Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season kicked off Thursday night as the Atlanta Falcons escaped with a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The first of three consecutive weeks of London games began Sunday morning as the Minnesota Vikings remained undefeated as they defeated Aaron Rodgers – who became the ninth QB to throw for 60,000 yards – and the New York Jets.

Our NFL Nation reporters responded to all the action, answering lingering questions coming from each game and explaining everything else you need to know about each team. Let’s get started.

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Vikings

Is this a perfect start for the Vikings? Absolutely, despite the dramatic nature of the second half. The Vikings will enter their Week 6 undefeated, just two shy of their projected win total (6.8), according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. In London they proved they have plenty of ways to get a game over the finish line, an important trait for any team hoping to make a deep play-off run. In the worst game of quarterback Sam Darnold’s short tenure at Minnesota, and after losing running back Aaron Jones (hip) in the first half, the Vikings got a defensive touchdown and picked off Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers three times, giving him his single-game career equalizer. high.

Describe the game in two words: Wild day. Rookie place kicker Will Reichard had a perfect day in a wild day for the special teams units. The Vikings might not have won without Reichard converting from 54, 53 and 41 yards. He is 9-for-9 on field goals and 16-for-16 on extra points this season.

Most surprising achievement: Darnold. He had by far his worst performance since signing with the Vikings this offseason, missing a string of open receivers and throwing more incompletions (17) than completions (14) for the first time in 2024. But as he has done all season, he made some crucial throws in the fourth quarter, hitting receiver Justin Jefferson for 25 yards and tight end Johnny Mundt for 20 yards to set up the Vikings’ final field goal. –Kevin Seifert

Next game: vs. Lions (October 20, 1:00 PM ET)

Jets

Can the Jets save their season by trading for WR Davante Adams? It would make Aaron Rodgers happy, and they could use a partner for Garrett Wilson on the edge. Wilson (13 catches for 101 yards) emerged from his slow start, but Rodgers didn’t get much help from Allen Lazard (three drops) or Mike Williams (two catches for 25 yards), who were invisible. Adams would help with that. But Rodgers also needs to play better. He threw three interceptions, including two in the first quarter – a first in his career. That included a pick-six, putting the Jets in a 17-0 hole. The pass protection faltered when Rodgers (29 of 54 for 244 yards) took a hit. He showed his toughness, but the Jets need more than that to turn their season around.

Biggest hole in the game plan: No rushing attack. Again. Breece Hall was in a serious slump and was held to 23 yards on nine carries. That makes 27 yards on 19 carries over the past two games. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett gave up the running game when it would have made sense to give rookie Braelon Allen more opportunities. The plan entering the season was to run the offense through Hall, but there’s nothing there, putting pressure on Rodgers and the passing attack. Hackett’s hasty plan lacks creativity; it’s so predictable.

Most surprising achievement: The Jets defense. They looked terrible in the first quarter; it seemed like one of those days. But they flipped the script. Playing without nickelback Michael Carter – who suffered a hamstring injury before the game – and a quarter without cornerback Sauce Gardner, the Jets held the Vikings to two field goals in the second half. Good defense, inconsistent offense. Sound familiar? — Rich Cimini

Next game: vs. Bills (Monday, 8:25 PM ET)

Falcons

Are Atlanta’s offensive performances sustainable? Probably not the level of success it had against Tampa Bay, but it could be close. The Bucs were without All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and when you play deep in the passing game, missing the best player on the back end will make a difference. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​looks healthy and said he’s been more anticipatory with his throws, meaning he’s starting to find a rhythm with Drake London, Kyle Pitts & Co. The more that happens, the more fluid the offense should be, leading to more nights like Thursday (but probably not resulting in 550 offensive yards).

Describe the game in two words: Momentum changes. If the Falcons had lost — and with 22 seconds left, Tampa Bay had a 93% chance of winning — they would be 2-3 and possibly two games behind Tampa because of tiebreakers. Now the Falcons are at the top of the division because of the tiebreaker and believe in what the offense can do after a 550-yard day.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Atlanta still can’t get to the quarterbacks. The Falcons had one sack and it was their only quarterback hit of the game. Atlanta’s five sacks for the season are tied for last in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference, its 14.4 pressure rate entering Sunday was the second-worst, ahead of only Carolina, and its rushing rate (3.4) was better only than Arizona and Cincinnati. –Mike Rothstein

Next game: at Panthers (Sunday, 4:25 PM ET)

Buccaneers

What does the Bucs’ growing injury situation look like? Last week, fourteen players were on the injury report. Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) returned to practice Friday, but was limited. He would allow the Bucs to use more dime packages and have more speed. It is unclear when right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) will return. Goedeke was a full participant two weeks ago, but has since been limited and Kancey has yet to practice. Coach Todd Bowles said it’s unclear how safe Jordan Whitehead’s groin injury is; he is one of their best communicators.

Describe the game in two words: Missed opportunities. With Tampa leading 30-27, the Bucs’ Tavierre Thomas blocked a field goal attempt with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter, but Bucky Irving fumbled the ensuing possession. With 1:52 to go, Tampa’s Lavonte David intercepted a pass, putting the Bucs at the Falcons’ 28. But Tampa couldn’t get a first down on the drive that followed, essentially losing 14 yards, and was forced to punt.

Eye-popping statistic: The Bucs surrendered 121 yards after first contact, which is one of the strongest indicators of missed tackles. It was their fifth-highest yards after first contact allowed in a game since 2020. It should be noted that they gave up 122 yards against the Broncos in Week 3. –Jenna Laine

Next game: at Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)