Sportsnaut
Week 5 in the 2025 NFL season featured many one-sided performances, including a pair of teams winning by over 30 points. To get decisive victories like that, you need some breakout days on the gridiron. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the players who served up some monster performances in NFL Week 5.
The Carolina Panthers were able to scratch out their second win of the season on Sunday against a struggling Miami Dolphins team. Things could have easily gone differently for the Panthers. However, running back Rico Dowdle would not be denied a win on Sunday.
After struggling over the first four weeks and posting just 83 yards combined, the former Dallas Cowboys player doubled that number with 206 yards on the ground this weekend. Carolina does not get a W without Dowdle.
The Denver Broncos scored a huge road victory in Philadelphia on Sunday. While they got some key performances from various players in NFL Week 5, linebacker Nik Bonitto had a monster day. In their win against the Eagles, the fourth-year talent posted four tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two tackles for a loss. He was terror for the Eagles’ offense all day and played a massive role in their win.
The Minnesota Vikings offense is in a tough spot. Starting QB JJ McCarthy and stud running back Aaron Jones are both out. It puts more pressure on Justin Jefferson to be special each week and carry the offense to points. That was the case on Sunday in London as the superstar pass catcher came up big with 123 yards on just seven catches. If Carson Wentz doesn’t have the option of being bailed out by Jefferson, the Vikings take an L on Sunday.
The San Francisco 49ers had no business getting a win on Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and their top three receivers were out, and Nick Bosa is done for the season. Yet Mac Jones led them into LA this week and delivered a huge performance in a big overtime victory. Without his 342 yards and 2 TDs through the air, the 49ers are not in that game and aren’t 4-1 heading into Week 6.
Getting interceptions in the NFL is hard. That is why even the best of the best in a given season don’t get much more than five. However, on Sunday, four-year veteran Jalen Pitre had a day to remember as he reeled in not one, but two INTs against the Ravens. It was more than he had over the previous two seasons combined. His monster day was a key part of a much-needed blowout win for Houston in NFL Week 5.
Dak Prescott’s numbers in NFL Week 5 don’t jump off the page — 18 of 29 for 237 yards. However, the...
