Steelers' Justin Fields connects with Connor Heyward for the first touchdown against the Cowboys.

PITTSBURGH -- After a long first half in the much-anticipated Week 5 Sunday night matchup, one team finally found the end zone.

Following a series of field goals exchanged with the Dallas Cowboys, the Pittsburgh Steelers scored the game's first touchdown, taking a 10-6 lead with 11:50 left in the third quarter. Quarterback Justin Fields connected with tight end Connor Heyward for a 16-yard touchdown.

This connection marked a redemption moment for both players after Fields had overthrown Heyward on a potential big play during the Steelers' opening drive.

The touchdown came shortly after Fields had to exit the game temporarily due to a significant hit from defensive end Tyrus Wheat, who was penalized for roughing the passer. Fields missed two plays, including a 19-yard pass from backup quarterback Kyle Allen to tight end Pat Freiermuth. However, he returned to the game to complete four consecutive passes, culminating in the touchdown.

The Week 5 NFL action continued with several exciting games, including the Atlanta Falcons’ overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night and the Minnesota Vikings maintaining their undefeated record by defeating the New York Jets, led by Aaron Rodgers, who became the ninth quarterback to surpass 60,000 career passing yards.

Later in the day, the Baltimore Ravens edged out the Cincinnati Bengals in another thrilling overtime match, while the Jacksonville Jaguars secured their first win of the season against the Indianapolis Colts. The New York Giants also made a statement, defeating the Seattle Seahawks on the road, moving their record to 2-3.

The day wrapped up with the Dallas Cowboys narrowly defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in a low-scoring contest, following a lengthy weather delay.

Our NFL Nation reporters provided insights and reactions to each game, addressing key questions and highlighting crucial takeaways for every team.

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• NYJ-MIN
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• LV-DEN
• GB-LAR
• NYG-SEA
• DAL-PIT

Dallas 20, Pittsburgh 17

Cowboys Could this victory propel the Cowboys into a stronger season? Despite missing key players like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Brandin Cooks, and losing top rookies Marshawn Kneeland and Tyler Guyton in the first half, the Cowboys showed resilience. After struggling with two red zone turnovers and a blocked field goal, this win was crucial to keep pace with the 4-1 Washington Commanders in the NFC East. At 3-2, they avoided their worst start since coach Mike McCarthy's first season in 2020, when they finished 6-10.

Surprising performance: Rico Dowdle. His 12-yard carry in the first half was the first rush by a Cowboys running back to exceed 10 yards this season. Dowdle quickly followed with two more carries of 13 yards each later in the game.

Key concern: The Cowboys struggled in the red zone early, with Dak Prescott fumbling and throwing an interception on two drives inside the 20. However, their final red zone trip resulted in a touchdown on a fourth-and-goal pass to wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, sealing the win with just 20 seconds left. — Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Lions (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Steelers How long will the Steelers stick with QB Justin Fields? Fields had an inconsistent game, completing 14 of 25 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that the starting quarterback decision will remain until Russell Wilson returns from injury. Fields’ early gains may be slipping as the offense failed to capitalize on three significant turnovers, resulting in three punts.

Surprising performance: George Pickens. Despite wearing eye black that proclaimed he was "Always F---ing Open," Pickens managed only two catches for 29 yards on six targets. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had previously focused on involving Pickens more, but he was largely absent until a late 22-yard catch.

Key concern: Third-down defense. The Steelers allowed the Cowboys to convert 60% of their third-down attempts, a concerning trend from previous games. They briefly redeemed themselves with a goal-line stand before Prescott hit Tolbert for the game-winning score. — Brooke Pryor

Next game: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

N.Y. Giants 29, Seattle 20

Giants Have the Giants turned the corner? This young team continues to improve weekly. They not only won on the road in a challenging Seattle environment but did so without star receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) and starting running back Devin Singletary (groin). Quarterback Daniel Jones is performing well, the offensive line is solidifying, the defensive line is aggressive (five sacks), and the young secondary delivered its best performance of the season. There’s newfound optimism surrounding the Giants.

Eye-popping stat: Jones recorded two passing touchdowns against the blitz for just the second time in his career. He was not fazed by Seattle's pressure, completing 9 of 11 passes against extra rushers.

Surprising performance: Deonte Banks against DK Metcalf. After being called out for his previous performance, Banks bounced back impressively, forcing a fumble and limiting Metcalf to two catches for 24 yards in the first three quarters. — Jordan Raanan

Next game: vs. Bengals (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Seattle Seahawks Are the Seahawks a legitimate contender? After starting the season 3-0, their credibility was questioned due to the low caliber of opponents. Losing to the Lions was somewhat acceptable given their injuries, but the defeat against the 1-3 Giants raises concerns. The Seahawks' upcoming schedule won't get any easier, starting with a matchup against the 49ers on Thursday night.

Key concern: The underutilization of running back Kenneth Walker III. Only five carries for 19 yards highlighted a pass-heavy game plan that didn't fit against the Giants.

Surprising performance: The Seahawks' defense struggled significantly, allowing 175 rushing yards to a Giants team that averaged just over 85 yards per game before this matchup. New York’s backup running back, Tyrone Tracy, totaled 129 yards on just 18 carries. — Brady Henderson

Next game: vs. 49ers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Green Bay 24, L.A. Rams 19

Packers How many interceptions will Xavier McKinney finish with? After recording a pick in each of his five games with the Packers, he is on pace to break the NFL single-season record of 14 interceptions. McKinney’s latest interception placed him among the elite, being only the third player since 1940 to achieve such a feat in his first five games.

Eye-popping stat: Jayden Reed emerged as a standout with four catches for 78 yards and two runs for 19 yards, becoming one of only six players in NFL history to reach 400 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards in the first five games of a season.

Notable play: Tucker Kraft's 66-yard touchdown reception was the longest by an NFL tight end this season, showcasing a top speed of 19.7 mph, a record for tight ends on scoring plays this year. — Rob Demovsky

Next game: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Rams What’s next for the Rams? At 1-4 entering their bye week, they find themselves in a similar position to last year. Though they rallied to reach the playoffs with a strong finish, doing so again will be a challenging feat given the current state of their offense without key players like Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee).

Key concern: Defensive coordinator Chris Shula stressed the need to limit explosive plays, as evidenced by the Packers' two long completions that resulted in touchdowns.

Surprising performance: Running back Blake Corum had a small role throughout the season, but against the Packers, he showed promise with five carries for 25 yards and one catch for eight yards. — Sarah Barshop

Next game: vs. Raiders (Oct. 20, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Denver 34, Las Vegas 18

Broncos How will the offensive line’s injuries impact their winning streak? The Broncos achieved their first victory over the Raiders since 2019, celebrating their highest score since 2021. However, with right tackle Mike McGlinchey on injured reserve and others sustaining injuries, the offensive line may require some creative adjustments moving forward.

Surprising performance: Javonte Williams. After a slow start to the season, he found his stride, contributing significantly in the run game.

Early prediction for next week: Expect the Chargers to target inside linebackers Cody Barton and Justin Strnad, who showed vulnerability in stopping the run against the Raiders. — Jeff Legwold

Next game: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Raiders Is Gardner Minshew’s tenure in Las Vegas at risk? After being benched for Aidan O'Connell due to two costly interceptions, including a game-tying pick-six, Minshew's performance raised questions.

Key concern: Following the pick-six, the Raiders fell apart, committing 11 penalties, the most they’ve had in a game since December 2022.

Eye-popping stat: Rookie Brock Bowers’ 57-yard touchdown showcased his potential, gaining 31 yards after the