Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys Headline Week 5 Prime Time Action

Then there were two. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL, although it has not been easy getting there

The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs are seeking their first 5-0 start since 2018 after a slew of tight wins, and they move on with a newish cast — top receiving threat Rashee Rice suffered a knee injury in a 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last week, when running back rejoined the team Kareem Hunt.

Minnesota, the more surprising 4-0, with make its prime debut Thursday, Oct. 24.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will attempt to rebound from their first loss when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Tampa Bay and Atlanta open the prime time with an NFC South clash Thursday.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

How to watch: Prime Video, 7:15 pm ET

Key matchup: Baker Mayfield vs Kirk Cousins

After being seemingly left for the scrap heap two years ago, Bucs quarterback Mayfield has continued his remarkable resurgence by throwing for 984 yards and eight touchdowns against two interceptions this season. He has been sacked 15 times, but eating the ball is much better than an ill-advised throw.

Rookie halfback Bucky Irving has worked his way into the Bucs’ game plan, and the offense chewed up Philadelphia with 445 yards in a 33-16 victory last week after beating Super Bowl contender Detroit two weeks before.

The Falcons could consider this a mini-revenge game. Tampa Bay beat them 29-25 on Mayfield’s touchdowns pass with 31 seconds remaining in Week 14 last season, a victory that pushed the Bucs toward the division title and significantly hurt Atlanta’s chances.

The Falcons acquired Kirk Cousins to correct a sluggish offense, but he has yet to throw for as many as 250 yards his four starts.

SUNDAY NIGHT

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

How to watch: NBC/Peacock 7:20 pm ET

Key matchup: Dak Prescott vs Pittsburgh D

This is an intriguing matchup on several levels. Pittsburgh has jumped to the AFC North lead by using coach Mike Tomlin’s old-school approach — run the ball and play defense. Steelers’ opponents are averaging only 261.3 yards and 13.3 points per game, both in the top four in the league.

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At the same time, this is the most explosive offense the Steelers have faced, although the Cowboys with quarterback Prescott are quite one-sided. Prescott averages 268 passing yards per game, but the Cowboys’ running game has been non-existent. The defense has not been any better. Dallas ranks No. 26 in total defense and No. 27 in rushing defense.

Justin Fields, who became the Steelers’ starting quarterback when Russell Wilson was injured before the opener, has accounted for six touchdowns — three rushing and three passing. Baltimore attempted only 12 passes in a 28-25 victory over Dallas two weeks ago. This game looks to have a similar feel.

MONDAY NIGHT

New Orleans Saints (2-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)

How to watch: ESPN, 7:15 pm ET

Key matchup: Mahomes vs Derek Carr

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Squint at the game film, and these teams’ records could be reversed. Such is the NFL. Atlanta’s Younghoe Koo made a 58-yard field goal as time expired to beat the Saints 26-24 last Sunday, the week after the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley scored on a 4-yard run with 1:01 remaining for a 15-12 victory.

The Chiefs have won their four games by a total of 20 points, and they needed Harrison Butler’s 51-yard field goal as time expired to beat Cincinnati 26-25 in the second week.

Mahomes and Carr have thrown for about the same amount of yardage — Mahomes is averaging 20 more per game — but Mahomes has thrown five interceptions, one short of the league high.

The Chiefs traded up in the draft to acquire wide receiver Xavier Worthy, and he has two long touchdown receptions this season. Hunt returned to replace injured Isaiah Pacheco.