NFL Week 2 kicks off with probably the best game of the week as the Los Angeles Chargers travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football. There was much anticipation for week one and it didn’t disappoint in the least. There were nine games that finished within a touchdown or less margin, including two overtime games, with one of them being a tie. There were great performances throughout the league last week and this time around isn’t expected to be any different.
NFL Week 2 Games To Watch
Chargers vs Chiefs
NFL Week 2 starts with a great divisional matchup as both teams got wins in their season openers. The Los Angeles Chargers notched an impressive 24-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Justin Herbert continues to show that he’s just a passing machine as he threw for 279 yards with three touchdowns. Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams didn’t get much done in this game but it’s only week 1, they’re too talented to stay quiet. In fact, the Chargers have one of the best rosters top to bottom in the league. Keenan Allen has been ruled out on Thursday with a hamstring injury but they have a lot of talent that can step up.
While the Chargers looked impressive last week, the Chiefs looked even better after a dominating win over the Arizona Cardinals 44-21. Patrick Mahomes showed that losing Tyreek Hill won’t affect him as much as people think. He still has Travis Kelce, who has 121 yards and a touchdown, and a couple of nice new pieces at the wide receiver position. Overall, Mahomes completed 30 of 39 passes for 360 yards and 5 touchdowns. If that didn’t tell you he’s motivated after everything that was said about losing Hill, I don’t know what will. Their leading rusher was not Clyde Edwards-Helaire but in fact, Isiah Pacheco, who rushed for 62 yards and a TD.
Both defenses will be tested in this game, with two really good offensive teams going at it. With these two teams projecting to be really good coming into the season on top of it being a divisional matchup, this game already could have big implications later on down the road.
Patrick Mahomes became the 4th QB since 2000 (9th QB in NFL history) to record 300+ Passing Yards and 5+ Passing TDs in Week 1! pic.twitter.com/gasGDPtYBM
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 15, 2022
Buccaneers vs Saints
This time, another divisional matchup comes your way in NFL week 2, this time in the NFC South. This matchup is going to be interesting for a couple of reasons. One, Tom Brady has never been able to beat the New Orleans Saints in the regular seaaon as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Two, many envision the Saints giving Tampa Bay a run for their money in this division.
The Buccaneers come off week 1 with a good win against the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday Night Football. It wasn’t the flashiest win of the week but they got it done. Brady only threw for 212 yards and a touchdown but Dallas couldn’t stop Leonard Fournette, who had 127 rushing yards. Mike Evans looked like himself with 71 yards and a touchdown and Julio Jones showed out in his Tampa Bay debut with 69 yards. The Buccaneers’ defense was steller, only allowing 3 points while totaling four sacks and an interception along the way.
Like their opponent this week, the Saints also got a win on Sunday but had to come from behind to do so. Special teams saved the day as they blocked the last-second field goal attempt from the Falcons. Their offense stood out last week with Jameis Winston throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Thomas was active for the first time since 2020 and caught two touchdowns. Free agent addition Jarvis Laundry had 114 yards and all-around player Taysom Hill rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown. The defense wasn’t as good as hoped but with the talent, it won’t last long.
This game is a huge one, even if it’s only week two. Both offenses will challenge the defense and vice versa. These two teams are very talented and we’ll see if the Saints can continue their winning ways against Brady and the Bucs, or if Brady can finally get the demon off of his back.
Dolphins vs Ravens
Another pair of teams with wins last week match up against each other in NFL Week 2. The Miami Dolphins had their way with the New England Patriots, winning 20-7. Tua Tagovailoa had a solid game, completing 23 of 33 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown. Having the speed duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to throw to certainly is a big advantage. Waddle had 69 yards and a touchdown while Hill shined in his Dolphin debut, tallying 94 yards and stressing the Patriots’ defense with his speed and quickness when he gets the ball whether it’s a short pass or a long pass. If the defense can perform like this, the Dolphins can be a threat.
The Baltimore Ravens had a pretty good win of their own, beating the New York Jets 24-9. Lamar Jackson had a lot on his mind heading into this game with his contract conversations going nowhere. He only passed for 213 yards and had an interception but threw three touchdowns in the win. Three receivers had over 50 yards, with two of the touchdowns going to Devin Duverney and one to Rashod Bateman. While the Ravens’ offense had good performances throughout, the Dolphins’ defense presents a tougher challenge than the Jets’ defense. Everyone is keeping a close eye on these two teams this week two to see if they can follow up on good performances from week 1.
Other Games To Watch
Vikings vs Eagles
Patriots vs Steelers
Bears vs Packers
Bengals vs Cowboys
Cardinals vs Raiders
Titans vs Bills
