• New Orleans Saints LT Taliese Fuaga vs. Dallas Cowboys edge defender Micah Parsons: Fuaga is coming off a powerful Week 1 matchup however has an exceedingly powerful matchup in opposition to one of many NFL’s finest pass-rushers this week.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs vs. Detroit Lions edge defender Aidan Hutchinson: A colossal matchup between two the NFL’s brightest younger stars.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated studying time: quarter-hour
NFL Week 2 schedule (click on to leap to the sport)
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins (-2.5)
Storyline of the sport: First style of AFC East Divisional motion
AFC East Divisional motion will get began early in Week 2 with the Bills and Dolphins each vying for an early lead within the race for the AFC East crown after each coming away with victories to begin their 2024 campaigns.
Week 1 matchups for each of those groups ended up being nearer contests than many anticipated. Miami wanted a Jason Sanders subject objective as time expired to take down Jacksonville, and whereas Buffalo gained by a full six factors, it was a bit touch-and-go there within the first half with the Cardinals holding a 17-10 lead at halftime.
Despite the Dolphins’ gifted roster, Buffalo holds a 6-1 report in opposition to this staff since QB Tua Tagovailoa took over as Miami’s beginning quarterback. A pattern the gifted passer will look to buck in 2024.
Matchups to look at: Bills EDGE Greg Rousseau vs. Dolphins Offensive Tackles
The Bills edge rusher is poised for a breakout 2024 marketing campaign after a stellar season opener wherein he racked up three sacks on a 16.0% pass-rush win price, on his technique to an 87.2 PFF pass-rush grade. With a brand new contract incoming within the not-so-distant future, it is video games like this that actually kick open the door.
Miami possesses a pair of gifted tackles in Terron Armstead (third out of 67 OTs) on the left and Austin Jackson (ninth) on the appropriate, each of which completed Week 1 with top-10 grades on the deal with place. Heading into his twelfth season, Armstead is in peak kind, producing a 90.3 PFF total grade this previous week. Although Jackson wasn’t fairly as spectacular, he produced stable marks within the run recreation (82.5) and in go safety (73.1). Rousseau splits time on each side, so he’ll inevitably cross each of those guys.
Additional information:
- A Miami-Dade police officer has been positioned on administrative go away after an altercation and extreme present of power in the direction of Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill, EDGE Calais Campbell and TE Jonnu Smith simply earlier than the staff’s Week 1 matchup.
- Bills QB Josh Allen says hand is “advantageous” after Week 1 harm scare, cleared by medical workers.
- Dolphins HBs Raheem Mostert (Out – chest) and De’Von Achane (game-time resolution – ankle) are coping with accidents.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens (-9.5)
Storyline of the sport: Only one staff can bounce again in Week 2
The 2024 season opener was a heartbreaker for the Ravens, who got here a toe away from taking down the defending champion Chiefs. Having performed on Thursday night time, Baltimore has loads of time to right its errors and put the powerful loss behind the staff.
Despite the Raiders holding a first-quarter lead in opposition to the Chargers, they struggled to care for the ball and shortly fell behind. Vegas misplaced the turnover battle by a large margin, clocking three giveaways with out securing any takeaways. QB Gardner Minshew has struggled with turnover-worthy performs in his profession and if this offense is to bounce again, it begins together with his ball safety.
Matchups to look at: Raiders DI Christian Wilkins vs. the appropriate aspect of the Ravens offensive line
With the Wilkins offseason addition to this Raiders go rush, it got here as a little bit of a shock that strain was so arduous to come back by in Week 1. Vegas generated simply 11 pressures. Wilkins uncharacteristically was held to zero despite the fact that he gained 12% of his go rushes.
This week, Wilkins takes on the appropriate aspect of this Ravens offensive line that struggled to decelerate Chiefs DI Chris Jones in each sides. In go safety, RT Patrick Mekari allowed 5 pressures, whereas Roger Rosengarten earned a 31.0 PFF go block grade whereas spelling Mekari. It wasn’t a lot better on the bottom, as Mekari and Rosengarten, together with RG Daniel Faalele, have been liable for all 9 of the staff’s destructive run-blocking grades.
Additional information:
- Ravens HC John Harbaugh acknowledged to reporters following their Week 1 loss that the staff didn’t signal Derrick Henry to “be the man that will get the ball 30 occasions a recreation.”
- Tom Brady is nearing approval to buy a ten% restricted partnership stake within the Las Vegas Raiders.
Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5) vs. Carolina Panthers
Storyline of the sport: The Harbaugh Era in LA begins on an upswing
In full Jim Harbaugh vogue, this Chargers staff got here out in Week 1 operating the ball and taking part in stout protection. This protection placed on a present, snagging takeaways and producing the fourth-best EPA per play allowed, whereas the run recreation put up over 6.5 yards per tote, highlighted by a pair of 40-plus-yard gallops.
The Panthers, nonetheless, didn’t do nicely answering questions surrounding their choices to carry out their younger gamers within the preseason. They appeared largely unprepared and suffered the most important deficit lack of Week 1. This franchise may have their work minimize out for it transferring ahead to right this course.
Matchups to look at: Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. Chargers Pass-Rush
At the middle of Carolina’s strife stands the previous No. 1 total draft decide, Bryce Young, who struggled mightily within the staff’s season debut. The Panthers passer earned the worst passing grade of his profession (34.7), partly because of his sub-50% adjusted completion price. This stage of problem is considerably shocking, as PFF’s Trevor Sikkema put it on the NFL grade launch present, “This is nowhere in his Alabama tape.”
Carolina’s offensive line could take some warmth, however Young is liable for a lot of his strain, inviting strain by holding the ball or failing to set safety. When pressured, Young quickens his supply means an excessive amount of inflicting large overthrows, evidenced in each of his interceptions this previous week.
That gained’t minimize it in opposition to this classic Chargers go rush, which is booming early behind the mixed efforts of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
Additional information:
- Panthers DI Derrick Brown (knee) suffered a possible season-ending harm in Week 1.
New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys (-6.5)
Storyline of the sport: Riding spectacular season debuts into Week 2
Both of those franchises completed Week 1 with two of the most important victory margins within the NFL.
The vicious Cowboys go rush had a subject day in Cleveland, the place it racked up 37 pressures, together with six sacks and 11 quarterback hits, all of which lead the NFL. Pair that with an opportunistic protection unit that swiped a pair of interceptions, and you’ve got a protection that can dictate video games.
On the opposite aspect, this Saints staff simply hung 47 on Carolina within the opener with phenomenal performances on each side of the ball. New Orleans completed Week 1 as the one staff to rank within the high 5 in each offensive EPA per play (fourth) and defensive EPA/play allowed (first).
Matchups to look at: Saints LT Taliese Fuaga vs. Cowboys edge defender Micah Parsons
Not solely is it spectacular to transition to the left deal with spot after years of manning the appropriate aspect, however to do it at such a excessive stage as a rookie is insane. Fuaga, who was often known as a road-grading run blocker coming into the league, was glorious in go safety within the opener, incomes the fourth-highest PFF go blocking (87.3) amongst tackles.
The first-year deal with will want extra of that this week to decelerate All-Pro EDGE Micah Parsons. Dallas’ defensive cornerstone had a day in Week 1, the place he racked up 11 whole pressures, tying for the league lead.
Additional information:
- Cowboys QB Dak Prescott signed a 4-year, $240m extension, simply earlier than Week 1 kicked off, making him the best paid participant in NFL historical past.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions (-7)
Storyline of the sport: Rematch of the 2023 NFC divisional-round matchup
The Bucs and Lions run it again after their shut contest within the playoffs after beginning off their 2024 campaigns on a excessive observe.
Detroit’s toughness was on full show because it paved the way in which on the bottom. This top-tier offensive line set the tone, permitting David Montgomery to flourish on his technique to the second-highest speeding grade (88.5) within the league in Week 1.
On the opposite hand, Tampa did most of its injury by way of the air. Baker Mayfield linked up together with his gifted receiver tandem all day, ensuing within the league’s highest EPA per dropback on the week whereas WR Chris Godwin earned the position-leading 89.1 PFF receiving grade.
Matchups to look at: Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs vs. Lions edge defender Aidan Hutchinson
An enormous recreation in Week 1 has many buzzing a few potential Defensive Player of the Year run for the Lions’ elite younger pass-rusher. Hutchinson went ballistic, racking up 11 pressures on an insane 47.7% pass-rush win price on his technique to incomes the league’s highest PFF pass-rush grade (95.7).
Last week, the Bucs deal with recorded the twenty eighth recreation of his profession wherein he earned an 80-plus PFF pass-blocking grade. Wirfs is already in playoff kind, and he’ll want it to decelerate Hutchinson.
Additional information:
Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) v.s Green Bay Packers
Storyline of the sport: Packers put together to begin QB Malik Willis
Despite avoiding a catastrophic knee harm that might have ended Jordan Love’s season, the staff must navigate the close to future with out him. With expectations being that Love will miss a number of weeks, backup QB Malik Willis is in line to begin underneath heart.
Along with Love’s harm, this Packers backfield can also be coping with well being points, whereas operating backs Josh Jacobs (again) and MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) have been restricted in apply.
That will go away the door open for the Colts to actually go away their mark on this matchup.
Matchups to look at: Colts Interior OL vs. Packers Interior DL
After months of speaking up this Colts offensive line, it was let free in Week 1 and confirmed up large, placing up the best cumulative PFF offensive line grade (92.6) within the NFL. LG Quenton Nelson, C Ryan Kelly and RG Will Fries all completed the week ranked within the high 4 at their positions. Fries was particularly spectacular, capturing the best PFF run blocking grade on the guard place.
Packers inside defenders Kenny Clark and T.J. Slaton want to get again on observe after struggling to suit the run in opposition to the Eagles. Clark commented this week about how poor the sphere situations have been in Brazil and the way that affected the sport. Hopefully being again in acquainted territory can assist.
Additional information:
- Colts CB JuJu Brents (knee) was positioned on IR.
- Numerous Packers criticized the tough taking part in floor final week in Brazil.
Cleveland Browns vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5)
Storyline of the sport: Injuries stack up in Cleveland
The Browns have a laundry listing of accidents they’re coping with heading into Week 2, however none of that are extra essential than those already leaving this offensive line strapped. LT Jedrick Wills (knee) and RT Jack Conklin (knee) weren’t able to return in time for the opener, in the end resulting in the Browns’ 35% strain price surrendered in Week 1
If Cleveland isn’t in a position to return both of their beginning tackles for a second-straight week, that ought to form as much as be a really beneficiant matchup for this Jaguars protection, who’re coming off a troublesome matchup with Dolphins’ unbelievable deal with tandem.
Matchups to look at: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs Browns CB Denzel Ward
Thomas could not have stuffed up the field rating in his NFL debut, however he did handle to report the best PFF receiving grade (76.2) on this Jags receiver room. QB Trevor Lawrence is shortly discovering belief in his younger goal after producing a 145.4 passer ranking when focusing on Thomas.
The first-year receiver will certainly draw the eye of nook Denzel Ward, who’s coming off a stable efficiency in Week 1 wherein he allowed simply two receptions on seven targets into his protection. The Browns nook additionally stacked up a trio of pressured incompletions, tied for second-most within the NFL this previous week.
Additional information:
- The NFL has determined they won’t place Deshaun Watson on the Commissioner’s Exempt listing following a brand new civil go well with filed on Monday in Houston.
- Cleveland signed WR Kadarius Toney to the apply squad.
- Browns TE David Njoku (ankle) will not play this week.
San Francisco 49ers (-6) vs. Minnesota Vikings
Storyline of the sport: Vikings placing unbelievable Week 1 efficiency to the take a look at
Minnesota shucked its low public expectations with a stellar season-opening efficiency, albeit in opposition to one other staff anticipated to battle in 2024 within the New York Giants. Even nonetheless, six Vikings managed to complete Week 1 ranked within the high 5 at their respective positions, together with QB Sam Darnold.
This week, the Vikings look to place that output to the take a look at in opposition to one of many NFC’s finest within the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC champions have been clicking in Week 1 even with out their All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey, leaving Jordan Mason in line for a profession day.
Matchups to look at: Vikings HB Aaron Jones vs. Browns LB Fred Warner
Even in a brand new house, Aaron Jones didn’t skip a guess. The veteran operating again continues to be taking part in at an unimaginable stage coming into Year 8, capturing the league’s highest speeding grade (91.2) in Week 1. Jones racked up over 6.6 yards per carry in his Vikings debut, with over 76% of his yardage coming after contact.
That manufacturing will probably be put to the take a look at in opposition to the league’s highest-graded linebacker in Week 1, Fred Warner. The 49ers All-Pro linebacker flew everywhere in the subject on his technique to an outstanding 92.7 PFF total defensive grade.
Additional information:
Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) vs. New England Patriots
Storyline of the sport: Pats hope to string collectively one other upset victory
The shock of Week 1 was undoubtedly the Patriots’ street upset over the Cincinnati Bengals – which killed a mess of survivor swimming pools earlier than they even started. Even with a brand new head coach this Patriots staff nonetheless desires to run the rock and play protection, which they did in spades behind performances from RB Rhamondre Stevenson and CB Jonathan Jones.
Something that wasn’t shocking, nonetheless, was that Mike Macdonald would have this Seahawks protection firing on all cylinders in his debut on the helm. Seattle generated the perfect staff defensive grade (91.0) in Week 1, with insane grades littered all through.
Matchups to look at: Seahawks LT Charles Cross vs. Patriots edge defender Keion White
Just 4 edge rushers earned a PFF pass-rushing grade over 90.0 in Week 1, three of that are broadly thought of Defensive Player of Year candidates, the opposite is Keion White. The Patriots’ second-year pass-rusher is poised for a breakout yr after piling up three sacks within the opener.
Across the road from White stands one other participant organising his personal 2024 breakout in LT Charles Cross. The third-year deal with amassed an outstanding 96.1 PFF run-blocking grade, practically three factors greater on the grading scale than some other blocker on the week.
Additional information:
New York Jets (-3.5) vs. Tennessee Titans
Storyline of the sport: Titans head coach Brian Callahan had blunt criticism for his offense
Callahan stated, “If we’d simply punted it on first-and-10 each time, we would’ve gained the sport the way in which we gave it away.” This was his remark following his staff’s loss within the opener.
Tennessee gave up three fourth-quarter turnovers to close the door on any likelihood it needed to win, together with the back-breaking pick-six that noticed QB Will Levis drop to his knees in anguish throughout a dwell play.
The Jets struggled to search out their footing on the street in opposition to a troublesome 49ers staff and consequently, they let various performs get away from them on each side of the ball. Despite discovering themselves on the street once more, the Titans nonetheless have quite a bit to show and this may very well be a greater litmus take a look at for this Jets roster.
Matchups to look at: Jets CB Aaron Rodgers vs. Titans FS Amani Hooker
Despite not filling up the field rating with manufacturing, veteran QB Aaron Rodgers put collectively a stable efficiency in his first recreation again from harm. The Jets signal-caller earned the fourth-highest PFF passing grade on the week, with an 84.4 mark that was powered by a pair of big-time throws.
Free security Amani Hooker led this Titans secondary that held the No. 1 decide in Chicago, Caleb Williams, to underneath 100 yards passing. The veteran security earned an 82.1 PFF protection grade whereas permitting a 42.4 passer ranking into his protection.
Additional information:
- Jets edge defender Haason Reddick forfeited practically $800k recreation verify after lacking Week 1, as his holdout extends into the common season.
New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders (-1.5)
Storyline of the sport: NFC East divisional motion after a troublesome begin to 2024
Neither of those groups walked away from Week 1 blissful, as each suffered one of many largest losses of opening weekend.
The scenario is already wanting dire in New York after the Giants have been solely in a position to muster six factors, falling to the Vikings by three scores. QB Daniel Jones is already fielding questions on his job safety after a troublesome exhibiting within the opener wherein he totaled simply 4.4 yards per try, fifth-lowest amongst starters.
Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels additionally struggled in his debut, producing a 32.8 PFF passing grade. The No. 2 total decide generated simply 14.1% of his manufacturing by way of air yards, leaving most of his yardage to come back after the catch.
Matchups to look at: Commanders RG Sam Cosmi vs. Giants DI Dexter Lawrence
Perhaps the lone vibrant spot on this Giants roster, because it presently stands, is that Dexter Lawrence continues to be a monster to cope with in the midst of this protection. In Week 1, the large inside go rusher exploded for a forty five.5% pass-rush win price on his technique to an unimaginable 92.3 PFF pass-rushing grade.
Fresh off signing his new deal, Cosmi is the inspiration of this Commanders’ offensive line, and if it us going to decelerate this All-Pro inside defender, it begins with him.
Additional information:
- Dan Quinn commented on Daniels’ 16 rushes final week, “We’d like to see him stay a passer first.”
Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals (-1)
Storyline of the sport: NFC West divisional motion picks up after a troublesome Week 1.
Both of those groups performed nicely of their season openers however simply couldn’t put it collectively to take house the win.
Stafford and the Rams fell simply brief once more to the Lions, now having misplaced their final two video games, each performed in Detroit. And now Sean McVay’s offense must navigate the following month or so with out their breakout WR in Puka Nacua (knee), who was positioned on IR after happening in Week 1.
The Cards put up a stable battle in opposition to Buffalo to kick off their yr, placing up 28 factors however giving over 34. Losses deliver criticism, specifically the truth that the staff’s high decide at receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr., noticed solely targets and caught only one.
Matchups to look at: Cardinals LT Paris Johnson Jr. vs Rams EDGE Jared Verse
This matchup encompasses a pair of younger trench fighters these franchises hope to construct round.
The Rams drafted Verse within the first spherical this offseason with hopes of discovering pass-rush manufacturing within the post-Aaron Donald period, and it seems to be like they might have. The former Florida State edge generated six whole pressures, together with his first NFL sack, throughout his debut in opposition to the Lions.
Arizona’s first-round decide at deal with in 2023 struggled to search out his footing in his rookie season however seems to be to have made strides in his recreation this offseason, producing a powerful 84.0 run-blocking grade and 78.5 pass-blocking grade in Week 1.
Additional information:
- Rams breakout WR Puka Nacua (PCL) was positioned on the IR after happening within the first half of the staff’s season opener. He will miss at the least 4 video games.
- Cardinals RB DeeJay Dallas secures first kickoff return for a rating within the new format.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Denver Broncos
Storyline of the sport: Justin Fields replaces Russell Wilson in return to Denver
In what schedule makers thought can be the return of former Broncos QB Russell Wilson to Denver has been dashed because of a lingering calf harm for the veteran passer. “Revenge” video games are all the time healthful irrespective of the way you slice it. Whether it’s an ex-quarterback seeking to stick it to a former franchise or stated franchise seeking to show they made the appropriate resolution to look elsewhere.
Instead, followers will see Justin Fields lead this Steelers staff after a rousing victory in Week 1. Too many extra wins underneath his belt, and Wilson could once more discover himself on the skin wanting in.
Matchups to look at: Steelers T.J. Watt vs. Broncos RT Mike McGlinchey
How are you able to speak about this Steelers efficiency in Week 1 with out highlighting the insane efficiency by the one and solely T.J. Watt. The former Defensive Player of the Year is on a mission to recapture his {hardware}, evidenced by his three sacks in Week 1 off of a 21.4% pass-rush win price.
This week he faces off in opposition to RT Mike McGlinchey, who enters his second season in Denver hoping to take steps ahead in his recreation. This previous week, the veteran deal with produced a decent 98.0 go block effectivity ranking however might want to lock in if he’s to translate that in opposition to a man like Watt.
Additional information:
- Broncos rookie RB Audric Estime on IR.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5)
Storyline of the sport: Bengals look to bounce again after Week 1 upset
The most stunning flip of Week 1 got here with the Bengals’ loss to the New England Patriots in what many thought can be a rout for Cincy. Now, the Bengals look to choose up the items and proper the ship in opposition to the defending champions who’re coming off an enormous win and additional relaxation.
This was alleged to be a troublesome stretch of schedule to begin the season for Kansas City, nevertheless it’s shaping as much as be a a lot easier job than initially anticipated. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are nonetheless cooking up probably the most inventive offense within the trendy recreation, and it confirmed in Week 1 because the Ravens struggled to match up.
Matchups to look at: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice vs. Bengals CB Mike Hilton
Rice adopted up his breakout rookie season with a unbelievable efficiency in Week 1. The younger receiver earned the fifth-highest PFF receiving grade (84.2) on the place this previous week, powered by 10.4-yard after catch per reception. That mark places him within the firm of Tyreek Hill atop the league.
Tasked with slowing down Rice will probably be Bengals’ longtime slot nook Mike Hilton. The veteran nook let some performs get away from him within the staff’s opener, incomes a 60.3 PFF protection grade in opposition to the Pats. Needless to say, that most likely gained’t minimize it on this matchup.
Additional information:
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (Hamstring) was a DNP at apply on Wednesday.
Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans (-6)
Storyline of the sport: Young, gifted quarterbacks sq. off
Just one week after a troublesome debut, Caleb Williams must mud himself off in time for the intense lights of Sunday Night Football. The No. 1 total decide struggled to realize any footing in his first outing in Chicago, producing a sub-50% completion price for underneath 100 yards passing to go together with a pair of turnover-worthy performs. While it is not unusual for rookie passers to battle of their first recreation, that is one thing to notice on this one.
Conversely, Texans second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud performed nicely however was uncharacteristically free with the ball, leading to two turnover-worthy performs. But, ultimately, he led his staff to a detailed two-point win over the Colts.
Matchups to Watch: Texans WR Nico Collins vs. Bears CB Jaylon Johnson
No higher technique to spend a Sunday night time than watching top-of-the-line WR-CB matchups we are going to see all yr.
Bears lockdown nook Jaylon Johnson is selecting up 2024 proper the place he left off in 2023 as top-of-the-line corners within the recreation. His 92.1 PFF protection grade in opposition to the Titans in Week 1 ranks greater than 4 grading factors over the following highest-graded nook.
The same theme might be discovered with Collins, who can also be constructing on his spectacular 2023. The Texans star receiver’s 84.9 PFF receiving grade ranked because the fourth-best amongst receivers in Week 1, powered by his unbelievable 3.44 yards per route run.
Additional information:
- Bears rookie WR Rome Odunze (MCL) to overlook time.
Atlanta Falcons v.s Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5)
Storyline of the sport: Is Kirk Cousin prepared for Prime time?
We will keep away from the jokes that often precede a Kirk Cousins matchup in prime time and minimize straight to the essential stuff: Cousins’ shaky efficiency in his return from Achilles surgical procedure. The veteran quarterback appeared extremely uncomfortable within the pocket and uneasy to plant on his repaired leg on the high of drops. That resulted in a troubling 42.0 PFF passing grade in opposition to the Steelers.
Like Pittsburgh, Philly possesses a potent go rush that may once more ship these indicators that precipitated so many issues this previous week for Cousins and this Falcons offense.
Matchups to Watch: Falcons HB Bijan Robinson vs. Eagles LB Nakobe Dean
The obvious disproportionate utilization stats made the rounds following this recreation, detailing the Falcons’ tells and traits within the run recreation. This offense can’t operate as a one-dimensional unit that suggestions its operating downs to defenses solely primarily based on alignment. So anticipate Atlanta to regulate that method and get their gifted again, Bijan Robinson, his totes on the bottom in quite a lot of seems to be.
That will show to be a large problem for the Eagles younger linebacker, who’s coming off a tough outing in Week 1 wherein he earned a 29.3 PFF total defensive grade. That will not minimize it in opposition to a gifted again like Robinson.