NFL WEEK 5 WRAP-UP

A review of Week 5 in the NFL and a look ahead at things to come..

Patriots over Colts-

No problem with New England over Indianapolis, as the Pats climb out of a hole in AFC East.Tom Brady stays home for his third straight home game, this one against the undefeated Chiefs. The Colts take on the Jets in New York this weekend.

Vikings over Eagles-

Minnesota got their revenge and stable themselves in NFC North. Eagles lose no ground in awful NFC East. Must win in New York Thursday night in first division game against Giants.Minnesota goes home to face Arizona.

Browns over Ravens-

Baltimore, with a chance to take control of AFC North, are maddeningly inconsistent, while the Steelers seem to be back. The Browns won't make the playoffs, but under rookie Baker Mayfield, they are respectable for the first time in a long time. The Ravens stay on the road at Tennessee while Cleveland hosts the Chargers. This Sunday may be the first in which the cooler weather effects warmer climate teams, as LA travels east.

Panthers over Giants-

Give the G-men for putting up a tough fight in Carolina, before losing on a 63-yard field goal. New York slips to 1-4 and hosts the Super Bowl champion Eagles this Thursday as the Panthers play at Washington this week, then come to Philly next week.

Bengals over Dolphins-

Miami blew a 17-point lead in Cincinnati dropping into a tie with New England in AFC East. Cincy continues to surprise as they lead AFC North and QB Andy Dalton plays great. Miami goes home to take on another surprising club in the Bears, while the Bengals hist the Steelers in what may the biggest game in Cincinnati in years/

Chargers over Raiders-

No problem for Los Angeles against Jon Gruden's hapless team, as the Chargers try to hang with the Chiefs. LA comes to the chilly east this weekend to face Cleveland, while Oakland plays host to Seattle.

Saints over Redskins-

New Orleans blew out Washington last night as QB Drew Brees became the NFL's all-time leading passer. I remember watching him at Purdue on Saturday afternoons and thinking he would be great, as others thought he might be too small. Even at 2-2 the Skins lead the terrible NFC East. Washington has a pair of home games on tap, starting with Carolina this week. New Orleans has a well-earned bye this week before going on the road for two straight games.

Steelers over Falcons-

Despite their internal problems Pittsburgh has put itself back in the hunt in AFC North, as they go to Cincinnati for a huge early game. What's wrong with Atlanta? A once promising, Super Bowl contender has never really recovered from their Super Bowl collapse. The Falcons can start to right the ship against division-rival Tampa Bay this week.

Jets over Broncos-

Two unpredictable teams going nowhere but the Jets' rookie QB, Darnold, does well and gains more valuable experience. The Jets welcome Indianapolis to North Jersey in the second of three consecutive home games, while Denver goes home to take on struggling Oakland.

Lions over Packers-

NFC North is ridiculous. Just as Detroit looks like a bad team, they beat Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers. Chicago is in the lead for now but look for Minnesota to eventually dominate here. The Lions have a bye this week before heading to Miami. Green Bay welcomes San Francisco to Lambou Field this week.

Chiefs over Jaguars-

Kansas City is for real, and so is rookie quarterback Pat Maholmes. Will KC get home field advantage in playoffs and force a New England to play on the road? Time will tell, as will Coach Andy Reid's continued ability to win-or lose- playoff games Meanwhile, Jacksonville, after a great start, goes to Dallas.

Bills over Titans-

Same Tennessee team that beat the Eagles go to awful Buffalo and loses to the stinkin' Bills? Buffalo remains only a game behind the Patriots and Dolphins in AFC East. The Titans host the Ravens this week while the Bills go back on the road two weeks, starting in Houston.

Cardinals over 49ers-

On the road or not, Arizona was due for it's first victory, especially with the SF quarterback situation in flux. Both are afterthoughts in NFC West by streaking Rams. The Cards go to Minnesota while SF travels to Green bay this weekend.

Texans over Cowboys-

In overtime, Houston won the interstate battle of Texas teams going nowhere fast. Dallas drops to 2-3 and remains a mystery, as Jerry Jones inches closer to firing his coach  at seasons' end. Houston stays home to face Buffalo while the Cowboys need a home win against Jacksonville to avoid dropping to 2-4 on the season.