NFL’s Top Week 2 Games

After months of projections and debates, NFL teams are beginning to show their true identities. Week 1 saw some teams establish themselves as true contenders and some fall in shocking upsets. Injuries and breakout performances have shifted the landscape of the league as we head into an exciting Week 2 slate. It’s time for these teams to either prove that their opening performances weren’t flukes or bounce back from defeat. I was 5-0 in my Week 1 predictions. Let’s see if I can keep the streak alive in Week 2.

5. Browns @ Jaguars

This early slate matchup features two teams that left fans disappointed in Week 1. Cleveland looked like a bottom-five offense in the league as Deshaun Watson struggled to move the ball until garbage time. The Browns’ defense, after finishing 2023 as one of the league’s top units, conceded 33 points. Jacksonville looked slightly more impressive in their opener, losing by three in Miami in a game they had ample opportunities to win. This pick comes down to a lack of trust in Deshaun Watson for me. I’ve got the Jags in a close battle.

JAX 20-18 CLE

4. Bears @ Texans

Caleb Williams reminded us of his rookie status in a Week 1 showing where he failed to eclipse 100 passing yards. The Bears’ defense did enough to overcome the offensive struggles, as Chicago topped the Titans by a touchdown. Week 2 brings a tougher test, as the Bears travel to Houston for a Sunday night showdown with C.J. Stroud and the Texans. Houston leaned on Joe Mixon in the running game in their opener, as Mixon finished with 30 carries for 159 yards and a score. I expect Caleb Williams to continue to improve, but it will take him some time to adjust to the NFL game. Give me the Texans by double-digits in this one.

HOU 27-17 CHI

3. Saints @ Cowboys

New Orleans dominated the Panthers in Week 1, scoring a league-high 47 points. Derek Carr looked as good as he ever has in a Saints uniform, and the defense was as solid as expected. Was this scoring explosion a sign of change in New Orleans, or does the result tell us more about how bad Carolina truly is? We’ll find out in this Week 2 matchup between the Saints and the Cowboys. Dallas looked as dominant as they usually do early in the season in their opener against Cleveland. I trust Mike Zimmer and the Cowboys’ defense to slow down the Saints enough to earn the victory in this game.

DAL 31-21 NO

2. Bengals @ Chiefs

Perhaps the most surprising result of the opening week came when the Bengals fell to the Patriots in a low-scoring battle. With a healthy Joe Burrow, Cincinnati was expected to contend for a championship this year, but their season seems to be off to a tumultuous start. The road doesn’t get any easier in Week 2, as the Bengals go on the road to face the presumed league-best Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs’ offense looked more dynamic than ever in Week 1, carving up an elite Ravens’ defense in prime time. I expect Kansas City to defend their home turf and win a close game.

KC 28-25 CIN

1. Bills @ Dolphins

It’s a divisional rivalry on Thursday night as the Bills take on the Dolphins in a battle of 1-0 teams. Buffalo’s offense looked dominant in their opener, albeit against a very weak Cardinals defense. Josh Allen led the way, scoring four total touchdowns despite the lack of elite receiving talent around him. Miami has fully leaned into speed as their identity on offense, and it was enough to earn them a win in Week 1 over the Jaguars. They’re favored to beat the Bills in prime time with a spread of 2.5 points. I’m picking Buffalo in an upset.

BUF 28-27 MIA