Football fans are in for a treat this Sunday as NFL Week 5 brings some of the most anticipated matchups of the season. The day kicks off with an early game in London, marking the continuation of the NFL London Games series. With some teams off to surprising starts and others looking to find their footing, Week 5 offers a pivotal opportunity for contenders to either maintain momentum or turn things around. Let’s take a closer look at one of the day’s biggest matchups.
New York Jets (2-2) vs. Minnesota Vikings (4-0) – 9:30 a.m. ET
The first game of the day features the New York Jets taking on the Minnesota Vikings in London. This international matchup at the home of Tottenham Hotspur has an added layer of excitement as fans from all over the world gather to witness American football on a global stage. According to Sky Sports NFL analyst Phoebe Schecter, the noise level at last year’s game was comparable to a Buffalo Bills home game, and the Vikings will be hoping for the same kind of support.
The Minnesota Vikings, currently sitting at a surprising 4-0, have never lost a game in London and are a perfect 3-0 when playing in the UK. Despite being ranked 23rd in ESPN’s preseason power rankings, the Vikings have stunned the league with their dominant start, led by quarterback Sam Darnold. After first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury, Darnold took the reins and has been on fire, leading the NFL with 11 touchdown passes.
Darnold’s success with the Vikings is a bit of a redemption arc, as his time with the Jets ended on a sour note with a 2-14 season in 2020. Now, he’s playing some of the best football of his career, and NFL analysts believe this could be a “revenge game” for him as he faces his former team. Coy Wire from CNN mentioned that Darnold looks “relaxed, confident, and like a man on a mission” as he leads the undefeated Vikings.
On the other hand, the New York Jets have been inconsistent. After a dominant 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots, they followed it up with a frustrating 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos, in which their offense failed to score a touchdown. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed his disappointment after the loss, stating that the team had too many mental mistakes. For the Jets to have a chance against the red-hot Vikings, Rodgers and his offensive playmakers will need to step up their game.
Buffalo Bills (3-1) vs. Houston Texans (3-1) – 1 p.m. ET
Later in the day, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills face off against the Houston Texans in another exciting matchup. Both teams are tied at 3-1, and this game will be crucial in determining which team can stay atop their respective divisions.
The Buffalo Bills are coming off a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens, a game in which they were outplayed from the start. Derrick Henry’s 87-yard touchdown on the Ravens’ first snap set the tone for a long night. Despite some flashes of hope in the third quarter, a fumble by Allen on a trick play sealed the Bills’ fate.
The Houston Texans, on the other hand, are having a surprisingly strong season. With solid defensive performances and a balanced offense, the Texans are proving to be legitimate contenders in the AFC.
