NEW YORK, United States, October 14, 2026: The NFL played no games on Tuesday, October 13, but the consequences of Week 5 were still unfolding. Josh Allen’s extraordinary performance in Buffalo’s 37-34 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams completed a 15-game schedule, San Francisco and Minnesota preserved their perfect records, and Kansas City emerged from its bye as the AFC’s only unbeaten team. Within hours, the Rams were changing kickers and facing a suspension for their starting left tackle, while Chicago and Dallas were dealing with problems of their own.
Week 5 left the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings at 5-0, with the Chiefs at 4-0 following their scheduled bye. Behind Kansas City, the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars stand at 4-1. Those records establish the early conference leaders, but the more revealing picture comes from how the teams reached them.
San Francisco survived a turnover-filled 32-29 contest in Seattle. Minnesota defeated New Orleans 23-13 behind another dominant defensive performance. Jacksonville relied on Cam Little’s 57-yard field goal to win a dramatic 19-17 game against Philadelphia in London. Baltimore needed overtime to defeat Atlanta. Buffalo survived a chaotic extra period in Los Angeles.
Elsewhere, New England scored 45 points against Las Vegas, Green Bay overwhelmed Chicago 31-7, and Detroit put up 45 against Arizona. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders produced the week’s only tie, leaving the NFC East in an unusual position with New York leading at 3-1-1.
Story at a glance
NFL Week 5 Results: All 15 Games and Final Scores
The complete schedule featured one Thursday game, 13 Sunday games and one Monday Night Football game.
Buffalo Bills 37, Los Angeles Rams 34: Josh Allen Turns an Overtime Escape Into a Statement
The final game of Week 5 delivered the most extraordinary finish of the schedule.
October 13 Rams Fallout: A New Kicker and a Two-Game Suspension
Less than a day after their overtime defeat, the Rams were dealing with two developments that could affect their next several games.
San Francisco 49ers 32, Seattle Seahawks 29: Unbeaten Record Survives a Chaotic Division Test
San Francisco’s 32-29 victory at Seattle preserved its perfect record and strengthened its NFC West position.
Minnesota Vikings 23, New Orleans Saints 13: Five Wins Built on Defensive Control
Minnesota matched San Francisco’s 5-0 record by defeating New Orleans 23-13 at the Caesars Superdome.
The games were completed on Thursday, October 8, Sunday, October 11, and Monday, October 12. There were no NFL fixtures on October 13. This report consolidates the full Week 5 results and examines the decisions, disciplinary developments and playoff implications that became clear on Tuesday.
NFL Week 5 Results: All 15 Games and Final Scores
The complete schedule featured one Thursday game, 13 Sunday games and one Monday Night Football game.
| Date | Winning Team | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 8 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Dallas Cowboys | 24-16 |
| Oct. 11 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Philadelphia Eagles | 19-17 |
| Oct. 11 | Cincinnati Bengals | Miami Dolphins | 31-24 |
| Oct. 11 | Green Bay Packers | Chicago Bears | 31-7 |
| Oct. 11 | New York Jets | Cleveland Browns | 17-12 |
| Oct. 11 | Houston Texans | Tennessee Titans | 26-3 |
| Oct. 11 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Indianapolis Colts | 34-22 |
| Oct. 11 | New England Patriots | Las Vegas Raiders | 45-17 |
| Oct. 11 | Minnesota Vikings | New Orleans Saints | 23-13 |
| Oct. 11 | New York Giants | Washington Commanders | 27-27 (OT tie) |
| Oct. 11 | Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Chargers | 23-17 |
| Oct. 11 | Detroit Lions | Arizona Cardinals | 45-21 |
| Oct. 11 | San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks | 32-29 |
| Oct. 11 | Baltimore Ravens | Atlanta Falcons | 30-23 (OT) |
| Oct. 12 | Buffalo Bills | Los Angeles Rams | 37-34 (OT) |
Kansas City and Carolina had their scheduled byes. The Chiefs remained 4-0, while the Panthers stood at 2-2.
All results and game dates are documented in the NFL’s official Week 5 schedule and results.
The results tell two competing stories. The conference leaders continued finding ways to win, but many of the teams expected to challenge them exposed recurring problems with injuries, protection, turnovers, special teams or late-game decision-making.
Buffalo Bills 37, Los Angeles Rams 34: Josh Allen Turns an Overtime Escape Into a Statement
The final game of Week 5 delivered the most extraordinary finish of the schedule.
Buffalo defeated Los Angeles 37-34 at SoFi Stadium on Monday night, surviving a contest in which both offenses produced explosive performances and the Rams repeatedly approached victory.
Josh Allen finished with 210 passing yards and 121 rushing yards, producing a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. James Cook III added 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
For the Rams, Matthew Stafford threw for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Puka Nacua caught 17 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.
The numbers indicate an offensive showcase, but the deciding moments involved ball security, kicking and a critical defensive play.
Greg Rousseau’s Block Changes the Overtime Script
Buffalo received the opening overtime possession and immediately threatened to score.
Khalil Shakir produced a 57-yard reception, advancing the Bills deep into Los Angeles territory.
However, Cook fumbled on the following play, and the Rams recovered.
Los Angeles subsequently moved into position for a potential winning field goal.
Sean McVay’s offense faced third-and-5 at Buffalo’s 30-yard line. The Rams chose a rushing play with Kyren Williams, setting up Harrison Mevis for a 48-yard attempt.
Rousseau blocked the kick.
That defensive intervention preserved Buffalo’s opportunity and fundamentally altered the outcome of the game.
Allen then helped move the Bills into scoring position before Tyler Bass converted a 45-yard field goal to win the contest.
The sequence demonstrated how quickly control can shift in overtime. Buffalo lost a promising possession through a fumble, then received another opportunity because its defense prevented Los Angeles from finishing.
Allen Finally Wins an Overtime Game
The victory was Allen’s first in an NFL overtime game after seven previous unsuccessful attempts.
It also represented his 100th combined career victory when regular-season and postseason wins are considered.
Those milestones will attract attention, but the more substantial football question concerns Buffalo’s dependence on Allen to generate difficult plays.
His 121 rushing yards gave the Rams problems that conventional pass defense could not solve.
When the offense needed to recover from mistakes, Allen provided another route to advancing the football.
That capacity makes Buffalo dangerous against almost any opponent.
It also raises the question of whether the Bills can reduce the physical demands placed on their quarterback across a full season.
TSE’s detailed Bills-Rams overtime analysis examines the decisions and turning points that produced the result.
The Rams’ Mistakes Carry a Greater Cost Than One Defeat
Los Angeles fell to 2-3 despite Stafford’s passing production and Nacua’s exceptional receiving performance.
The Rams have enough attacking talent to compete against strong opponents, but their results are being affected by failures in other areas.
Mevis missed a 50-yard attempt earlier in the game before his overtime kick was blocked.
The Rams’ inability to convert promising possessions into decisive points proved costly.
At 2-3, they also face an increasingly difficult NFC West contest against the unbeaten 49ers and the 3-2 Seahawks.
One close loss does not establish that Los Angeles lacks championship-level talent. Repeated failures to finish close games, however, can turn a strong roster into a team chasing the playoff positions from behind.
October 13 Rams Fallout: A New Kicker and a Two-Game Suspension
Less than a day after their overtime defeat, the Rams were dealing with two developments that could affect their next several games.
Harrison Mevis Out, Blake Grupe In
Reports on October 13 confirmed that the Rams moved to release Mevis and bring in Blake Grupe from the New York Jets’ practice squad.
The decision followed McVay’s criticism of the special-teams performance against Buffalo.
Mevis had converted only five of nine field-goal attempts during the opening five games, an unsustainable rate for a team regularly involved in tight contests.
Grupe arrives with previous regular-season experience, but changing personnel does not guarantee that all the underlying problems will disappear.
Field-goal execution depends on the snap, hold, protection and kicker’s delivery.
Rousseau’s overtime block therefore warrants consideration as a protection failure as well as a missed scoring opportunity.
The Rams need more than a different name on the depth chart. They need a reliable process for completing kicking plays under pressure.
Our October 13 NFL personnel and coaching roundup examines Los Angeles’ kicking change alongside developments elsewhere in the league.
Alaric Jackson Suspended After Postgame Incident
The NFL also announced a two-game suspension for Rams starting left tackle Alaric Jackson following an altercation after the Buffalo game.
Jackson struck Bills defender Bradley Chubb during a confrontation while players were leaving the field.
The league determined that the conduct violated its sportsmanship rules.
Jackson intended to appeal the punishment, according to McVay’s comments on Tuesday. The potential effect on the Rams’ lineup therefore remained subject to that process at the time of the announcement.
Without a successful appeal or a change to the sanction, Jackson would miss the matchups against Arizona in Week 6 and Las Vegas in Week 7.
The NFL’s official report on Jackson’s suspension confirms the violation and disciplinary decision.
His potential absence matters because the Rams must protect Stafford while also attempting to correct their other mistakes.
A replacement at left tackle can affect pass protection, run blocking and the play-calling options available when defenses threaten the quarterback’s blind side.
TSE has separately analyzed how Jackson’s suspension could affect Stafford and the Rams’ offensive line.
The combination of a kicking change and a potential offensive-line disruption presents a difficult challenge for Los Angeles as it attempts to recover from a losing start.
San Francisco 49ers 32, Seattle Seahawks 29: Unbeaten Record Survives a Chaotic Division Test
San Francisco’s 32-29 victory at Seattle preserved its perfect record and strengthened its NFC West position.
The 49ers improved to 5-0, while the Seahawks dropped to 3-2.
However, the three-point margin does not fully describe the contest.
San Francisco’s defense created four takeaways, with younger defenders making important contributions.
Gracen Halton recovered a fumble for a touchdown, while Renardo Green produced two interceptions.
The performance demonstrated that San Francisco can survive offensive mistakes when its defense produces valuable possessions and scoring opportunities.
A Strong Defense Can Hide Offensive Problems, but Only for So Long
The 49ers remain among the league’s strongest teams, but the Seattle game also exposed areas they must improve.
Turnovers and inconsistent offensive possessions gave the Seahawks opportunities to remain competitive.
San Francisco ultimately secured the result because its defense repeatedly changed the game.
That is a valuable championship characteristic.
It should not be confused with evidence that the offense can continue making the same mistakes without consequences.
The team’s early success, including its season-opening victory over the Rams in Melbourne, is examined in TSE’s analysis of San Francisco’s opening performance.
Dre Greenlaw’s Suspension Creates an Immediate Defensive Challenge
The 49ers also faced disciplinary consequences after the Seattle victory.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw received a one-game suspension for headbutting Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during a sideline confrontation.
Greenlaw had been ejected from the game following the incident.
At the October 13 news cutoff, the suspension had been announced and an appeal was part of the disciplinary process.
The development matters because San Francisco’s defense has become central to its undefeated start.
Missing a starting linebacker can affect tackling, communication and coverage assignments even when the team possesses capable replacements.
Our Greenlaw suspension analysis provides the incident’s background and consequences.
Minnesota Vikings 23, New Orleans Saints 13: Five Wins Built on Defensive Control
Minnesota matched San Francisco’s 5-0 record by defeating New Orleans 23-13 at the Caesars Superdome.
The Vikings’ defense limited the Saints to just 142 total yards.
New Orleans quarterback Tyler Shough completed 16 of 25 passes for 96 yards and threw two interceptions.
Byron Murphy Jr. recorded both interceptions, helping Minnesota prevent the Saints from sustaining meaningful attacking sequences.
Kyler Murray and Aaron Jones Provide Enough Offense
Kyler Murray completed 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown.
He also contributed as a runner, forcing New Orleans to account for an additional attacking threat.
Aaron Jones rushed for 113 yards and scored the touchdown that broke a 13-13 tie early in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota did not require a spectacular offensive total because its defense consistently restricted the opposition.
That balance is the foundation of its unbeaten start.
The Vikings’ Defense Has Become a Genuine Championship Argument
Five wins alone do not establish that Minnesota is better than every conference rival.
The team’s defensive results, however, provide a stronger argument than the record by itself.
Limiting an NFL opponent to 142 yards is a substantial achievement.
Generating turnovers while also restricting first downs gives the offense more opportunities to control possession and protect a lead.
Minnesota enters its Week 6 bye with an opportunity to address offensive mistakes and prepare for the next phase of the schedule.
Its defense currently provides one of the clearest examples of how a team can win consistently without requiring an explosive passing performance every week.
Chiefs Remain 4-0: Why the AFC’s Unbeaten Leader Did Not Need to Play
Kansas City had a Week 5 bye, leaving the Chiefs at 4-0.
They remain the AFC’s only unbeaten team.
That should not be confused with having played fewer games because of postponements or other unexpected circumstances. The bye was part of the regular schedule.
The Chiefs return against the Los Angeles Chargers on October 18.
Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City have already established an advantage in the AFC West, although Denver and Las Vegas remain competitive at 3-2.
The team’s early standing also reflects its balanced approach and ability to win through different attacking methods.
TSE’s Week 5 power-ranking analysis of the Chiefs, 49ers and Vikings examined the competing claims of the league’s unbeaten teams.
For Kansas City, the immediate challenge is maintaining its standard after a week away from competition.
A 4-0 start creates a valuable cushion, but the remaining schedule is long enough that the division and conference races cannot be considered settled.
New England Patriots 45, Las Vegas Raiders 17: Drake Maye Delivers a Statement
New England recorded one of the week’s most impressive victories by defeating Las Vegas 45-17.
Drake Maye completed 26 of 34 passes for 374 yards and four passing touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown.
The five-touchdown performance showed how dangerous New England’s offense can become when Maye receives sufficient protection and finds a rhythm early.
The Patriots moved to 3-2, matching the Raiders’ record.
New England’s Offense Was Productive Despite Injuries
The Patriots entered the contest with several important injury concerns.
Despite those absences, they generated more than 500 total yards and consistently converted opportunities into points.
Maye’s accuracy and willingness to attack downfield created problems for a Raiders defense that struggled to contain explosive plays.
His performance also strengthened the argument that New England can become a meaningful AFC wild-card contender.
That conclusion should remain conditional on the offense demonstrating similar efficiency against stronger and healthier defenses.
TreVeyon Henderson’s Ankle Injury Complicates the Next Test
The victory came with another personnel concern.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson sustained an ankle injury and was expected to miss multiple weeks, according to October 13 reporting.
That places additional responsibility on Rhamondre Stevenson and other available backs.
The Patriots face the New York Jets on October 18 before traveling to Chicago later in Week 7.
For New England, the challenge is maintaining offensive balance while managing injuries rather than depending entirely on another exceptional performance from Maye.
Jacksonville Jaguars 19, Philadelphia Eagles 17: Eight Seconds Change the AFC South Race
Jacksonville defeated Philadelphia 19-17 in London through one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.
The Eagles moved ahead on a late Jake Elliott field goal, leaving only seconds on the clock.
But Jacksonville’s ensuing kickoff return created a final scoring opportunity.
Ameer Abdullah’s 53-yard return helped place the Jaguars within range, and Cam Little converted a 57-yard field goal on the game’s final play.
Jacksonville improved to 4-1, while Philadelphia fell to 2-3.
Jacksonville’s Defense Keeps the Team Competitive
The Jaguars have built a strong early record despite facing difficult moments against established opponents.
Their ability to remain competitive until the final possession gives them an additional route to victory when the offense is not consistently explosive.
However, an outcome decided by a last-second field goal should not be mistaken for evidence that the entire performance was dominant.
Jacksonville survived a game that could easily have ended differently.
The more encouraging detail is that it had the composure to take advantage of Philadelphia’s mistakes.
Anton Harrison’s Injury Creates a New Protection Problem
Starting left tackle Anton Harrison sustained a knee injury during the victory.
Reports on October 13 indicated that he could require surgery, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed.
Walker Little replaced Harrison and is expected to carry a larger responsibility while the medical situation develops.
Jacksonville faces Houston in London on October 18.
That makes offensive-line stability a particularly important consideration for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Continued success will require the Jaguars to protect Lawrence without depending on their defense to rescue every difficult possession.
Chicago Bears 7, Green Bay Packers 31: A Difficult Defeat Gets Worse
Green Bay overwhelmed Chicago 31-7 at Lambeau Field.
The Packers improved to 3-2 and moved level with the Bears in the NFC North standings.
For Chicago, the defeat exposed problems in offensive production and defensive execution.
Those concerns became more serious on October 13.
Montez Sweat Suspended for Two Games
The NFL suspended Chicago defensive end Montez Sweat for two games without pay after a violation of its performance-enhancing substances policy.
Sweat is set to miss the Bears’ matchups with Atlanta and New England.
Chicago activated Shemar Turner from the physically unable to perform list as part of its roster response.
But replacing Sweat requires more than finding another player to occupy the same position.
His experience, ability to draw blocking attention and responsibility in the pass rush affect how the rest of the defensive front operates.
The Bears have recorded three wins in five games and remain relevant to the NFC wild-card race.
Yet losing an important edge defender immediately after allowing 31 points places additional pressure on the defensive coaching staff.
TSE’s analysis of Sweat’s suspension and Chicago’s pass-rush alternatives examines those implications in greater detail.
Dallas Cowboys Respond to 24-16 Defeat With Defensive Coaching Changes
The Cowboys’ Week 5 defeat came earlier than most of the schedule.
Tampa Bay beat Dallas 24-16 on Thursday, October 8, securing its first victory of the season.
The result left Dallas at 2-3.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer subsequently promised changes, and the organization moved to alter its defensive coaching structure.
Mike Pettine Joins the Staff
Dallas added experienced defensive coach Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant on October 12.
Pettine brings previous experience coordinating NFL defenses, including assignments with the Jets, Bills and Packers.
The appointment provides another experienced voice within a defense that has struggled to produce consistent results.
However, coaching experience alone cannot immediately correct tackling, coverage communication or execution problems.
Christian Parker Moves to the Coaches’ Booth
On October 13, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones confirmed that defensive coordinator Christian Parker would move from the sideline to the coaches’ booth to call defensive plays.
The change is intended to give Parker a different view of opposing formations, personnel groupings and developing plays.
From the booth, a coordinator can assess spacing and coverage structure with greater visual clarity.
The trade-off is reduced direct communication with players between possessions.
The effectiveness of the move will therefore depend on sideline communication, preparation and whether the defensive players execute the adjustments.
Dallas visits Green Bay on October 18.
That matchup will provide an early test of whether the revised coaching arrangements have improved the defense.
Detroit Lions 45, Arizona Cardinals 21: A Powerful Reminder From the NFC North
Detroit defeated Arizona 45-21, producing one of the most convincing offensive performances of Week 5.
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 151 yards, demonstrating the Lions’ ability to generate explosive gains on the ground.
The result moved Detroit to 3-2, maintaining its position among the NFC’s leading wild-card contenders.
The Lions have been overshadowed by Minnesota’s unbeaten start, but their offensive potential remains significant.
The challenge is converting explosive individual performances into sustained winning results.
With Minnesota controlling the NFC North at 5-0, Detroit, Green Bay and Chicago face a difficult divisional chase.
All three remain 3-2 after Week 5, which keeps the wild-card discussion closely contested.
Baltimore Ravens 30, Atlanta Falcons 23: Overtime Victory Keeps the AFC North Tight
Baltimore defeated Atlanta 30-23 in overtime to improve to 4-1.
Derrick Henry rushed for 102 yards, offering the Ravens a dependable source of offensive production.
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 240 yards, while Drake London produced 118 receiving yards.
The Falcons competed strongly enough to force overtime but could not finish the game.
Baltimore’s victory preserved its lead in the AFC North.
However, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are all 3-2, meaning the division remains competitive.
The Ravens face Cleveland on October 18.
That head-to-head matchup can either strengthen their advantage or make the divisional race considerably tighter.
Giants and Commanders Finish 27-27: The Tie That Changes the NFC East Mathematics
The New York Giants and Washington Commanders finished 27-27 after overtime.
New York quarterback Jameis Winston threw for 326 yards, while Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels rushed for 103.
Neither team found the decisive score in overtime.
The Giants moved to 3-1-1, while Washington stood at 1-3-1.
The tie matters because NFL winning percentage counts a draw as half a victory and half a defeat.
New York therefore holds a .700 winning percentage, ahead of the 2-3 Cowboys and Eagles.
The division remains far from decided, but the Giants have gained an early advantage while their principal rivals struggle to build consistent results.
The Remaining Week 5 Results: Important Wins and Growing Problems
Pittsburgh Steelers 34, Indianapolis Colts 22
Pittsburgh improved to 3-2 with a 34-22 victory over Indianapolis.
Jaylen Warren contributed 101 rushing yards and 87 receiving yards.
Continue the NFL Story
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Cincinnati Bengals 31, Miami Dolphins 24
Cincinnati moved to 3-2 by defeating Miami 31-24.
The Bengals remained within one game of Baltimore in the win column.
Miami fell to 0-5, increasing the pressure on a team that has yet to secure its first victory.
Denver Broncos 23, Los Angeles Chargers 17
Denver improved to 3-2 with a six-point victory over the Chargers.
The result maintained the Broncos’ relevance in the AFC West, although Kansas City remains undefeated.
Los Angeles fell to 0-5, continuing a difficult start that has made every subsequent matchup more important.
New York Jets 17, Cleveland Browns 12
The Jets defeated Cleveland 17-12, recording a valuable victory in a relatively low-scoring contest.
Cleveland dropped to 3-2, missing an opportunity to keep pace with Baltimore.
The result also demonstrated how one poor offensive performance can affect a team operating in a closely contested division.
Houston Texans 26, Tennessee Titans 3
Houston earned its first win of the season with a convincing 26-3 victory against Tennessee.
The Texans improved to 1-4, while the Titans dropped to 0-5.
For Houston, the result provides an opportunity to rebuild confidence.
For Tennessee, the continuing lack of offensive production remains the central concern.
TSE previously examined the prospects of the league’s winless teams in its assessment of the NFL’s winless teams entering Week 5.
NFL Playoff Picture After Week 5: Three Unbeaten Teams, but Different Paths
The most prominent feature of the standings is the continued success of San Francisco, Minnesota and Kansas City.
The 49ers and Vikings have each won five games.
The Chiefs are 4-0 after their scheduled bye.
All three are undefeated, but they have reached that position through different strengths.
San Francisco’s defense has helped it survive difficult games, including the close victory in Seattle.
Minnesota has been particularly impressive in preventing opponents from sustaining successful drives.
Kansas City combines experienced quarterback play with an early advantage in the AFC West.
The differences matter because the regular season will eventually present opponents capable of testing each team’s preferred method.
The AFC’s Leading Challengers
Buffalo, Baltimore and Jacksonville are all 4-1.
Each has demonstrated the ability to win difficult games, but their concerns are different.
Buffalo possesses a dynamic quarterback capable of creating extraordinary plays, although the defense has conceded substantial points in some games.
Baltimore remains strong enough to control its division but faces credible challengers.
Jacksonville’s defensive record is impressive, although injury concerns on the offensive line could create new problems.
All three remain behind Kansas City in the provisional AFC seeding.
The NFC’s Wild-Card Race Is Already Crowded
Green Bay, Detroit and Chicago are each 3-2.
Seattle also holds a 3-2 record but is outside the provisional seven-team field under the applicable ordering procedures.
That distinction illustrates why winning percentage alone does not settle every wild-card position.
The NFL uses head-to-head results, division and conference records, and other designated tiebreakers to separate qualifying teams.
TSE’s comprehensive NFL playoff-picture analysis after five weeks examines the provisional seeds, division leaders and wild-card implications.
These are early positions, not confirmed playoff berths.
NFL Week 6 Schedule: The Games That Could Change the Standings
The NFL returns on Thursday, October 15, with Seattle visiting Denver.
The matchup is particularly important because both teams are 3-2 and pursuing playoff positions in their respective conferences.
The rest of Week 6 includes significant divisional games and several contests involving teams that need to recover from Week 5 disappointment.
| Date | Game | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| October 15 | Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos | Two 3-2 teams attempt to strengthen their playoff positions |
| October 18 | Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars | Jaguars attempt to extend AFC South lead |
| October 18 | Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns | Direct AFC North standings implications |
| October 18 | Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons | Bears face first game without suspended Montez Sweat |
| October 18 | Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams | Rams attempt to recover from overtime loss and roster disruption |
| October 18 | Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs | Chiefs seek fifth consecutive victory |
| October 18 | Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders | Buffalo faces an AFC playoff contender |
| October 18 | Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers | Test of Dallas’ defensive changes |
| October 19 | Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers | San Francisco attempts to reach 6-0 |
For the complete fixtures and kickoff times, consult the NFL’s official Week 6 schedule.
Minnesota has its scheduled bye, giving the Vikings time to recover and prepare for their next game.
The Sports Encounter Verdict: Week 5’s Biggest Consequences Came After the Final Whistle
There were no NFL games on October 13, but Tuesday still delivered several developments that could influence the playoff race.
Buffalo’s victory showed the importance of a quarterback who can create opportunities after conventional offensive plays break down.
San Francisco and Minnesota demonstrated that elite defense can sustain an undefeated record through challenging matchups.
Kansas City remained unbeaten without playing, preserving the strongest AFC record entering Week 6.
But the more immediate changes occurred among teams trying to overcome their own mistakes.
The Rams responded to special-teams failures by changing kickers. They also faced the potential absence of their starting left tackle because of a postgame disciplinary incident.
Chicago lost an important pass rusher after a heavy defeat.
Dallas altered its defensive coaching arrangements following another disappointing result.
Jacksonville and New England won games but emerged with personnel concerns that could affect their next matchups.
Those developments illustrate why an NFL week cannot always be understood through the final scoreboard alone.
The standings identify which teams have earned victories. The injuries, suspensions and coaching decisions help explain whether those teams can continue winning.
Week 5 ended on Monday night. Its consequences were still changing the NFL landscape on Tuesday.
NFL Week 5 and October 13, 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Were Any NFL Games Played on October 13, 2026?
No. The NFL had no games scheduled on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
What Was the Final NFL Game of Week 5?
Buffalo defeated the Los Angeles Rams 37-34 in overtime on Monday, October 12.
Which NFL Teams Were Undefeated After Week 5?
San Francisco and Minnesota were both 5-0, while Kansas City stood at 4-0 after its scheduled bye.
What Was Josh Allen’s Performance Against the Rams?
Allen threw for 210 yards and rushed for 121, contributing both a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown in Buffalo’s 37-34 overtime victory.
Why Did the Rams Replace Harrison Mevis?
The Rams moved to replace Mevis after he missed an early field goal and had an overtime attempt blocked against Buffalo, continuing their special-teams problems.
Why Was Alaric Jackson Suspended?
The NFL announced a two-game suspension after Jackson struck Buffalo defender Bradley Chubb during a postgame confrontation. Jackson intended to appeal the punishment.
How Long Was Montez Sweat Suspended?
Sweat received a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
Who Led the AFC After Week 5?
Kansas City held the conference’s best record at 4-0. Baltimore, Jacksonville and Buffalo were each 4-1.
When Does NFL Week 6 Begin?
Week 6 begins Thursday, October 15, 2026, with Seattle visiting Denver.
Have Any NFL Teams Clinched Playoff Positions?
No. After five weeks, the standings show provisional positions only. The playoff field remains undecided.
