**Vikings Triumph in London, Falcons Edge Buccaneers in Thrilling NFL Week 5 Opener**

The fifth week of the 2024 NFL season started with excitement on Thursday night, as the Atlanta Falcons narrowly secured an overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Sunday, the action continued overseas in London, where the Minnesota Vikings maintained their unbeaten streak by overcoming Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

The Vikings notched a significant win in London, leaving them undefeated as they head into their bye week. The team showcased their resilience by managing to secure a victory despite a challenging performance from quarterback Sam Darnold, who had his worst game since joining Minnesota in the offseason. Darnold completed only 14 of 31 passes, but crucial throws in the fourth quarter to Justin Jefferson and Johnny Mundt helped set up the game-winning field goal. The Vikings’ defense played a pivotal role, scoring a touchdown and intercepting Aaron Rodgers three times. Rookie kicker Will Reichard also had a stellar day, converting all three of his field goal attempts, including two from beyond 50 yards.

Aaron Rodgers' milestone of becoming the ninth quarterback to surpass 60,000 passing yards was overshadowed by his three interceptions, tying a career-high for single-game turnovers. The Jets' offense struggled, particularly in the rushing department, with Breece Hall contributing just 23 yards on nine carries. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's predictable rushing schemes and the lack of support from the offensive line compounded the Jets' difficulties, despite Garrett Wilson's impressive 101-yard performance.

Back in the United States, the Falcons' thrilling win against the Buccaneers was marked by dramatic swings. The Falcons capitalized on a weak Tampa Bay secondary, which was missing All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., to rack up 550 offensive yards. Quarterback Kirk Cousins exhibited promising chemistry with receivers Drake London and Kyle Pitts, leading to an explosive offensive display. However, concerns remain about the Falcons' pass rush, which managed only one sack and continues to rank among the NFL’s worst in pressure and hurry percentages.

Injuries were a significant factor for the Buccaneers, who had 14 players on last week's injury report. Despite leading 30-27 in the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers missed several critical opportunities to seal the victory. A blocked field goal and a late interception by Lavonte David weren't enough to overcome their defensive shortcomings, notably allowing 121 yards after initial contact, indicative of poor tackling.

As Week 6 approaches, both teams will reflect on their performances and look to address their vulnerabilities. The Vikings' flawless start and the Falcons’ newfound offensive momentum set the stage for intriguing developments in the season ahead.