NFL Week 2 Predictions of the 2024-2025 Season; Bills Take Lead in Division, Lions Win Another Rematch

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Josh Allen’s growth as a quarterback got off to a great start last weekend as he was efficient and took care of the ball. It was the next step for an already great player, and it will be highlighted throughout this season. For this game in primetime against Miami, it’s a borderline 50-50 game with two good teams but Josh Allen has owned this matchup historically and can grind out another win. 

Miami’s offense wasn’t quite as explosive as normal against the Jaguars with the exclusion of the 80-yard touchdown from Tyreek Hill, still, it’s a top offense and they’re going to get even more in rhythm as the season goes on and what was encouraging was the defense for Miami. Holding a talented Jaguars offense to 17 points is a good start to what was their weakness a year ago, unfortunately, the challenge gets harder this week and they’ll need to step up to start 2-0.

Prediction: Bills 27, Dolphins 24

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

How about that 49ers offense? They got matched up against a very talented Jets defense and without Christian McCaffery, they ran through them. The 49ers walked right through them and defensively was great, especially against the run and the 49ers are one of the top 2 teams in the NFC right now and should be able to take out the less experienced Vikings.

The Vikings played a bad Giants team and took advantage and Sam Darnold had quite the debut. A good tune-up game for the Vikings but a real test is coming to their home stadium against the 49ers, we will learn a lot more about where they fall on the totem pole after this week.

Prediction: 49ers 28, Vikings 16

Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots

It was a grind of a win for both of these teams, in the Seahawk's case, the run game on both sides of the ball was the difference for them as they squeaked by the Broncos. Geno Smith was okay in the season debut, still unsure if he’ll have that drop-off this season or be serviceable for this season, this is another game that is more than winnable for Seattle and a solid 2-0 start could be in order.

A shocking opener for the New England Patriots, a team that was outclassed in terms of talent, fought hard and took a big win over the Bengals in a game similar to the Seahawks game where they won a close battle, led by the run game. Still not convinced this is a team that can make a true impact but it was encouraging, going to need another performance like that before I can select them with any confidence so for now, they’ll fall short of the Seahawks.

Prediction: Seahawks 20, Patriots 13

New York Giants at Washington Commanders

It couldn’t be much of a worse start for the New York Giants in week 1. The Vikings are a solid team with a solid roster but it’s not like they’re the 49ers or Chiefs but they got dominated like they were playing one of those teams. It was a mess and Daniel Jones was once again horrible, a theme that has been far too common for the Giants and it is time to find a new quarterback next season and start trying to repair financially with his contract. They play a weaker opponent this week in the Commanders but regardless they should be favored to take another loss. 

The Commanders were outmatched by the Buccaneers in week 1, just could not keep up. Offensively they were okay at times, Daniels didn’t have a great passing debut but his mobility was on full display which was fantastic and a good sign if he can continue to grow as a passer. Defensively they looked horrible, it was by far the biggest concern for them going into the season and they made the Buccaneers look like the 2013 Broncos. If they can’t slow down the Giants, then it will be a very long season but they should do it enough to get their first win of the year.

Prediction: Commanders 17, Giants 10

Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers

Solid game for the Chargers, it wasn’t explosive offensively, the passing game was decent, not great but the run game had big plays and defensively they were good there as well. Very Jim Harbaugh brand of football and it led to a win. Now they get to play the worst team in the NFL the Panthers, expect the Chargers to take some bigger shots down the field and run up the points in this one.

Last season for the Panthers was horrible, worst team in the league and didn’t have their original draft pick and in the offseason, they lost star Brian Burns. Regardless, fans hoped for development, and growth as a team, put Bryce Young in a position to succeed. The Panthers have not done that already and it is clear. They got smoked in week 1 by the Saints and it was horrible all the way around. Bryce was not given any help by his team but he is not without criticism, he also played horribly. For as talented as Bryce Young is, he is quickly working his up that ladder of being a bust early in his career, whether that’s fair or not it is a reality for the Panthers.

Prediction: Chargers 26, Panthers 13

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys

It’s hard to place the Saints after week one. On one hand, they won 47-10 and breezed through the game with no issues; on the other hand, it was the Carolina Panthers who were horrid. For now, it’s fair to say the Saints are a bit better than what was expected of them but we’ll see what they’re made of once they finish the game against the Cowboys.

Dallas took care of business in week one against the Browns in convincing fashion as they hung 33 on a great Browns defense giving hope once again to Cowboys fans. Everyone knows how talented this team is and with no real complaints outside of maybe finishing some more drive with touchdowns as opposed to field goals but regardless they looked dominant and should be able to get off to a 2-0 start with a win at home.

Prediction: Cowboys 30, Saints 21

Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers

The Colts kept up with the Texans a bit more than what I was expecting. Anthony Richardson’s performance describes him perfectly, big plays, huge throws, and big runs along with accuracy issues and an interception. It’s who he’s going to be until he continues to develop but for now, his style and play should be enough to outpace the Packers without Jordan Love.

As mentioned, losing Jordan Love is such a big deal, they would 100% be favored if he was healthy and ready to play, this is a good Packers team but having to rely on Malik Willis who has not proven anything yet in the NFL, it’s a tough situation and the Packers could disguise his weaknesses well but they’ll miss their quarterback too much.

Prediction: Colts 24, Packers 17

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s been one week and the football world seems to be agreeing with what I’ve been saying for a couple of seasons now which is that Deshaun Watson is not a good NFL quarterback anymore. He is not who he was in Houston anymore and this talented defense is being wasted by poor quarterback play. There are situations where you have to just try throwing a prayer like on a 4th down where Deshaun Watson just took a sack then at least giving someone a chance. I truly think they’d be better off giving Jameis Winston a go at quarterback.

The Jaguars were solid a week ago, they played a very good Dolphins team and nearly beat them. Trevor Lawrence played well, the run game was solid and the defense did what they could. A lot to like in their defense and if they can keep on that same path, keep Trevor Lawrence upright, and not get hit by Myles Garrett over and over, they should get back to .500.

Prediction: Jaguars 23, Browns 16

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans

The New York Jets are coming off a loss where they got overwhelmed by the 49ers but realistically they are not in a bad spot despite the 0-1 start. Aaron Rodgers played his first full game of football in quite some time and looked good for the most part, the ball seems to come out well looking like a beauty each time. As the season goes on, the offense should continue to get more and more comfortable. Defensively, they should perform much better this week and should be more than enough to grab a win.

For the Titans they got off to a 17-0 start where their defense was playing great, they got some free points off a botched kickoff return and a decent run game. Then their offense collapsed in the second half along with a huge special teams’ blunder. Let’s see, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, a strip sack, and a brutal pick-six. It’s not looking ideal going into week two at home as they play another team with more talent than their own and they’re going from playing a rookie quarterback to a multi MVP.

Prediction: Jets 27, Titans 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions

The Buccaneers looked very comfortable and good in week one, while there were some concerns that the end of their stretch last season might’ve been an anomaly or there would be some immediate regression, so far there are no signs of that being the case. They took care of business and Baker Mayfield looked poised and balled out. Now, it’s worth mentioning they played one of the worst defenses in the NFL, they get matched up against an improved Lions defense and have to try to keep up with the Lions offense.

Another classic against the Rams who were a past playoff opponent from last season, now they get another playoff rematch for last season in the Buccaneers. Their offense was good as expected, and the run game, more specifically David Montgomery took over in overtime. The defense had some really good moments that did show improvement. This could be another close battle against Tampa but I expect the Lions to pull away late.

Prediction: Lions 31, Buccaneers 23

Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens

The Raiders just felt flat in week one. Nothing stood out, mediocre quarterback play, poor run game, subpar defensive performance, all around nothing special. That’s just the identity of the team right now, no matter how much they believe and trust in their coach. It only gets harder this week as they have to try to contain Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

The Ravens fell a toe short of at least an attempt to win the game by going for two. It was a great game and a good performance from both teams, Lamar was back to being the Lamar that we know, his mobility was tremendous, and made a ton of plays he did however miss that wide-open pass to Zay Flowers in the middle of the end zone. Still, it’s part of the game and this is clearly a top team and they should bounce back convincingly in this matchup.

Prediction: Ravens 30, Raiders 16

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals

The Rams were in another battle with the Lions but once again came up short. They started a bit slow but picked it up in the second half and forced overtime. It was hard fought but they got run through in the overtime period. It’s a good football team and saw some sparks from top rookie Jared Verse as well. They did unfortunately lose Puka Nacua to the IR for at least four weeks but thankfully Cooper Kupp looks like he’s in his prime.

The Cardinals played once again up to their competition like they did at times a season ago and even though they came up short they played well. That’s the good news, the bad news is we’ve seen this story with the Cardinals over and over and there is already some concern within the camp with Kyler Murray stating that it’s “not his job” to get rookie Marvin Harrison Jr the ball which just seemed odd. Regardless this could be close but I expect the Rams to finish strong.

Prediction: Rams 27, Cardinals 21

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

The Bengals could not have come out any flatter in week one. That was the epitome of a disappointing start which is becoming a real trend for the Bengals every year and this team can’t keep getting off to these slow starts if they want to compete for the division. The Bengals have given the Chiefs team troubles in the past but with the form they showed last week, there is no reason to believe they get the job done this week.

The Chiefs are who we thought they were, which is the best overall team in the league until proven otherwise. It made almost too much sense for the Chiefs to draft Xavier Worthy as a rare speedster, well they did make that decision and already he has made a huge splash for the Chiefs and they haven’t even gone vertically with Worthy. It’s been sweeps and shallow routes but it’s been extremely effective. Whether it’s him or another target, the Chiefs should start 2-0 once again.

Prediction: Chiefs 30, Bengals 24

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

The Steelers looked a little better on offense at times a week ago, not great but it was enough mixed with their defense to grab a win over the new look Falcons. Still, the 1-0 start is nice enough and their defense is looking legit so far and could feast on the rookie quarterback that will be on the opposite side of the field.

Broncos were just sloppy for most of the game against the Seahawks. Their run game was atrocious and gave rookie quarterback Bo Nix no help and he was asked to shoulder the load in his debut. For the Broncos to have a chance in this game they have to make it easier on him, unfortunately, I don’t think this is the defense to do it against.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Broncos 16

Chicago Bears at Houston Texans

1-0 is 1-0 but it was a stressful way to get there. #1 overall picks just don’t win their debut games and Caleb Williams despite a messy performance. Caleb missed a few throws he usually makes, the play calling wasn’t great, and the receivers had some rare drops including one by Keenan Allen for a touchdown. Despite that Caleb’s competitive edge never wavered he plays for the win and that’s inspiring for his teammates. The special teams had a blunder but it was made up for in the touchdown on the blocked punt and the defense played incredibly in the second half, shutting out the Titans, getting a strip sack, and a pick-six. A top-tier defense unfortunately they’re playing the hype machines that are the Texans.

The Texans weren’t perfect in week 1 as they gave up some real chunk plays but overall regardless the Texans looked good and CJ Stroud continued to look great and continue to get even better. It’ll be very interesting when this team goes up against a top 5 to top 10 teams and see if they truly match up and I think they’d match up well. It’s a tough defense this week against the Bears but they’re going to be more efficient than Chicago and start 2-0.

Prediction: Texans 23, Bears 17

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles

The Falcons did not get off to the start that they wanted to last week as this revamped offense was not as elite as they’d hoped. It was a tough defense to start against and the Eagles defense could be a little easier to deal with but there is a legit history with Kirk Cousins underperforming on Monday nights for some reason. If they want a chance to match the pace of the Eagles, he has to be prime Kirk Cousins, just can’t see that happening.

A great game in Brazil for the Eagles and football fans. They were matched up against a good young Packers team and pulled it off despite a slower start where they turned the ball over twice early. They picked it up and Jalen Hurts got comfortable and dangerous this is still one of the most talented teams in football and in primetime, they’ll get off to that 2-0 start they want.

Prediction: Eagles 28, Falcons 23