NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers
Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) prepares to take the snap against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Week 2 of the NFL season delivered several developments that could have major implications for the rest of the year.
Buffalo continued its strong start, Cincinnati looks increasingly dangerous, San Francisco dominated Miami, and Dallas’ offense finally looked like the unit many expected.
Meanwhile, Chicago suffered a tough injury, and Baltimore suffered a stunning home loss.
MORE: 4 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 2
1. The Bills are looking like a complete team
NFL: Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills
Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) runs to score a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Buffalo opened its new home with a 41-31 victory over Detroit, and Josh Allen once again showed why he remains one of the most dangerous players in football. Allen accounted for five touchdowns, throwing three and rushing for two, while James Cook powered the ground game with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Dalton Kincaid was also heavily involved, catching seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo has consistently looked at its best when Kincaid is a major part of the passing attack. The biggest concern coming out of the game is D.J. Moore, who left early with an injury and could miss Week 3.
2. The Saints just stunned Baltimore
New Orleans went into Baltimore and erased a 14-3 deficit to defeat the Ravens 24-17. Chris Olave led the Saints with eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Tyler Shough continued to show poise.
Shough finished with 252 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 23 rushing yards and another score. More importantly, New Orleans repeatedly made plays when the game was on the line, including a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives. The Saints are suddenly 1-1 after facing two quality opponents, and their defense could become increasingly important as the schedule gets more manageable.
3. The Bears’ season could change dramatically
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Chicago went from scoring 59 points in Week 1 to scoring only three against Minnesota. The Vikings dominated defensively in a rainy Soldier Field, holding the Bears to just 163 passing yards.
The bigger concern is Caleb Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury and left the game in the fourth quarter. Williams will undergo testing, leaving his status for the upcoming weeks uncertain. Tyson Bagent took over, but losing Williams for any significant period would completely change the trajectory of Chicago’s season.
4. Cincinnati is suddenly 2-0
The Bengals are one of the biggest surprises of the first two weeks. After defeating Tampa Bay in Week 1, Cincinnati traveled to Houston and dominated the Texans 20-6.
The defense deserves enormous credit. Cincinnati generated 27 pressures and, most impressively, did not allow a single touchdown. That ended a remarkable streak of 65 consecutive games in which the Bengals had allowed at least one touchdown.
Joe Burrow still hasn’t been spectacular, but he has done enough to win two difficult games. Ja’Marr Chase scored twice, including an incredible 32-yard touchdown catch, while Tee Higgins led Cincinnati with 95 receiving yards. This Bengals team is beginning to look much more balanced.
5. Dallas’ offense finally showed up
Sep 13, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
After a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Giants, the Cowboys responded with a statement performance against Washington. Dallas scored 37 points and found the end zone with ease.
Dak Prescott completed 26 of 31 passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns, including two TD passes to CeeDee Lamb. Lamb finished with eight catches for 153 yards, while Jake Ferguson caught four passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
The Cowboys’ passing game looked significantly more dangerous, although the running game remains a concern. Dallas averaged only 3.1 yards per carry, with Javonte Williams finishing with 30 yards on 12 attempts.
6. San Francisco looks frightening
The 49ers scored touchdowns on their first five possessions and raced to a 35-13 victory over Miami. Brock Purdy was nearly flawless, completing 20 of 22 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score.
Christian McCaffrey only managed 23 rushing yards on 10 carries, but he still scored twice. George Kittle also provided an enormous positive, catching four passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.
San Francisco’s ability to consistently move the ball without McCaffrey having to rush for tons of yardage was one of the biggest takeaways from the win.
7. Kansas City keeps finding ways to win
NFL: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts before the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Chiefs needed overtime, but they escaped the Colts with a wild 33-30 victory. Patrick Mahomes threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns, while Travis Kelce continued to produce with nine catches for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Kenneth Walker was also outstanding, rushing for 117 yards and adding six catches for 61 yards. But the bigger takeaway is Kansas City’s resilience. The Chiefs are now 2-0 despite facing significant challenges (injuries and overtime), and Mahomes continues to find ways to make enough plays when the game is at its most important.