NFL 2025 Week 5: Vikings Break Browns in Close Win in London
It was too close for comfort, but Minnesota Vikings fans have grown used to these narrow wins.
The Vikings snuck out a last-minute 21-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns after scoring a go-ahead TD with just 25 seconds left in the game. Here’s what happened when the Vikings defeated the Browns in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The O-line Was Barely Hanging On
With three of the five starters already missing due to injury and the backup center, Michael Jurgens, also ruled out before this game, the offensive line was in shambles for Week 5. The starting offensive lineman lineup has been shuffled like a deck of cards this season. This time, the Vikings were forced to start undrafted rookie Joe Huber at guard and moved Blake Brandel to center, despite him having never played center in a game at any level.
The banged-up offensive line allowed just three sacks and provided key blocking on scoring drives, especially the final game-winning drive, despite starter Christian Darrisaw missing the second half due to planned snap count control. The upcoming bye should help this unit get healthy, but for now, we can appreciate a surprisingly sufficient performance from the backups.
Cam Akers Dropped a Dime for a Highlight TD
RB Cam Akers has had three separate stints with the Vikings the past three seasons, but after this highlight TD pass to TE Josh Oliver, he should have a spot in the Vikings Ring of Honor.
The sad story behind the score is that it's the Vikings’ longest TD pass this season, but we can ignore that and appreciate Akers’ accuracy as a backup RB instead. What a throw.
Jordan Addison Had a Rollercoaster Sunday
If Jordan Addison could live his life on a football field, he would’ve never missed a play this season.
Addison already missed the first three games this season after a suspension for a DUI incident. He had a quiet Week 4 return and was suspended again this week, this time by the Vikings. Addison missed the first quarter in Week 5 due to missing a walkthrough last week, and he revealed after the game that he was worried he might not play at all.
He made up for his mistake in a big way by grabbing a great game-winning TD catch. Hopefully, he’ll stay focused on football going forward.
Carson Wentz May Cause a QB Controversy
The offense wasn’t consistent until the final drive of the game, but Carson Wentz still looked solid against a Browns defense that was allowing the fewest yards per game in the NFL before this Week 5 dogfight.
Wentz kept the offense alive. He managed to escape sacks several times despite defenders chasing him, and he didn’t have a single turnover. A passing TD, 236 yards, and a 73.5% completion percentage added to his performance make it look pretty good.
He had a shoulder injury scare to end the first half, but he came out in the second half and gave it his all anyway. He grew up a Vikings fan and clearly still loves this team; the offense has produced better results with him than it did with McCarthy. McCarthy should have the starting job when he returns, but Wentz might force hard conversations about who should start if McCarthy’s return is lackluster.
Next Week’s Bye Keeps Hopes High
The taste of sweet victory will help the Vikings enjoy a much-needed bye in Week 6. A healthier roster with rest should serve as a scary sight for NFL opponents. The dream isn’t dead yet. Keep riding the ship.