Jason Burgos
Week 5 in the 2025 NFL season featured many one-sided performances, including a pair of teams winning by over 30 points. To get decisive victories like that, you need some breakout days on the gridiron. You also need days players dread rewatching in the film room next week.
So who had the worst performances this weekend? We answer that question with our rundown of the 10 big NFL Week 5 losers.
Cooper Rush, Baltimore Ravens
Veteran backup Cooper Rush proved during his seven seasons in Dallas, he is one of the better QB2s in the game, as he posted a 9-5 record in the games he started. That is why there was hope that with the skills players the Baltimore Ravens have, the 31-year-old should be able to lead them to a win on Sunday. Instead, the veteran tossed three passes to the wrong team, and it was a major reason why they lost 44-10 in NFL Week 5. It was more proof of how volatile the backup QB spot is for every team.
Philadelphia Eagles offensive line
The Philadelphia Eagles’ run game last season was one of the best in the league due to the exploits of Saquon Barkley and great play from their line. That has disappeared in 2025. On Sunday, the Philly run game managed just 45 combined yards, and Jalen Hurts was hounded all day by the Denver Broncos’ defense as he was sacked six times. The Eagles’ offensive struggles this season start and end with the continued average play of their O-line.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams QB1 Matthew Stafford has a classic performance. Against rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, he connected on 30 of 47 for nearly 400 yards and three TDs against a formidable defense. That should have been enough to get a W. It wasn’t as LA lost 26-23 in overtime on Thursday night. Stafford was great this week, but his one turnover definitely played a role in their loss this week.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
With Najee Harris out for the season, the full responsibility of the Los Angeles Chargers’ run game is on rookie Omarion Hampton. In his first start last week, he was dynamite as he rumbled for 128 yards against the Giants. However, he fell back to earth in NFL Week 5 as the Commanders’ defense held him to just 44 yards on 12 carries. The rookie found out how difficult it is to put up big numbers each week in the NFL.
Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns
The moment Dillon Gabriel had waited years for came on Sunday when he got his first NFL start against the Minnesota Vikings. And in NFL Week 5, the rookie was rock solid. Throwing for 190 yards and two TDs on 33 passes. Unfortunately, while he avoided turnovers, it wasn’t enough, and his team fell to 1-4 on the season. The loss continues an awful streak where no Cleveland Browns QB has won their first game since 1999.
Miami Dolphins run game
The Miami Dolphins’ offense has been a major disappointment this season. But it is stunning how poor their run game has been. NFL Week 5 was another example of that, as they got next to nothing from the rushing attack. And that is not hyperbole. On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers’ defense held Miami to just 19 yards on 14 carries. The Dolphins’ run game is so trash that Mike McDaniel barely wanted to even use it this weekend.
Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
After playing well in two of his first three games with the Las Vegas Raiders, it seemed like trading for Geno Smith this offseason was a smart move by the silver-and-black. However, things have changed quickly, especially after NFL Week 5. On Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts, the veteran QB followed up a 3 INT game last week with two more and no TDs this weekend. He is a key reason why they head into Week 6 with a 1-4 record.
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
After having the greatest season of his career in 2024, Saquon Barkley has been underwhelming this year. Sure, blame can be put on the offensive line, but no one expected him to have the stats he has after five games. This season, the MVP candidate has only 237 rushing yards and has peaked with an 88-yard day on the ground in Week 2. While Philly has been able to get wins despite the lack of a run game, that wasn’t the case in NFL Week 5 as they took a loss at home to Denver.
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Jaxson Dart had a rock-solid debut for the New York Giants last week. However, in NFL Week 5 against a struggling New Orleans Saints team, the rookie found out just how hard it is to consistently succeed at this level. The first-round pick was behind three of the team’s five turnovers in an ugly 26-14 loss on Sunday and threw for just over 200 yards. It was a day to forget that washed away any afterglow remaining from his debut win in Week 4.
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans finally got a W on Sunday. However, rookie QB Cam Ward showed a lot of the weaknesses in his game in the victory. He barely hit on more than half his passes (21 of 39) and had no TDs to 1 INT on the day. While he and the team will take the win, it still came with issues.
