Week 2 NFL Update: Surprising Starts and Struggles
Week 2 of the NFL season has wrapped up, and several teams are off to either a strong or shaky start. As the season begins to take shape, let’s dive into the teams that have surprised us with 2-0 records and those that are struggling at 0-2.
NFL Teams Starting 2-0
A few teams have come out of the gate strong with a perfect 2-0 record, and some of these names might come as a surprise:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Buffalo Bills
- Seattle Seahawks
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- LA Chargers
- Kansas City Chiefs
Many would not have expected teams like the Saints and Seahawks to be among the undefeated so far. The New Orleans Saints, in particular, have shocked fans with their performance, defying expectations. Similarly, the Vikings, after a challenging prior season, have managed to bounce back and make their mark with a win over the 49ers.
The Chiefs, however, are right where many would have predicted, continuing their usual dominant form.
NFL Teams Struggling at 0-2
On the flip side, some teams are still looking for their first win and have had a rough start:
- New York Giants
- Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Baltimore Ravens
- Denver Broncos
- Los Angeles Rams
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
- Indianapolis Colts
While a few of these names, such as the Giants and Panthers, aren’t surprising, teams like the Bengals and Ravens landing on this list raise eyebrows. Both have faced tough losses in close games, with outcomes decided in the final moments. The Colts, expected to be a stronger contender in the AFC South, have also been disappointing despite their quarterback staying healthy.
NFL Game Highlights and Noteworthy Performances
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the week, Kansas City edged out the Cincinnati Bengals with a last-second field goal. It was a frustrating game for the Bengals, especially for their star quarterback, who visibly showed his disappointment on the sidelines. Despite a valiant effort, including a 91-yard performance from their tight end, Cincinnati couldn’t pull through.
Another eye-popping performance came from Alvin Kamara, who found the end zone four times in the Saints’ dominant win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys’ defense, which had been hyped up coming into the season, was no match for Kamara’s explosive play. This game also set a dubious record for the Cowboys, as they allowed 35 points in the first half—something that had never happened in franchise history.
Over in Detroit, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled off an impressive victory led by both their quarterback and wide receiver. While the quarterback’s stats weren’t eye-popping, his leadership on the field was key. Detroit tried to mount a comeback in the final moments but fell short, with injuries hampering their efforts.
NFL Standout Fantasy Players
Fantasy football managers were treated to several notable performances. One standout was Marvin Harrison Jr., who delivered a huge game with 130 yards and two touchdowns for Arizona, including a 60-yard score that set the tone early. After a quieter Week 1, this breakout performance reinforced why he was a top fantasy draft pick.
In New York, the Jets used a balanced attack from their running backs. Both their star and rookie backs shared touches, and the rookie made the most of his opportunities, scoring two touchdowns. For fantasy managers looking to make waiver wire pickups, he could be an excellent stash for upcoming weeks.
Key Injuries to Watch
Unfortunately, injuries were a major storyline in Week 2. Some big names left the field and will be ones to monitor as the week progresses:
Justin Jefferson(quad injury)
Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle injury)
Cooper Kupp (ankle injury)
Isaiah Pacheco (lower leg injury)
It’s too early to tell how severe these injuries are, but they could have significant impacts on upcoming games and fantasy lineups. Keep an eye on updates throughout the week for any developments.
Final Thoughts
Week 2 offered up some unexpected results, close calls, and standout performances. As the season continues, it’ll be interesting to see if the surprise 2-0 teams can keep up their momentum and whether struggling teams can turn things around. There’s plenty of football left, and next week’s matchups promise to be just as thrilling.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the season progresses!
