• Two hot teams kick off the slate: The Commanders and Packers both have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations and sit at 1-0 ahead of Thursday Night Football.

• After Aaron Rodgers‘ revenge game last week, it’s now D.K. Metcalf’s turn: Metcalf will look to do damage against the Seahawks, who traded him to Pittsburgh in March.

• Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool.

Estimated Reading Time: 23 minutes

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Washington Commanders vs. Green Bay Packers (-3.5)

Storyline: NFC contenders square off on Thursday Night Football

Week 2 kicks off with a statement game between two 2024 NFC playoff teams off to hot starts in 2025. Both the Commanders and Packers looked composed in Week 1, each taking down divisional foes with ease. While the Commanders performed well against a Giants team without much promise, the Packers handled a Lions team that ranked as one of the best a year ago.

Matchup to Watch: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels vs. Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper

This is shaping up to be a big year for both Jayden Daniels and Edgerrin Cooper, each of whom performed well in Week 1. Daniels picked up right where he left off, posting top-eight PFF grades as both a passer (78.8) and runner (75.6). Daniels attacked the middle of the field with lethality on his way to a 92.2 PFF passing grade when throwing inside the numbers.

That will put a spotlight on Cooper, who was crucial in shutting down the Lions’ short-to-intermediate passing game in the middle of the field. Jared Goff earned just a 54.0 PFF passing grade when throwing between the numbers. Cooper can fly around the field in coverage, as he totaled the most coverage stops (five) in Week 1, which will put pressure on the Commanders’ passing game. 

Additional News: 

• Statuses of Packers T Zach Tom (hip), G Aaron Banks (ankle/groin) and WR Jayden Reed (foot) to be monitored closely on short week
• Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (throwing wrist) not expected to be hindered by injury
• Packers WR Christian Watson signs one-year, $13.25 million extension

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Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens (-11.5)

Storyline: AFC North divisional battle

Week 1 didn’t end as either the Ravens or Browns had hoped, with both falling in pivotal rivalry matchups by a single point. Poor execution by Baltimore late in the fourth quarter resulted in an unprecedented Bills‘ comeback from down two scores. While Cleveland’s poor execution down the stretch dashed its hopes of an AFC North upset over the Bengals, the team played inspired football for large portions of the game. If the Ravens hope to get back on track, they can’t take this Browns team lightly. 

Matchup to Watch: Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum vs. Browns LB Carson Schwesinger

Cleveland raised a few eyebrows by drafting the UCLA linebacker with the first pick in Round 2, but after Schwesinger’s performance in Week 1, it’s clear what they saw in him. The rookie posted a top-five PFF overall grade (90.0) at the position in his debut. The Browns made good use of Schwesinger’s ability as a blitzer, often deploying him over the center on third-and-long, where he recorded a knockdown and a 25% pressure rate.

Linderbaum, the highest-graded center (87.4) in Week 1, will play a crucial role in slowing down mug looks from the Browns’ defense. Against mug looks last season, the Ravens center allowed a 4.5% pressure rate and posted a 63.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. 

Additional News: 

• Cleveland non-committal on whether rookie RB Quinshon Judkins will play in Week 2
• Browns T Jack Conklin‘s (eye) status to be monitored 

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Storyline: Bengals’ run of slow starts put to the test

September is infamous in Cincinnati. Slow starts to seasons have plagued the Bengals for years, and after escaping Week 1 with a one-point victory over the Browns, the team has a chance to end that conversation in Week 2. But it could prove to be a strong opportunity for Liam Coen’s Jaguars, who engineered a commanding win over Carolina in Week 1. Jacksonville seemed to click on both sides of the ball and will now put that to the test against a tougher Cincinnati squad.

Matchup to Watch: Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Bengals LB Logan Wilson

After offseason trade speculation surrounding Jaguars running backs, Week 1 cemented Etienne’s name atop the pecking order. He earned the second-highest PFF rushing grade of the week and finished in the top three in yards after contact per attempt (5.8) and rushes of 10 or more yards (four). Then, Jacksonville traded running back Tank Bigsby to the Eagles.

Wilson will be tasked with rallying the Bengals’ defense to another strong performance against the run. He posted the fourth-highest PFF run-defense grade (88.0) at the position in Week 1, charting as the only linebacker with zero negatively graded plays against the run. He also earned a positive mark on more than 25% of his run fits. 

Additional News: 

• Jaguars trade RB Tank Bigsby to the Eagles for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks
• Bengals place G Lucas Patrick (calf) on injured reserve, elevate DI Mike Pennel from practice squad 

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New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (-6)

Storyline: The Cowboys and Giants look to get back on track in NFC East

With both New York and Dallas dropping divisional matchups in Week 1, this contest between NFC East rivals carries even more weight. The Giants face an uphill battle, having lost eight straight. Their most recent win against the Cowboys came back in 2020. To make matters worse, Dallas holds a 15-3 record against New York since Dak Prescott was drafted in 2016.

Matchup to Watch: Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton vs. Giants’ Pass Rush

After missing the entirety of the preseason due to injury, Tyler Guyton suited up for Week 1 and left a lot to be desired as a pass protector. His 26.1 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked last among 65 qualifying tackles, and he allowed a 12.5% pressure rate against the Eagles.

The Giants’ pass-rush rotation off the edge runs deep with Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and first-round rookie Abdul Carter. Last week, the trio generated significant pressure off the left side of Washington’s protection, totaling a pair of sacks on five pressures.

Additional News: 

• Giants head coach Brian Daboll to continue with Russell Wilson at QB
• Giants LB Micah McFadden (leg) avoids fracture, still undergoing tests
• Cowboys place DI Perrion Winfrey on injured reserve
• After missing Week 1, Giants LT Andrew Thomas uncertain for Week 2

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Storyline: Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit

After six seasons with the Lions — including the past three as offensive coordinator — Bears head coach Ben Johnson returns to Detroit to take on his former team. Neither team started their new eras on a high note. The Lions looked lost offensively in their first outing without Johnson calling plays, ranking 23rd and 26th in EPA per play and team PFF offensive grade (60.1), respectively. Conversely, Johnson’s debut in Chicago was spoiled by a late comeback from Minnesota. Both teams will aim to get on the right track and capture their first divisional win of the year. 

Matchup to Watch: Bears QB Caleb Williams vs. Lions S Brian Branch

In his first game with a new offense under head coach and play-caller Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams was the beneficiary of a scheme that created open receivers all game long, with 71% of the Bears’ targets going to receivers with “open” separation. However, Williams struggled mightily to hit those free runners, posting the highest uncatchable inaccuracy rate (32.4%) among starting quarterbacks in Week 1.

Although Williams didn’t put the ball in danger, struggling that much with ball placement always eventually leads to turnovers. That’s a dangerous proposition against a Lions secondary that features a pair of talented safeties. Brian Branch, in particular, was exceptional this past week, earning the second-highest PFF coverage grade (91.3) at the position. Given Branch’s versatility to line up all over the field, Williams can’t lose track of him. If he does, turnovers could be abundant. 

Additional News: 

• Lions CB Terrion Arnold (groin) expected to return after exiting in Week 1

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New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (-1.5)

Storyline: Disappointing starts to 2025

Week 1 struggles underscore this AFC East matchup. Mike Vrabel’s new-look Patriots fell flat in their home opener, stalling out on offense against a Raiders defense that lived near the bottom of many key defensive metrics in 2024. The Dolphins, meanwhile, looked lost on both sides of the ball, getting blown out by the Colts and failing to get on the scoreboard until over halfway through the fourth quarter.

Week 2 is a new day, however, and both teams are looking to get back on track and capture a pivotal divisional win.

Matchup to Watch: Dolphins LG Jonah Savaiinaea vs. Patriots DI Milton Williams

Despite not recording a sack in his Patriots debut, Milton Williams showed exactly why New England handed a lucrative contract to the interior pass rusher in free agency. Williams was incredibly productive against the Raiders, posting a 75.9 PFF pass-rush grade, powered by a pair of quarterback hits and a 22.6% pass-rush win rate, the third-highest mark by a defensive tackle in Week 1. 

Guard Jonah Savaiinaea, the Dolphins’ second-round pick, will have his work cut out for him this week. The rookie earned a 60.4 PFF pass-blocking grade in Week 1, letting up a pair of pressures, including a knockdown off a failed stunt exchange. He could be in trouble without improvements this week. 

Additional News: 

• Dolphins G James Daniels (pectoral) and CB Storm Duck (ankle) will miss time

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Storyline: 49ers’ injury concerns

A flood of injuries derailed the 49ers’ 2024 campaign, some of which the team continues to reel from early this season. That bad luck seems to have followed San Francisco into 2025 with the loss of even more key pieces in Week 1, with George Kittle expected to miss roughly the next month, Jauan Jennings narrowly avoiding a serious injury and Brock Purdy suffering a pair of injuries that have put his Week 2 status in jeopardy. 

Matchup to Watch: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey vs. Saints LB Demario Davis

Coming off the calf injury that held him out for most of last season, Christian McCaffrey was given significant volume in Week 1. He led the NFL with 32 touches, seven more than any other player. He also generated 142 all-purpose yards. With even fewer weapons for San Francisco to utilize in Week 2, expect another high-usage day for McCaffrey. 

Even at 36 years old, Demario Davis is performing at a high level. He closed out last week with a 90.7 PFF overall grade, the third-highest mark among linebackers, highlighted by top-10 marks in both run defense (91.0, first) and coverage (75.1, ninth). Davis will have to replicate that this week if the Saints hope to hold down a running back of McCaffrey’s caliber.

Additional News: 

• 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) expected to miss 3-5 weeks
• 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (shoulder) avoids serious injury
• 49ers QB Brock Purdy’s (toe/shoulder) status in jeopardy for Week 2
• San Francisco signs WR Kendrick Bourne
• Saints RT Taliese Fuaga (knee) is day-to-day
• Saints S Julian Blackmon (labrum) possibly requires season-ending surgery
• San Francisco and RT Colton McKivitz agree to 3-year, $45 million extension
• San Francisco waives K Jake Moody

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Buffalo Bills (-6.5) vs. New York Jets

Storyline: AFC East Battle

The Bills come into the week riding high after their fourth-quarter comeback against the Ravens, in which Josh Allen and company overcame a 15-point deficit. The Jets weren’t quite as fortunate in Week 1, but they did establish a renewed confidence after pushing a strong Steelers team to the limit. The Bills can’t afford to take New York lightly, having lost two of their past three games in MetLife Stadium, with their lone win coming in Week 6 last season off a late field goal. 

Matchup to Watch: Jets QB Justin Fields vs. Bills’ Run Defense

Although a key fumble forced by Ed Oliver turned the tide against the Ravens, don’t let that distract from the fact that the Bills finished Week 1 ranked as the lowest-graded run-defense unit (48.4) in the NFL. Derrick Henry ran wild, and quarterback Lamar Jackson generated an 88.2 PFF rushing grade, the second-highest mark in Week 1.

It goes without saying that Justin Fields could be a problem if that trend continues. While Fields didn’t rack up massive yardage or earn a high PFF grade on the ground, his legs proved pivotal in putting points on the board, finding the endzone twice. Expect Fields’ athleticism to be a focal point of the Jets’ game plan in Week 2.

Additional News: 

• Bills CB Tre’Davious White (groin) improving in recovery; status to be monitored throughout the week
• Jets release returner Xavier Gipson after Week 1 fumble

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Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

Storyline: D.K. Metcalf faces off with former team

The Seahawks are certainly feeling D.K. Metcalf’s absence already after struggling to find open receivers outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba this past week. The longtime Seahawks receiver wasted no time getting off to a hot start with his new team, posting a top-10 PFF overall grade (75.6) among receivers in Week 1. After being traded to the Steelers in March, Metcalf doesn’t have to wait long to take on the franchise that drafted him in 2019.

Matchup to Watch: Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey vs. Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Steelers’ defensive creativity is flowing with newly acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the mix. While he spent most of his time operating out of the slot in Week 1, Pittsburgh isn’t afraid to deploy him all over the secondary. The Steelers’ cornerback met the challenge, earning a top-five PFF coverage grade (87.5) this past week. 

That versatility will prove crucial in slowing down Smith-Njigba, the eighth-highest-graded receiver (76.1) in Week 1. He was responsible for nearly all of the Seahawks‘ production through the air, accounting for 124 of the team’s 150 receiving yards.

Additional News: 

• Pittsburgh signs S Jabrill Peppers
• Steelers rule out DI Derrick Harmon (knee), LB Malik Harrison (knee) and S DeShon Elliott (knee)
• Seahawks S Nick Emmanwori‘s (ankle) timetable for return unclear

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Los Angeles Rams (-5.5) vs. Tennessee Titans

Storyline: Rams replace two offensive line starters

After missing significant time this summer recovering from a back injury, Matthew Stafford returned to the field in Week 1 in top form, earning the highest PFF passing grade (93.8) in the NFL. Even still, keeping Stafford off the ground and healthy remains the team’s top priority, one that just became more difficult after losing starting guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson to injuries. Beaux Limmer and Justin Dedich project to fill in against a Titans pass rush that struggled to generate pressure against the Broncos this past week. 

Matchup to Watch: Titans LT Dan Moore Jr. vs. Rams EDGE Jared Verse

Tennessee struggled mightily to keep its young quarterback, Cam Ward, off the ground in Week 1, allowing a league-worst 20.6% knockdown rate. New Titans left tackle Dan Moore Jr. particularly faced troubles, with his 26.4 PFF pass-blocking grade ranking 64th out of 65 tackles in Week 1.

That type of performance won’t cut it against one of the best young pass rushers in the game today, Jared Verse. The Rams edge rusher is already off to a strong start in his campaign for Defensive Player of the Year, logging a top-five PFF overall grade (90.6) after Week 1. This is the type of matchup Verse feasts on, as he did last week against Houston, when he totaled four pressures and a 28.1% pass-rush win rate.

Additional News: 

• Rams QB Matthew Stafford becomes 10th player to pass for 60,000 career yards
• Rams OL Steve Avila (ankle) and Kevin Dotson (ankle) are week-to-week
• Tennessee and S Amani Hooker agree to 3-year, $48 million extension

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Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals (-6.5)

Storyline: Cardinals’ defensive resurgence

Since landing in Arizona in 2023, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has had his sights set on rebuilding his team’s defense. The front office made significant investments in that side of the ball this offseason, and in Week 1, the Cardinals posted the third-highest team PFF defense grade (75.8), highlighted by an NFL-best 87.0 PFF coverage grade.

Matchup to Watch: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan vs. Cardinals CB Will Johnson

Not often is a rookie-on-rookie matchup square must-see TV.

Tetairoa McMillan was undoubtedly the lone bright spot for a Panthers offense that struggled to find consistent production (29th in EPA per play) in Week 1. The eighth overall pick’s stat line may not have jumped out, but he was highly effective on tape and very nearly hauled in a pair of passes that would have plastered your social media feed for days. His 77.6 PFF receiving grade ranked in the top five in Week 1 after he tallied a pair of explosive receptions and caught two of his three contested targets.

The other half of this matchup features the highest-graded rookie defender (90.2) in Week 1, Will Johnson. The second-round pick out of Michigan was a lights-out coverage defender, earning the second-highest PFF coverage grade (90.3) at the position, highlighted by an interception and a trio of forced incompletions on his way to posting a 62.5% lockdown rate.

Additional News: 

• Panthers DI Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) expected to miss multiple weeks

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Storyline: Broncos’ defense in peak form

Denver continues to lean on its defense. The unit is capable of making plays at every level, featuring three players who finished Week 1 graded in the top 10 at their positions. Denver’s -0.625 EPA per play allowed to the Titans led the NFL by a colossal margin, with the next best team posting a -0.251 mark. However, Tennessee wasn’t anticipated to have a terribly productive offense in 2025. 

The Colts, on the other hand, looked excellent in Week 1 with Daniel Jones operating Shane Steichen’s offense against a porous Dolphins defense. This matchup will be a true litmus test for both units. 

Matchup to Watch: Broncos EDGE Nik Bonitto vs. Colts LT Bernhard Raimann

Just days after signing a new deal, Nik Bonitto rewarded his team with an outstanding performance in Week 1. His 91.6 PFF pass-rushing grade ranked second in the NFL, powered by a monstrous 42.9% pass-rush win rate and a 16.7 pass-rush productivity rating.

Bernhard Raimann was a significant factor in the Colts’ finish as the highest-graded pass-blocking team (86.5) in Week 1. Although he allowed a sack to Bradley Chubb, he was otherwise highly effective, surrendering no other pressures across 34 pass sets. While Chubb is a good player, Bonitto will be a true test for Raimann.

Additional News: 

• Colts CB Charvarius Ward in concussion protocol
• Colts head coach Shane Steichen says Jonathan Taylor is “good” after awkward hit and exit in Week 1
• Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw’s return to the field uncertain

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Philadelphia Eagles (-1) vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Storyline: Super Bowl 59 rematch 

The last time these teams faced off, history was made. Or, better put, history was halted. The Eagles dominated the Chiefs to dash any hope of a Kansas City three-peat, exacting revenge on the team that ousted them in Super Bowl 57 just a couple of years prior. 

2025 is a new year, as both teams face new challenges stemming from Week 1 performances. The Eagles’ regression on defense after they boasted the highest-graded unit in 2024 will be a key factor against Patrick Mahomes and company. Meanwhile, the Chiefs struggled in the passing game without many of their top targets in Week 1. Another slow day on offense could be in store.

Matchup to Watch: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. Eagles LB Jihaad Campbell

Without Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice in the lineup, the Chiefs’ offense will need to lean on its veteran tight end to move the chains and work the intermediate area of the field. But Kelce isn’t the same threat in the receiving game as he once was, with his 59.5 PFF receiving grade ranking 27th out of 47 qualifying tight ends in Week 1. 

Kelce will need to rise to the occasion against Eagles rookie Jihaad Campbell, who was excellent in his NFL debut. The first-round linebacker was everywhere in coverage against the Cowboys, earning the fourth-highest PFF coverage grade (85.9) at the position. The only time he was targeted in coverage, Campbell dropped in the hole to carry a seam route, breaking up the pass on a play that not many linebackers can make.

Additional News: 

• Philadelphia acquires RB Tank Bigsby from Jacksonville for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks
• Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder) expected to miss multiple weeks
• Eagles DI Jalen Carter avoids further suspension for spitting on Dak Prescott in Week 1, fined $57,000

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Storyline: Battle of young quarterbacks

Both the Falcons and Vikings are leaning on young and highly talented quarterbacks. Although Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy are in their second seasons, neither got much run in their rookie campaigns, making 2025 the first true test for each. Penix and McCarthy earned modest PFF overall grades in Week 1 but flashed serious potential. McCarthy played a significant role in the Vikings’ late comeback in Chicago on Monday night, while Penix led his team to a game-tying field goal try that went wide right. Needless to say, the future is bright for both young signal-callers.

Matchup to Watch: Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy vs. Falcons S Xavier Watts

Even though the Bears were missing two of their top cornerbacks on Monday night, McCarthy struggled at times to find spots to attack. Through the first three quarters, he totaled just 56 yards and a pick-six, on his way to earning a 35.5 PFF passing grade. He picked it up in the fourth quarter, going 6-for-8 for 87 yards with one big-time throw, earning a 90.3 PFF passing grade. But that slow start can’t turn into a trend. 

The Falcons boast a much-improved defense from a year ago, and young studs like Xavier Watts are the driving force. The first-year safety was electric in coverage in Week 1, totaling a pair of forced incompletions, both of which could have been interceptions. If McCarthy makes a dangerous throw in Watts’ vicinity, expect it to go the other way.

Additional News: 

• Vikings LB Blake Cashman‘s (hamstring) status in question for Week 2
• Falcons WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder) returns to practice
• Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw‘s (knee) status for Week 2 uncertain

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Houston Texans (-2.5)

Storyline: Buccaneers seek first-ever win in Houston

Although these teams’ paths rarely cross, the Buccaneers have historically struggled against the Texans. Tampa Bay has not only never won in three games in Houston, but the franchise also holds just a 1-5 record against Houston all-time. The Buccaneers’ only win came back in 2003.

Roster turnover means both teams look vastly different from when they last played in 2023, C.J. Stroud‘s rookie season. But Stroud was at his best in that contest, with the Texans quarterback throwing for 470 yards and five touchdowns on his way to a career-best 88.4 PFF passing grade.

Matchup to Watch: Buccaneers LT Graham Barton vs. Texans EDGE Danielle Hunter

The Buccaneers got creative in filling the void left by an injured Tristan Wirfs, opting to slide Graham Barton to left tackle instead of his usual home at center. Barton put together a modest performance outside, earning just a 59.8 PFF pass-blocking grade with three pressures allowed and another two lost reps. While Barton isn’t a stranger to playing left tackle, as he did for three seasons at Duke, he will need to adjust to the speed of the NFL game.

That could be a problem against a Texans defense that earned the highest team PFF pass-rushing grade (81.9) of Week 1 and boasts two of the most dangerous pass rushers in the game. Danielle Hunter may have been held without a sack, but he was harassing the pocket all game last week, with his 30.8% pass-rush win rate charting as a top-eight clip.

Additional News: 

• Tampa Bay and CB Jamel Dean agree to a contract restructure
• Texans TE Cade Stover (foot) and C Jake Andrews (ankle) to miss Week 2

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Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Storyline: Justin Herbert–Geno Smith will be a QB duel

Despite both teams spending first-round picks at the running back position this offseason, it was the Chargers’ and Raiders’ passing games that shined in Week 1. Both Herbert (81.6, sixth) and Smith (80.1, seventh) finished in the top eight in PFF passing grade and the top five in yards per attempt. Their offenses also posted top-six marks in EPA per dropback. That sets up what could be an air show with both passers slinging it downfield. 

Matchup to Watch: Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers vs. Chargers DB Derwin James Jr.

After requesting a trade this summer, Meyers came out swinging in Week 1 to the tune of eight catches for 97 yards, finishing with a top-10 PFF receiving grade (74.4) at the position. The performance was a testament to his importance to the Raiders’ passing game and showcased exactly what to expect with Geno Smith at quarterback. Meyers will continue to be a key contributor for Las Vegas’ offense, especially if star tight end Brock Bowers is forced to miss time due to injury. 

However, Meyers will have his work cut out for him this week against James, who has performed as one of the best slot defenders in the NFL. James was excellent in Week 1, with his 74.1 PFF coverage grade from the slot ranking in the top six. He was targeted six times in coverage and allowed four underneath receptions, which he swallowed up to record a coverage stop each time. 

Additional News: 

• Raiders TE Brock Bowers (knee) considered day-to-day after not returning in Week 1
• Chargers LB Denzel Perryman (ankle) listed as week-to-week