NFL Week 2 Recap: Who’s Up, Who’s Down, What’s Next for Every Team
Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara excelled in the Saints’ decisive victory over the Cowboys. The Buccaneers pulled off an upset against the Lions, while the Packers managed a win without Jordan Love, and the Vikings stunned the 49ers. By MATT VERDERAME | 0 Minutes Ago
Kamara rushed for 115 yards and scored three touchdowns, adding two catches for 65 yards in a standout performance against the Cowboys on Sunday.
Weekly Highlights
- Baltimore Ravens
- Arizona Cardinals
- Buffalo Bills: News, Scores, Schedules & Standings
- Carolina Panthers
- Chicago Bears
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Denver Broncos
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- New England Patriots
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tennessee Titans
- Washington Commanders
Sunday’s Results
- Saints 44, Cowboys 19
- Buccaneers 20, Lions 16
- Vikings 23, 49ers 17
- Raiders 26, Ravens 23
- Jets 24, Titans 17
- Chargers 26, Panthers 3
- Packers 16, Colts 10
- Browns 18, Jaguars 13
- Seahawks 23, Patriots 20 (OT)
- Commanders 21, Giants 18
- Bills 31, Dolphins 10
Saints 44, Cowboys 19
My take: The Saints (2–0) are looking impressive early on. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has overseen an offense that has scored 91 points in two weeks, with Derek Carr throwing for two touchdowns. With this momentum, New Orleans could emerge as a surprising contender in 2024. The Cowboys (1–1), however, are struggling after their strong Week 1 performance.
Stock up: Carr! Once seen as just a game manager, Carr is now connecting on deep passes with Rashid Shaheed, who has two touchdowns over 55 yards.
Stock down: The Cowboys’ rushing game. After a solid 4.1 YPC in Week 1, they dropped to 3.2 against the Saints. With an unreliable offensive line, this poses a significant issue.
Up Next: Eagles at Saints, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Ravens at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
Buccaneers 20, Lions 16
My take: The Buccaneers (2–0) are asserting themselves in the NFC. After dominating the Commanders, they restricted the Lions (1–1) to just 16 points. Although they gained only 217 yards and allowed 463, they excelled defensively in the red zone.
Stock up: Chris Godwin is on fire! He recorded 117 yards and a touchdown following an impressive 83 yards in the previous game.
Stock down: The Lions’ execution in red zone situations and their offensive turnovers are holding them back.
Up Next: Broncos at Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Lions at Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
Vikings 23, 49ers 17
My take: The Vikings (2–0) are defying expectations. Sam Darnold threw for 268 yards, including a remarkable 97-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson. Despite J.J. McCarthy’s injury, they remain competitive in a tough division.
Stock up: Darnold is on the rise! Though his past was shaky, he’s benefiting from the guidance of coach Kevin O’Connell.
Stock down: Brandon Aiyuk’s underwhelming performance since a big contract poses questions.
Up Next: 49ers at Rams, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Texans at Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
Raiders 26, Ravens 23
My take: In a thrilling comeback, the Raiders (1–1) overcame the Ravens (0–2) with a fourth-quarter surge. Gardner Minshew II excelled, but Lamar Jackson’s late interception proved costly.
Stock up: Rookie Brock Bowers is shining, leading Raiders in receiving yards.
Stock down: Baltimore’s restructured offensive line has been struggling.
Up Next: Panthers at Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Ravens at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
Jets 24, Titans 17
My take: The Jets (1–1) pulled off a vital win, powered by a solid defense that compelled turnovers from Will Levis. However, Levis’s mistakes are a concern for the Titans as they fall to 0–2.
Stock up: Breece Hall is emerging as a versatile weapon, contributing significantly in both the run and pass game.
Stock down: Levis’s errors could hinder the Titans’ chances if not addressed.
Up Next: Patriots at Jets, 8:15 p.m. ET Sept. 19; Packers at Titans, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
Chargers 26, Panthers 3
My take: The Chargers (2–0) are solidifying their identity through a strong running game while the Panthers (0–2) are struggling offensively, totaling only 348 yards in two games.
Stock up: J.K. Dobbins is looking rejuvenated this season.
Stock down: Bryce Young’s performance is a major concern—his struggles on the field may force coaching changes.
Up Next: Chargers at Steelers, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Panthers at Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
Packers 16, Colts 10
My take: The winless Colts (0–2) are struggling, while the Packers (1–1) manage to keep afloat without Love. The coaching staff has done well in managing their game plans.
Stock up: Coach Matt LaFleur is earning his accolades for an effective road strategy against Indianapolis.
Stock down: The Colts’ poor run defense continues to be an issue.
Up Next: Bears at Colts, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Packers at Titans, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
Browns 18, Jaguars 13
My take: While the Browns (1–1) secured a needed victory, the Jaguars (0–2) are in a dismal position. Trevor Lawrence faces significant pressure from opposing defenses.
Stock up: Brian Thomas Jr. shows potential as a breakout star, among the few positives for Jacksonville.
Stock down: Lawrence’s performance contrasts with his hefty contract, calling for a reassessment of his role.
Up Next: Giants at Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Jaguars at Bills, 7:30 p.m. ET Sept. 23.
Seahawks 23, Patriots 20 (OT)
My take: The Seahawks (2–0) continue to find ways to win, though inconsistently, while the Patriots (1–1) face disappointment despite strong performances in the run game.
Stock up: Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a breakout game, helping to become a key asset for Seattle.
Stock down: Zach Charbonnet has failed to meet expectations this season.
Up Next: Dolphins at Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Patriots at Jets, 8:15 p.m. ET Sept. 19.
Commanders 21, Giants 18
My take: Jayden Daniels earned his first NFL win with determination. Unfortunately, the Giants (0–2) face an uphill battle moving forward despite Malik Nabers’ impressive performance.
Stock up: Nabers stood out, recording ten catches and exceeding 100 yards for New York.
Stock down: Washington’s offensive line is underperforming, allowing several sacks and pressure on Daniels.
Up Next: Giants at Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sept. 22; Commanders at Bengals, 8:15 p.m. ET Sept. 23.
Thursday’s Result
Bills 31, Dolphins 10
My take: The Bills (2–0) made a solid statement, although Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion has put a cloud over the Dolphins’ future. Miami will likely start Skylar Thompson in the coming week.
Stock up: Von Miller is rediscovering his form, becoming a critical player for Buffalo’s defense.
Stock down: Miami’s receiving corps, aside from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, needs improvement. A new addition, Odell Beckham Jr., has yet to make an impact this season.
Up Next: Jaguars at Bills, 7:30 p.m. ET Sept. 23; Dolphins at Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sept. 22.
About Matt Verderame
Matt Verderame is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated covering the NFL. Before joining SI in March 2023, he wrote for FanSided and Awful Announcing. He hosts The Matt Verderame Show on Patreon and is a member of the Pro Football Writers Association. A proud father of two girls and lover of all Italian food, Verderame is an eternal defender of Rudy, the greatest football movie of all time.
