DENVER BRONCOS (4-1)
Week 5: Won 31-17 at New York Jets
How it happened: Peyton Manning hit Julius Thomas twice for touchdowns and Demaryius Thomas once to defeat the Jets. The Jets put up a good fight and their defense consistently put pressure on Manning during the game, allowing the Broncos' run game to open up. The Broncos defense stifled the Jets' offense and held them to just 204 total yards, including just 31 yards on the ground. Geno Smith had two touchdown passes, but threw a game-sealing interception that was returned for a touchdown by Aqib Talib.
It was over when: The Jets got the ball back down by seven with less than one minute left, but Talib picked off Smith and ran it back for a touchdown.
The Broncos racked up 359 total yards on offense and held the Jets to just 204 during their 31-17 win on Sunday. Here are the best photos from the Broncos??? victory.
Key performer: With Montee Ball out with a groin injury, Ronnie Hillman stepped in as the Broncos' starting running back. He rushed for 100 yards on 24 carries and became the fourth Bronco in team history to reach 100 yards in his first start.
Between the hash marks:
- With his two touchdowns, Julius Thomas now has nine this season, which is the most by a tight end in NFL history through his team's first five games.
- Von Miller continued his impressive play with six tackles, two sacks and one pass defensed.
What's next: The Broncos take on the 49ers and their impressive defense in Denver on Sunday night.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-3)
Week 5: Bye week
Between the hash marks:
- After spraining his ankle Week 2 during the Chiefs' game against the Broncos, Eric Berry returned to practice this week.
- Andy Reid is 13-2 after the bye week in his career.
What's next: The Chiefs head to San Diego to take on the Chargers, who sit on top of the AFC West.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (0-5)
Week 5: Lost 31-28 to San Diego at home
How it happened: In Interim Head Coach Tony Sparano's first game at the helm, the Raiders had their best performance of the season. Derek Carr had four touchdown passes, including two to Andre Holmes, and the Raiders had their best offensive performance of the season, but they still fell to the Chargers. The Raiders racked up 396 yards on offense and were up 28-21 in the middle of the fourth quarter, but a Nick Novak field goal and a Branden Oliver 1-yard touchdown run with less than two minutes left in the game gave the Chargers the win. The Raiders got their ground game going with 114 rushing yards, including 80 from Darren McFadden.
It was over when: Down by three with less than two minutes left in the game, Carr was picked off by Jason Verrett.
Key performer: With four catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns, Andre Holmes had one of the most productive games of his career.
Between the hash marks:
- Carr's four touchdown passes were the most ever by a Raider rookie in a single game. He completed 18-of-34 for a career-high 282 yards for a career-high 107.7 passer rating.
- The Raiders' offensive line did not allow a sack in the game and they now sit in in second in the NFL in sacks allowed per pass attempt.
What's next: The Raiders' will stay at home to face the Cardinals, who are first in the NFC West.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (5-1)
*Week 5: Won 31-28 at Oakland Raiders
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How it happened: Philip Rivers finished 22-of-34 for 313 yards and three touchdowns as the Chargers scraped by the Raiders and earned their fifth straight win. The Chargers' offense also leaned heavily on undrafted rookie Branden Oliver, who finished the game with 101 yards on 26 attempts and a touchdown. The 28 points the Raiders accumulated were the most the Chargers have given up in a single game all season. The Chargers gave up a few key plays, including 77- and 47-yard touchdown passes. In addition, the Chargers struggled to stifle the Raiders on third down and they converted on 8-of-13 opportunities.
It was over when: Chargers rookie cornerback Jason Verrett picked off Derek Carr with less than two minutes left in the game.
Key performer: In addition to his 101 yards on the ground, Oliver also had four catches for 23 yards. His 1-yard touchdown with 1:56 left in the game gave the Chargers the lead, and eventually the win.
Between the hash marks:
- With his three touchdown tosses, Rivers now has 15 touchdowns this season. Sunday's game was his fifth consecutive multiple-touchdown game, four of which have been three-touchdown games.
- Antonio Gates has three touchdowns in his last two games and six in his last five.
What's next: The Chargers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at home.
