From the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys nearly tying to four injured quarterbacks, Week 2 of the 2025-2026 NFL season was far from normal. In this week’s edition of Tyler’s Take, I discuss the best and worst team performances from Week 2.
Kansas City Chiefs (0-2), Underperformed:
The Kansas City Chiefs begin the 2025-2026 NFL season owning a 0-2 record and ranking No. 4 in the AFC West. This is the first time since 2014 and in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 9-year career that the team has started a campaign winless.
In Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX rematch, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chiefs 20-17 for the second straight time. Instead of a blowout, the game intensified, but self-inflicted wounds shielded the reigning AFC Champions from redemption.
Problems arose offensively, as third-down conversions were nonexistent. On third downs, Mahomes moved the chains on four of 12 (33.3%) attempts. When opportunities presented themselves to advance the field, players dropped key passes.
On the Eagles’ 6-yard line with 13 minutes remaining in the game, Mahomes threw an interception intended for tight end Travis Kelce. The 35-year-old bobbled the ball, landing in the safety Andrew Mukuba’s hands, keeping the Eagles on top 13-10.
Defensively, the team held quarterback Jalen Hurts to 101 yards and sacked him twice for a loss of 7 yards. Like Super Bowl LIX, the defense refrained running back Saquon Barkley from rushing, holding him to 88 yards and a touchdown.
When it comes to wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the secondary contained the duo for a combined total of 80 yards. Overall, the defense held the fort down, giving the offense plenty of scoring opportunities.
The Chiefs travel to face the New York Giants on Sunday, as both franchises seek their first victory of the 2025-2026 stretch. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. on NBC.
San Francisco 49ers (2-0), Surprise:
Within a week, injuries already struck the San Francisco 49ers. Tight end George Kittle sustained a right hamstring injury, while quarterback Brock Purdy endured turf toe in Week 1. Now, Head Coach Kyle Shanahan will rely on backup quarterback Mac Jones to pave the way.
In a 2024-2025 run with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones struggled, owning a 2-8 record. With a new environment, the veteran may have fixed bad habits.
In Sunday’s 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints, Jones did not disappoint. The Florida native started the match throwing four-straight incompletions but quickly turned the tables. Jones finished the day connecting 26 of 39 (66.7%) passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings hauled in five receptions for 89 yards and made an endzone appearance. Running back Christian McCaffrey hardly helped, rushing for 55 yards.
The former New England Patriot fumbled the ball once, resulting in the Saints crossing the goal line. Additionally, the defense sacked him three times for a loss of 12 yards.
The 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals in their home opener on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. on Fox.
Minnesota Vikings (1-1), Underperformed:
After recovering from a torn meniscus during the 2024-2025 campaign, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy showcased a promising future in his NFL debut.
In Week 1’s 27-24 comeback victory over the Chicago Bears, the “rookie” completed 13 of 20 (65%) passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Fast forward to Week 2, the Atlanta Falcons restrained the team to just three field goals. The 22-year-old delivered 11 of 21 (52.4%) throws for 158 yards, as the Falcons sacked McCarthy six times for a loss of 38 yards.
In the backfield, challenges continued, as running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason dashed for a total of 53 yards.
To make matters worse, McCarthy sustained a sprained ankle, sidelining him for Week 3. The franchise also placed Jones Sr. on the injured reserve, after enduring a hamstring injury in Sunday’s clash.
The Vikings stay home on Sunday to face the Cincinnati Bengals, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. on CBS.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-0), Surprise:
In the second quarter versus the Jaguars on Sunday, quarterback Joe Burrow suffered turf toe, concluding his day. The Bengals’ backup shot-caller, Jake Browning, overcame all odds, defeating the Jaguars 31-27.
Between 2023-2024, the Browning’s record when starting (6-6) has caught attention.
In a nail-biting ending, the veteran kept Who Dey fans on their toes. The 29-year-old’s throws staggered, completing 21 of 32 (65.6%) passes and tossing three interceptions.
In the fourth quarter, the offense threw a pick, positioning the Jaguars on the Bengals’ 12-yard line. The defense denied the franchise of any points after quarterback Trevor Lawrence unsuccessfully attempted a fourth-down conversion, allowing for one last drive.
With just over three and a half minutes left in the clash, the offense marched 92 yards into enemy territory. On the Jaguars’ 1-yard line with 18 seconds remaining, the California native plowed through for a 31-27 lead. The game-clinching touchdown not only won the contest but also kept the team undefeated.
The Bengals travel to battle the Vikings on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. on CBS.