The NFL delivered the goods for the second straight week, providing football fans with some jaw-dropping highlights and plenty of surprises over the past few days. From memorable moments to major injuries, staying on top of the latest news from around the league is the key to successful NFL betting.
Here are your key takeaways from Week 2 in the NFL.
Cowboys Outlast Giants in NFC East Classic
If you didn’t think the NFL could top last week’s game between the Bills and Ravens, guess again. The Giants and Cowboys are far from elite, but that didn’t stop these NFC East rivals from putting on a show.
This was a wild back-and-forth affair, with 5 lead changes in the 4th quarter alone. The Cowboys pulled ahead with just under a minute to play, before the Giants responded with a jaw-dropping 48-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Malik Nabers for the 37-34 lead.
With only 25 seconds remaining, the Cowboys advanced the ball enough for Brandon Aubrey to make an incredible 64-yard field goal and force overtime. The extra frame was a different story, as neither team could move the ball. Dallas finally got into field goal range on their third overtime possession and kicked the game-winning field goal just as time expired for the 40-37 victory.
The Cowboys got the much needed-needed win and improved their record to 1-1. The Giants dropped to 0-2, but their offense took a big step in the right direction and got a bounce-back performance from Wilson (30/41, 450 yards, 3 TDs).
Burrow to Have Toe Surgery, Out 3 Months
It’s not often a team improves to 2-0 and has their fan base calling it a lost season. Yet that’s the case in Cincinnati after Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in the first half Sunday against the Jaguars.
Burrow eventually returned to the sidelines on crutches and with a walking boot. Backup quarterback Jake Browning came into the game trailing 14-7 and, despite throwing 3 interceptions, managed to lead the Bengals over Jacksonville, 31-27.
After the game, Cincinnati confirmed that their franchise player will undergo toe surgery, with Burrow expected to miss a minimum of 3 months. That’s a devastating blow for a team with elite playmakers looking to get back to the NFL Playoffs.
Having said all that, the Bengals are now 2-0 and sit alone atop a very competitive AFC North. As much as some fans may be ready to give up on the season, Cincinnati still has a chance for a successful campaign. Browning needs to clean up his turnovers, but with Ja’Marr Chase and the other Bengals weapons at his disposal, we’re about to see how much fight is left in this jungle cat.
Mac Attack Leads 49ers to Victory
Speaking of injured quarterbacks, the energy had shifted in San Francisco this past week after it was announced that Brock Purdy is expected out for 2 to 5 weeks with turf toe. Backup QB Mac Jones got the start in Week 2 versus the Saints, and teamed up with Christian McCaffrey to lead the 49ers to a 26-21 win on the road.
After falling short during his time with the Patriots, Jones spent last year backing up Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville before signing with San Francisco this offseason. The former Alabama quarterback hasn’t accomplished much since a strong rookie season in Foxborough, but looked great under center for the 49ers.
Jones displayed excellent chemistry with McCaffrey, connecting with his star running back on several key plays throughout the game. Jones finished the game 26-of-39 for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns, while McCaffrey ran for 55 yards and also caught a team-leading 6 receptions for 52 yards and a score.
The Saints may not be the toughest opponent in the league, but the solid play by Mac Jones and Christian McCaffrey may be enough to keep the team moving forward until Brock Purdy can return to action.
Eagles Win Super Bowl Rematch, Chiefs Fall to 0-2
In one of the marquee matchups of Week 2, the Eagles and the Chiefs faced off in Kansas City for a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl. It’s been just 7 months since Philadelphia demolished the Chiefs in that game, and the Eagles were once again victorious, defeating Kansas City 20-17.
Philadelphia is now 2-0 and has won 18 of their last 19 games, dating back to last season. Jalen Hurts threw for just 101 yards, but the Eagles run game was rolling and the Chiefs had no answers for the tush push.
It could be time to hit the panic button in Kansas City, as the Chiefs are now 0-2 and look like a shell of their former championship team. Patrick Mahomes has struggled so far this season and the offense seems lost. Travis Kelce is no longer the elite playmaker he once was. This was evident in the 4th quarter as he bobbled a pass just outside the end zone, allowing the Eagles to swoop in for a game-changing interception.
The Chiefs have gone to the Super Bowl in 5 of the last 6 years, but things are quickly deteriorating in Kansas City. If Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid can’t right the ship, we could be looking at the beginning of the end for this Chiefs dynasty.
Looking Ahead to Week 3
With Week 2 in the books, it’s time to prepare for the week to come. Week 3 kicks off on Thursday night with a primetime matchup between the Dolphins (0-2) and Bills (2-0) at Orchard Park in Buffalo. Bodog has the Bills as 12-point favourites, with the game’s total set at 49.5.