NFL Week 2 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup breakdowns for every game

NFL.com editors Jeremy Bergman, Brooke Cersosimo, Gennaro Filice, Bobby Kownack and Dan Parr will predict the winner of every game in the 2026 NFL season, using the unbeatable combo of football analysis and excessive punctuation. Check out their Week 2 NFL picks below.

NOTES

• The lines provided by FanDuel are locked as of 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 17.
• Stream live local and prime-time games on mobile with NFL+.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17

Why Gennaro picked the Bills: There will be points. I know that because the good folks at NFL Research tell me Detroit (29.7 ppg) and Buffalo (28.8 ppg) boast the two highest-scoring offenses in the league over everyone's past 50 regular-season games. Furthermore, it doesn't take a doctorate in statistics to see that these two defenses have issues. The Lions are highly suspect in the back end, while the Bills remain questionable up front. So, yes, expect Buffalo QB Josh Allen and Detroit RB Jahmyr Gibbs to fill the fantasy coffers once again. The last time these two teams met, in December of 2024, they racked up 1,080 yards of offense in a scorefest the Bills took, 48-42. Buffalo actually led that entire game, though, with Detroit falling beyond by multiple touchdowns in each quarter before continually closing the gap to some degree. I anticipate a similar game script on Thursday night. Dan Campbell's crew might aim to slow down the pace by pounding the rock, but the Lions are now down three starters on the offensive line. Add in the fact that the Bills are christening their new $2.2 billion stadium, and I'll ride with the home team.

SUNDAY SEPT. 20

Why Dan picked the Panthers: Week 1 offered a stark reminder about the current state of play. If you can't score points in bunches, wins are going to be hard to come by in 2026. The Panthers demonstrated the ability to put the ball in the paint, albeit in a 59-37 season-opening loss to the Bears. The Falcons could muster just 13 points with third-string QB Cooper Rush at the helm against Pittsburgh, and they enter Week 2 with no clearly defined answer as to which QB gives them the best chance to win. Undrafted rookie Jack Strand -- out of Minnesota State-Moorhead -- was the only Falcons QB not listed on Wednesday's injury report, although Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Rush (back) practiced, while Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) did not. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has yet to announce a starter as of this writing.

Both teams have their own crises to figure out, but as awful as Carolina's defense looked against the Bears -- and, yes, Ejiro Evero's crew was inept -- I think the bigger disaster is Atlanta's quarterback situation. If Bryce Young takes a step backward after a strong showing last week -- something that certainly can't be ruled out -- maybe the door opens for the Falcons. It's a shame to be wasting a group that includes Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, but until I see potency from the Falcons' offense, I'm not going to like their chances most days.

Why Brooke picked the Ravens: Well, I'll be! This is a Ravens offense I can get behind. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers absolutely cooked in the opener to the tune of 506 total yards and 41 points. One of the more eye-popping stats from last week: Per NGS, 110 of Henry's 144 rush yards came before contact, the third-highest single-game total of his career, and he was hit at the line of scrimmage on just 8.3 percent of his carries, the lowest rate of his Ravens tenure. I'm all in on this star-studded offense early in 2026 despite the lengthy midweek injury report. The Saints could very well be chasing points again on the road, and Tyler Shough looks built to scratch and claw until the very end. However, you can't always count on a late surge in this league -- not against the Ravens' stout pass defense and not against a Henry-led Baltimore run game that is sure to drain the clock.

Why Dan picked the Bears: We have our (very) early favorite for the coaching matchup of the year here, with the Bears' offensive mastermind, Ben Johnson, facing off against Vikings defensive genius Brian Flores.

Who will emerge victorious in the battle between two men who seem to try to redefine the word aggressive on a weekly basis?

Johnson has already stated he wants the Bears to break the single-season scoring record -- and he apparently meant it, given that his team dropped 59 points on the Panthers last week. As for Flores, Minnesota blitzed 78.3 percent of the time against the Packers -- no other team had a blitz rate higher than 52 percent in Week 1. For what it's worth, Caleb Williams completed 9 of 14 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns against the blitz last week. He did not fare as well when Flores sent a blitz at him 67 percent of the time in their last meeting (a 19-17 Bears win in Week 11 of last season).

Sunday's contest will give us a much better gauge on whether Williams really has entered the elite tier. I'm on record as a believer.

Why Bobby picked the Bengals: Let's start this off with a declaration that could immediately backfire: Cincinnati's defense will be the difference in this game. It's only a one-week sample size, but the Bengals appear to have constructed a unit that can properly complement Joe Burrow's offense. Cincy's defense actually scored the team's opening points of the 2026 season on a scoop-and-score by linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. in the first quarter against the Buccaneers. The Bengals went on to hold Tampa Bay under 200 passing yards (193) and 100 rushing yards (89), something they only accomplished once last year -- and that took them until Week 17. If they can replicate something close to that performance on Sunday, their prospects versus the Texans are promising. Houston's defense, although stacked with talent at every level, also notably looks vulnerable to a passer of Burrow's caliber after giving up 36 points to Josh Allen and the Bills. The Texans are sure to recalibrate defensively, but Cincinnati's offense also has room to grow. Burrow didn't play lights out against the Bucs. He threw for 254 yards and a touchdown but also tossed a pick-six, and Ja'Marr Chase (two catches for 12 yards) was practically invisible, yet the Bengals' 33 points still exceeded their last three openers combined (30 points). If Cincy has finally figured out how to bypass its typical early-season woes, look out.

Why Gennaro picked the Patriots: Is New England doomed to suffer the infamous Super Bowl hangover? Last week's instant SB rematch was certainly headache-inducing for the franchise. In the first half, the Patriots struggled to sustain drives against a fierce Seahawks defense hell-bent on holding its ground after Sam Darnold's opening-drive injury. In the third quarter, the Pats lost A.J. Brown to injured reserve, and in the fourth quarter, Drake Maye lost the game with three interceptions. To his credit, last season's MVP runner-up immediately owned the meltdown, saying his impatience cost the team a win. Patience is absolutely a virtue against this week's opponent. While the Steelers now have an offensive-minded head coach in Mike McCarthy, they still feature the same wildly opportunistic defense, with T.J. Watt’s pick-six powering Pittsburgh past Atlanta. To state the obvious, Maye MUST take care of the football, a directive Mike Vrabel's undoubtedly hammering home in the 10 days between last week's road collapse and this Sunday's home opener. With a more composed effort from the 24-year-old quarterback, the reigning AFC champs should be able to take care of business against a Steelers squad that looks like it will continue to live in the bottom half of the league offensively.

Why Jeremy picked the Jets: The Packers have lost six straight games, their longest such streak since the George H. W. Bush administration. The Jets enter a home game undefeated in-season for the first time since 2018. Pigs are flying, but what about the pigskin on Sunday in East Rutherford? This one is difficult to assess because Green Bay and New York's Week 1 outcomes were so out of character. Both the Packers and Jets held leads for more than three quarters of play, but Green Bay collapsed in unfathomable fashion against Minnesota, while New York ran over an overmatched Titans team. Both results may well have been flukes ... or not. The Jets' pass rush sent Cam Ward running for his life in Week 1, and given how Brian Flores' defense terrorized Jordan Love, one can expect similar pressure success from New York at MetLife Stadium. However, Love is a more composed QB with more established weapons going up against an untested Gang Green defense. Again, unpredictable. New York played from ahead all day long against Tennessee, running the ball down the Titans' throats, but if the Jets fall behind by two scores to the Packers, can they ride 14 personnel to a comeback? (To be fair, Green Bay has held a two-score lead in four of its last six games, all losses, so ... maybe?) A true toss-up in the Meadowlands goes to the team in green, er, white, who should benefit from a fan base that hasn't been this hyped up for a Week 2 home game since the Rex Ryan era.

Why Brooke picked the Buccaneers: The doctor ordered a nice prescription for the Buccaneers after last week's turnover-fest in the form of the Browns, who were abysmal in the opener. I fully expect to see a more poised Baker Mayfield in his return to Raymond James Stadium and against the team that drafted him and sent him packing after four seasons. Cleveland trotting QB Deshaun Watson back out there doesn't exactly inspire confidence. When you consider he'll face a Todd Bowles defense that blitzed at the third-highest rate (48.6 percent) in Week 1, and that Watson completed 2 of 5 passes for 20 yards and an INT with two sacks taken when blitzed in Week 1, it's a recipe for another frustrating day for Browns fans. Bucs by multiple touchdowns.

Why Jeremy picked the Eagles: A week after green-clad Yankees stormed Broadway, took over the bars and stadium, and cheered on a dominant win for the away side, Titans fans can expect the same again. Trade out Geno Smith and the Jets for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, and Robert Saleh's Titans have another rout on their hands if they're not careful. No quarterbacks have been better on the road in September than Hurts and Patrick Mahomes (.800 on their careers), and the former is coming off a well-balanced season debut. Losing Landon Dickerson the week before Jeffery Simmons is on the docket isn't a plus, but replacing the banged-up guard may be addition by subtraction. The even-greater mismatch could come on the other side of the ball, where the worst offense in the league since 2025 is going up against a Vic Fangio-led defense that has paced the NFL in opponent passer rating in the same span. In their last four meetings, Fangio's Eagles have held Titans OC Brian Daboll's offenses to a combined 70 points, with a 34-point Giants outburst last year the lone exception to the DC's dominance in the battle. Wan'Dale Robinson and a mobile quarterback (Jaxson Dart) played key roles in flipping that token tie toward Daboll. Will Ward and Co. deliver a similar result? The odds are not in favor of Nash Vegas.

Why Gennaro picked the Broncos: The Jaguars rollicked to a 24-point victory in Week 1, while the Broncos lost by 21. So, what gives with this prediction? Well, Jacksonville got to open its season at home against lowly Cleveland, while Denver had to travel to Kansas City to face the division-rival Chiefs in prime time. Now, don't get me wrong: Sean Payton's squad stunk up Arrowhead Stadium this past Monday night, with Kenneth Walker III running circles around the Broncos' vaunted defense, while Davis Webb laid an egg in his debut as Denver's offensive play-caller. But I view this battle-tested team, which boasts enviable continuity from last year's 14-3 roster, as a major bounce-back candidate in its home opener. Payton openly expressed his displeasure with Webb's pass-happy approach in K.C., so it's safe to expect a more balanced offense in Week 2. That said, the Jaguars yielded the fewest rushing yards in the league last season, so I don't see Anthony Campanile's defense getting completely gashed on the ground. With well-rounded teams on both sides, this feels like a game that could come down to a few key plays. That's where Jaylen Waddle enters the picture. You're forgiven if you forgot about Denver's blockbuster trade addition -- after all, he caught one pass for 2 yards in his Broncos debut -- but the explosive wideout was acquired to put Denver's loaded roster over the top against fellow contenders. I think he does just that on Sunday.

Why Brooke picked the Chargers: The big concern coming into this contest is the health of Chargers WR Ladd McConkey, who's day to day with a ribs injury he sustained in the third quarter of last week's surprising loss to the Cardinals. It was alarming to see how little Justin Herbert had to work with after McConkey's exit. Who steps up is anybody's guess. Quentin Johnston? Tre Harris? Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who reportedly is signing to the practice squad? It's on Mike McDaniel to game plan a short-term fix, though maybe just handing the rock to Omarion Hampton is the answer. History is on Herbert's side, as he's defeated this division foe more than any other franchise in his career. Not to mention, Jim Harbaugh has NEVER started 0-2 in his NFL or FBS coaching career. (That's all the convincing I need!)

I liked what I saw from the Raiders last week, but it's tough to really assess their home victory over a rebuilding Miami team that sorely lacks talent. I do think the 2026 version of this offense is in good position to compete with a steady Kirk Cousins and ascending Ashton Jeanty leading the way, but I'm not putting all my eggs in this basket quite yet. Getting Brock Bowers (knee) back could tip the scales, as could any number of big plays from either side.

Why Brooke picked the Seahawks: Drew Lock played adequately last week in relief of Sam Darnold (glute), throwing for nearly 200 yards and a touchdown. Can he deliver for a second straight game, in what will be his first start since Week 18 of the 2024 season? Lock and Co. likely will have to score more than 13 points to get it done. Look for them to continue leaning into the play-action pass, which OC Brian Fleury called on 10 of their 27 pass attempts (37%) last week -- the fourth-highest rate in the league in Week 1, per Next Gen Stats. And while the 'Hawks had only one explosive play (20-plus-yard completion) on those 10 play-action dropbacks, the Cardinals' defense didn't exactly thrive in that area in Week 1, either. Arizona gave up six catches on seven such attempts and 10.5 air yards per target (ninth-highest in the NFL) against the Chargers. This is where Seattle's offense could find more success with Lock under center. As impressed as I was with Mike LaFleur's balanced and efficient offense last time out, I'm unsure whether Jacoby Brissett, Jeremiyah Love and friends can move the ball as easily against Mike Macdonald's vaunted defense -- specifically the secondary. That unit, which smacked the Pats in the mouth again, sets the tone and can help Seattle tread water until Darnold returns.

Why Jeremy picked the Cowboys: The runts of the NFC East through one week open up the AT&T Stadium slate with a lot at stake. Considered by many as division favorites, Dallas comes into Sunday looking for its third offensive possession in as many quarters. It's not a good sign that the Cowboys' defense couldn't get off the field in prime time after an offseason of hyping up Christian Parker, but that's not the only unit with a first-time coordinator who didn't have a perfect Week 1. David Blough's Commanders offense couldn't handle Philly's pressure last Sunday, allowing an NFL-high 50 percent pressure rate on Jayden Daniels. And so, a stoppable force meets a moveable object in Arlington. On the other side of the ball, the explosives should come for Dallas after its Week 1 dud. Nearly shut out by the Giants in that realm last Sunday night, the Cowboys get a break-but-don't-bend Washington defense that allowed just 10 first downs, but also big play after big play to the Eagles (four plays of at least 30 yards). The dam will break eventually for Big D, and the Cowboys will avoid their first 0-2 start in 16 years.

Why Bobby picked the 49ers: It turns out that a team with $182.6 million in dead cap, two rookie wide receivers starting and a dearth of experience in the secondary is going to take some time to figure things out. Who knew? (Apparently, everyone involved in NFL.com’s game picks except me.) The Dolphins were unable to keep up in their Week 1 game against the Raiders, and the task to do so in Week 2 will be far more difficult against a 49ers squad that embarrassed the Rams Down Under. Miami is thoroughly outmatched by San Francisco on a position-by-position basis. Considering Kirk Cousins was able to toss three touchdown passes against the Fins while operating almost exclusively through short-area throws, Brock Purdy, at this point a far more dynamic passer, could have a huge day. He showed great early chemistry with Mike Evans, picked right back up with Deebo Samuel and should benefit from George Kittle having a game under his belt post-Achilles injury. Christian McCaffrey looks to have a little bit more pep in his step, running for 6.8 yards per carry in the season opener despite dealing with cramps. Plus, Nick Bosa's return and the Fred Warner-Dre Greenlaw reunion has already had a noticeable effect on San Francisco's defense, which isn't good news for Malik Willis in what will still only be his eighth career start. This one is likely to be all 49ers.

Why Dan picked the Chiefs: The vibes could not be more different for these teams coming out of Week 1. The Chiefs demolished the division-rival Broncos, making it clear Patrick Mahomes' return from injury is not a nostalgia act. Then there are the Colts, who were smacked around at home by the Ravens, 41-23. I know it's early in the season, but it's already starting to feel like desperate times for Shane Steichen's team. Indianapolis has lost eight consecutive games dating back to Week 12 of last season, the longest active losing streak in the NFL.

Lou Anarumo's defense was gashed for 202 rushing yards and four rushing TDs by Baltimore. I'm not sure a week is enough time for him to find a way to slow down a suddenly super-charged Kansas City ground game, led by marquee offseason addition Kenneth Walker III. Now, the Colts have a strong rushing attack of their own. Jonathan Taylor ran for nearly 100 yards and two TDs last week, but it wasn't nearly enough. The Chiefs appear to be the much better equipped squad when it comes to keeping the opposition's strength in check.

MONDAY, SEPT. 21

Why Bobby picked the Rams: What a difference a week makes. The Rams were rolling into the season as Super Bowl favorites thanks to one of the splashiest offseasons in recent memory, having rebuilt their secondary, traded for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and enticed the great Aaron Donald out of retirement. Then came their season opener against the rival 49ers in Australia, an utterly catastrophic debut for Los Angeles' super team. To make matters worse, Garrett subsequently underwent knee surgery and is now on injured reserve without a timeline to return. The question is whether the Rams can pick up the pieces against the Giants. It's a task that appears a bit more difficult than initially expected, both because Sean McVay's club has a ton to correct and because Big Blue was one of the surprises of Week 1, scoring a decisive victory over the Cowboys to begin the John Harbaugh era. New York's Sunday night destruction of Dallas continued Jaxson Dart's trend of showing up in prime time; he boasts the highest passer rating (114.5) of any quarterback with at least three prime-time starts, per NFL Research. All of that leads me to believe the Giants will make it close rather than win, though. I trust Matthew Stafford to rebound, and Los Angeles has enough stars to survive Garrett's absence. This is also a sneaky-important game for the Rams. They cannot afford to fall to 0-2 with their next three games coming against the Broncos, Eagles and Bills.

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