Sunday delivered another slate of high-energy NFL action, with 13 games spanning the early and afternoon windows. Teams and players alternated between breakout performances and puzzling struggles, creating a diverse landscape as we head into Week 3. Here are the notable winners and losers from Sunday’s games, along with the key context you need to know.
Winner: Devin Lloyd
Carolina landed a veteran addition at linebacker, and the results have been immediate. Devin Lloyd, who entered the league as the 27th overall pick in 2022 and blossomed into a Pro Bowl selection with five interceptions last season, has continued to contribute in a big way with his new club. In Sunday’s game, Lloyd intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown. He added nine tackles (two for loss), three pass deflections, and a quarterback hit. The Panthers appear to be getting solid value from the investment, with Lloyd proving to be a disruptive playmaker at the center of their defense.
Loser: Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks
The Falcons faced a tough challenge in Week 2, showing why their quarterback situation has become a focal point of concern. Atlanta started the season with two former first-round talent options on the roster, including a former Pro Bowler, yet neither has been able to deliver consistent production. The team has leaned on veteran Cooper Rush, who has guided an 0-2 start but has faced rough results. In a game that illustrated the instability at quarterback, Rush fumbled on the opening drive, and after a modest stat line (10-of-17 for 86 yards with two interceptions) the coaching staff shifted to undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Strand also struggled, throwing a pick-6 on his first attempt and finishing 8-of-15 for 59 yards. The overall lack of efficiency in the passing game and multiple sacks highlighted the Falcons’ ongoing QB dilemma. The situation underscores the urgency for a more stable offensive plan and improved quarterback play.
Winner: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are establishing a clear identity on defense after finishing last season near the bottom in points allowed. Through two weeks, Cincinnati has been formidable, posting eight sacks, four forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. If Joe Burrow can remain healthy, the Bengals’ defense could be a cornerstone of a competitive campaign and a potential path to a deep postseason run. The early defensive dominance is a strong signal that Cincinnati is serious about transforming its ceiling on that side of the ball.
Loser: Chicago Bears offense
The Bears experienced a dramatic drop-off after a high-scoring Week 1, managing only a field goal in Week 2. A week earlier, Chicago piled up 59 points, which had fans dreaming of one of the league’s most explosive offenses. The Week 2 performance was a major letdown, and the drop-off is highlighted by a rough sequence that included eight penalties for 58 yards. Caleb Williams’ hamstring injury in the fourth quarter did not help, but the offense itself stalled despite the talent on the roster. The shocking swing from Week 1 to Week 2 has raised questions about play-calling, consistency, and the ability to sustain a high-powered attack across the full 60 minutes.
Winner: Brian Flores
Brian Flores continues to prove his mettle as a defensive mind. While he’s not coaching the head unit in Minnesota, his work as a defensive coordinator is turning heads. Against a Bears team that was expected to move the football, Flores crafted a game plan that pressured opponents effectively. A breakout performance from Dallas Turner, who has already piled up NFL-leading pressure numbers (20 through two games) at just 23 years old, underscores Flores’ impact. His strategic approach and the performance of his personnel suggest Flores could be on track for head coaching opportunities in the near future.
Loser: D.K. Metcalf
Despite a lucrative extension and a prominent role as the top receiver in Seattle’s offense, D.K. Metcalf has yet to deliver at the level expected of one of the league’s highest-paid players at the position. In Week 2, Metcalf was targeted nine times but recorded only four receptions for 27 yards, with two drops while shadowed by elite cornerbacks. The lack of production from the franchise’s clear WR1 has put additional pressure on the Seahawks to maximize the surrounding talent and improve the consistency of the passing game.
Loser: Houston Texans
Houston’s 0-2 start is troubling. After an opening loss to the Bills, they fell again without scoring a touchdown, losing by 14 points in Week 2. The odds of turning around an 0-2 start in today’s NFL are slim, especially with the expanded playoff field. The Texans now face an imminent test in Week 3 against a capable division rival, and the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff and players to demonstrate tangible improvement and competitive resilience.
Winner: Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson finally snapped his winless streak, delivering a statement performance that should reassure Browns fans about his role as the franchise quarterback. Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns in Jacksonville, signaling a return to form after a challenging stretch. He added a modest rushing total, but the most important statistic is that Watson earned a victory, providing Cleveland with a much-needed boost as they navigate the season. The win matters for his confidence and for the team’s ongoing QB evaluation.
Loser: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have endured a difficult start to the season, dropping to 0-2 with a loss that exposed some of the organization’s offseason uncertainties. After a drawn-out contract negotiation with Baker Mayfield, expectations were tempered, yet the poor performance against the Browns at home raised questions about the team’s offensive potential and overall readiness. The combination of a slow start and questions about the offense’s direction will be a talking point as Tampa Bay looks to rebound.
Winner: Klint Kubiak
Klint Kubiak has earned early praise for steering the Raiders to an undefeated start through two games, a surprising development given the team’s recent draft and management dynamics. The Raiders have benefited from the quarterback development of rookie Fernando Mendoza, who is learning on the job as the season progresses. Kubiak’s confidence to transition from a Super Bowl-winning OC to a franchise in need of rebuilding has paid dividends so far, with the Raiders sitting at 2-0 and showing growth across phases of the game.
Loser: Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh, who has been outspoken about his ambition and program-building, has faced a rocky start. The Chargers, under Harbaugh’s leadership, have stumbled to 0-2, with losses to teams that aren’t considered among the league’s elite this season. The underwhelming results have fueled speculation about the team’s trajectory and Harbaugh’s long-term job security, especially given the early-season struggles and defensive lapses that have highlighted the club’s vulnerabilities.
Winner: Drew Lock
Drew Lock stepped into the starting role in relief of an injury and didn’t just stabilize the quarterback position—he delivered a decisive performance that helped Seattle beat the Arizona Cardinals. Lock paired accuracy with organizational leadership, connecting frequently with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 155 yards and three touchdowns. The Seahawks improved to 2-0, and Lock’s efficient play is reshaping public perception of his ceiling as an NFL quarterback. The team’s offense looked cohesive, and Seattle’s early success has fans optimistic about what lies ahead.
Loser: Washington Commanders
The Commanders faced a rough outing as they dropped to 0-2, compounding an injury situation that has hampered their ability to sustain momentum. Jayden Daniels has dealt with a re-dislocation of the same elbow that forced him to miss games in 2025, adding to the franchise’s woes. With the team struggling to produce consistent offense and facing significant early-season challenges, Dan Quinn’s position becomes increasingly precarious as Washington searches for cohesion and results.
What to watch going forward
– Quarterback battles: Several teams are still evaluating young signal-callers against established veterans. The outcomes will shape depth charts, roster construction, and long-term planning.
– Defensive identity: A number of teams have leaned on defense to win games, establishing a blueprint for success if the offense can stay efficient.
– Health and continuity: Injuries to key players and the stability of rotation groups will influence outcomes in Week 3 and beyond. Monitoring how teams adapt without top performers will be crucial.
In sum, Week 2 offered a mix of breakthroughs and disappointments. Some teams demonstrated resilience and growth, while others faced reality checks that will redefine expectations as the season moves forward. The NFL remains unpredictable, and Week 3 is poised to provide more clarity on which clubs and players can sustain momentum.
