NFL Week 2 Preview, 0-2 Panic, Players to Watch
Mac Jones' 49ers debut, and who is in most danger of being 0-2?
What to watch for in week 2
Mac Jones is set to start for the 49ers, and it’s more than just a fill-in—it’s a showcase. If he performs well, expect trade chatter to heat up as the season unfolds. Jones can play. Let’s not forget Kyle Shanahan and the Niners were seriously interested in him during the 2021 draft before taking a high-stakes swing on Trey Lance at No. 3—a pick that never paid off. Jones made the Pro Bowl as a rookie under Josh McDaniels and even led the Patriots to the playoffs. With a real offensive coordinator again, he could remind teams what he’s capable of.
Teams staring down an 0-2 start.
Patriots (0-1) vs Dolphins (0-1) Both teams are 0-1 but the pressure is really building in Miami. With the shaky outlook already brewing in Miami, a Tyreke Hill mid season trade could be inevitable. As of late The Dolphins have had The Patriots’ number, but with Mike Vrabel now heading the ship, is it time the tide turns back? One of these teams is going 0-2 and the sky will be falling.
I picked KC to win this week—but I’d take it back if I could. With Xavier Worthy sidelined and Rashee Rice suspended, the Chiefs are far from full strength. But will Mahomes and company drop three straight dating back to the Super Bowl? The Eagles are the team to do it to them if anyone was.
Ravens (0-1) vs Browns (0-1)
Don’t sleep on Cleveland. The Browns know Baltimore well and have the weapons to keep this one close. They even beat the Ravens last season behind a gutsy Jameis Winston performance. If the Ravens aren’t sharp, they could find themselves in a surprising 0-2 spot just like they did a year ago.
Lions (0-1) vs Bears (0-1)
Detroit looked lost without Ben Johnson calling plays. Meanwhile, in his head coaching debut for Chicago, Johnson made a critical late-game error, kicking the ball into play during MNF against the Vikings. I have to think his insider knowledge gives him the upper hand this week. This is another game this week I feel like I picked wrong, and the Lions could be another “sky is falling” 0-2 team.
Seahawks (0-1) vs Steelers (1-0)
I’m on The Pittsburgh bandwagon this season. Their offense looked sharp in Week 1 against a tough Jets defense. Seattle has firepower, but can Sam Darnold avoid another meltdown? On the flip side, Aaron would be thrilled to start 2-0 and show us all he’s still got it.
Bills (1-0) vs Jets (0-1)
The Jets showed grit last week against Pittsburgh. The defense held strong, and Justin Fields looked more poised in the pocket than we’ve ever seen. Can they build on that momentum against Buffalo? They could be the best 0-2 team in the field if not.
Players to keep an eye on
Tyreke Hill - Trade rumors have swirled before, and Miami’s instability could reignite them. If the Dolphins stumble again, expect noise.
Mac Jones - With a competent OC and a chance to start, Jones could string together a solid stretch. His rookie-year Pro Bowl wasn’t a fluke.
Drake Maye - Stats were fine, but the game play tells a different story. Missed throws downfield and shaky decision-making need to be cleaned up.
Malik Nabers - A sideline spat last week hints at deeper frustration, (it may not, Nabers has been an animated guy on the sidelines before) and if the Russell Wilson led offense continues to struggle, Nabers’ body language will be telling.