In a thrilling Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season, the Denver Broncos delivered a stunning 21-17 comeback victory over the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles, snapping their 10-game winning streak. Trailing by 14 points, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix orchestrated a decisive drive, culminating in a touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion. This victory not only showcased Nix's resilience but also highlighted the Broncos' determination to remain competitive in a challenging AFC West division.
In other notable matchups, the New England Patriots edged out the Buffalo Bills with a 23-20 win, ending Buffalo's impressive 14-game home winning streak. The Tennessee Titans also made a remarkable comeback, narrowly defeating the Arizona Cardinals 22-21. The Houston Texans dominated the Baltimore Ravens with a 44-10 victory, thanks to four touchdown passes from quarterback C.J. Stroud. In London, the Minnesota Vikings secured a last-minute 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns, with quarterback Carson Wentz throwing a game-winning touchdown in the final moments.
Off the field, the Cincinnati Bengals made a significant move by acquiring veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns. The trade, which is pending a physical, involves the Bengals sending a fifth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for Flacco and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This decision comes after the Bengals' backup quarterback, Jake Browning, struggled with six touchdowns and eight interceptions, contributing to a three-game losing streak. Flacco, 40, brings extensive experience, including a Super Bowl MVP award in 2012, and is expected to provide valuable depth amid the absence of injured starter Joe Burrow.
In other league news, NFL viewership has reached a 15-year high, with an average of 18.58 million viewers per game through Week 5 of the 2025 season. This marks an 8% increase from 2024 and a 9% rise from 2023, underscoring the league's growing popularity. The Eagles vs. Chiefs matchup led the viewership rankings, drawing 33.8 million viewers. This surge in viewership highlights the NFL's strong presence in U.S. television and the substantial investments made by broadcasting and streaming companies in NFL rights.
Additionally, the NFL has fined Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones $250,000 for making an obscene gesture toward fans at MetLife Stadium during the Cowboys' 37-22 victory over the New York Jets. 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.
Furthermore, the NFL, in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, is reviewing the concussion protocol followed during the evaluation of New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dart sustained a head injury in the third quarter after being sacked and appeared to be shaken, prompting entry into the injury tent. The incident attracted scrutiny due to league rules restricting tent access to medical personnel only. The Giants organization has pledged full cooperation with the league’s investigation to ensure proper compliance moving forward.
## NFL Week 5 Highlights and Controversies:
– [Bengals acquire QB Joe Flacco from Browns], Published on Tuesday, October 07
– [NFL roundup: Broncos knock Eagles from unbeatens with furious comeback], Published on Sunday, October 05
– [NFL fines Jerry Jones $250,000 for obscene MetLife gesture he says was inadvertent], Published on Tuesday, October 07
