Four upsets in the NFC for Week 2 could signal a much different balance of power than originally anticipated. In addition, only one of the teams pulling an upset made the playoffs last year.
The Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles will likely all get back on track soon. Upstart teams such as the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings will have to prove whether their Week 2 performances were one-time events or trends toward big seasons.
Kansas City squeaked by Cincinnati but remains No. 1 as the defending Super Bowl champions. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker remains clutch in big games.
The Bills dominated the Miami Dolphins as running back James Cook ran wild with three touchdowns. Cook and quarterback Josh Allen could make Buffalo tough to beat all season.
The 49ers couldn’t find a way to win against the Minnesota Vikings without star running back Christian McCaffrey, and a tough division test awaits against the Los Angeles Rams. Niners quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Jordan Mason moved the ball at will on Sunday, however, and the defense made key plays.
Detroit came up short against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a playoff rematch. The Lions’ defense kept things close against the Bucs.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud outplayed Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams and kept his team unbeaten. The Texans’ defense dominated Chicago and found enough offense in the end.
The Buccaneers avenged a playoff loss in Detroit for Week 2, and Baker Mayfield looks like a franchise quarterback. If the Buccaneers get healthy or keep playing strong amid injuries, the NFC could see a contender that was expected to sink after the Tom Brady era.
New Orleans, the highest-scoring team in the league, topped 40 points again, this time against the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints will get another test against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3.
Minnesota’s defense got the job done against the San Francisco 49ers, and the offense looked strong again. The Vikings had a passing threat with quarterback Sam Darnold and a rushing threat with running back Aaron Jones.
Seattle pulled out another close game, and quarterback Geno Smith shined with 327 passing yards. The New England Patriots couldn’t slow down DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and future opponents could have the same problem.
A dropped ball by Eagles running back Saquon Barkley squandered a win on Monday night against Atlanta. However, the Eagles defense didn’t get the job done in the end, either.
Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis stepped up for the injured Jordan Love in a win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Packers defense pitching a first-half shutout also bodes well in Love’s absence.
Atlanta looks like a threat after a strong performance from the defense and a game-winning drive by quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons get a bigger test with the Chiefs in Week 3.
Los Angeles improved to 2–0 as quarterback Justin Herbert threw for two touchdowns. The Chargers defense shut down the Carolina Panthers in the process.
The Steelers’ Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons looks a little more impressive, but Pittsburgh has significant offensive woes. Pittsburgh defense, however, has yet to allow more than 10 points in a game, holding the Broncos to 6 in Week 2.
Dallas got blown out by a non-playoff team (Saints) from last year only a week after blowing out a former playoff team (Browns) on the road. It begs the question what Cowboys team will show up in Week 3.
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets go back on track for Week 2. The Jets possibly found a new star in Braelon Allen, who had 20 touchdowns in the win over the Tennessee Titans.
The Browns bounced back as quarterback Deshaun Watson showed some promise amid a touchdown run. Cleveland’s defense, meanwhile, contained the Jacksonville Jaguars throughout in Week 2.
Miami losing Tua Tagovailoa for weeks could change the trajectory of the season. The Dolphins also need to turn things around on defense after giving up 31 points to the Bills in Week 2.
With quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are the strongest 0–2 team in the league. However, after losses to the Raiders and the Chiefs, the Ravens’ margin for error is now slim.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looked better in Week 2 against the Chiefs amid 23–36 passing for 258 yards and two touchdowns versus no interceptions. Burrow and company have to dig out of an 0–2 hole now, however.
Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew created some excitement in Las Vegas with a comeback win. The Raiders could improve to 2–1 with the winless Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
New England looked strong in another close game but couldn’t get the job done in overtime against the Seahawks. The Patriots have a strong rushing attack between Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson.
Cardinals rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. looked like a top-10 pick with two touchdowns in a win. The Cardinals putting up 41 against the Rams and beating a division opponent could bode well for Week 3 and beyond.
The Bears defense made things tough for the Texans, but Williams has yet to look like a No. 1 pick in two regular season games. Williams gets a shot to change the early narrative with the 0–2 Indianapolis Colts in Week 3.
Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels impressed amid 226 yards on 23–29 passing plus 44 yards on 10 carries with a win in Week 2. The Commanders defense bounced back to shut down the New York Giants.
The Rams face a major test against the 49ers after getting blown out against the Cardinals. Los Angeles could have a tough go amid wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s injury.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has displayed his athletic skill, but he also has four interceptions in the young season. The Colts’ defense took a step by holding the Packers to 16 points after giving up 29 versus the Texans.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence took four sacks as he went 14–30 for 200 yards versus the Browns. The Jaguars defense didn’t make things easy for Cleveland, but Jacksonville now faces a must-win game in Week 3.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix didn’t shine amid two interceptions in a 13–6 loss to the Steelers. The Broncos’ defense kept things close, but the Steelers have yet to score more than 18 points in a game this season.
Titans quarterback Will Levis has three interceptions in two games, and he took four sacks against the Jets’ defense in Week 2. The Titans’ defense gave up 17 second-half points and couldn’t create any turnovers.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones threw for two touchdowns, and running back Devin Singletary found the end zone once. The defense tallied five sacks but gave up 425 yards in the 21–18 loss to Washington.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young struggled again as his team has only one touchdown this season. The Panthers’ defense has given up 73 points in two games, losing to the Chargers and the Saints.
