona has advanced since its Week 2 meltdown in opposition to the Giants. However getting off to a sooner begin Sunday would have prevented the Cardinals from taking place 10-0 within the first quarter after which having to play catch-up. It got here all the way down to small errors — a missed PAT, a pick-six within the shadows of their very own purpose posts, passes that sailed. Repair these and the Cardinals would possibly be capable of flip shut video games into wins.

Fill up after the loss: Run sport. The Cardinals had 142 of their 294 whole yards on the bottom, highlighted by Moore’s 41-yard run and rookie RB Emari Demercado ending with 45 yards and a landing instead of an injured Conner.

Inventory down after the loss: Depth chart. Arizona took a success with two main accidents, one to Conner, who suffered a knee harm and did not return, and one other to security Jalen Thompson, who suffered a hamstring harm and in addition was misplaced for the day. — Josh Weinfuss

Subsequent sport: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Eagles

Has Jalen Hurts regained his MVP kind? It appears to be like that manner. Hurts amassed practically 400 yards of offense and set a season excessive in speeding yards. He grew to become simply the fourth participant in NFL historical past with 50 move touchdowns and 25 rush TDs in his first 50 NFL video games, becoming a member of Daunte Culpepper, Cam Newton and Josh Allen. Hurts performed effectively via the primary 4 weeks, however together with his operating sport taking off in opposition to Los Angeles, he went to a different degree, paying homage to his 2022 marketing campaign.

Fill up after the win: TE Dallas Goedert. He entered Week 5 with simply 88 receiving yards however erupted for eight catches for 117 yards and caught his first landing of the season. One imperfection for the Eagles over the primary quarter of the season has been pink zone effectivity — they got here in ranked twenty fourth at 46%. Feeding Goedert contained in the 20-yard line may assist that trigger, because it did Sunday.

Inventory down after the win: Go protection. Philly entered the sport ranked thirtieth in passing touchdowns allowed (9) and yielded two extra in opposition to the Rams. Slot nook stays a problem. The Eagles tried three totally different gamers at nickel Sunday — Mario Goodrich, Eli Ricks and the newly acquired Bradley Roby — and struggled to include Cooper Kupp & Co. — Tim McManus

Subsequent sport: at Jets (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

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Rams

Did the return of Kupp ship because the Rams anticipated? The Rams offense struggled in opposition to a now-5-0 Eagles group, however Kupp’s return confirmed the potential for an offense led by him and rookie WR Puka Nacua. QB Matthew Stafford went to Kupp early and infrequently; his 95 yards within the first half have been his most in a primary half in his final 19 video games performed, in response to ESPN Stats & Data. Kupp completed with 118 yards on eight catches. However Sean McVay and Stafford nonetheless concerned Nacua, who had seven catches for 71 yards.

Fill up after the loss: CB Ahkello Witherspoon. The veteran had a takeaway for the third straight sport. His decide Sunday was simply the third time Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has been intercepted when focusing on WR A.J. Brown for the reason that begin of final season (together with the playoffs).

Inventory down after the loss: Third-down protection. The Rams struggled to get off the sector in opposition to the Eagles on third down, particularly hampered by an incapacity to wrap up Hurts, who ran for 72 yards and a landing on 15 carries. The Eagles have been 13-for-18 on third down. — Sarah Barshop

Subsequent sport: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Lions

Have the Lions upgraded at operating again with David Montgomery as RB1? With Jahmyr Gibbs out with a hamstring harm, Montgomery continued to hold the load with 109 yards on 19 carries. His speeding landing on Sunday offers him six in his first 4 video games. Former Lions RB Jamaal Williams set the franchise mark with 17 speeding touchdowns final season, with most approaching the purpose line, however Montgomery has displayed a capability to do extra. He scored a 42-yard landing within the first quarter, which was the second longest of his profession.

Fill up after the win: TE Sam LaPorta. The rookie is proving to be a steal by GM Brad Holmes, scoring two touchdowns Sunday. His early reference to quarterback Jared Goff has made him an on the spot contributor for the offense. LaPorta’s 25 receptions in his first 5 video games are the third most for a good finish since 1950, becoming a member of Keith Jackson (29 in 1988) and Jordan Reed (26 in 2013).

Inventory down after the win: Third-down offense. There wasn’t a lot to nitpick after a whole win on each side of the ball. However the offense was simply 4-for-9 on third downs in opposition to the Panthers. After 5 video games, the Lions’ 39.4% conversion charge ranks sixteenth within the NFL; it is one of many uncommon classes by which the Lions’ offense is not among the many league’s finest. — Eric Woodyard

Subsequent sport: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

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Panthers

Ought to the Panthers sit Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton? Younger’s turnovers are hurting the Panthers, who’ve given up 45 factors off turnovers this season. Of these, 31 got here immediately after a Younger fumble or interception, together with 14 within the first half in opposition to the Lions. Essentially the most environment friendly the offense has been was in Week 3 vs. Seattle, when veteran backup Dalton began instead of an injured Younger. The Seahawks had zero factors off turnovers. Younger is the long-term reply, however Dalton stands out as the short-term answer for this 0-5 group because it appears to be like for an id.

Fill up after the loss: Laviska Shenault Jr. The Panthers have been attempting to determine whether or not he is finest at large receiver or operating again. They appeared to tip their hand Sunday, giving the 2020 second-round decide (by the Jaguars) 5 rushes for 27 yards.

Inventory down after the loss: RB Miles Sanders. He acquired a four-year, $25.4 million deal to be Carolina’s lead again and take the stress off Bryce Young as a runner and receiver. He got here into Sunday’s sport averaging 2.9 yards per carry, and in opposition to the Lions he had solely 32 yards speeding and a fumble that led to a Lions landing. — David Newton

Subsequent sport: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Falcons

Is Kyle Pitts‘ season breakout what jolted Ridder’s finest day as a professional? After every week filled with questions on job safety, quarterback Desmond Ridder responded together with his finest sport as a professional, finishing 28 of 37 passes for 329 yards and a landing whereas speeding as soon as for a 7-yard landing and finishing his second fourth-quarter comeback this season. It is his first sport over 250 yards passing as a professional. A whole lot of it needed to do with the reemergence of the tight finish, who had his most receptions (seven for 87 yards) since his rookie 12 months in 2021. This Ridder-Pitts connection is what Atlanta had been searching for.

Fill up after the win: DC Ryan Nielsen. Atlanta’s protection has persistently performed sufficient to win, permitting one landing per sport over the previous two weeks and stored the Falcons in video games whereas the offense has needed to type out its points.

Inventory down after the win: RB Cordarrelle Patterson. It is seemingly the Falcons will say Patterson continues to be working his manner again into the lineup, however he is been an offensive nonfactor his first two weeks, with a handful of mixed snaps and one catch for 7 yards. — Michael Rothstein

Subsequent sport: vs. Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Texans

Will the Texans’ scoring woes turn into a pattern? Although quarterback C.J. Stroud threw the go-ahead landing move to tight finish Dalton Schultz, the passing assault was inconsistent. The Texans’ passing offense was buzzing over the previous three weeks — rating fourth in passing yards per sport (281) coming into the matchup. However Stroud went 20 of 35 for 249 yards with a landing, and the offense scored solely 19 factors — with 4 drives ending in subject targets.

Fill up after the loss: Schultz. The tight finish had his finest sport as a Texan with seven catches for 65 yards, a season excessive, with a landing.

Inventory down after the loss: Go protection. Coming into the matchup, the Falcons’ passing offense averaged an NFL-worst 156 yards per sport, and it was in a position to throw for 351 yards Sunday. — DJ Bien-Aime

Subsequent sport: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

Has the emergence of De’Von Achane turned the Dolphins right into a run-first offense? The rookie did it once more, handing over his third straight 100-yard speeding efficiency, highlighted by a 76-yard dash to the top zone — his fifth landing of the season. Achane completed with 151 yards on 11 carries, paving the best way for a 222-yard day for the Dolphins on the bottom. Raheem Mostert was no slouch, both, with 65 yards and a landing on 10 carries. Miami nonetheless tore up the Giants’ protection via the air to the tune of 302 yards, but when Achane and Mostert are going to proceed to run the ball this successfully, Miami has to experience that till the wheels fall off.

Fill up after the win: Large-play offense. We knew they have been quick coming into the season, however the Dolphins at the moment are accountable for the seven quickest ball-carrier speeds within the NFL this season, together with a brand new prime total velocity courtesy of Tyreek Hill (22.01 mph).

Inventory down after the win: QB Tua Tagovailoa. It wasn’t his sharpest day, throwing a pair of interceptions. Whereas 233 of his 302 passing yards got here after the catch, it says quite a bit {that a} 300-yard, two-touchdown sport is now thought of a “down” efficiency for the fourth-year quarterback. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Subsequent sport: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Giants

When is that this offense going to indicate some competency? Sunday evening in Buffalo is not a really perfect spot for a 1-4 group, even when there’s a likelihood that operating again Saquon Barkley (ankle) and left sort out Andrew Thomas (hamstring) return. Now the Giants additionally should cope with the uncertainty of quarterback Daniel Jones (neck). It could be no less than one other couple of weeks earlier than the Giants can get their offensive line to be practical. Giants quarterbacks have been sacked seven instances on Sunday, and the offense didn’t rating a landing for the second straight sport.

Fill up after the loss: The protection. The Giants’ protection was their finest offense Sunday. They gave up some huge performs and 31 factors to an explosive Miami offense, however in addition they had three turnovers, together with Jason Pinnock‘s 102-yard pick-six.

Inventory down after the loss: S Isaiah Simmons. The 2020 top-10 decide, acquired by the Giants through commerce final month, began within the place of Micah McFadden (ankle) at linebacker however didn’t make a major influence. He simply wasn’t in a position to shed blockers with any regularity. — Jordan Raanan

Subsequent sport: at Payments (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Steelers

Is Kenny Pickett again on monitor? After struggling for 3 quarters, Kenny Pickett discovered George Pickens with a 41-yard landing move to slide previous the Ravens for a large AFC North win. Pickett had hit Pickens two performs earlier on a wonderfully positioned back-shoulder throw for a 21-yard achieve to arrange the landing. That was his third profession go-ahead landing move within the ultimate two minutes of regulation, probably the most of any participant for the reason that begin of final season. Pickett has been shaky via the primary month of the season, however coming into the bye week, this offers the Steelers and their quarterback a major enhance.

Fill up after the win: Inside linebackers. This group was accountable for the largest hits of the afternoon, together with two third-down stops within the fourth quarter by Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Plus, Kwon Alexander had a sack and two tackles for loss — together with a key sort out for loss within the fourth quarter that led to a security two performs later.

Inventory down after the win: TE Gunner Olszewski. With Calvin Austin III hampered by an harm, Olszewski took up return duties and had a large fumble within the second half. Joey Porter Jr.’s first profession interception stored factors off the board, however Olszewski’s fumble comes after one other error within the first week of the season. — Brooke Pryor

Subsequent sport: at Rams (Sunday, Oct. 22, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Ravens

How huge of a collapse was this for the Ravens? Baltimore went from seizing management of the division — over an 80% projected favourite, in response to ESPN Analytics — to falling right into a first-place tie with Pittsburgh and respiratory life into its greatest rival. If the Ravens had gained, they might have swept all three of their AFC North highway video games for the third time in franchise historical past. As an alternative, Baltimore let Sunday’s sport slip away with a Lamar Jackson interception in the long run zone, 5 dropped passes, its ninth fumble of the season and a blocked punt. Now the Ravens head to London, the location of their greatest margin of defeat underneath coach John Harbaugh.

Fill up after the loss: LB Roquan Smith. In 15 video games with Smith, Baltimore has allowed an NFL-best 13.8 factors per sport. The Ravens’ protection hadn’t allowed a landing in 9 straight quarters earlier than that 41-yard landing catch by George Pickens.

Inventory down after the loss: QB Lamar Jackson. Errors proceed to hang-out Jackson, who threw an interception and fumbled within the fourth quarter. This was Jackson’s fourth interception in the long run zone of his profession and seventh fumble of the season. — Jamison Hensley

Subsequent sport: vs. Titans in London (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)

Saints

Can the Saints maintain their offensive success? The Saints have not had any momentum on offense relationship again to final season, they usually acquired their share of criticism after scoring solely 9 factors in a loss to the Buccaneers final week. The Saints did what they’ve needed to do all season: set up the run sport and unfold the ball round. Now they want to determine a approach to preserve it going subsequent week in opposition to the Houston Texans … and past.

Fill up after the win: Offensive playmakers. Foster Moreau, Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave scored their first TDs of the season, Michael Thomas had a season-best in receiving yards and the Saints (offense and protection) hit the 30-point mark for the primary time since Oct. 20, 2022.

Inventory down after the win: TE Jimmy Graham. There admittedly weren’t many choices right here following the Saints’ finest sport of the season, however Graham could not haul in his solely move from Derek Carr in what seemingly would have resulted in a primary down. — Katherine Terrell

Subsequent sport: at Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Patriots

How for much longer will Invoice Belichick stick to QB Mac Jones? Jones was coming off a nightmare efficiency in Week 4 in opposition to the Cowboys, and it solely acquired worse in opposition to the Saints. He ought to have taken a sack within the first quarter however as a substitute pressured a fluttering move underneath stress that was returned for a pick-six by Tyrann Mathieu. It was all downhill from there. Sure, the OL is struggling. And sure, the pass-catchers wrestle to realize separation persistently. However Jones’ decision-making in that state of affairs highlights one of many main points holding again the offense — turnovers that flip into factors for the opposition. Backups Bailey Zappe (who changed Jones within the fourth quarter) or Will Grier may not be an improve, however Jones’ slide the previous two weeks is a serious concern.

Fill up after the loss: Demario Douglas. The rookie receiver nicknamed Pop supplied the one pop for the group’s offense with a 24-yard catch within the first quarter — he is a promising prospect who must be a part of the answer when he returns from concussion protocol.

Inventory down after the loss: Invoice Belichick. When a group reveals no spark at dwelling coming off a blowout loss on the highway, it displays poorly on the pinnacle coach. — Mike Reiss

Subsequent sport: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Colts

Ought to the Colts rethink their utilization of Anthony Richardson? The Colts drafted the quarterback with the intent of utilizing him as a runner and passer to totally make the most of his distinctive ability set. However contemplating his newest harm — he left the sport with an injured proper shoulder and didn’t return — the Colts may need to rethink how they deploy their franchise quarterback. The Colts ranked fourth within the NFL in designed quarterback runs coming into Week 5, and Richardson’s harm on Sunday got here — you guessed it — on a designed quarterback run.

Fill up after the win: The offensive line. The unit was subjected to heavy criticism final season, however this group has bounced again to bolster a surprisingly productive operating sport. On Sunday, operating again Zack Moss was the benefactor, operating for a career-high 165 yards and two touchdowns.

Inventory down after the win: The sting rushers. They’d been productive in earlier weeks, however the group — led by defensive finish Samson Ebukam — was rendered ineffective in opposition to the move Sunday. The Colts completed with one sack, permitting Titans QB Ryan Tannehill ample time to persistently throw down the sector. — Stephen Holder

Subsequent sport: at Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Titans

What occurred to the Titans’ pink zone offense? Getting into Sunday, the Titans’ pink zone scoring proportion was 38.4, rating twenty ninth within the NFL. Tennessee’s pink zone woes continued in opposition to the Colts, because the Titans cashed in on solely one in all their 4 visits contained in the 20. They have to discover methods to get receiver DeAndre Hopkins concerned within the pink zone, particularly on a day when he lastly acquired free and made a mark elsewhere on the sector. The Titans preserve discovering themselves in close-scoring video games, which makes scoring touchdowns within the pink zone important.

Fill up after the loss: Hopkins. The receiver was nearly unstoppable in opposition to the Colts as he posted eight receptions for 148 yards, marking the primary 100-yard receiving efficiency by a Titans wideout since Week 11 final season.

Inventory down after the loss: Kristian Fulton. The cornerback struggled mightily on a number of performs, beginning with a blown protection in zone protection, then a pair of move interference penalties, and at last, he acquired circled on one other play by a Colts receiver. — Turron Davenport

Subsequent sport: vs. Ravens in London (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)

Jaguars

After a tough begin, is that this victory an indication the Jaguars are going to be an element within the AFC in any case? QB Trevor Lawrence has mentioned a number of instances that you simply’re measured by what you do in opposition to the league’s finest groups. The Jaguars failed in opposition to Kansas Metropolis in Week 2, however in opposition to the Payments — one of many hottest groups within the NFL — the Jaguars dominated time of possession, yardage and third downs. So by Lawrence’s measure, the reply is sure. There are nonetheless issues — particularly alongside the offensive line — however the Jaguars now have a important tiebreaker over the Payments with regards to playoff seeding.

Fill up after the win: Defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell. The Payments averaged 41 factors of their earlier three video games, however Caldwell referred to as maybe his finest sport of the previous two seasons by being aggressive. The Jaguars blitzed Josh Allen on 32% of his dropbacks (12 of 37) and Allen accomplished simply 4 of 11 passes for 41 yards on these performs.

Inventory down after the win: The offensive line. It continues to be a serious situation, with penalties by Anton Harrison (two) and Brandon Scherff, a nasty snap by Luke Fortner, and whiffs by Cam Robinson that stalled drives, stole factors and resulted in turnovers. — Mike DiRocco

Subsequent sport: vs. Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Payments

Was this offensive efficiency a one-off or one thing that might be a problem going ahead? There’s cause for concern, however not alarm. Jet lag is not accountable for a Payments offense (which had scored 37 or extra factors within the earlier three video games) being held to twenty factors. The Payments gave up on the operating sport, ending with solely 13 carries for 29 yards. Quarterback Josh Allen additionally struggled with stress, leading to an incapacity to maintain lengthy drives. It is nothing that may’t be corrected, however a scarcity of steadiness cannot turn into a theme.

Fill up after the loss: AJ Epenesa. With the Payments coping with a number of accidents at defensive finish, Epenesa stepped up with a strip sack and fumble restoration, two whole sacks, three tackles and three batted passes — turning into the primary participant since J.J. Watt in 2014 to have two sacks and three batted passes in a sport.

Inventory down after the loss: The linebacking corps. The Payments misplaced Matt Milano to a knee harm within the first quarter. The protection allowed Jacksonville to march up and down the sector, dominate time of possession and rush for over 150 yards. — Alaina Getzenberg

Subsequent sport: vs. Giants (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Thursday

Bears

Will the Bears commit their offensive id round DJ Moore? Justin Fields has appeared his most snug when focusing on Moore, who accounted for 230 receiving yards and three touchdowns in opposition to Washington. The large receiver’s 141 yards after the catch accounted for half of Fields’ passing yardage, and the quarterback has seemed extra polished as a passer within the Bears’ previous two video games. Fields identified how typically he noticed Moore one-on-one with a Washington defender, which ought to change in opposition to higher defenses. How Fields adjusts to these adjustments will converse to the path of the offense.

Fill up after the win: Teven Jenkins. The Bears left guard was activated off injured reserve hours earlier than Chicago’s win and stored Washington’s stout DT duo in verify whereas enjoying on a snap depend.

Inventory down after the win: The operating backs. Chicago was all the way down to fullback Khari Blasingame in opposition to the Commanders after dropping Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer due to in-game accidents. — Courtney Cronin

Subsequent sport: at Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Commanders

After such an unsightly loss, the place’s the hope? Quarterback Sam Howell has performed two productive video games in a row, throwing for a mixed 678 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He has posted a 79.4 quarterback score previously two video games mixed on third downs. If the protection ever will get circled, Washington can achieve momentum. After 5 video games final season, the protection ranked twenty fifth in factors and seventeenth in yards; it completed seventh and third, respectively. With out one other turnaround, jobs might be misplaced.

Fill up after the loss: DE Chase Young. Whereas the protection normally has struggled, Younger had a season-high 36.4 p.c move rush win charge vs. Chicago, and he now has three sacks in 4 video games.

Inventory down after the loss: The protection. Washington surrendered 5 performs of 25 yards or extra in opposition to Chicago, giving the Commanders an NFL-high 16 such performs for the season. The secondary’s consideration to element has been poor; rookie nook Emmanuel Forbes has struggled mightily and all the unit has failed to supply huge performs (one takeaway previously three video games mixed). — John Keim

Subsequent sport: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)