Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season is in the books, and it delivered the kind of chaos that makes October football the best product the sport has to offer. The Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers to improve to 3-1, announcing themselves as a legitimate AFC North contender. The Dallas Cowboys made a blockbuster midseason trade, acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Steelers. And the MVP race is heating up, with Bijan Robinson emerging as a serious candidate and Brock Purdy solidifying his frontrunner status.
Browns Upset Steelers: Cleveland at 3-1
The Cleveland Browns walked into Pittsburgh and came out with a statement victory, upsetting the Steelers and improving to 3-1 on the season. The win puts the Browns in prime position in the AFC North and validates the progress the team has made through the first five weeks.
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 3-1 | W vs Steelers | Surging into contention |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | TBD | L vs Browns | Trade rumors swirling |
The Browns victory was built on defensive intensity and opportunistic offense. The Steelers, who entered the game with expectations of competing for the division, now face questions about their direction after trading away Joey Porter Jr. to the Cowboys.
The Browns at 3-1 are in the AFC North conversation for the first time in years. The division has been wide open through five weeks, and Cleveland has taken advantage. The defense is playing with confidence, and the offense has shown it can win games in different ways.
Cowboys Acquire CB Joey Porter Jr. From Steelers
In a blockbuster midseason trade, the Dallas Cowboys have acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The trade is the biggest move of the 2026 NFL trade window and signals that the Cowboys are all-in on competing for a Super Bowl this season.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cowboys defense | Porter Jr. immediately upgrades the secondary |
| Steelers direction | Trading a young CB signals a potential roster reset |
| NFC East balance | Cowboys strengthen their position in a competitive division |
| Trade deadline | This move could trigger more trades across the league |
Porter Jr. was one of the Steelers most valuable defensive assets, and trading him midseason is a bold move that suggests Pittsburgh may be re-evaluating its roster construction. For the Cowboys, adding a talented young cornerback to a defense that already has playoff-caliber talent could be the missing piece.
NFL MVP Race: Bijan Robinson and Brock Purdy Lead the Conversation
The Week 5 results have sharpened the MVP race, with two candidates emerging as the frontrunners:
Bijan Robinson has been the most explosive offensive player in the NFL through five weeks. After his 194-yard, 2-touchdown performance in Week 4, Robinson continued his dominant season in Week 5. The case for Robinson as MVP is built on:
- **Consistency** — He has produced in every game this season, not just flash games
- **Offensive engine** — The Falcons offense runs through Robinson, and his production drives their wins
- **Highlight reel** — Robinson is making plays that no other running back in the NFL can make
### Brock Purdy: The Efficiency Machine
- **Completion percentage** — Purdy is completing passes at a career-best rate
- **Turnover avoidance** — He has thrown zero interceptions in his last three games
- **Clutch performances** — Purdy has delivered in fourth-quarter situations
- **Offensive leadership** — The 49ers offense operates at its best with Purdy at the helm
| MVP Candidate | Team | Position | Key Argument |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | 49ers | QB | Efficiency, clutch play, zero turnovers |
| Bijan Robinson | Falcons | RB | Game-breaking plays, consistency, offensive engine |
| Josh Allen | Bills | QB | Total yards, leadership, division dominance |
| Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | QB | Championship pedigree, late-game magic |
Week 5 Key Results and Standout Performances
Beyond the Browns upset and the Cowboys trade, Week 5 featured several other notable results:
| --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboys vs Texans | Dallas primetime showcase | Porter Jr. trade adds intrigue |
| Packers vs Buccaneers | NFC matchup | Playoff positioning implications |
| Rams vs Eagles | NFC showdown | Division leader statement game |
| Jets vs Bears | AFC matchup | Both teams seeking momentum |
| Dolphins vs Vikings | Interconference | AFC East vs NFC North |
AFC North Standings After Week 5
The Browns upset of the Steelers has reshaped the AFC North:
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 3-1 | Surging | Confidence building, defense leading the way |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | TBD | Reeling | Trade deadline questions, roster uncertainty |
| Baltimore Ravens | TBD | Competitive | Always in the mix with Lamar Jackson |
| Cincinnati Bengals | TBD | Seeking consistency | Slow start creating urgency |
What to Watch in Week 6
As the NFL moves into Week 6, the biggest storylines to monitor are:
- **Cowboys debut for Porter Jr.** — When will the new Cowboys cornerback make his debut, and how will he change the Dallas defense?
- **MVP race** — Will Bijan Robinson or Brock Purdy separate from the pack?
- **Trade deadline ripple effects** — The Cowboys-Steelers trade could trigger more moves before the deadline
- **Falcons with Penix** — Michael Penix Jr. continues to develop. Does his growth help Robinson MVP case?
Week 5 was a reminder that the NFL is at its best in October, when contenders separate from pretenders and the trade deadline looms.
