Two weeks into the NFL season, the early picture is already less stable than it appeared after opening weekend. Week 2 produced enough new evidence to challenge several first-week impressions, while a string of upsets added fresh uncertainty to the league hierarchy.
Quick facts
- The Browns beat the Buccaneers in a matchup featuring former Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield.
- Weather delayed the Browns-Buccaneers game for two hours.
- New Orleans rallied for the second time this season to defeat Baltimore.
- The Ravens had been one of the teams drawing strong attention after Week 1.
- The Rams eased concerns that had built around them following the opening week.
Cleveland’s win over Tampa Bay came after a lengthy weather interruption, with the Browns emerging on top in the meeting with Mayfield and the Buccaneers. The result further complicated any attempt to draw firm conclusions from either club’s first game.
The Saints again showed their ability to recover from a deficit, completing another comeback to knock off Baltimore. New Orleans has now mounted two rallies through its first two games, while the Ravens’ early momentum took a hit.
Los Angeles also provided a reminder that Week 1 panic can be premature. Concerns surrounding the Rams did not carry the same weight after their second outing, reinforcing the idea that the season’s first two Sundays can reshape the conversation quickly.
With two games completed, teams have supplied a larger sample than they had a week ago. But the Browns’ upset, the Saints’ comeback and the Rams’ response show that the NFL’s early-season order remains far from settled.
