Week 2 features several matchups that could test whether teams can carry their opening-week form into another game. From Chicago’s explosive start to Kansas City’s 31-point outing, the latest projections offer a look at the potential winners across all 15 games. 

Here are the potential winners and projected results for each Week 2 matchup. 

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears scored 59 points in Week 1, while Brian Flores’ defense blitzed on 83% of dropbacks in the first half against the Green Bay Packers and finished at 71.7%. ESPN projects the Bears to beat the Minnesota Vikings 34-17.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Houston Texans

The Cincinnati Bengals recorded a 54% pass rush win rate in Week 1, their highest since November 2024. The Houston Texans have Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. on the edge, while Joe Burrow is managing back tightness. ESPN projects Houston to win 23-20.

New Orleans Saints vs. Baltimore Ravens

According to ESPN, Chris Olave posted a career-high 182 receiving yards for the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. The Saints also used zone coverage on 95% of their defensive dropbacks. ESPN projects the Baltimore Ravens to win 28-16.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots

DK Metcalf finished Week 1 with four catches for 40 yards on 10 targets, and Aaron Rodgers wants to keep feeding him. New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw a career-high three interceptions. ESPN projects New England to win 27-17.

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was officially hit 15 times in Week 1, while the offensive coordinator counted 18. The Packers also have a minus-69 fourth-quarter point differential since Week 15 of last season. ESPN projects Green Bay to win 24-16.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tennessee Titans

The Philadelphia Eagles generated 18 pressures in Week 1, the third-most in the NFL. The Tennessee Titans managed only 195 total yards, while quarterback Cam Ward completed five of 11 passes for 33 yards when pressured. ESPN projects Philadelphia to win 34-13.

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers receiver Jalen Coker recorded 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson posted career highs with a 47.6% target share and a 65.9% touch rate. ESPN projects Carolina to win 26-13.

Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Cleveland Browns allowed 34 points in Week 1 and generated only four pressures, the fewest in the NFL. Baker Mayfield now faces his former team, with Deshaun Watson on the opposite side. ESPN projects the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win 27-7.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos

The Jacksonville Jaguars have scored at least 23 points in 12 straight games, including the playoffs, averaging 32.2 points during that span. The Denver Broncos had only six first-half rushing attempts in Week 1. ESPN projects Jacksonville to win 27-24.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The Las Vegas Raiders relied on short and intermediate passing in Week 1, while Los Angeles Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey left with a rib injury. Ashton Jeanty could join Marcus Allen as the only Raiders to open a season with two 100-yard rushing games. ESPN projects the Chargers to win 31-20.

Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Washington Commanders allowed four plays of at least 30 yards for 180 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN projects the Dallas Cowboys to win 34-27.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Seattle Seahawks will start Drew Lock because Sam Darnold is dealing with a glute injury. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has averaged 95.4 receiving yards in five games against Mike Macdonald defenses. ESPN projects Seattle to win 23-13.

Miami Dolphins vs. San Francisco 49ers

Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis had one of the longest time-to-throw averages in Week 1. The San Francisco 49ers are returning from Australia. ESPN projects San Francisco to win 34-14.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Indianapolis Colts changed their defensive signal-caller after communication issues in Week 1. The Kansas City Chiefs scored 31 points despite Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton combining for six catches, nine targets and 37 yards. ESPN projects Kansas City to win 20-17.

New York Giants vs. Los Angeles Rams

The New York Giants scored 28 points against the Dallas Cowboys with a run-first approach and averaged an NFL-high 9.7 plays per drive. The Los Angeles Rams could see defensive tackle Aaron Donald return after 981 days since his last NFL game. ESPN projects the Rams to win 30-20.

With 15 games on the Week 2 slate, ESPN’s projections point to the Bears, Texans, Ravens, Patriots, Packers, Eagles, Panthers, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Chargers, Cowboys, Seahawks, 49ers, Chiefs and Rams as the potential winners.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj