The Write Zone

If you overslept this morning, you missed an NFL slate that had everything from international heroics in London to underdog upsets and all-out domination. Week 5’s early games packed enough storylines to fuel a whole week’s worth of news.

Vikings Take London in Dramatic Fashion

Across the pond, the Minnesota Vikings gave fans in London a finish worth remembering. QB Carson Wentz found WR Jordan Addison for a 12-yard touchdown with just 25 seconds left to cap off a 21–17 comeback win over the Cleveland Browns.

Wentz looked sharp all morning, throwing for 236 yards and managing the game with poise- a throwback performance for the former MVP candidate. Justin Jefferson was his usual unstoppable self, posting 123 yards and routinely embarrassing the Browns’ secondary.

For Cleveland, rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel held his own in his first career start, throwing for 190 yards and two scores while Quinshon Judkins added 110 rushing yards. But when it mattered most, Minnesota’s experience took over. The Vikings now head back stateside at 3–2, while the Browns fall to 1–4 and continue searching for answers.

Panthers Shock Dolphins with a Stunning Comeback

Down 17 points early, the Carolina Panthers looked finished against the Miami Dolphins. Well, until they weren’t. Rico Dowdle turned into a one-man wrecking crew, rumbling for 206 rushing yards and a touchdown as Carolina stormed back for a 27–24 win.

Bryce Young started slow but grew into the game, finding Mitchell Evans for the game-winning four-yard touchdown with under two minutes remaining. Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa looked locked in early with three touchdown passes — including a deep shot to Jaylen Waddle — but the Dolphins’ offense went ice cold in the second half.

Carolina’s defense held Miami to just 19 rushing yards, while their front four harassed Tua late to secure the win. It’s a statement victory for a young Panthers team trying to find its footing, and another frustrating collapse for a Dolphins squad that’s now 1–4 .

Colts Steamroll the Raiders in Indy

Meanwhile in Indianapolis, the Colts dismantled the Raiders in a 40–6 beatdown that was over by halftime. Jonathan Taylor reminded everyone why he’s still among the NFL’s elite backs, punching in three touchdowns on the ground. Daniel Jones added two through the air on an efficient 20-of-29 day.

The Raiders managed a few promising drives, but Geno Smith’s two interceptions killed any momentum. Despite being outgained slightly in total yardage, the Colts made every possession count and now sit at a surprising 4–1. The Raiders, on the other hand, look like a team without direction that are at 1-4.

Texans Humiliate Ravens, 44–10

If there was any doubt that C.J. Stroud is the real deal, he silenced it in Baltimore. The second-year quarterback was flawless, tossing four touchdown passes as the Houston Texans blew out the Ravens, 44–10.

Houston jumped all over Baltimore from the start, scoring on every first-half drive and leading 24–3 at halftime. Stroud spread the ball beautifully — Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and rookie Jaylin Noel each found the end zone — while Nick Chubb added a 27-yard touchdown run for good measure.

The Ravens, missing key starters, never stood a chance. For Houston, it wasn’t just a win: it was their first ever victory in Baltimore, snapping an 0–8 drought.

Broncos Hand the Eagles Their First Loss

The shocker of the morning came in Philadelphia, where second year quarterback Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos to a stunning 21–17 upset over the previously undefeated Eagles.

After looking lost for most of the first half, Nix caught fire in the fourth quarter. A J.K. Dobbins touchdown run got Denver within striking distance, and Nix followed it up with an 11-yard strike to Evan Engram. Then, with everything on the line, he converted a gutsy two-point attempt to Troy Franklin, sealing the win and silencing the Philly crowd.

The Eagles, who had looked unstoppable to this point, suddenly looked mortal. Jalen Hurts put up 280 yards and two touchdowns but was sacked six times as Denver’s defense swarmed. DeVonta Smith still managed 114 yards receiving, but Philly’s offensive line was exposed all day.

The loss ends the Eagles’ 12-game home winning streak — and gives Denver its first road win of the season.

Saints Finally Get on the Board

In New Orleans, the Saints finally earned their first win of the year, taking down the New York Giants 26–14 in a game that was every bit as chaotic as that score sounds.

Spencer Rattler hit Rashid Shaheed for an 87-yard bomb, but it was the Saints’ defense that stole the show. They forced five turnovers, including two interceptions by Kool-Aid McKinstry and an 86-yard fumble return touchdown from Jordan Howden. Kicker Blake Grupe added four field goals to ice it.

For the Giants, it was a day to forget. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns but also turned it over three times, and New York’s offense simply imploded in the second half. Both teams now sit at 1–4, but New Orleans finally has momentum.

Trends and Takeaways

Week 5’s early window felt like a turning point. Underdogs, from Carolina to Denver to New Orleans, flipped scripts and reminded us that October football is where narratives shift.

Quarterbacks like Bo Nix and C.J. Stroud showcased poise beyond their years, while veterans like Wentz and Taylor proved they’re not done yet. Defenses made statements too; the Saints’ ball-hawking unit and Denver’s pass rush both swung games late.

Meanwhile, questions linger: can the Dolphins or Ravens rebound from embarrassing losses? Is Philadelphia’s offensive line suddenly a concern? And just how far can this scrappy Colts team go?

If the morning was any indication, we’re in for a rollercoaster of a Sunday. The league’s balance of power is shifting– and it’s happening fast.

See you at the next snap,

Tatum