NFL Week 5 winners: Bears, Commanders finally have their QBs

Washington Commanders fans

There can not be any group of fans loving life more than Washington Commanders fans at the moment. They are free from the rancid Daniel Snyder era, have an ownership group that will not embarrass them, and now they have the single most important piece for on-field success — a quarterback. 

Jayden Daniels continued his rapid rise toward stardom with another sensational game that was highlighted by this perfect 41-yard touchdown pass to Dyami Brown at the end of the first half. 

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

You could also count Bears fans as a winner here because they, too, have seemingly found their long-awaited franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams. He has shown consistent improvement each in his young career and was sensational on Sunday in a dominant 36-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. 

He completed 20-of-29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns went to D.J. Moore. If Williams keeps progressing the way he has, and the defense proves to be for real, the Bears could be a factor in the NFC playoff race much sooner than expected. 

Derrick Henry, running back, Baltimore Ravens

You could also easily make quarterback Lamar Jackson a winner here because he was mostly sensational on Sunday, posting huge numbers, making highlight reel plays and leading a fantastic Ravens offense to a thrilling 41-38 overtime win against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Still, Henry is the big winner for the Ravens. Not only because he achieved two huge milestones (10,000 yards rushing and 100 touchdowns) but also because he had a huge 51-yard run in overtime to set up Justin Tucker's game-winning field goal. He finished the day with 91 yards on 15 carries and continues to be a perfect fit with the Ravens offense. 

Tank Bigbsy, running back, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are in the win column for the first time this season thanks to a thrilling 37-34 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Bigbsy was one of the big stars for the Jaguars, rushing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. They were both highlight-reel plays.

His biggest run of the day was a 65-yard touchdown that featured an incredible stiff arm along the way.

He also had this powerful run where he simply refused to be tackled.

Kaʻimi Fairbairn, kicker, Houston Texans

Kickers are better than ever in the NFL, and it is to the point now where a 59-yard field goal attempt in a tie game seems like an automatic make.

That was the case for Fairbairn on Sunday when he drilled this game-winner to give the Houston Texans a 23-20 win over the Buffalo Bills. — Adam Gretz

Arizona Cardinals defense 

The Cardinals forced three turnovers in a 24-23 road upset over the San Francisco 49ers (2-3). Arizona linebacker Kyzir White intercepted San Francisco QB Brock Purdy with 1:32 left in the fourth quarter, sealing the win. The Cardinals (2-3) only generated four takeaways through their first four games. 

The performance against the 49ers suggests Arizona second-year defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’ system is starting to work.

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II 

Surtain feasted against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3). In the 34-18 home victory, the 24-year-old registered two interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Surtain clocked a top speed of 20.92 MPH on the TD, his fastest speed as a ball carrier since Week 12, 2021. Through his first five games, Surtain has only allowed 10 receptions for 111 yards and zero TD catches, via Pro Football Focus. 

Surtain is one reason the Broncos have won three straight games after an 0-2 start. Perhaps he will enter the early Defensive Player of the Year conversation. 

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft 

During a 24-19 road win over the Los Angeles Rams (1-4), Kraft — a former third-round pick out of South Dakota State — logged four receptions for a career-high 88 receiving yards and two TD catches, including a 66-yarder at the beginning of the third quarter. More importantly, he’s gaining starting QB Jordan Love’s trust. 

In a postgame news conference, Love said Kraft is trying to score “every time he touches the ball,” and he plans to target him more. Don’t be surprised if the Packers (3-2) continue to rely on the second-year TE for the rest of the season.

New York Giants defensive line

The Giants seemed to rattle Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in a 29-20 road victory, sacking him seven times. New York star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II had three of those sacks. Through their first four games, the Giants recorded 15 sacks, but head coach Brian Daboll recently signaled their D-line is just scratching the surface of its potential.

Ahead of New York’s matchup with Seattle (3-2), Daboll told Matt Citak of the team website that the position group is “starting to gel” and still has room to grow. If the unit vaults to the next level, that would help New York (2-3) overcome a slow start. — Clark Dalton