The Athletic provides live coverage of two exciting matchups in NFL Week 5 action: Eagles vs. Rams and Ravens vs. Steelers. With playoff implications, divisional rivalries, and desperate scenarios, this week’s games are sure to deliver thrilling moments.
The action begins in London at 9:30 a.m. ET as the Jacksonville Jaguars face off against the Buffalo Bills at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Jaguars, who reached the playoffs last year, have had a slow start this season with a 2-2 record. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the offense have yet to find their rhythm, ranking in the middle of the pack in yards and points. They face a tough test against a Bills team that is among the best in the league and could potentially meet the Jaguars in the playoffs. The Bills are coming off an impressive win and are eager to maintain their momentum.
Later in the day, the Dallas Cowboys take on the San Francisco 49ers in a highly anticipated game. This matchup is not only a rematch of last year’s playoffs but also a potential preview of this year’s postseason. The 49ers have halted the Cowboys’ Super Bowl aspirations in the past two seasons, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes the road to the Super Bowl goes through San Francisco. The 49ers boast strong units on both offense and defense, making them a formidable opponent. The Cowboys, however, have struggled against the run, which could pose a challenge against the 49ers’ ground game. It will be a tough matchup for the Cowboys, but they are determined to come out on top.
One of the most intriguing storylines of the weekend is the Philadelphia Eagles’ undefeated record. They put their 4-0 record on the line as they face the Los Angeles Rams, who are looking to bounce back from a challenging season riddled with injuries. The Rams have a top-10 defense, which will test the Eagles’ offense. While the Eagles have faced questions about their offensive performance, they still rank among the top five in total yards and points per game. The Rams’ defensive coordinator will surely have a game plan to neutralize the Eagles’ talented quarterback Jalen Hurts and their explosive wide receivers. The Eagles rely on their strong running game, and maintaining that success will be crucial in facing the Rams’ formidable defensive line.
In another matchup, the Atlanta Falcons, led by quarterback Desmond Ridder, will take on the Houston Texans. The Falcons have been unable to generate the offensive production they need, and Ridder’s performance has been lackluster. With backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke waiting in the wings, Ridder’s starting role may be at risk. The Falcons, losers of two straight games, are in a winnable NFC South division and need a strong performance from Ridder against the Texans to turn their season around.
Lastly, eight teams find themselves in a do-or-die situation with a 1-3 record. History shows that only 11 out of 390 teams have made the playoffs after starting 1-4. The Bengals, Broncos, Cardinals, Giants, Jets, Patriots, Raiders, and Vikings face critical games this week as they try to turn their seasons around and avoid falling further behind.
Week 5 promises to be a thrilling weekend of NFL action. Fans can expect intense matchups and pivotal moments that could shape the remainder of the season. Stay tuned for live coverage and analysis from The Athletic.