Several NFL quarterbacks demonstrated significant improvements during Week 5 of the 2026 season, signaling a potential upswing in performance after a slow start for some of the league’s top signal-callers.
Notably, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and Buffalo Bills counterpart Josh Allen are set to face each other Monday night in what promises to be a marquee matchup. Stafford, the reigning MVP, has experienced an uneven start, with his passer rating dipping below 75.0 in three of his first four games, contributing to the Rams’ 2-2 record. Allen, who held the MVP title prior to Stafford, has been solid early in the season but has committed four turnovers in his last two games, resulting in a split record for the Bills over that span. Their upcoming matchup draws attention given their explosive 44-42 contest two years ago, where both quarterbacks threw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns.
Other quarterbacks stood out during Sunday’s games. Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow achieved a season-high in touchdown passes while distributing the ball to nine receivers in a victory over the Miami Dolphins, snapping the Bengals’ two-game skid ahead of their bye week. Green Bay Packers’ Jordan Love continued his impressive start by throwing at least two touchdown passes in each game this season, with an especially efficient performance in a 31-7 rout of the Chicago Bears. The Packers capitalized on Chicago’s five turnovers in the contest, with hopes high for the potential return of injured quarterback Caleb Williams in Week 6.
Minnesota Vikings’ Kyler Murray also showed marked progress after a concussion in Week 1, recording his best game in purple and gold with 229 passing yards and a touchdown, in addition to 51 rushing yards. The Vikings remain undefeated, despite ranking last in passing entering Week 5, raising questions about their offensive development and overall potential.
New York Jets’ defensive efforts also drew notice, as the team registered nine sacks—including a strip sack on the Cleveland Browns’ Deshaun Watson on the final offensive snap—tying their team record for sacks in a game. The Jets’ defensive prowess contributed to a narrow 17-12 victory.
Other notable quarterback performances included Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff, who passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score in a 45-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Goff remains one of only two NFL players to throw at least 12 touchdown passes without an interception in a team’s first five games. Conversely, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts faced continued struggles. Prescott, one of the league’s highest-paid players, threw two interceptions in a loss to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Hurts’ passer rating has yet to exceed 86.0 since Week 1, reflecting ongoing difficulties amid a transitioning offense.
The San Francisco 49ers remained undefeated with a victory over the reigning champions Seattle Seahawks, led by Brock Purdy’s two touchdown passes, despite him not having his strongest performance. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Sam Darnold has encountered ball security issues, with five interceptions across roughly three games, complicating the team’s quarterback situation.
The week also saw the return of several players from injury and adjustments in coaching personnel. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned for the Washington Commanders, rushing for over 100 yards with two touchdowns but was involved in a critical late-game clock management error that prevented a potential game-winning field goal attempt. Denver Broncos’ coach Sean Payton returned as offensive play-caller with a modest offensive output, while Houston Texans’ defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans oversaw a masterful defensive performance limiting the Tennessee Titans to just three points and 187 total yards.
The NFL community also mourned the passing of Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka, who died earlier that week. Ditka was known for his colorful personality and significant contributions to the league.
As Week 5 concluded, several teams and players showed signs of momentum, while others continued to grapple with inconsistency, setting the stage for an evolving narrative as the 2026 season progresses.