The National Football League has been active both on and off the field during Week 5, with significant trades, fines, and announcements regarding international expansion.
**Cincinnati Bengals Acquire Veteran Quarterback Joe Flacco**
In a strategic move to bolster their quarterback depth, the Cincinnati Bengals have acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns. The trade, which is pending a physical examination, also includes a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Bengals sending a fifth-round pick to the Browns in return. This decision comes after the Bengals' backup quarterback, Jake Browning, struggled with six touchdowns and eight interceptions, contributing to a three-game losing streak for the team. Flacco, 40, brings extensive experience to the Bengals, having previously played for the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Indianapolis Colts. Notably, he was named Super Bowl MVP in 2012. The Bengals are expected to start Flacco in their upcoming Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers.
**Dallas Cowboys Owner Fined for Obscene Gesture**
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been fined $250,000 by the NFL for making an obscene gesture toward fans at MetLife Stadium during the Cowboys' 37-22 victory over the New York Jets. The incident occurred late in the game following quarterback Dak Prescott's fourth touchdown pass. Jones claimed the gesture was accidental, intended as a "thumbs up" directed at Cowboys fans, not Jets fans, and described the incident as part of a celebratory moment. He is considering appealing the fine and has until Friday to decide.
**NFL Confirms Return to Mexico City in 2026**
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that the league will return to Mexico City in 2026, with games scheduled at Estadio Azteca. This announcement marks the first official timeline since the stadium was closed for renovations to meet FIFA standards for the 2026 World Cup. The NFL had paused its games in Mexico due to construction that started after the 2022 season, with the last game there being a Monday Night Football matchup where the San Francisco 49ers beat the Arizona Cardinals. Established as a venue for NFL games since 2005—the first regular-season game held outside the U.S.—Estadio Azteca has held multiple games over the years. The renovations include upgraded player and hospitality facilities, and adjusted seating aligned with World Cup requirements. Details such as game dates, participating teams, and broadcast plans for the 2026 matchup will be announced later.
**New Orleans Saints Extend Lease on Caesars Superdome**
The New Orleans Saints have officially extended their lease on the Caesars Superdome through 2035, ensuring the NFL team will remain in its iconic home for at least another decade. This agreement allows team owner Gayle Benson to move forward with a bid to host another Super Bowl in New Orleans. The lease includes plans for ongoing stadium improvements, signaling a continued investment in the facility. The deal was signed on the field by Benson, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, and Rob Vosbein, chairman of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District. The contract is now pending final approval from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
**NFL Week 5 Game Results**
Week 5 of the NFL season featured several exciting matchups:
## NFL Schedule
– San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, Oct 02, 2025 at 05:15 PM PDT. Final score: SF 26 – LA 23
– Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 06:30 AM PDT. Final score: MIN 21 – CLE 17
– Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT. Final score: DAL 37 – NYJ 22
– Denver Broncos @ Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT. Final score: DEN 21 – PHI 17
– Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT. Final score: HOU 44 – BAL 10
– New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT. Final score: NYG 14 – NO 26
– Las Vegas Raiders @ Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT. Final score: LV 6 – IND 40
– Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 10:00 AM PDT. Final score: MIA 24 – CAR 27
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 01:05 PM PDT. Final score: TB 38 – SEA 35
– Tennessee Titans @ Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 01:05 PM PDT. Final score: TEN 22 – ARI 21
– Washington Commanders @ Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 01:25 PM PDT. Final score: WAS 27 – LAC 10
– Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 01:25 PM PDT. Final score: DET 37 – CIN 24
– New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Oct 05, 2025 at 05:20 PM PDT. Final score: NE 23 – BUF 20
– Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, Oct 06, 2025 at 05:15 PM PDT. Final score: KC 28 – JAC 31
– Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants on Thursday, Oct 09, 2025 at 05:15 PM PDT
These games showcased the league's competitive spirit and set the stage for the upcoming Week 6 matchups.
As the NFL season progresses, teams continue to make strategic moves both on and off the field, aiming for success in the highly competitive league.
