Time flies so fast that the 2021 NFL season is already five weeks old.
With the first quarter of the season over, the legitimate contenders have separated themselves from the pack.
However, some teams have had an up-and-down journey.
But there are Week 5 games that produced shocking outcomes.
It's still Week 5 so we're going to OT!
📺: #INDvsBAL on ESPN
📱: https://t.co/cpgwIpWHHN— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2021
These matchups either ended in an upset or a stunning comeback.
Without question, these contests proved that anything could happen in an NFL game.
3. Amazing Win By The Ravens
It’s an excellent win for Baltimore to extend their win streak to four games.
The way they won made it a surprising outcome.
The Ravens overcame a 25-6 deficit to force overtime.
They scored 25 points to win the game, 31-25, and take the top spot in the AFC North.
VICTORY TUESDAY MOOD pic.twitter.com/1nFB2CTYpG
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 12, 2021
Both quarterbacks gave it their best in this showdown.
Carson Wentz followed Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck as the only quarterbacks in Indianapolis Colts history to have a 400-yard passing game.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson’s 442 yards breaks Vinny Testaverde’s franchise record for most passing yards in a game.
Lamar Jackson is the first player in NFL history with 400 passing yards and 85% completion percentage in a game.
Jackson accounted for 499 of the Ravens' 523 yards of offense Monday night. pic.twitter.com/uCPdnN5fRu
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 12, 2021
It’s funny that some NFL analysts declared 2021 as the year that the league will figure out Jackson.
However, this game proved that he could defeat teams with his passing skills.
This performance by Jackson catapults him into the MVP conversation with Kyler Murray.
2. Tense Win By The Packers
It’s not surprising that the Green Bay Packers won a close game on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals.
What’s shocking, however, are the missed field goals by Mason Crosby and Evan McPherson.
The rookie kicker for the Bengals already had game-winners under his belt.
Meanwhile, the steady Crosby is the all-time leading scorer in Packers history.
*the entire Packers team setting everything up for a win*
Mason Crosby: pic.twitter.com/pSnlrg4AX3
— Annie Agar (@AnnieAgar) October 10, 2021
But on Sunday, neither of them could hit the mark during the final minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime.
It’s so odd that you’d think someone’s controlling them via a joystick.
They somehow drifted their kicks wide to prolong the game.
That’s why Bengals head coach Zac Taylor smiled when Crosby missed another one.
Worse, McPherson celebrated a kick he thought went in.
Bengals kicker Evan McPherson celebrated a field goal that he missed pic.twitter.com/R6nVpIGgsP
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 10, 2021
Kickers missing field goals is a natural occurrence.
However, it’s rare to see them miss that many.
Finally, Crosby converted the game-winner to keep their winning streak going.
Mason Crosby redeems himself with the game-winner!
Packers survive the Bengals in OT.
(via @nfl) pic.twitter.com/EN6UvKT1re
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 10, 2021
But the veteran kicker must refocus to regain his kicking accuracy.
1. Bears Win Over Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders were scoring like crazy during their three-game win streak.
Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears sent them crashing down with a nine-point performance despite having a complete roster.
In contrast, Chicago did not have running back David Montgomery for this game, and they still found a way to win.
Justin Fields was more comfortable directing the Bears offense in this game, and he probably extended the Matt Nagy era once again.
Happened in Vegas, takin’ it home. 😏 #CHIvsLV | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/WHd9IQ7Oz2
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 10, 2021
Meanwhile, their defense did not let the Raiders’ receivers break free all game long.
Could this be the game that will turn things around for the Bears?
On the other hand, the Week 5 loss makes the Raiders look like a flash in the pan.
With more game tape on stopping them available, this could be Las Vegas’s pivot for the worst.
NEXT: The NFC West Is Suddenly A Two-Team Race