Week 2 of the NFL regular season kicks off with teams still processing the chaos from opening weekend, where 12 of 16 games came down to single possessions. Thursday’s statement win by Green Bay over Washington set the tone, and now 13 more games await before Monday’s doubleheader wraps things up.
Here are five compelling storylines that could define this weekend’s action.
Ravens and Browns Desperate for Week 1 Redemption
Talk about gut punches. The Baltimore Ravens had Buffalo beaten until a late fumble and defensive collapse turned victory into a crushing 41-40 defeat. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns watched rookie kicker Andre Szmyt miss both an extra point and a 36-yard field goal that would’ve beaten Cincinnati, falling 17-16 instead.
Now these AFC North rivals collide at M&T Bank Stadium, each carrying the weight of what might’ve been. Baltimore’s rushing attack looked unstoppable last week—Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson combined for 239 yards and three touchdowns, while Jackson added two passing scores. Zay Flowers torched Buffalo’s secondary for 143 yards and a touchdown, showing the Ravens’ offensive depth.
Cleveland’s defense, though, proved they can rise to big moments. They held Cincinnati’s dynamic duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to a combined 49 yards and limited the Bengals to just 46 rushing yards. That same unit now faces Baltimore’s multifaceted attack.
The subplot writes itself: Joe Flacco returns to Baltimore as Cleveland’s starting quarterback. The Super Bowl XLVII MVP who once brought this city its first championship now wears the enemy’s colors. It’s only his second trip back since leaving in 2018, adding emotional layers to an already crucial divisional matchup. (Browns at Ravens, 1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Former Coordinator Tests His Old Team
The Detroit Lions entered this season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, making last week’s offensive meltdown against Green Bay all the more shocking. Jared Goff spent the afternoon running for his life, absorbing four sacks and nine hits while the ground game sputtered and the team managed just one touchdown.
The wrinkle? Detroit now faces the Chicago Bears and their new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson—the same Ben Johnson who orchestrated Detroit’s explosive offense before departing this offseason. Johnson knows every tendency, every personnel package, every audible in Dan Campbell’s system.
Chicago showed flashes of brilliance in Week 1 before collapsing spectacularly, surrendering 21 fourth-quarter points to Minnesota in a 27-24 loss. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams displayed both promise and growing pains, while the Bears’ ground game and defensive consistency under coordinator Dennis Allen remain question marks.
Can Johnson exploit his insider knowledge to slow Detroit’s bounce-back attempt? Or will the Lions prove their Week 1 struggles were an aberration? (Bears at Lions, 1 p.m. ET, Fox)
Teams Already Fighting for Their Season
One game shouldn’t create panic, yet here we are. The Miami Dolphins looked completely overwhelmed against Indianapolis, raising serious questions about coach Mike McDaniel‘s ability to prepare his team for big moments. With the AFC East more competitive than ever, another sluggish performance against New England could doom their playoff chances before September ends.
The Patriots, under Mike Vrabel, might be rebuilding, but they’ll bring that trademark toughness and discipline that has historically given Miami fits.
Over in the NFC East, both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are staring at 0-2 starts. Dallas showed life early against Philadelphia before mental mistakes derailed their comeback bid. With Jerry Jones already feeling heat from the fanbase, falling further behind division leaders Philadelphia and Washington would create a hole too deep to climb out of.
The Giants’ situation might be even more dire. Russell Wilson looked overwhelmed against Washington’s pass rush, and coach Brian Daboll could be facing quarterback changes sooner than expected. Jameis Winston or Jaxson Dart might get opportunities if Wilson continues struggling.
Down south, the Carolina Panthers continue evaluating Bryce Young, who showed familiar inconsistencies in Week 1. A strong performance against Arizona’s improved defense could provide the confidence boost both Young and the organization desperately need. (Patriots at Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET, CBS; Giants at Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET, Fox; Panthers at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS)
Kickoff Returns Suddenly Matter Again
The NFL’s mission to revitalize special teams is working. After moving touchback placement to the 35-yard line—five yards deeper than before—Week 1 saw a dramatic shift in how teams approach kickoffs.
The numbers tell the story: 118 of 156 kickoffs were returned (75.6%), compared to just 33.1% in last year’s opener. Teams accumulated 3,074 kickoff return yards—the highest opening week total ever recorded and the most in any single week since 2010. Seven returns went for 40-plus yards, the most in 14 years.
Average starting field position now sits just past the 30-yard line, creating more scoring opportunities and strategic decisions for coaches. This trend could spark more explosive plays as Week 2 unfolds.
Super Bowl Rematch Carries Championship Stakes
Seven months after the Philadelphia Eagles claimed the Lombardi Trophy by defeating Kansas City, these championship-caliber teams meet again in Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs face the nightmare scenario of an 0-2 start, while Philadelphia aims to establish early NFC dominance.
Kansas City’s offseason focus centered on fixing the offensive line that crumbled in February. Philadelphia dominated the trenches in that Super Bowl, sacking Patrick Mahomes six times and hitting him 11 more. GM Brett Veach responded by drafting Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons and promoting Kingsley Suamataia to starting left guard.
While the Eagles lost pass rusher Josh Sweat, their defensive front remains formidable. Last week’s dominant performance against Dallas showed Philadelphia picking up where they left off in February.
The Chiefs must contain Jalen Hurts, last season’s Super Bowl MVP who threw for 221 yards and two touchdowns while adding 72 rushing yards and another score in their championship victory. Can Kansas City’s retooled line give Mahomes the protection he needs for revenge? (Eagles at Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
