Week 5 of the NFL just wrapped up, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, jaw-dropping performances, and some seriously unexpected heroes. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some players were busy cementing their superstar status, others stepped out of the shadows to steal the spotlight—and not everyone’s convinced they’ll stay there. Let’s dive into the Team of the Week, where we’re spotlighting the players who made Week 5 unforgettable, kind of like that fantasy football lineup you wish you’d drafted.
Each week, we handpick the standout performers: one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, and a tight end. Think of it as the ultimate hindsight fantasy team, but with a twist—these players actually delivered. This week, we’ve got a mix of familiar faces and surprising newcomers. Let’s break it down.
QB: Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
Quarterbacks had a stellar week, with five throwing 3+ touchdowns without a single interception. But this is the part most people miss: Mayfield’s performance was the most electrifying. He went 29-for-33 with 379 yards and two touchdowns, outdueling Seattle’s Sam Darnold in a thrilling shootout. Darnold led five straight touchdown drives, including a 99-yarder to take the lead late, but Mayfield answered with a game-tying drive, hitting Sterling Shepard with just 1:08 left. His 11.48 yards per attempt is the second-highest of his career and ranks fourth-most in NFL history for a game with 85%+ completions—trailing only Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Tom Brady. Controversial question: Is Mayfield finally living up to his potential, or was this just a one-off performance?
RB: Rico Dowdle, Panthers
Talk about a breakout star! Filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle rushed 23 times for 206 yards and a touchdown, adding 28 receiving yards in the Panthers’ comeback win over the Dolphins. His 206 yards matched the second-most in Panthers history and easily topped Derrick Henry’s 169-yard Week 1 performance. Dowdle, who rushed for 1,000+ yards with the Cowboys but had lukewarm interest in free agency, proved he’s a game-changer for Carolina. But here’s the debate: Can he sustain this level of play, or was this just a fluke?
RB: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders
Down 10-0 early to the Chargers, the Commanders rallied behind Croskey-Merritt (or ‘Bill,’ as fans call him). He rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the comeback win. Washington’s backfield has been a revolving door this season, with three different backs leading in rushing through the first four weeks. Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick, has emerged as a feel-good story, contributing to tough wins in October after impressing in August. Thought-provoking question: Is he the future of the Commanders’ backfield, or just a temporary solution?
WR: Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers
The Ohio State rookie continues to dazzle, with five touchdowns in his first five NFL games. He set a new personal best with 163 yards in Sunday’s win, including a 20-yard touchdown and a 57-yard catch to set up another score. Named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September, he’s a strong contender for October honors too. If he keeps this up, the 19th overall pick could challenge for Rookie of the Year. Controversial take: Is he already the best receiver in his draft class?
WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks
Sunday’s game in Seattle featured a showdown between former Ohio State receivers, with Smith-Njigba outshining Egbuka. He had eight catches for 132 yards and a touchdown, continuing his strong connection with Sam Darnold. His 534 receiving yards through five games trail only the Rams’ Puka Nacua. Smith-Njigba is on pace to shatter Seattle’s team record of 1,303 receiving yards (set by DK Metcalf in 2020), with a projected 1,815 yards. Debate this: Is he the most underrated receiver in the league right now?
TE: Jake Ferguson, Cowboys
Tight ends had a solid week, with Sam LaPorta and Theo Johnson both putting up impressive numbers. But Ferguson gets the nod after catching two touchdowns from Dak Prescott in the Cowboys’ win, finishing with 49 yards. It’s his first career multi-touchdown game, a huge leap after going scoreless last season. He already has three touchdowns in 2025. Question for the audience: Is Ferguson the next big thing at tight end, or is this just a hot streak?
What did you think of these performances? Who would you have included in your Team of the Week? Let us know in the comments—we’re ready for the debate!
