The Big Story for every NFL team
— -- NFL Nation reporters detail the biggest storylines for every team coming out of Week 5 and what they mean going forward.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (3-2)
Three weeks ago, the Bills' season looked to be up in flames. Now they're quickly catching fire. The Bills have mounted their first three-game winning streak since 2011 and have a chance to make it four -- or five -- straight with the 49ers and Dolphins, both 1-4, next up. -- Mike Rodak
Week 6: vs. San Francisco, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Miami Dolphins (1-4)
The Dolphins are searching for consistency with their offense, and the quest continues after a loss to the Titans. The team's biggest question is quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has turned in a stretch of disappointing performances. For now he has the support of coach Adam Gase. Time will tell how long that will last. -- ESPN.com staff
Week 6: vs. Pittsburgh, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
New England Patriots (4-1)
The Patriots' offense has a different look with Tom Brady under center, as evidenced by him going 28-of-40 for 406 yards with three touchdowns in Sunday's win over the Browns. With Brady back, and tight end Rob Gronkowski saying that he's getting back to being his old self health-wise, the Patriots are close to having all their top offensive weapons in the fold. It's perfect timing for them with the Bengals coming to town next Sunday. -- Mike Reiss
Week 6: vs. Cincinnati, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
New York Jets (1-4)
The Jets, losers of three straight, have a long week to prepare for a Monday night road game in Arizona. They'll need the extra time to get healthy, with center Nick Mangold (knee) and linebacker David Harris (hamstring) nursing injuries. They're the on-field, cerebral leaders on both sides of the ball, so their absences would hurt an already reeling team. -- Rich Cimini
Week 6: at Arizona, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
Quarterback Joe Flacco said he's embarrassed by the struggles of the offense, which is averaging 18.8 points per game. It's going to be tough for the Ravens to turn it around. Baltimore heads to New York the next two weeks, and the Giants and Jets both ranked in the top half of the NFL in defense before Sunday's games. The Ravens' offense has come up short on potential game-winning drives the past two games, and Baltimore managed one field goal in its past 12 drives against a porous Redskins defense. "We can't find continuity on offense," coach John Harbaugh said. "That's been the story of the season." -- Jamison Hensley
Week 6: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
It's not a stretch to say the Bengals' season could be in trouble after a total failure in all phases against the Cowboys. The Bengals have Tom Brady and the Patriots up next in Brady's first home game back from his suspension. The Bengals aren't used to losing in the regular season. Cornerback Adam Jones said he would be lying if he said he wasn't a little mystified. "I'm used to winning. This team is used to winning," he said after the game. -- Katherine Terrell
Week 6: at New England, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Cleveland Browns (0-5)
Elias reports that aside from the strike-shortened season of 1987, a team has not started four quarterbacks in the season's first six games since Denver did it in 1968. The Browns face that reality as they start the week with Cody Kessler nursing a painful rib injury and Charlie Whitehurst having a left knee checked. Whitehurst, or anyone other than Kessler, starting in Tennessee would be the Browns' fourth starting quarterback this season. -- Pat McManamon
Week 6: at Tennessee, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)
One thing is clear after the Jets win: The trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown can overpower teams, especially bad ones. The Steelers' offense is a threat to put up major yardage against the Dolphins in Miami. No quarterback is hotter right now than Roethlisberger, who just threw for 380 yards and four touchdowns and took one sack on one of the league's best fronts. The offensive line is playing at an "awesome" level, said Roethlisberger, who was pressured on four of his 48 dropbacks against the Jets. Opposing teams have to find a way to prevent the deep ball while applying healthy pressure on Big Ben. -- Jeremy Fowler
Week 6: at Miami, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans (3-2)
The Texans' road struggles continued in Sunday's loss to the Vikings, especially on offense. Yes, the Vikings' defense was excellent, but coach Bill O'Brien and quarterback Brock Osweiler need to be able to get the ball to Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins. In his past three games, Hopkins has 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. "I'm not doing a good enough job of getting them the ball," O'Brien said. -- Sarah Barshop
Week 6: vs. Indianapolis, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
New week, same problems for the Colts. The offensive line gave up five more sacks to increase Andrew Luck's total to 20 through the first five weeks of the season. Luck has yet to miss a snap this season, but the Colts might not be as fortunate one of these weeks if they can't do a better job of protecting their quarterback. "It's obviously a big concern for all of us," coach Chuck Pagano said. "You never want to get your quarterback hit and sacked and all those types of things." -- Mike Wells
Week 6: at Houston, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
The Jaguars' victory in London last week was their first of the season, taking some pressure off a team that was expected to compete in the AFC South. But how do the Jaguars build off that? That's what will define this team and determine whether coach Gus Bradley keeps his job. The Jaguars already have a victory over the Colts, and the Texans' Brock Osweiler had another dismal outing, so the division certainly looks like a mess again. The Jaguars have a stretch of winnable games ahead -- at Chicago, vs. Oakland, and at Tennessee -- and need to take advantage of that to become a factor in the division. -- Mike DiRocco
Week 6: at Chicago, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Tennessee Titans (2-3)
Marcus Mariota said he needed a game like he produced in Miami, in which he didn't turn the ball over and made no big mistakes. It was the model of the Titans' philosophy, as the run game set things up for the second-year quarterback to throw three touchdowns. He needs to carry the effort into next week's game against the winless Browns. Cleveland beat the Titans in 2014 and 2015 and will be expecting its breakthrough. If the Titans can model their Miami formula -- no turnovers, quieting an opponent's defensive threats, running the ball and setting up Mariota for success -- they could actually get to last year's win total in Week 6. -- Paul Kuharsky
Week 6: vs. Cleveland, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos (4-1)
The Broncos on Sunday found out just how much quarterback Trevor Siemian might have meant to the team's 4-0 start. With Siemian out of the lineup with a left shoulder injury, they suffered their first loss of the season in an ugly game against the Falcons. The issue now is Siemian's health, given that the Broncos play Thursday night in San Diego. Siemian said he was close to playing in Sunday's game and hoped to be ready for Thursday night's game. The Broncos have lauded Siemian's ability to handle a lot of information in a short amount of time, so his ability to mentally be ready to play Thursday night isn't in question. It's whether his left shoulder will be healed enough for him to play, or if rookie Paxton Lynch will have to be in the lineup again. -- Jeff Legwold
Week 6: at San Diego, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)
Coach Andy Reid showed plenty of fire at his most recent news conference, saying, "In this league, there's never plenty of time. ... You're not going to fix problems unless there's a massive amount of urgency that takes place.'' The Chiefs need to take that to heart as they return from their bye to begin preparations for Sunday's game against the Raiders. The season's first four games revealed plenty of weaknesses, and the Chiefs can't afford to waste any more time in addressing them. -- Adam Teicher
Week 6: at Oakland, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
Oakland Raiders (4-1)
Second-year wide receiver Amari Cooper caught his first touchdown pass of the season, and it could not have come at a better time for the Raiders. His 64-yard touchdown catch down the left sideline sparked the Raiders out of a sleepwalking spell, and they were able to ride the momentum to the victory over the Chargers. Derek Carr targeted Cooper 12 times, and Cooper had six catches for 138 yards, which is a good sign for the Raiders' AC/DC connection going forward, especially with the Chiefs coming to Oakland next week off a bye. -- Paul Gutierrez
Week 6: vs. Kansas City, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
San Diego Chargers (1-4)
Somewhat forgotten in another head-scratching loss for the Chargers was the debut of rookie defensive end Joey Bosa. The Ohio State product did not disappoint, finishing with two sacks and five combined tackles, including three tackles for loss, in 22 snaps. Bosa said he was happy with the way he played but knows he can play a lot better. The Chargers haven't made many great decisions through the first five games, but holding Bosa out a month until his hamstring was fully healed was one of them. -- Eric D. Williams
Week 6: vs. Denver, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys (4-1)
The Cowboys are looking and feeling like they did in 2014 when they finished 12-4. With Sunday's win against Cincinnati, they have equaled last year's win total. They haven't played a down yet with quarterback Tony Romo. Wide receiver Dez Bryant has missed the past two games. But coach Jason Garrett doesn't care that his team is in first place in the NFC East. "It's not really time for that though," he said. "It's time to get back to work. We'll watch this tape and clean up some of the things we've got to get better at and get ready for a great challenge that is coming up this week in Green Bay." -- Todd Archer
Week 6: at Green Bay, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
New York Giants (2-3)
It's only five weeks into the season, but the division is starting to slip away from the Giants. They fell on Sunday night in Green Bay for their third straight loss, with the offense laying another egg. Even though the Eagles (3-1) lost earlier in the day, the Cowboys (4-1) and Redskins (3-2) won. The Giants better put it together fast before they lose touch with the rest of the division. -- Jordan Raanan
Week 6: vs. Baltimore, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1)
It's now a question of how the Eagles will respond. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz threw his first career interception, the team committed a staggering 14 penalties for 111 yards, and Doug Pederson's squad often looked disjointed in a road loss to the Lions. This is the first bit of adversity for the Eagles, who rolled to convincing wins in each of their first three games. Next up is a key divisional matchup at the Redskins, which should tell is a good bit about this team's ability to bounce back. -- Tim McManus
Week 6: at Washington, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Washington Redskins (3-2)
Can the defense keep it going? After a standout day vs. Baltimore, the Redskins have a chance to build real momentum after holding the Ravens to 3-of-15 on third-down conversions and forced eight punts. Washington played a smart, sound game defensively for the first time all season and kept forcing Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to throw underneath the coverage, which is why he averaged 4.6 yards per pass attempt. They cut down on their missed tackles, too. But to make it mean something, the Redskins know it can't be a one-week effort. -- John Keim
Week 6: vs. Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears (1-4)
Quarterback Brian Hoyer kept a stranglehold on the starting job, completing 33 of 43 pass attempts for 397 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears' loss to the Colts. Although the Bears must do a better job finishing drives, the offense is moving the ball, racking up 522 total yards against the Colts. One area of concern, however, is Alshon Jeffery's usage. Chicago's top receiver was targeted only six times, and he looked visibly frustrated when Hoyer did not throw him the ball on the Bears' final offensive play. Jeffery is third on the team with 22 receptions, a low number, considering he takes up $14.599 million worth of salary-cap space. -- Jeff Dickerson
Week 6: vs. Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Detroit Lions (2-3)
After a stunning win over the previously undefeated Eagles on Sunday, the Lions find themselves with renewed life as they face the Rams heading into the second game of a three-game home stretch. The Lions still have a lot of issues to figure out, notably their pass rush, but they are in a situation in which their season is very much alive. It didn't feel that way a week ago. -- Michael Rothstein
Week 6: vs. Los Angeles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Green Bay Packers (3-1)
The Packers' offense still isn't right. And with the surprisingly powerful Cowboys coming to Lambeau Field next Sunday, Aaron Rodgers and Co. still have work to do. Yes, Rodgers scratched out enough plays in Sunday night's win over the Giants, but the Packers still aren't scaring anyone on offense like they've done in the past. And with running back Eddie Lacy now nursing a left ankle injury that occurred in the second half, it won't get any easier to right the ship. -- Rob Demovsky
Week 6: vs. Dallas, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Since Week 8 last season, Sam Bradford has the seventh-best passer rating in the NFL. He's playing some of the best football of his career in Minnesota, and a quarterback who has been something of an NFL vagabond might be finding a home with the Vikings. He has hit six of his eight throws of 25 yards or more this season, throwing for 205 yards and two TDs, and his quick release on timing throws has helped compensate for some of the Vikings' offensive line issues. Despite the Vikings losing another starting offensive lineman Sunday, Bradford was pressured on just 19 percent of his throws. -- Ben Goessling
Week 6: Bye
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
The Falcons have finally found a pass rush to go with their potent offense. They had six sacks in Sunday's win over the Broncos, including 3.5 by former first-round pick Vic Beasley, and the Falcons registered eight quarterback hits. If the pass rush and defense can become consistent to go with the offense, the Falcons will be awfully dangerous when the postseason comes around. -- Vaughn McClure
Week 6: at Seattle, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Can the Panthers beat Tampa Bay on Monday night without NFL MVP Cam Newton (concussion), left tackle Michael Oher (concussion) and running back Jonathan Stewart (hamstring)? They beat the Bucs twice in 2014 with Derek Anderson filling in for an injured Newton. But the bigger concern for this one might be the secondary. Starting left cornerback James Bradberry (toe) is out, and right cornerback Bene' Benwikere was released Friday. That leaves rookie Daryl Worley, making his first start, and journeyman Robert McClain on the other wide against receiver Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. -- David Newton
Week 6: at New Orleans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints (1-3)
It's back to work this week for the Saints after their Week 5 bye and their first win of the season in Week 4 at San Diego, an accomplishment that looks less impressive after the Chargers botched another one in the final minutes Sunday. Nevertheless, the Saints have a little momentum and should be a little healthier. And they have a chance to turn their season around with a home date against the rival Panthers, who will be coming off a short week with quarterback Cam Newton's status uncertain. -- Mike Triplett
Week 6: vs. Carolina, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)
The Bucs will be shorthanded against the Panthers on Monday night. Running back Doug Martin (hamstring), defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (calf), defensive end Robert Ayers (ankle), defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (hamstring) and running back Charles Sims (knee) are all officially listed as doubtful. Considering quarterback Jameis Winston was intercepted six times in two games against the Panthers last season, being without his first and second-string running backs hurts the Bucs significantly. The Bucs might also have only one starting defensive lineman playing in William Gholston. Given the explosive plays the Bucs' secondary has given up, that's going to be a big challenge, especially with weapons such as Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen. Derek Anderson beat them twice in 2014, and they haven't forgotten about it. -- Jenna Laine
Week 6: Bye
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The biggest question stemming from the Cardinals' win over the 49ers on Thursday night is what kind of effect will it have on their season, which has started 2-3. Will it slingshot them forward for the remainder of the year, or was it just a win against a subpar team? Their first chance to answer that question comes against the Jets on Monday Night Football. Another thing to keep an eye on this week will be the status of quarterback Carson Palmer, who missed Thursday night's game with a concussion. -- Josh Weinfuss
Week 6: vs. New York Jets, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams (3-2)
The Rams are starting to feel the injury bug. Three of their starting defensive linemen -- Robert Quinn, Will Hayes and Michael Brockers -- missed Sunday's loss to the Bills, and their primary cornerback, Trumaine Johnson, injured his right leg. Coach Jeff Fisher didn't have an update after the game, but Johnson was in a protective boot and on crutches. The Rams were already thin at cornerback after releasing Coty Sensabaugh. E.J. Gaines, their No. 2 corner, has nursed two ailments since recovering from foot surgery, and Lamarcus Joyner, their slot corner, is playing through a broken toe. The Rams entered Sunday's game with Troy Hill, an undrafted free agent in 2015, as their only reserve at the position. -- Alden Gonzalez
Week 6: at Detroit, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
San Francisco 49ers (1-4)
Niners coach Chip Kelly said he and his coaching staff will spend their extra down time following a Thursday night game trying to figure out how to improve the offense, which includes taking a look at the starting group. Yes, that includes at quarterback, where the calls for Colin Kaepernick to replace Blaine Gabbert have grown louder. With the extra time to prepare for next week's game in Buffalo, now would be a logical time to make the move, though Kelly hasn't yet tipped his hand on whom he will choose. -- Nick Wagoner
Week 6: at Buffalo, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
They had a bye, but the Week 5 results worked in the Seahawks' favor. The Rams' loss to the Bills puts Pete Carroll's squad in first place in the NFC West with a 3-1 record going into Week 6. The Seahawks' defense has played well, having allowed just 13.5 points per game this season. But their biggest test so far will come Sunday against Matt Ryan and the Falcons. The good news for the Seahawks is that they should be healthy on that side of the ball, with 10 of 11 regular defensive starters on the field. -- Sheil Kapadia
Week 6: vs. Atlanta, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
