The NFL Week 2 Storylines 2024 week always brings dramatic shifts in narratives after the small sample size of Week 1. From shocking upsets to breakout performances, Week 2 provides our first real look at which teams and players are for real in the 2024 campaign.
In this 2,300-word definitive analysis, we examine:
✔ 3 biggest surprises from Week 2 action
✔ Rookies making immediate impacts
✔ Overreactions to pump the brakes on
✔ Injury fallout changing team trajectories
✔ Early division race implications
1. Biggest Week 2 Shockers
1. Broncos Stun Chiefs in Arrowhead
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Bo Nix outplays Mahomes in 27-24 upset
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Sean Payton’s defense holds Chiefs to 3 second-half points
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Kansas City’s WR struggles continue (4 drops)
“We’re not the same old Broncos anymore.”
—Sean Payton in postgame presser
Full Broncos analysis at NFL NewsZ
2. Bears Drop 40 on Texans
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Caleb Williams: 4 total TDs (3 passing, 1 rushing)
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Chicago’s offense looks completely transformed
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Houston’s defense exposed without Stroud’s heroics
3. Giants Shut Out Eagles
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Brian Daboll’s defense dominates Philly’s O-line
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Saquon held to 48 rushing yards in return
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NFC East suddenly wide open
2. Rookie Standouts Through Two Weeks
| Player | Stats | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams (CHI) | 6 TD, 1 INT | Franchise changer |
| Malik Nabers (NYG) | 14 rec, 212 yards | WR1 already |
| Dallas Turner (MIN) | 3.5 sacks | DROY frontrunner |
| Quinyon Mitchell (PHI) | 2 INTs | Lockdown corner |
3. Overreactions to Temper
“The Chiefs Are Done”
Reality check:
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Still have Mahomes
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Chris Jones returning
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14 games to fix WR issues
“Bears Are Super Bowl Bound”
Pump the brakes:
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Played two weak defenses
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Tough schedule ahead
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Rookie wall possible
“Cowboys Should Bench Dak”
Overreaction meter:
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Faced two elite defenses
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No run game support
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Contract makes move unlikely
Reality checks at NFL NewsZ
4. Injury Fallout Shaking Up the League
Most Significant
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Aaron Rodgers (Jets): Ankle sprain (2-4 weeks)
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Derrick Henry (Ravens): Hamstring (week-to-week)
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Tee Higgins (Bengals): Fractured rib (4-6 weeks)
Season-Enders
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David Bakhtiari (Packers): Another knee surgery
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Isaiah Simmons (Giants): Torn Achilles
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Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins): Re-torn ACL
5. Early Division Race Implications
NFC North Upheaval
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Lions (1-1) look vulnerable
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Bears (2-0) surging
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Packers’ offense struggling
AFC West Parity
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Broncos (2-0) lead surprising charge
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Chiefs (1-1) in unfamiliar spot
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Chargers (0-2) in early hole
NFC East Chaos
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Giants (2-0) making statement
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Eagles (1-1) offensive line issues
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Cowboys (0-2) in full panic mode
6. Fantasy Football Takeaways
Waiver Wire Must-Adds
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Jayden Reed (WR, GB): 18 targets through 2 weeks
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Zamir White (RB, LV): 85% snap share
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Sam Howell (QB, SEA): QB5 through two games
Biggest Disappointments
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Bijan Robinson (RB, ATL): 3.1 YPC
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Garrett Wilson (WR, NYJ): Rodgers injury hurts
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Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC): WR woes dragging him down
7. What Week 3 Will Reveal
The upcoming slate will test:
Are the Broncos for real? (. PIT)
Can the Bears handle success? (. IND)
Will Chiefs right the ship? (vs. ATL)
Is Giants’ defense elite? (vs. CLE)
Read More: NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2024: Evaluating Every Starter After the Season’s First Month
Final Verdict: Season-Altering Week
NFL Week 2 Storylines 2024 delivered:
Legitimate changing of the guard moments
Rookies proving they belong
Injuries reshaping contenders
These developments will:
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Alter playoff projections
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Force offensive adjustments
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Test teams’ mental toughness
For Week 3 previews visit NFL NewsZ
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