4th and Monday: Everything you need to know from Week 2 in the NFL
If you're waking up this Monday and your favorite NFL football team is 0-2, we've got bad news: your team's playoff chances stand at 12%, if history is any indicator.
As expected, the Patriots wouldn't be one of those teams to start 0-2. While New England predictably rebounded after a Week 1 embarrassment, not many saw the Denver Broncos' destruction of the Dallas Cowboys coming.
After sitting out Week 1 due to Hurricane Irma, the Buccaneers and Dolphins emerged victorious in their respective season openers.
And to cap the night, the Falcons christened their sparkling new stadium with (another) beat down of the Packers.
Before we dive in to Week 2, check out these 40 things that we learned on Sunday.
DID YOU SEE *THAT*?
- Marshawn Lynch fired up fans in Oakland with a dance party. However, one Jets player was a party pooper.
- The Colts showed improvement and threatened to win their Week 2 game, but Indy still lost and now opens as a home underdog against the winless Browns.
- What was supposed to be a momentous day for the NFL in L.A. was a dud. Both teams lost, the Rams got attendance shamed (again) and the Chargers' cannon went off for a field goal miss after another botched late-game situation. And if you went to the Chargers game, parking alone could have cost you as must as $100.
- Jay Cutler totally missed the mark on a Hail Mary throw that came closer to hitting a cheerleader than any Dolphins receiver.
- Speaking of cheerleaders: did you catch the cameraman in Kansas City that drilled a dancing cheerleader on the field? She can play for us any day.
TOP PICS: Best shots of Week 2 | Cheerleaders
THE RUNDOWN
Steelers 26, Vikings 9: You knew it was going to be a long day for the Vikings when starting QB Sam Bradford was ruled inactive before the game.
Ravens 24, Browns 10: Browns QB DeShone Kizer briefly left with a migraine as the Ravens defense gave the Browns headaches all day, forcing five turnovers.
Panthers 9, Bills 3: If you like offense, this wasn't the game for you. Both sides failed to find the end zone while Panthers TE Greg Olsen suffered a broken foot.
Cardinals 16, Colts 13: Want to hear a crazy stat? This is the fourth consecutive season that the Colts have opened 0-2.
Titans 37, Jaguars 16: The Titans unleashed their exotic smashmouth offense for a 31-point second-half explosion.
Chiefs 27, Eagles 20: There was no letdown for the Chiefs after their big Week 1 win over the Patriots.
Patriots 36, Saints 20: Reports of the demise of Tom Brady and the Patriots were greatly exaggerated.
Buccaneers 29, Bears 7: Despite a lackluster showing from Mike Glennon vs. the Bucs, Bears coach John Fox still won't call on top draft pick Mitchell Trubisky.
Dolphins 19, Chargers 17: The Dolphins spoiled Antonio Gates' record-setting day and the Chargers' Los Angeles opener.
Raiders 45, Jets 20: Marshawn Lynch scored in his first home game for his hometown team and, fittingly, this homecoming included a dance.
Broncos 42, Cowboys 17: The Broncos stonewalled the Cowboys in Ezekiel Elliott's worst game as a pro.
Redskins 27, Rams 20: Aaron Donald was back for the Rams, but that couldn't keep the Redskins from rushing for more than 200 yards.
Seahawks 12, 49ers 9: It took 7½ quarters, but the Seahawks finally scored their first touchdown of the season.
Falcons 34, Packers 23: Don't let that final score fool you ... this game was lopsided and ugly.
Texans 13, Bengals 9 (Thursday): Rookie QB Deshaun Watson celebrated his 22nd birthday by running for a 49-yard touchdown in his starting debut.
INJURY UPDATE
- Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said he suffered a broken foot and will see a doctor on Monday.
- Ravens offensive guard Marshal Yanda is out for the year with an ankle injury, coach John Harbaugh said.
- Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer returned to the game after leaving with a migraine.
- Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus suffered an ankle injury.
- Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt suffered a left groin injury and was downgraded to out.
- The Washington Redskins fear a fractured rib for running back Rob Kelley, who left in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams.
- And that's not all.
EYES ON THE (FANTASY) PRIZE
As you look to plan your lineup for Week 3, check out these rising stars and see if they are available on your waiver wires:
One of fantasy football's best weapons is a running back who can catch passes. While the Washington Redskins' Chris Thompson scored two touchdowns on the ground Sunday, he looks like a permanent factor in the passing game. He'll be a popular waiver wire pickup this week, especially if starter Rob Kelley has to miss any time.
Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse led the New York Jets in receiving in Week 1, but he made an even bigger impression on Sunday with a pair of touchdown catches. The Jets will be playing from behind often this season, and it looks like Kearse is QB Josh McCown's favorite target.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman could be out for an extended period with a hand injury. In his place, Rashard Higgins caught seven passes for 95 yards. Keep an eye on the situation. The 0-2 Browns may also be a pass-heavy offense this season.
And with John Brown inactive, Arizona Cardinals wideout J.J. Nelson caught five passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. He's a free agent in 82% of Yahoo leagues and 91% of ESPN leagues.
MORE: Top performances, with a fantasy spin
COMING NEXT WEEK
MONDAY: Week 2 wraps up on Monday night with the New York Giants playing host to Matt Stafford and the Detroit Lions (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
TUESDAY: Paste BN Sports' NFL experts offer their power rankings for all 32 NFL teams after Week 2. Don't agree with our rankings? Speak up! Submit your own rankings to tell us where our experts got it wrong with our NFL FAN Power Rankings.
THURSDAY: Week 3 kicks off with a West Coast Thursday Night Football showdown featuring the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers (8:25 p.m. ET, NFL Network). Before the game make sure to check out our expert picks for every Week 3 game.