NFL Week 5: Key Previews, Must-Watch Games, and Essential Stats

october 5, 2025

NFL’s Global Push Continues with London Games and Standout Player Performances

The National Football League’s international presence is set to amplify this month, beginning with a contest between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns at tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday afternoon. This marks the start of three consecutive weeks featuring NFL games played on British soil, showcasing the league’s commitment to expanding its global fanbase. The Vikings are making history as the first team to compete in consecutive international games in separate cities,having played in Dublin,Ireland,against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.

Upcoming International Matchups

Following the Vikings-Browns clash, tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the Denver Broncos against the New York Jets in Week 6. Week 7 will then see the Los Angeles Rams face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. These games underscore the NFL’s strategic initiative to cultivate a broader international audience and tap into new markets.

Undefeated Teams Remain at the Forefront

As the season progresses, two teams remain without a loss: The Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills. The Eagles currently hold a 4-0 record, achieving this feat for the third time in the last four seasons. Meanwhile, the Bills have also started the season at 4-0, a first since 2020.

Key Matchups and Player Highlights

Denver Broncos at Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to establish dominance, perhaps becoming the first team to start a season 5-0 three times within a four-year period, a feat not seen since the Indianapolis Colts in 2006-2007 and 2009. Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni also has the opportunity to join coaching legend Paul Brown as the only coaches to begin their careers with a 5-0 start in three of their first five seasons.

Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts is currently leading the league with an extraordinary start to the season, having thrown five touchdown passes, rushed for four additional touchdowns, and remarkably, has not thrown an interception in the team’s first four games.This level of efficiency hasn’t been witnessed before in NFL History.

For the Denver Broncos, Quarterback Bo Nix has been making waves, totaling three touchdowns-two passing and one rushing-in a Week 4 victory over Cincinnati. Since the 2024 season began, Nix joins an elite group alongside Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, having accumulated at least 35 touchdown passes and five rushing touchdowns.

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills aim to continue their winning streak, hoping to launch their season with five consecutive victories, something they’ve accomplished in 1964, 1980, and 1991. Furthermore,from Week 11 of the 2023 season through Week 4 of the 2025 season,Buffalo has been dominant at home,winning 14 consecutive games and scoring at least 24 points in each contest.

Bills Quarterback Josh Allen continues to demonstrate his dual-threat capabilities, with 45 career regular-season games where he has both passed and rushed for a touchdown, tying him with Cam Newton for the most in NFL history.

New England’s Quarterback Drake Maye has also experienced a strong start, becoming the first player under the age of 24 to deliver at least two touchdown passes with a 75% or higher completion rate in three consecutive games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks

This week’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the seattle Seahawks holds special significance, as both teams celebrate their 50th anniversary seasons after joining the NFL in 1976. Both franchises plan to honor their heritage by wearing throwback uniforms for this game.

Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield has shown remarkable consistency since joining Tampa Bay in 2023, leading the NFL with 77 touchdown passes and ranking second with 9,448 passing yards. wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is also making an impact, leading all rookies with 282 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions.

Seattle currently leads the NFC in scoring defense, allowing only 16.8 points per game, and has recorded seven interceptions, tied for the second-most in the league.

Kansas City chiefs at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Monday night showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars promises excitement. Jacksonville has demonstrated a knack for takeaways, becoming the fifth team since 2002 to secure at least three turnovers in each of its first four games of a season.

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes reached a milestone last week, surpassing Aaron Rodgers to become the fastest player in NFL history to reach 250 career touchdown passes, achieving this mark in just his 116th game.Mahomes also sits second behind Dan Marino in the number of games with at least three touchdown passes within a player’s first nine seasons.

Team	Record	Key Stat
Philadelphia Eagles	4-0	Jalen Hurts: 5 Passing TDs, 4 Rushing TDs, 0 INTs
Buffalo Bills	4-0	14 Consecutive Home Wins (scoring 24+ in each)
Kansas City Chiefs	2-2	Patrick Mahomes: Fastest to 250 Career Touchdown Passes

Did You Know? The NFL’s international series began in 2007 with a game at Wembley Stadium, and has steadily grown in popularity, with games now held in multiple countries.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on rookie performances. Players like Emeka Egbuka are quickly making a name for themselves and could become key contributors for their teams.

The Evolution of the NFL’s Global Strategy

The NFL’s expansion beyond the United States represents a significant shift in its overall strategy. Initially focused on strengthening its domestic base, the league recognized the potential for substantial growth in international markets. This led to the creation of the International Series in 2007,a pioneering effort to bring NFL action to fans worldwide.

Over the years, the league has refined its approach, seeking to build lasting relationships with international fan bases. This includes investing in local grassroots football programs, partnering with media outlets to increase coverage, and carefully selecting host cities that demonstrate a strong interest in the sport. The success of these efforts is evident in the increasing attendance at international games and the growing number of international players in the league.

Frequently Asked Questions about NFL International games

• What is the NFL International Series? The NFL International Series is a set of regular-season games played outside of the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
• Where are the NFL London games played? Typically, NFL London games are played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium.
• Why is the NFL expanding internationally? The NFL is expanding internationally to tap into new markets, grow its fanbase, and increase revenue.
• How do international games affect team travel? Teams traveling to international games face logistical challenges related to travel and adjusting to different time zones.
• Are NFL international games considered official regular-season games? Yes, all NFL international games are considered official regular-season games with the same rules and standings implications as games played in the US.

What do you think – will the NFL continue to expand its international footprint? And which players will define this season?

What is the significance of Myles Garrett’s health for the Cleveland Browns’ defensive success?

AFC showdowns: Analyzing the Contenders

Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season promises a thrilling slate of games, particularly within the AFC.Several key matchups will significantly impact the playoff picture. Let’s dive into some previews and essential stats.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns: A Divisional Battle

* Preview: This AFC North clash features two strong defenses and evolving offenses. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, aim to maintain their division lead, while the Browns, with Deshaun Watson, look to prove they’re legitimate contenders. Expect a physical, low-scoring affair.

* Key Stats:

* Ravens: Averaging 115 rushing yards per game.

* Browns: Allowing only 18 points per game (ranked 3rd in the NFL).

* Lamar Jackson’s passer rating against the Browns in previous matchups: 88.2

* Injury Watch: Monitor the status of Browns’ star linebacker,Myles Garrett,as his health is crucial to their defensive success.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos: Championship Rematch?

* Preview: The Chiefs travel to Denver seeking to continue their dominance. The Broncos, under a new coaching regime, are striving for consistency. This game offers a chance for Denver to make a statement against the reigning Super Bowl champions.

* Key Stats:

* Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes has a 7-1 record against the Broncos.

* Broncos: Struggling to establish a consistent running game,averaging only 78 yards per game.

* chiefs’ scoring offense: Averaging 28.5 points per game (ranked 5th in the NFL).

* X-Factor: The Broncos’ ability to generate pressure on Mahomes will be critical.

NFC Highlights: Playoff Implications Emerge

The NFC is shaping up to be a competitive conference, and Week 5 features several games with significant playoff implications.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys: NFC Powerhouse Collision

* Preview: A potential NFC Championship preview. The 49ers, boasting a potent offense and stout defense, face off against the Cowboys, known for their explosive playmakers. This game is expected to be a high-scoring affair.

* Key Stats:

* 49ers: Christian McCaffrey leads the league in total yards from scrimmage.

* Cowboys: Dak Prescott has thrown for over 300 yards in three consecutive games.

* 49ers’ defensive pass rush: Averaging 3.5 sacks per game.

* Strategic Advantage: The 49ers’ ability to control the clock with their running game could be a key factor.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams: A Battle of Strengths

* Preview: The Eagles, aiming to solidify their position as NFC contenders, travel to Los Angeles to face a surprisingly resilient Rams team. This matchup pits the Eagles’ powerful offense against the rams’ opportunistic defense.

* Key stats:

* Eagles: jalen Hurts has a completion percentage of 68.5%.

* Rams: Cooper Kupp is averaging 95 receiving yards per game.

* Eagles’ turnover differential: +7 (tied for 2nd in the NFL).

* Coaching Matchup: Nick Sirianni (Eagles) vs. Sean McVay (Rams) – a battle of two of the league’s brightest offensive minds.

Under-the-Radar Games with Potential Upsets

Beyond the marquee matchups, several games could produce surprising results.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills: AFC East Showdown

* Preview: The Jaguars are looking to prove they are a legitimate threat in the AFC, while the Bills are trying to regain their early-season form.This game could be a turning point for both teams.

* Key Stats:

* Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence is completing 65% of his passes.

* Bills: Josh Allen has thrown 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

* Bills’ rushing defense: Allowing 105 yards per game.

seattle seahawks vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Cross-Conference clash

* Preview: Both teams are looking to build momentum. The Seahawks, led by Geno Smith, face the Bengals, featuring Joe Burrow. Expect a competitive game with potential for big plays.

* Key Stats:

* Seahawks: DK Metcalf is averaging 70 receiving yards per game.

* Bengals: Joe Mixon is averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

* Seahawks’ red zone efficiency: 60% (ranked 12th in the NFL).

Fantasy Football implications: week 5 Waiver Wire targets

* Running Backs: Keep an eye on Jerick McKinnon (Chiefs) if Isiah Pacheco remains sidelined.

* Wide Receivers: Jameson Williams (Lions) is starting to emerge as