As the dust settles on Week 2 of the NFL season, the league’s landscape has already begun to take shape. This has revealed teams and players who have taken their game to new heights or stumbled out of the gate. From surprising upsets to standout performances, Sunday’s game gave us insights into what might be in store for the rest of the season. Let’s dive into the biggest winners and losers, looking at the teams that have started strong and those scrambling to find their footing in the start of the 2024 season.
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Winners
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings seem to have the secrets to slowing down the 49ers. Despite giving up 399 total yards the Vikings held the 49ers to 17 points and 2/10 on 3rd down. The defense was a huge question mark coming into the season and through 2 weeks that group looks promising
On the offensive side of the ball head coach Kevin O’Connell has that group playing very well. They averaged 10.3 yards per attempt through the air and 6.1 yards per attempt on the ground. At 2-0 it seems like the Vikings are going to surprise everyone this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs got their revenge from their divisional round loss, beating the Lions 20-16 on the road. You could argue that they got out played by the Lions today but the timely interceptions off of Jared Goff helped them secure this win
Baker Mayfield has been a great leader and player since coming over via free agency. He has evolved into a smart quarterback and might be approaching top 10 QB in the NFL recognition. What never gets enough recognition is how consistent the defense has been under Todd Bowles. The Bucs are clear winners with their 2-0 start to the season.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints surprised everyone with their upset 44-19 win over the Cowboys on Sunday. The Saints have been dominating in all 3 phases of the game. Today RB Alvin Kamara’s 180 total yards and 4 touchdowns were the headline. The defense gave the Cowboys fits all day, intercepting QB Dak Prescott twice.
QB Derek Carr looks like he is finally healthy after having 2 straight injury-riddled seasons that impacted his play. They and the Bucs look like the NFC South’s clear favorites. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has the Saints offense rolling. One of the most notable differences in the new-look Saints is the number of deep shots they are taking. It will be interesting to see if the Saints can keep this high-octane offense throughout the season.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were a hot pick to breakout with a healthy Kyler Murray. In week 1, the Cardinals struggled to get things going against a stout Bills defense and rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. was limited to 1 catch. On Sunday, the offense exploded like many expected for 41 points against the Rams.
QB Kyler Murray finished with a perfect passer rating, totaling 355 yards and 3 touchdowns. RB James Conner had another big game on the ground totaling 122 rushing yards. Then Marvin Harrison Jr. broke out with 4 catches 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. This offensive trio is deadly and add in TE Trey McBride, they are a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Losers
Los Angeles Rams
After last week’s heartbreaking loss to the Lions, the Rams got blown out by the Cardinals on Sunday. From the start of the game, it was very clear that the Rams were not ready to play on both sides of the ball. The Rams came in missing key offensive pieces due to injury and lost WR Cooper Kupp to injury as well in this one. The defense who came in healthy struggled to stop a nosebleed in this one. Sitting at 0-2 and with all the injuries, the Rams have an uphill battle right now to make the playoffs after 2 weeks.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s time to panic about the Jaguars. After a meltdown at the end of last season, the Jags are off to a 0-2 start. Trevor Lawrence on the season now has 382 passing yards and only 1 touchdown pass. Their highest-paid receiver, Christian Kirk has 2 catches through 2 games. The offensive line let Trevor Lawrence get sacked 4 times against the Browns. RB Travis Etienne Jr. is currently averaging under 4.0 yards per carry on the season. The lone bright spot of the team is their defense which has been great through 2 games. Head coach Doug Pederson is officially on the hot seat.
Tennessee Titans
There is a lot to like with the new-look Titans under new head coach Brian Callahan. Their defense has been impressive through the 2 weeks slowing down both the Bears and Titans. On offense, it seems like the additions of RB Tony Pollard and WR Calvin Ridley have been good signings. Then there is 2nd year QB Will Levis. So far on the season, Levis had 319 passing yards 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions with a passer rating of 67.3. If he continues to play like this there will be a new quarterback under center in Tennessee next year.
Indianapolis Colts
Without Jordan Love, the Colts were heavy favorites on the road in Green Bay. Instead, they got bullied on the line of scrimmage all day and turned the ball over in an uninspiring performance. The Colt’s defense gave up 261 rushing yards allowing the Packer’s offense to control the clock the whole game. On offense, second-year QB Anthony Richardson had a rough day. Richardson finished 17/34 for 204 yards 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Richardson’s explosive plays are special, but he needs to learn to make the simple throws before the Colts can be a contender in the AFC.