NFL
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While each franchise enters the week with optimism, not all 32 NFL teams can win every week. An early-season loss doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s not how any team wants to start the year. Yet, here are five NFL teams that will inevitably let their fan bases down with a loss in Week 5.
Related: 1 NFL Player From Each Team Who Will Disappoint in Week 5
New England Patriots
NFL: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills5
Oct 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
As the reigning AFC representative in the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots are expected to return to the playoffs this season, but their schedule also presents a tougher sled ahead. Right now, they’ve managed to scratch and claw their way to a 2-2 start, but next up is a 3-1 Las Vegas Raiders team that just gave the Kansas City Chiefs everything they could handle. This time the Raiders will get the last laugh, sending the Patriots back under .500.
Related: 1 Bold Prediction for Each Game in NFL Week 5
Philadelphia Eagles
NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles5
Oct 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) before kick off against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense is a mess right now. Now they have to hit the long road to London to take on a 3-1 Jacksonville Jaguars squad that has the NFL’s second-best defense in points allowed thus far. Travis Hunter has been excelling as a defensive back, which could make life difficult on Jalen Hurts, who’s coming off a game where he completed just 44.4% of his passes and finished with 93 yards.
Related: Week 5 NFL Power Rankings
Chicago Bears
NFL: New York Jets at Chicago Bears5
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Expected to start their backup QB for the third week in a row, Tyson Bagent’s luck could run out this week against a desperate Green Bay Packers team that’s been scrambling for answers after being bitten by the injury bug. Unlike last week, the Chicago Bears’ next opponent will have a chance to study fresh film on Bagent, which could make it easier to shut him down, and Kyle Monangai won’t be at 100% after his thumb injury either.
Related: 2026 NFL QB Rankings Before Week 5
Denver Broncos
NFL: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers5
Oct 4, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines during a game against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The 2-2 Denver Broncos may be headed into a trap game in Week 5 against the winless Los Angeles Chargers. Denver’s offense has already been struggling through four weeks, and the Chargers are likely approaching this one as a must-win matchup. That could spell trouble for a Broncos team that hasn’t realized their full potential quite yet.
Minnesota Vikings
NFL: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings5
Oct 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
While Kyler Murray showed serious growth in the second half of the Minnesota Vikings’ latest win, Kevin O’Connell’s offense still isn’t living up to its potential. The same could be said about a New Orleans Saints defense that ranked 16th in points allowed in 2025, but has fallen to dead-last in 2026. The Saints will surely make adjustments after a rough stretch, and the Vikings may not have all the answers on Sunday.