It’s only week two, but we’ve already seen statement wins and a few surprises. Here are my winners and losers:
Winners:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns. He was also able to overcome two interceptions as the Steelers held off the Cincinnati Bengals 24-16 in an AFC North clash.
- Dallas Cowboys: Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 292 yards and more importantly zero interceptions. He led the Cowboys down the field as wide receiver Alfred Morris scored the go-ahead touchdown with 4:45 left as the Cowboys defeated the Washington Redskins 27-23.
- Tennessee Titans: Down 15-3 heading into the fourth quarter, the Titans scored 13 unanswered points, as quarterback Marcus Mariota’s 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Andre Johnson with 1:15 left helped the Titans defeat the Detroit Lions 16-15.
- Los Angeles Rams: Though they still haven’t scored a touchdown since returning to L.A., kicker Greg Zuerlein’s three field goals were enough to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 9-3 in their home opener.
- San Diego Chargers: Quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 220 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown. Cornerback Casey Heyward caught two interceptions as the Chargers surprised the Jacksonville Jaguars 38-14.
- Atlanta Falcons: Quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 396 yards and three touchdowns as the Falcons defeated the Oakland Raiders 35-28. Falcons got themselves a win in the Black Hole.
- Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback Sam Bradford threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Despite 13 penalties the Vikings held off the Green Bay Packers 17-14.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Quarterback Carson Wentz threw for a touchdown. Running back Ryan Matthews rushed for two touchdowns. The defense forced three turnovers in their win over the Chicago Bears 29-14.
Losers:
- Cincinnati Bengals: They only had 46 rushing yards. Late fumbles also cost the Bengals in their loss to Pittsburgh.
- Washington Redskins: Quarterback Kirk Cousins only had one interception, but it was a costly one as it led to Dallas’ go-ahead touchdown.
- Detroit Lions: The Lions weren’t able to get into the end zone enough in their loss to Tennessee.
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins couldn’t overcome a bad start. Also turnovers were their undoing in their loss to New England 31-24.
- Seattle Seahawks: Fumbles stalled drives in the Seahawks’ loss to Los Angeles.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Despite having more yards, turnovers doomed the Jags in their loss to San Diego.
- Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback Andrew Luck was sacked five times and threw a pick six in the Colts’ loss to the Denver Broncos 34-20 in the Peyton Manning Bowl.
- Tampa Bay QB Jameis Winston: Winston had five turnovers including four interceptions in the Bucs’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals 40-7.
- Green Bay Packers: Packers just couldn’t overcome turnovers in their loss to Minnesota.
Storylines Going Into Week Three
Houston will try to upset Green Bay. Denver meets Cincinnati. Washington faces the New York Giants in the NFC East.
Baltimore goes to Jacksonville. Carolina hosts Minnesota. New York Jets go to Kansas City.
Pittsburgh battles Philadelphia. Chicago travels to Dallas.