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The NFL landscape shifted noticeably after an eventful Week 5, which concluded with no undefeated teams, no winless teams, and plenty of drama. The Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings maintained their perfect records, while the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrated their first win of the season. Key takeaways include the resurgence of the Baltimore Ravens, ongoing struggles for the Cleveland Browns, and turbulent times for the New York Jets.

After a rocky start, the Baltimore Ravens are re-establishing themselves as formidable Super Bowl contenders. Having lost their first two games to the Las Vegas Raiders and defending champions Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore bounced back with three consecutive wins. Their latest triumph came in a tight overtime victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, highlighting the prowess of their star players. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson remains electrifying, linking up with Isaiah Likely for a stunning touchdown while Derrick Henry, the league's leading rusher, showcased his skills with a 51-yard run that set up the winning field goal. Despite the comeback win, head coach John Harbaugh emphasized room for improvement ahead of their Week 6 clash with the Washington Commanders.

In contrast, the Cleveland Browns are dealing with significant challenges. Their dismal 1-4 record reflects broader issues, predominantly stemming from quarterback Deshaun Watson’s underwhelming performances. Watson's subpar showing in the 34-13 loss to the Commanders has intensified scrutiny. Despite completing only 15 of 28 passes for 125 yards and a late touchdown, head coach Kevin Stefanski remains committed to Watson, calling for better performances across the board. With veteran Jameis Winston waiting in the wings, pressure mounts on Watson to deliver.

Meanwhile, the New York Jets' season has been marked by inconsistency, culminating in a demoralizing 2-3 record and the firing of head coach Robert Saleh. Hopes were high after the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, but his Achilles injury and recent ankle sprain have further complicated matters. Rodgers' three interceptions against the Vikings in London, alongside fluctuating team performances, prompted the Jets to make a change. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich steps in as the interim head coach, as the organization seeks stability and improved outcomes.

Week 5 has undeniably reshaped expectations and strategies for several teams. As the NFL progresses, the response from players and coaching staff to these early-season experiences will be pivotal.