The NFL has a funny way of making experts look like they’ve never seen a football game in their lives. After a relatively "chalk" opening weekend, the nfl week 2 results from the 2025 season landed like a sledgehammer. If you bet on the favorites, you’re probably staring at a very empty sportsbook account right now.
Honestly, it was pure chaos. We saw the Kansas City Chiefs fall to 0-2 for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, a Joe Burrow injury that has the AFC North shaking, and a Sunday night game in Minnesota that felt more like a defensive clinic from the 1970s than a modern offensive explosion.
What Really Happened with the NFL Week 2 Results
The headline that everyone is buzzing about—and rightfully so—is the state of the Kansas City Chiefs. Losing 20-17 to the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch is one thing. Starting the season 0-2 is another entirely. Mahomes looked human, leading the team in rushing because his receivers couldn't create separation, and a late Travis Kelce drop turned into a backbreaking interception. It’s early, sure, but the "dynasty" talk has officially hit a speed bump.
But the real tragedy of the weekend happened in Cincinnati. Joe Burrow went down with a Grade 3 turf toe injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The early word from insiders like Ian Rapoport is surgery and a minimum three-month recovery. Jake Browning stepped in and, well, he threw three picks in a 31-27 win that felt more like a loss the second Burrow limped into the tunnel.
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The Scores You Might Have Missed
While the big names were struggling, some absolute shootouts were happening in the early window. The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants turned AT&T Stadium into a track meet.
Dak Prescott threw for 361 yards, but it took a Brandon Aubrey field goal in overtime to secure a 40-37 victory. The Giants look surprisingly competent despite the 0-2 start, mostly because Malik Nabers is playing like he's been in the league for a decade. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions absolutely dismantled the Chicago Bears 52-21. Jared Goff didn't even have to break a sweat, and the Ben Johnson offense looks like a juggernaut that might actually run away with the NFC North this year.
Why These Week 2 Results Still Matter
You can't talk about this week without mentioning the Buffalo Bills. They went into MetLife and basically turned the lights out on the Aaron Rodgers era in New York, winning 30-10. James Cook is a problem for opposing defenses. He finished with over 150 yards from scrimmage and looks like the true focal point of that offense now that the receiver room is more of a "by committee" situation.
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Down in New Orleans, the San Francisco 49ers proved they don't necessarily need Brock Purdy to win games. With Purdy sidelined by turf toe, Mac Jones stepped in and looked... actually good? He went 26-of-39 for 279 yards and three scores. It helps when you’re throwing to Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, but Jones managed the game perfectly in a 26-21 gritty road win.
The Massive Upsets
- Falcons 22, Vikings 6: Everyone expected the Vikings to cruise at home. Instead, Kirk Cousins' former team shut down the Minnesota offense entirely.
- Seahawks 31, Steelers 17: Mike Macdonald’s defense is legit. They forced two interceptions from Aaron Rodgers (yes, he’s in Pittsburgh now) and the Steelers’ secondary looks like a sieve without Joey Porter Jr.
- Buccaneers 20, Texans 19: Baker Mayfield led an 80-yard game-winning drive in the final two minutes. Rachaad White punched it in with six seconds left to stun C.J. Stroud in Houston.
The Injury Bug is Biting Hard
It’s not just Burrow. The nfl week 2 results were overshadowed by a massive list of walking wounded. The Steelers lost Alex Highsmith to a high ankle sprain, which is a devastating blow to a pass rush that already feels thin. The Jets lost Justin Fields to a concussion protocol after a brutal hit against Buffalo. Even the Cowboys, who won, lost center Cooper Beebe to an ankle injury that might keep him out for two months.
The Packers are also hurting. Jaden Reed suffered a broken collarbone, which is a nightmare for a Green Bay team that is already trying to navigate life with an inconsistent Jordan Love. Football is a game of attrition, and Week 2 felt like a war.
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Surprising Statistical Leaders
It’s weird seeing Matthew Stafford lead the league in passing yards (over 4,700 projection) through two games, especially with the Rams moving toward a more balanced attack. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is also emerging as the WR1 in Seattle, overshadowing DK Metcalf in terms of pure targets and reliability in the intermediate game.
If you’re a fantasy manager, you’re probably screaming at your TV because Jonathan Taylor finally looked like the 2021 version of himself. He put up 165 rushing yards and a 68-yard touchdown run against the Broncos. The Colts are 2-0, and while it isn't always pretty, they are winning the turnover battle, which is basically the only stat that matters in the long run.
Final Takeaways for Your Week 3 Prep
If we learned anything from the nfl week 2 results, it’s that the hierarchy of the league is shifting. The old guard (Chiefs, Bengals, Steelers) is struggling with health and consistency. The new wave (Lions, Bills, Texans—despite the loss) is playing a faster, more aggressive brand of football.
Stop overreacting to Week 1. Week 2 is where the real identities start to show up. The 49ers are still the class of the NFC because of their depth. The AFC is wide open now that Burrow is likely out for the season.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Waiver Wire: If you’re in a fantasy league, Jake Browning is a trap, but look at Mac Jones if your starter is struggling. He has the weapons to stay relevant.
- Check the Betting Lines: Oddsmakers are going to over-correct on the Chiefs. There might be value in taking them as "underdogs" in upcoming weeks if the public continues to panic.
- Monitor the Turf Toe Epidemic: Between Purdy and Burrow, turf toe is becoming the most significant injury of the 2025 season. Watch how teams adjust their practice surfaces.
- Keep an Eye on the Lions: They are the only team that looks truly "complete" in all three phases of the game right now.
The season is a marathon, but after these results, some teams are already out of breath. Don't count out the winless teams just yet—unless you're a Giants fan. Just kidding. Sorta.