It ain’t over till it’s over

As was the case last weekend, last minute, exhilarating finishes were abundant all across the NFL in week five. There were three contests that went into overtime, as well as three additional games in which the game winning touchdown was scored in the last 20 seconds. In the Bay Area, both the Raiders and 49ers suffered agonizing defeats in games that they had every opportunity to win. Oakland is still tied for second place in their division heading into their bye week, while San Francisco is quickly becoming one of the worst teams in the NFC.

 

Game Highlights:

 

Bears @ Chiefs: Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler led the Bears to two touchdowns in the final three minutes, as they rallied for an 18-17 win on the road. With 18 seconds to play, Cutler fumbled the snap, but proceeded to scramble in the pocket and find running back Matt Forte in the endzone for a seven yard, game winning score. The Bears have now won two games in a row, after losing their first three. Kansas City suffered a monumental blow that could quite possibly cost them their season, as star running back Jamaal Charles tore his ACL and will not return this year.

 

Seahawks @ Bengals: After trailing by 17 points to start the fourth quarter, the Bengals pulled off an absolute shocker, defeating Seattle 27-24 in overtime. Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton marched his team down the field for three scoring drives in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 31 yard field goal from kicker Mike Nugent to tie the game as time expired. The Bengals are now one of six teams that still remain undefeated. For the Seahawks, running back Thomas Rawls ran for over 100 yards for the second time in three weeks, filling in for the injured Marshawn Lynch. Seattle won a total of five games away from the 12th man last year, but are still winless in road affairs so far this season.

 

Redskins @ Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons remained undefeated after a 25-17 overtime thriller against Washington. After Falcons running back Devonta Freeman scored the go ahead touchdown with 24 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, the Redskins stormed down the field in four plays and tied the game with a 52 yard field goal as time ran out. Less than three minutes into overtime, Falcons cornerback Robert Alford intercepted a pass and ran it back 59 yards for a touchdown to win the game. The Atlanta defense has really stepped up as of late, scoring three defensive touchdowns in their last two games. Freeman now has eight touchdowns on the season, which leads the entire NFL.

 

Browns @ Ravens: The Browns stunned the Ravens on Sunday with a 33-30 victory in overtime. Browns quarterback Josh McCown set the Cleveland franchise record for most passing yards in a game by throwing for 457 yards. Travis Coons hit a 37 yard field goal with under seven minutes in overtime, as the Browns handed Baltimore their fourth loss of the year. After a very disappointing start to the season, Ravens running back Justin Forsett has really turned things around by rushing for 271 yards in the last two weeks. Browns tight end Gary Barnidge is on the rise, having finished with over 100 receiving yards for the second time in three weeks.

 

Broncos @ Raiders: Oakland lost in heartbreaking fashion for the second week in a row, as the Denver defense carried the Broncos to a tight 16-10 victory. The struggles of veteran quarterback Peyton Manning continued for the undefeated Broncos, as his offense failed to score a single touchdown. Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski had a rare tough day, missing from 40 yards out and having his 38 yard attempt blocked. The play of the game was a 74 yard pick six by Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. with about seven minutes left to play in the fourth quarter.

 

49ers @ Giants: San Francisco was robbed of a victory on Sunday night, after their defense coughed up a four point lead with less than two minutes left. Quarterback Eli Manning and the Giants offense ran down the field on an eight play, 82 yard game winning drive in 1:24, ending with a touchdown by Larry Donnell with 21 seconds to go. Manning set a Giants franchise record by completing a whopping 41 passes, and also threw for 441 yards in the winning effort. The 49ers have lost four in a row since their win in week one.

 

Steelers @ Chargers: After a back and forth affair all night long, Pittsburgh took a gamble on the last play of the game and captured the victory. With five seconds to go and the ball on the goal line, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell took a direct snap and powered left into the endzone for the win. Bell has been phenomenal since his return from a suspension.

 

Looking Ahead to Week 6:

 

Bengals @ Bills: Cincinnati looks to improve to 6-0 on the year, as they take on the 3-2 Bills on the road. After an impressive performance in week five, Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor will most likely miss this game because of a knee injury.

 

Panthers @ Seahawks: Carolina strives to remain undefeated as they face the Seahawks at hostile CenturyLink Field. Seattle is expecting to welcome back Lynch from injury.

 

Patriots @ Colts: Tom Brady and the Patriots travel to Indianapolis on Sunday night to take on Andrew Luck and the Colts, who have won three games in a row.