Week 5 in the 2025 NFL season featured many one-sided performances, including a pair of teams winning by over 30
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.
Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers
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.
Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos
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.
Jordan Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
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.
Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers
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.
Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans
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, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott’s numbers in NFL Week 5 don’t jump off the page — 18 of 29 for 237 yards. However, the most important stats are 4 TDs to 0 INTs. He operated the offense expertly and oversaw an efficient and effective effort that delivered 37 points in the Dallas Cowboys’ win on Sunday. It was an example of why he is an MVP candidate after five games.
Quinshon Judikins, Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are headed to another sad, losing season in 2025. However, outside of their defense, if there was any bright spot after five games, it would be second-round pick Quinshon Judkins. The former Ohio State star continues to show signs of his immense potential, and did so again in NFL Week 5 with his best game yet as he rumbled for 110 yards on 23 rushes this weekend. Cleveland didn’t get the win, but they aren’t even competitive if not for the rookie’s efforts.
CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
This has been a really tough season for CJ Stroud. His run game is weak, and the offensive line has been bad. It has him seeing shadows and on the run most weeks. However, things have started to get better over the last two games, and the Houston Texans got a second straight win on Sunday via a 44-10 blowout over the Baltimore Ravens on the road.
The young QB had one of his best games in a while as he connected on 23 of 27 passes for 244 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 INTs. It was the sort of fantastic day he needed to continue to regain his confidence and get back to the player he was two years ago.
Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys
Outside of diehard Cowboys fans, hardly any NFL fans around the country even knew Ryan Flournoy existed. However, after NFL Week 5, a lot more people know who he is now. With CeeDee Lamb out and the New York Jets defense focused on shutting down George Pickens, the 2024 sixth-round pick had the game of his life as he reeled in 114 yards on just six catches. It was a day the Southeastern Missouri product will never forget.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
With Austin Ekeler out for the season, the Washington Commanders need someone to step up and be an impact RB. In NFL Week 5, Jacory Croskey-Merritt with a career day. The rookie posted 111 yards and 2 TDs on the ground on just 14 carries. It could just be an anomaly, but the seventh-round pick gave DC hope they can fill some of the void left by Ekeler.
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