Washington (4-1) posted a dominant 34-13 win over the Browns (1-4) at home. The Commanders' defense put on a show, sacking quarterback Deshaun Watson seven times and forcing Cleveland to punt seven times to hold its third-down efficiency to just one out of 13 attempts.
Despite throwing his second interception, the offense was equally as explosive with quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm. Daniels showed off his arm yet again, connecting with receiver Dyami Brown for a 41-yard receiving touchdown. Daniels finished with 238 yards before veteran Marcus Mariota took over the quarterback position in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory.
The game marked the first time Washington has won two consecutive games by 20 or more points since 1997. The Commanders continue to rise in the power rankings, listed as high as No. 4 and no lower than No. 8.
The Commanders head to Baltimore (3-2) for a much-anticipated battle of the beltway. Let's take a look around the division to see what's on the horizon as we enter Week 6.
Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
The Cowboys overcame a nearly 90-minute weather delay and a tough Steelers' defense for a gritty 20-17 win in Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football. The offense got off to a slow start, in part due to quarterback Dak Prescott's self-inflicted mistakes, including two interceptions and a fumble.
Despite being without standout linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence in the lineup, Dallas didn't have many defensive struggles. They forced the Steelers to punt five times and sacked quarterback Justin Fields three times. The win moved the Cowboys into second place behind the Commanders in the division.
The Cowboys have the Lions next on their schedule and will look to secure their first home win of the season. Detroit is coming off a bye week, allowing them extra time to prepare and get healthy; Dallas, on the other hand, has a banged-up defense and a short week. The Cowboys' biggest test will be holding off a rested, dominant offense with an injury-riddled defense.
Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Coming off a bye week, the Eagles are able to reset after their two-score loss to the Buccaneers. It seemed a lot of things went wrong for the Eagles in Tampa -- the defense's soft coverage was torn apart, the offense could barely move the ball, and a muffed punt led to a touchdown for the Bucs. These mistakes resembled the Eagles' late-season downfall, so the bye week came at the right time for them to regroup and form a plan to move on. It also allowed two star wide receivers the time to get healthy, as AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith are likely to be back in the Eagles' lineup
The Browns are off to their worst start since 2017, meaning the Eagles are hosting a desperate team that is hungry for a win and will come in with lots of fire power. Much like the Commanders last week, the Eagles' biggest challenge will be controlling the Browns' defense and keeping pass rusher Myles Garrett in check. Despite the Browns' lack of offensive prowess against the Commanders, whether the Eagles' rebuilt offensive line is able to protect Jaylen Hurts can be the difference maker in the game.
New York Giants (2-3)
Currently last in the division, the Giants are hoping to continue the momentum they had in the fourth quarter of their 29-20 win over the Seahawks when they take on the Bengals this week.
New York handed Seattle its second loss of the season, with quarterback Daniel Jones operating without offensive weapons in rookie standout receiver Malik Nabers or leading rusher Devin Singletary. Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence has also been a menace on defense, recording six sacks in five games, three of them coming against Seattle.
Cincinnati's 1-4 record shouldn't define them. Through five games, quarterback Joe Burrow has lit up the offense recording a 72.3% completion rating for 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions. The Bengals have tough offensive weapons in Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andre Iosivas that Lawrence and the Giants' defense will need to keep in check.
