Las Vegas Raiders v/s Baltimore Ravens
In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a 26-23 upset over the Baltimore Ravens, overcoming a 10-point deficit with 12 minutes left. Raiders’ key players Davante Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers combined for 21 targets and played a pivotal role in the comeback, with Adams scoring a late touchdown. Baltimore’s defense, strong early on, faltered in the final moments, allowing four consecutive scoring drives. The Ravens struggled offensively, with Derrick Henry managing just 21 rushing yards at halftime before recovering. The Raiders’ defense, led by Maxx Crosby, made crucial plays, including forcing a turnover and a key sack late in the game. The Ravens, now 0-2 for the first time since 2015, are searching for their identity.
Los Angeles Chargers v/s Carolina Panthers
The Los Angeles Chargers dominated the Carolina Panthers 26-3 in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. Rookie Quentin Johnston had a standout performance for the Chargers with two touchdown receptions, reminding everyone of his first-round potential after a quiet 2023 season. The Chargers relied heavily on their ground game, racking up 219 rushing yards, led by J.K. Dobbins’ 131 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers’ offense struggled to get going, with Bryce Young managing only 84 passing yards and throwing an interception, while the team accumulated 90 penalty yards, compounding their issues.
New Orleans Saints v/s Dallas Cowboys
The New Orleans Saints dominated the Dallas Cowboys 44-19, with Derek Carr leading the offense to six consecutive touchdown drives before a tipped interception ended the streak. Alvin Kamara had a standout performance, scoring four total touchdowns, including a 54-yard screen pass. Carr connected with Rashid Shaheed for a 70-yard touchdown, and the Saints’ offense barely faced third downs, highlighting their efficiency. Meanwhile, the Cowboys struggled in the red zone, converting just one of three opportunities and relying too much on field goals. The Saints’ defense was relentless, punishing Dallas with aggressive play, including sacks and turnovers, solidifying New Orleans’ status as a top contender.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v/s Detroit Lions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged out the Detroit Lions 20-16 in a gritty win despite being plagued by injuries to key players, including Antoine Winfield Jr. and Vita Vea. Baker Mayfield’s composure under pressure, particularly against Aidan Hutchinson’s dominant pass rush, helped secure the win. Mayfield connected well with Chris Godwin, who had seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, and scored the game-winning touchdown on a QB draw. The Buccaneers capitalized on Detroit’s mistakes, including penalties and turnovers, while their defense held strong, allowing only one touchdown in seven red-zone attempts despite being outgained by over 200 yards.
The Lions, on the other hand, struggled with miscues, including costly penalties and missed opportunities. Dan Campbell’s squad failed to execute in critical moments, such as a botched end-of-half scenario that cost them a field goal. Jared Goff’s inconsistent play continued, throwing two interceptions and missing key throws. Though Detroit gained 463 yards, they were held to just one touchdown in the red zone, and their mistakes ultimately sealed their fate.
Green Bay Packers v/s Indianapolis Colts
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 16-10, becoming the first NFL team to reach 800 wins. Malik Willis, stepping in for Jordan Love, delivered a solid performance in his first start for Green Bay, completing 12 of 14 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown while adding 41 rushing yards. The Packers leaned heavily on their run game, amassing 237 rushing yards by halftime. Despite penalties, a fumble, and a missed field goal, Willis and the Packers’ ground game helped secure the win.
The Colts, meanwhile, continued to struggle offensively. Quarterback Anthony Richardson threw three interceptions, and while Jonathan Taylor found success on the ground, the Colts’ passing game lacked rhythm and consistency. Their defense, weakened by injuries, allowed huge first-half rushing gains but improved in the second half. Still, the Colts couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, leaving much work to be done on both sides of the ball.
Cleveland Browns v/s Jacksonville Jaguars
The Cleveland Browns edged out the Jacksonville Jaguars 18-13 in a game dominated by Jim Schwartz’s defense. The Browns stifled the Jaguars’ offense, holding them to just 81 total yards in the first half and pressuring quarterback Trevor Lawrence into one of his worst performances, completing only 5 of 16 passes for 16 yards by the third quarter. A crucial sack by Alex Wright in the end zone for a safety helped Cleveland maintain control. Jacksonville struggled with penalties and offensive miscues, including two costly roughing-the-passer penalties and delay of game infractions in critical moments. Deshaun Watson showed improvement for the Browns, completing 22 of 34 passes for 186 yards and leading a key touchdown drive, though penalties hindered his overall performance. Myles Garrett also reached a milestone, tying J.J. Watt as the third-fastest player to reach 90 career sacks.
Minnesota Vikings v/s San Francisco 49ers
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17, with a strong defensive effort led by Brian Flores, who stymied the 49ers’ offense. Despite racking up 399 yards, San Francisco struggled in key moments, converting only 2 of 10 third-down attempts and failing to score efficiently in the red zone. Brock Purdy threw an interception under pressure, and Brandon Aiyuk had another quiet game with just 43 receiving yards.
Sam Darnold, now starting for the Vikings, delivered another solid performance, completing 17 of 26 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 32 rushing yards, showing maturity by making key throws under pressure, including a 97-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson. Darnold’s strong start in 2024 contrasts with his previous struggles in the NFL, posting a 72% completion rate and a 111.8 passer rating over two games.
Seattle Seahawks v/s New England Patriots
The Seattle Seahawks edged out the New England Patriots 23-20 in overtime. The Seahawks struggled with their run game due to Kenneth Walker III’s absence, with Zach Charbonnet gaining only 38 yards on 14 carries. However, their passing game excelled, with DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba combining for 246 receiving yards.
Seattle’s defense was crucial, especially in overtime. After a missed Patriots field goal, safety Julian Love blocked another attempt, and the defense forced a three-and-out, allowing the Seahawks to score a game-winning field goal.
The Patriots had a strong ground game, with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson rushing for a combined 177 yards and a touchdown. However, quarterback Jacoby Brissett struggled with just 149 passing yards, limiting New England’s scoring opportunities.
Notable stats include DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba becoming the first Seahawks duo to each have 10+ catches and 100+ receiving yards in the same game.
New York Jets v/s Tennessee Titans
The New York Jets earned their first win of the season with a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, driven by a robust defensive and special teams performance. The Jets’ defense, led by multiple sacks and a crucial blocked punt by Irvin Charles, stymied Titans quarterback Will Levis, who struggled with crucial mistakes. Although the Jets’ offense was inconsistent, their running backs, Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen, played a pivotal role. Hall contributed with a touchdown catch, while Allen scored twice, including the game-winner. Despite Aaron Rodgers and the passing game still needing improvement, the Jets’ ground game proved effective in securing the win.
Washington Commanders v/s New York Giants
The Washington Commanders secured a 21-18 win over the New York Giants, thanks largely to kicker Austin Seibert, who set a Washington record with seven field goals to account for all their points. The Giants faced kicker issues throughout the game, as Graham Gano was injured early, and punter Jamie Gillan’s attempts were unsuccessful. This led to failed two-point conversions and a crucial missed field goal opportunity. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels focused more on passing, completing 23 of 29 attempts for 226 yards, while Brian Robinson added 133 rushing yards. Despite a strong performance from Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones and rookie receiver Malik Nabers, who connected for 127 yards and a touchdown, the Giants fell short, with Nabers missing a key fourth-down catch that could have extended a potential game-winning drive.
Arizona Cardinals v/s Los Angeles Rams
The Arizona Cardinals dominated the Los Angeles Rams 41-10, with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. making a standout debut by scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter. Despite a strong start, the Rams struggled offensively, with Matthew Stafford being sacked multiple times and the run game faltering. The Rams’ offensive woes, compounded by injuries and poor execution, led to their downfall. Kyler Murray excelled for the Cardinals, passing for 266 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 59 yards, showcasing his effectiveness under new head coach Jonathan Gannon. The win highlighted the Cardinals’ potential and solidified their performance after a tough Week 1.
Pittsburgh Steelers v/s Denver Broncos
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos, thanks to a dominant defensive performance led by T.J. Watt. The Steelers’ defense stifled the Broncos, intercepting quarterback Bo Nix twice and preventing any offensive touchdowns. Despite a shaky start, Nix showed some improvement in the second half, though his red zone interception and poor offensive line play hampered the Broncos’ chances. Steelers quarterback Justin Fields started strong, leading two scoring drives, but struggled in the second half as the offense stalled. The win improved Pittsburgh to 2-0, with their defense playing a key role in their success.
Kansas City Chiefs v/s Cincinnati Bengals
In a close contest, the Kansas City Chiefs edged the Cincinnati Bengals 26-25, with Harrison Butker’s late field goal securing the win. Despite Patrick Mahomes throwing two interceptions and a fumble by Chris Steele, the Chiefs’ defense, led by Chamarri Conner’s crucial sack, held strong. The Bengals, though falling to 0-2, showed improvement with Joe Burrow throwing for 258 yards and two touchdowns, and their defense, particularly Cam Taylor-Britt and Akeem Davis-Gaither, making impactful plays. A critical penalty on the Bengals allowed Mahomes another chance, leading to the decisive field goal. Both teams played closely matched games, suggesting a potential rematch later in the season.
SUNDAY NIGHT
Houston Texans v/s Chicago Bears
In a defensive battle, the Houston Texans defeated the Chicago Bears 19-13, improving to 2-0. Texans linebacker Will Anderson starred with 1.5 sacks and multiple pressures, significantly disrupting Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who was sacked seven times and threw two interceptions. Despite some progress from Williams compared to his debut, the Bears’ offense struggled with just 205 total yards and poor running game performance. Texans wide receiver Nico Collins stood out with 135 yards and a key touchdown. Houston’s defense and Collins’ performance were pivotal in securing the win, while the Bears’ offensive issues persist.
