Ravens defense implodes in a 44-10 home loss to Houston, exposing systemic issues, injury context, and a leadership void. Harbaugh’s rigid stance on Zach Ore signals no quick scapegoat, even as fans clamour for a change. The buy week looms as a potential turning point amid ongoing locker-room tension and a troubling run of penalties and miscommunications.

On offense, the units struggle to protect Cooper Rush, while the rookie playmakers like Zay Flowers flash but aren’t enough to spark a consistent push. With plans for a rebound vs. the Rams, Baltimore must recalibrate quickly, or the season risks slipping further into crisis.

Drake May’s late-week surge led New England to an upset of Buffalo, throwing for 273 yards with a pristine second half and delivering a masterclass in pocket poise and late-game execution. The win shaded May as a budding fantasy option and highlighted how New England’s heavy 12-personnel approach could lift his ceiling as the system sharpens around him, even as Rhamondre Stevenson remains a question mark in the backfield.

Across Week 5, interceptions sit at a multi-decade low as offenses take what defenses give and defenses hunt for ball security via fumbles, changing the fantasy landscape. The Eagles’ pass-heavy, late-game sequence raised questions about balance, while Lamar Jackson’s Ravens face a rough start and a looming bye, with Jets, Bears, and Texans shaping the broader AFC picture. Coaching and game-management continue to tilt outcomes as punch-outs and turnover discipline rise in importance.

Looking ahead, Denver’s Sean Payton and DeMeco Ryans’ Texans look to capitalize on momentum, while Saquon Barkley’s usage underlines the need for balance with a realistic workload. The QB development arc—from Drake May to Justin Fields—remains a hot fantasy topic, with coaches and play-callers under the microscope as the season unfolds.

Kansas City sits at the center of an AFC that’s reshaping by the week. KC’s offense gains propulsion with Rasheed Rice and Xavier Worthy back in the mix, giving Patrick Mahomes more weapons and a deeper WR room to protect against injuries. Tyreek Hill’s Miami injury saga sparks trade-talk but cap and locker-room realities render a reunion unlikely. Across the conference, Chargers’ injuries, Broncos’ relentless pass rush, and Dolphins’ receiver trouble tighten the playoff map, with KC lined up to control its destiny.