NFL Week 2: Cowboys rout Aaron Rodgers-less Jets; Giants rally for comeback win
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ARLINGTON, Texas — There was no miracle upset at Jerry World without Aaron Rodgers.
As expected, the Dallas Cowboys had a rather rude welcome for Zach Wilson as they blasted the New York Jets, 30-10, at AT&T Stadium.
Six days after Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon, Wilson was under constant pressure from one of the NFL’s best defenses. He was intercepted three times, sacked three times and limited to a 1-for-10 success rate on third downs. Wilson, with a paltry 38.1 efficiency rating, collected 68 of his 170 passing yards from Garrett Wilson’s catch-and-run touchdown in the second quarter.
Dallas’ big-play defense, which shut out the New York Giants last Sunday night, collected four more takeaways to increase its NFL-high season total to seven.
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Meanwhile, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense seemingly operated in cruise control. Prescott (31-of-38, 255 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 112.2 passer rating) completed his first 13 passes to set a tempo. And CeeDee Lamb was again the reliable go-to target with 11 catches for 143 yards.
Dallas’ biggest problem? Finishing drives. The Cowboys got five field goals from rookie Brandon Aubrey, including a 55-yard kick. The other four treys salvaged points after Dallas had drives stall inside New York’s 20-yard line.
Some quick impressions:
- Without A-Rod, the Jets grit is not enough. It could have been a classic matchup with Rodgers, a results-documented Cowboys killer, facing the team coached by his former Packers coach, Mike McCarthy. As it turned out, New York’s championship-caliber defense played tough. And Jets coach Robert Saleh demonstrated moxie by calling for a fake punt from his own territory in the first quarter. It worked, as Ashtyn Davis converted on a direct snap. But none of that was hardly enough as the Jets offense struggled mightily without A-Rod.
- CeeDee Lamb was in full beast mode. With wide receiver Brandon Cooks sitting out while nursing a knee injury, Lamb was surely up to the task of having an extra load. Lamb, targeted 13 times, caught 11 passes for 143 yards. While the absence of Cooks took away Dallas’ best deep threat, Cooks produced four plays of at least 20 yards, including a 31-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter. In the red zone, Dak Prescott went looking for his tight ends as Jake Ferguson and rookie Luke Schoonmaker caught short scoring tosses.
- Zach Wilson (temporarily) found another weapon. His legs. Under duress from the start, the Jets quarterback scrambled three times for 31 yards to spark a drive just before halftime that ended in a field goal. It was a resourceful use of his assets as Wilson had so much difficulty establishing a rhythm in the passing game. Yet the fact that Wilson was the Jets’ leading rusher (5 rushes, 36 yards) was not a good thing. New York’s 1-2 running back punch of Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall combined for just 16 yards on 8 carries. — Jarrett Bell
NFL Week 2: Sunday's scores
Here are the results of Sunday’s NFL Week 2 action:
- Atlanta Falcons 25, Green Bay Packers 24
- Buffalo Bills 38, Las Vegas Raiders 10
- Baltimore Ravens 27, Cincinnati Bengals 24
- Seattle Seahawks 37, Detroit Lions 31 (OT)
- Indianapolis Colts 31, Houston Texans 10
- Kansas City Chiefs 17, Jacksonville Jaguars 9
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27, Chicago Bears 17
- Tennessee Titans 27, Los Angeles Chargers 24 (OT)
- New York Giants 31, Arizona Cardinals 28
- San Francisco 49ers 30, Los Angeles Rams 23
- Dallas Cowboys 30, New York Jets 10
- Washington Commanders 35, Denver Broncos 33
- Miami Dolphins 24, New England Patriots 17
Wild finish in Denver
The Denver Broncos' last-second magic could only take them so far.
After watching the Washington Commanders erase an 18-point first-half lead and pull ahead in the fourth quarter, the Broncos engineered one of the most unlikely plays of the young NFL season with a tipped, 50-yard Hail Mary as time expired. But Denver's ensuing two-point conversion attempt to force overtime fell incomplete, sealing the Commanders' 35-33 win. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Giants match franchise record with comeback win
The New York Giants had been outscored 60-0 to start the season – all of six quarters – and were on the verge of starting 0-2. They responded by tying the franchise record for largest comeback victory, erasing a 21-point deficit and scoring 24 unanswered points in a 31-28 over the Arizona Cardinals.
It took until the second half of the second game to score – a Daniel Jones rushing touchdown – which made it 20-7. But the Cardinals, led by Joshua Dobbs (21-for-31, 238 yards, two total touchdowns), marched right back down the field and succeeded on a two-point conversion to make it 28-7. But the Giants scored three straight touchdowns and then put together a game-winning field goal drive. It all came at a cost. As the Giants were setting up kicker Graham Gano’s 34-yarder with 23 seconds remaining, running back Saquon Barkley required the assistance of the training staff to leave the field. He was not putting much weight on his right leg and was visibly frustrated on the sideline.
The Dallas Cowboys shut out the Giants 40-0 on “Sunday Night Football” to begin the season. New York avoided disaster by pulling off the third 21-point comeback in franchise history. — Chris Bumbaca
49ers get ninth straight regular-season win vs. Rams
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — After being all tied 17-17 at halftime, the 49ers came alive in the second half to rally past the Rams, 30-23.
The 49ers defense kept the Rams out of the end zone in the second half, outscoring Los Angeles 13-6. The 49ers defense intercepted quarterback Matthew Stafford twice after halftime which helped halt the Rams’ offense.
Versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel scored the game’s final touchdown on an 11-yard touchdown run, that made the contest 27-17.
Samuel finished with 101 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. Running back Christian McCaffrey had 116 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Linebacker Fred Warner had a game-high 12 tackles and a sack for the 49ers.
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had 15 catches and 147 receiving yards in the loss. — Tyler Dragon
Saquon Barkley hurt as Giants complete comeback
Saquon Barkley needed to be helped off the field after being tackled awkwardly as the Giants were attempting to complete a comeback against the Arizona Cardinals.
On 2nd-and-13 from the Arizona 23-yard line and less than two minutes remaining, Barkley rushed up the middle. He was met by Krys Barnes low and Dante Stills high, and his leg bent underneath Barnes.
Barkley was slow to get up and could not put much weight on his right leg. Sitting on the bench, he flung his helmet to the ground in frustration.
Graham Gano made a 34-yard field goal with 19 seconds left to put the Giants up 31-28 and complete the comeback win.— Chris Bumbaca
Giants rally from 21-point deficit to tie game
Don’t count the Giants out yet.
After being shut out in Week 1, it took New York a whole half against Arizona before they scored in the opening drive of the third quarter.
They were down by as many as 21 points before scoring three consecutive touchdowns to even the score against the Cardinals.
On the game-tying touchdown, Daniel Jones faced 2nd and goal from Arizona’s 11. The quarterback dropped back and threw a dart between multiple defenders to find Isaiah Hodgins in the middle of the end zone.
The game is tied at 28. — Victoria Hernandez
49ers INT leads to field goal
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Deommodore Lenoir undercut Van Jefferson’s route and intercepted a pass thrown by Matthew Stafford with 4:48 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Lenoir’s interception was in Los Angeles’ territory. The 49ers managed a field goal off the turnover to make the score 30-20 with 2:59 remaining in the fourth quarter. — Tyler Dragon
Puka Nacua off to historic start to NFL career
Puka Nacua needed less than two full games to make history in the most prolific of fashions.
According to the league, no player has recorded more receptions in his first two games than the Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver. In his debut Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, Nacua caught 10 passes for 119 yards, quickly establishing himself as a favorite target of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
On Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, Nacua reeled in 12 balls for 116 yards. But it was his 10th catch, a 12-yard snag early in the fourth quarter, that made history. With that play, he passed Earl Cooper for most receptions over the first two games of a career. (Cooper did it in 1980 with the 49ers.)
Nacua also is the first player with 10 or more receptions and 100 or more receiving yards in his first two NFL games.
The Rams are without receiver Cooper Kupp, who aggravated a hamstring injury and is on injured reserve, meaning he will miss the first four games of the season. Nacua is taking advantage of the targets available.— Chris Bumbaca
49ers take two-score lead vs. Rams
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Deebo Samuel put his yards after catch ability on full display in the fourth quarter.
Samuel caught a short pass to the left from Brock Purdy and the 49ers wide receiver maneuvered his way by Rams defenders on his way to an 11-yard touchdown. The score extended the 49ers’ lead to 27-17. It was also Samuel’s first touchdown of the season. — Tyler Dragon
Micah Parsons forces turnover
Micah Parsons thought he had a touchdown. A replay review confirmed he was down, but that didn’t erase the remarkable play he made on the ball.
Jets running back Dalvin Cook took a pitch to the left that the Dallas defense immediately swarmed. As he hesitated, Parsons zoomed in and took the ball away. Jets offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson’s leg actually hit Parsons’ own leg while he possessed the ball on the ground, so his return was negated. But Dallas took over in Jets territory and Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed a 55-yard field goal to make it 24-10 in the third quarter. — Chris Bumbaca
49ers regain lead in hard-fought game vs. Rams
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The 49ers went back ahead late in the third quarter after kicker Jake Moody connected on a 57-yard field goal to put the club out in front 20-17 with under two minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Moody has hit both of his field goal attempts thus far.
San Francisco’s successful field goal was set up by an interception by 49ers CB Isaiah Oliver. — Tyler Dragon
New York Giants finally score
It took more than six quarters, but the New York Giants have finally scored in the 2023 season.
Quarterback Daniel Jones ran for a 14-yard touchdown one minute, 17 seconds into the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals. On the first play of the half, Jones connected with rookie wideout Jalin Hyatt for a 58-yard gain to set up the score.
That’s about all that is going well for the Giants. They trail 28-7, one week after dropping the season opener to the Dallas Cowboys 40-0. Arizona quarterback Joshua Dobbs is 13-for-17 with two total touchdowns and 158 passing yards.
Dallas rookie gets first career touchdown against Jets
The Dallas Cowboys took an 8-point lead over the New York Jets in the locker room at halftime as rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker got his first career touchdown in the second quarter.
On 1st and goal at New York’s 1-yard line, quarterback Dak Prescott dropped back, surveyed the field and threw across his body to his left. He found the second-round draft pick in the corner of the end zone. After being tackled from behind the line of scrimmage, Prescott lifted a hand to the sky in celebration of the score.
Micheal Clemons was called for roughing the passer on the play, which was enforced on Dallas’ two-point conversion attempt. Tony Pollard converted it.
The Cowboys are up 18-10 at the half.
Rams, 49ers hit halftime all tied up
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The 49ers and Rams are all knotted up at 17-17 at halftime.
The Rams scored points on their first three possessions of the game. Rams RB Kyren Williams has a touchdown catch and a touchdown run for Los Angeles. The Rams have gained 196 total yards against the 49ers defense.
The Rams went ahead 17-10 late in the second quarter. But the 49ers responded by going on a seven-play, 75-yard drive, that was capped off by a Brock Purdy QB sneak as time expired in the first half.
Christian McCaffrey has 11 carries, 88 rushing yards and a touchdown for San Francisco. The 49ers have 227 total yards in the first have.
— Tyler Dragon
Zach Wilson finds Garrett Wilson for Jets’ first points against Cowboys
Quarteback Zach Wilson is making his first Jets start for Aaron Rodgers since the four-time MVP tore his Achilles in the first drive of Week 1.
The third-year quarterback went three-and-out twice in the first half against a staunch Cowboys defense, but Wilson finally found his rhythm midway through the second quarter.
On the first play of a new drive from New York’s own 32-yard line, Wilson dropped back while wide receiver Garrett Wilson ran a post route. The quarterback let the ball fly and found last year’s offensive rookie of the year deep, and Garrett Wilson outran Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore for the 68-yard touchdown.
The Cowboys are up 10-7.
Prescott can't miss early in Cowboys-Jets game
ARLINGTON, Texas – Dak Prescott finally threw an incompletion. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback got off to a sizzling start on Sunday, connecting for completions on 13 consecutive passes. It took more than 20 minutes of clock time for a Prescott pass to hit the turf as a short, hurried throw for running back Rico Dowdle was low and off the mark. The streak ended with 9:57 remaining in the second quarter.
When the Cowboys finished the drive with a 35-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey, Prescott’s stat line read: 14-of-15 passing for 116 yards, with a touchdown. His passer rating was 121.1. He also set up his 4-yard TD throw to Jake Ferguson with a 15-yard scramble.
The Cowboys lead the Jets 10-0.
— Jarrett Bell
Bengals get bad news after loss to Ravens
The Cincinnati Bengals fell to 0-2 on Sunday, but they might have a bigger concern.
Quarterback Joe Burrow said postgame that he re-aggravated his right calf injury late in the second half of the Bengals’ 27-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Burrow completed 27 of 41 pass attempts for 222 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the loss.
Burrow initially strained his right calf in training camp on July 27. He missed over a month of practice and training camp before returning to the field in late August.
Burrow’s bothersome calf will be a big storyline this week for the winless Bengals. Burrow and Cincinnati do have an extra day to recover because its Week 3 matchup versus the Los Angeles Rams is on Monday night.
Cowboys score quickly vs. Jets
The Dallas Cowboys are picking up right where they left off.
Receiving possession to begin their home opener against the New York Jets, Dallas rushed for 20 yards as a team before quarterback Dak Prescott found receiver CeeDee Lamb for gains of 5 and 26, respectively. Prescott’s 15-yard scramble brought Dallas to the doorstep, and he found tight end Jake Furgeson for a four-yard touchdown pass five minutes, 41 seconds into the game.
Seahawks troll Lions with ski mask celebration
Lions safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson implored Detroit fans to wear their ski masks before Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.The thing is: The Seahawks brought their ski masks, too.After Seattle’s 37-31 win in overtime, Seahawks safety Jerrick Reed II celebrated in the locker room with a ski mask on while live streaming on Instagram.
Brandon Aiyuk injured early in 49ers-Rams game
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk went down with an injury in the first quarter of San Francisco’s game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium.
On 3rd and 7, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw downfield as he was wrapped up by Rams DT Aaron Donald. Purdy found Aiyuk for a 13-yard gain. The San Francisco sstar was quickly taken down by Rams DB Quentin Lake and remained on the turf, lying on his back and grabbing the collar of his jersey.
While athletic trainers were tending to Aiyuk on the ground, the crowd chanted his last name.
He was helped off the field and taken to the blue medical tent for evaluation.
The receiver returned to the field for the 49ers’ next possession, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Lask week, Aiyuk had 129 yards and two touchdowns in San Francisco’s dominant Week 1 win.
Texans' John Metchie III makes first NFL catch after battle with leukemia
It has been a long road, but John Metchie III now has his first NFL catch.
The game was already decided, with the Colts' 31-17 victory over the Texans in hand. But in the final minute, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud found Metchie over the middle with the Colts in prevent defense.
Sunday was the first time Metchie had been active since the Texans took him in the second round of the 2022 draft. He was diagnosed with a form of leukemia shortly thereafter; he completed treatment last year. — Chris Bumbaca
Falcons hold off Packers after late rally
Falcons coach Arthur Smith kept his offense on the field on a fourth-and-inches from the Green Bay 23-yard-line and the two-minute approaching. A field goal would have put his team up 25-24. Instead, rookie running back Bijan Robinson took a pitch right for seven yards and a first down.
The Packers were then forced to burn all of their timeouts as Atlanta bled the clock dry and set up kicker Younghoe Koo for a chip-shot, 25-yard field goal with one minute left.
Green Bay nearly converted a pair of fourth-down attempts (the first called back due to an illegal shift) but the Falcons held on.
Atlanta is now 2-0 to start the year for the first time since 2017. — Chris Bumbaca
Titans capture victory over Chargers in overtime
The Titans shook off a close Week 1 loss and were able to pull off a victory on Sunday, beating the Chargers 27-24 in overtime.
Justin Herbert led Los Angeles in a two-minute drill for Cameron Dicker to score a 33-yard field goal to send the game into the extra period.
But in overtime, the Chargers went three-and-out, giving Tennessee the chance to win. Derrick Henry helped power the Titans down the field where Nick Folk kicked the 41-yard field goal to seal the deal.
Herbert was 27-of-41 for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan Tannehill was 20-of-24 for 246 yards and one touchdown through the air and one on the ground. Henry finished with 79 rushing yards and a score.
The Chargers defense had five sacks on the day. — Victoria Hernandez
Seahawks beat Lions with walk-off touchdown in OT
Tyler Lockett received the pass, turned and reached for the right pylon to give the Seattle Seahawks a 37-31 road victory over the Detroit Lions.
The Lions had forced overtime thanks to a late field-goal drive, but Seattle won the overtime coin toss and quarterback Geno Smith methodically marched his team down the field. A first-play, 17-yard completion to tight end Noah Fant went a long way in getting the drive started. Tight end Colby Parkinson also had a 21-yard catch on the drive.
Afterward, the Lions were upset that a flag for holding on right tackle Jake Curhan, who blocking Aidan Hutchinson coming off the edge, was not thrown. — Chris Bumbaca
Ref brushes off Geno Smith while ‘talking to America’
It might only be Week 2, but NFL referee Alex Kemp knows the weight that each and every game holds.
In the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ road matchup against the Lions, Seattle quarterback Geno Smith threw the ball away. He was penalized and Kemp turned on his mic to announce to the crowd, and viewers at home, that Smith was guilty of intentional grounding.
Smith ran up to the referee to protest the decision, but Kemp brushed him aside with a comment that had the internet rolling in laughter.
“I’m talking to America here, excuse me,” he said. — Victoria Hernandez
Chargers-Titans, Seahawks-Lions headed to overtime
The Chargers and Lions both got last-second field goals to push their respective games into overtime.
After allowing the Titans to take a 24-21 lead, the Chargers drove 50 yards in the final 2:22 to set up a 33-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker.
The Lions scored 10 unanswered points after a pick-six by Jared Goff, capped by a 38-yard field goal by Riley Patterson as time expired.
Lions' Jared Goff throws first interception in 384 pass attempts
Lions quarterback Jared Goff's first interception in 384 pass attempts proved costly.
Down 24-21 in the fourth quarter, Goff was looking for rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, but Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown jumped the route and had nothing but daylight ahead of him, taking the play all the way back for six Seattle points.
Goff was on the verge of the NFL record for most consecutive pass attempts without throwing a pick. Only Tom Brady (399) and Aaron Rodgers (402) have had cleaner streaks.
Before Sunday, Goff’s most-recent interception was Week 9 of last season against Green Bay.
Goff answered by leading a touchdown drive that ended with his third touchdown pass of the game to Josh Reynolds. — Chris Bumbaca
Ravens get breathing room against Bengals
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens dialed up a long scoring drive right when they needed to.
Up 20-17, Baltimore went on a 12–play, 75-yard drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock. It ended with Jackson lofting a ball to Nelson Agholor’s back shoulder in the end zone, and the Ravens extended their lead to 10.
Jackson is 23 of 32 for 239 yards and two touchdowns, with 42 rushing yards (nine attempts). — Chris Bumbaca
Commanders at Broncos: Predictions, picks and odds
The Broncos are favorites to defeat the Commanders, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Broncos (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Broncos (-185); Commanders (+150)
- Over/under: 38.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Commanders 17, Broncos 14
- Tyler Dragon: Broncos 20, Commanders 17
- Victoria Hernandez: Broncos 19, Commanders 17
- Jordan Mendoza: Broncos 21, Commanders 16
Jets at Cowboys: Predictions, picks and odds
The Cowboys are favorites to defeat the Jets, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Cowboys (-9.5)
- Moneyline: Cowboys (-450); Jets (+350)
- Over/under: 39.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Cowboys 21, Jets 14
- Tyler Dragon: Cowboys 34, Jets 13
- Victoria Hernandez: Cowboys 28, Jets 13
- Jordan Mendoza: Cowboys 26, Jets 16
49ers at Rams: Predictions, picks and odds
The 49ers are favorites to defeat the Rams, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: 49ers (-8.5)
- Moneyline: 49ers (-375); Rams (+290)
- Over/under: 44.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: 49ers 30, Rams 19
- Tyler Dragon: 49ers 31, Rams 16
- Victoria Hernandez: 49ers 28, Rams 17
- Jordan Mendoza: 49ers 27, Rams 17
Giants at Cardinals: Predictions, picks and odds
The Giants are favorites to defeat the Cardinals, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Giants (-5.5)
- Moneyline: Giants (-250); Cardinals (+200)
- Over/under: 40
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Giants 21, Cardinals 10
- Tyler Dragon: Giants 20, Cardinals 17
- Victoria Hernandez: Giants 17, Cardinals 10
- Jordan Mendoza: Giants 20, Cardinals 12
Lions' David Montgomery carted to locker room
Lions running back David Montgomery was carted to the locker room with a right thigh injury.
Montgomery – who has two touchdowns this season, including a 4-yard score in this week's game against the Seahawks – was getting his right knee wrapped by trainers, according to the Detroit Free Press. His return is questionable.
The Lions will likely turn to rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs if Montgomery is out. — Safid Deen
Chiefs bench starting right tackle Jawaan Taylor
Jawaan Taylor was supposed to be the Chiefs’ answer at right tackle after signing a four-year, $80 million deal this offseason.
But Taylor was benched briefly during the third quarter against the Jaguars. Taylor re-entered on the ensuing drive after being sent to the sidelines.
Taylor has four penalties Sunday, including two for offensive holding on the same drive on which he was benched. Taylor also has a false start and illegal formation penalties in this game. — Safid Deen
Chiefs' Travis Kelce scores first TD of season
Travis Kelce is playing in his first game of the season after sitting out last week with a knee injury.
After Kansas City’s offense got off to a slow start against the Jaguars, they opened the third quarter with a 31-yard rush from Isiah Pacheco.
To complete the drive, Patrick Mahomes found Kelce for a 9-yard touchdown. The star tight end celebrated by drop kicking the football into the stands.
Announcer Ian Eagle had some fun with the rumors that Kelce is dating pop superstar Taylor Swift.
"Kelce finds a blank space for the score," he said, referencing one of Swift’s hits.
Eagle had another quip ahead of the TV break, weaving in another song title.
"Injured last week, he will shake it off in Week 2." — Victoria Hernandez
Bengals score first offensive TD of 2023 season
After an interception and a double-digit deficit, Joe Burrow and the Bengals responded against the Ravens.
Burrow found receiver Tee Higgins for a 3-yard score late in the third quarter to close the gap with the Ravens, who lead 20-17.
It took seven quarters, but the Bengals finally have their first offensive touchdown of the season (they had a punt return touchdown earlier this game). — Safid Deen
Bills' Matt Milano with highlight interception
Bills star linebacker Matt Milano had one of the craftiest interceptions you’ll see Sunday.
With Raiders QB Jimmy Garropolo dropping back and looking for running back Josh Jacobs, Milano jumped the route and snatched the football away from Jacobs to force the turnover.
The Bills are rolling in their home opener, 28-10. — Safid Deen
Ravens' Odell Beckham Jr. out; Mark Andrews scores first TD
Odell Beckham Jr.’s comeback has hit a bit of a snag in his second game.
Beckham has been ruled out with an ankle injury during the second half of the Ravens' game against the Bengals.
Beckham had three catches for 29 yards on four targets earlier in the game.
The Ravens have a 20-10 lead in the third quarter after tight end Mark Andrews’ first touchdown catch of the season. Andrews is starting after missing Week 1 with a quad injury. — Safid Deen
Bengals' Joe Burrow throws interception in end zone vs. Ravens
The Bengals' struggles are continuing in the second half at home against the Ravens.
Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow was looking for receiver Tee Higgins in the end zone, but backup Ravens safety Geno Stone intercepted him early in the third quarter.
It’s Stone's second career interception, while Burrow and the Bengals have just 126 yards of offense so far in this one. — Safid Deen
Chiefs offense off to slow start against Jaguars
Patrick Mahomes took his time getting his birthday bash going. The Kansas City Chiefs offense struggled early against the Jaguars before the star quarterback connected with Skyy Moore for a touchdown with 27 seconds left in the first half.
Prior to that, the defending Super Bowl champions lost two fumbles – one which Travis Kelce expressed frustration at and received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Mahomes also threw a deep interception. On another play, the quarterback got flustered on third-and-1 and threw a pass to Chiefs offensive tackle Donovan Smith, which was flagged for an illegal touch pass.
Despite injuries to linebackers Willie Gay and Nick Bolton, the defense is keeping the Chiefs in the game, holding Trevor Lawrence and company to two field goals.
Chris Jones has a sack in his first game since ending his holdout due to a contract dispute.
The Chiefs are up 7-6 entering the break. — Victoria Hernandez
NFL Week 2 halftime scores
- Green Bay Packers 10, Atlanta Falcons 9
- Buffalo Bills 21, Las Vegas Raiders 10
- Baltimore Ravens 13, Cincinnati Bengals 10
- Detroit Lions 14, Seattle Seahawks 7
- Indianapolis Colts 28, Houston Texans 10
- Kansas City Chiefs 7, Jacksonville Jaguars 6
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13, Chicago Bears 10
- Los Angeles Chargers 14, Tennessee Titans 10
Colts' Anthony Richardson out for rest of game
Anthony Richardson got off to a strong start Sunday with two rushing touchdowns, but a blow to the head brought his day to an early end.
The Colts rookie quarterback was ruled out of the contest against the Texans after sustaining a concussion, the team said.
The No. 4 pick of April's NFL draft took a shot from Texans safety M.J. Stewart Jr. on his second score, with his head whipping against the ground in the end zone. Richardson, however, played for the Colts' two ensuing drives – both three-and-outs – before being removed from the game. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Seahawks' DK Metcalf returns against Lions
DK Metcalf is back on the field for the Seahawks after departing in the first quarter with a rib injury.
Metcalf exited the game after two catches for 34 yards and came within inches of scoring on an 18-yard catch.
Lions with a flea-flicker touchdown
How can you not love a good flea-flicker touchdown?
The Lions delivered one during the second quarter, with Jared Goff taking a pitch from rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tossing a 36-yard touchdown pass to Kalif Raymond to take a 14-7 lead.
Sorry, Amon-Ra St. Brown fantasy owners. Raymond and Josh Reynolds have caught both of Goff’s touchdown passes so far. — Safid Deen
Bengals score on 81-yard punt return from rookie Charlie Jones
Week 2 continues to see rookies get their shining moments.
On fourth-and-5 in the beginning of the second quarter, the Ravens punted to Bengals rookie Charlie Jones. The fourth-round pick received the ball at the 19-yard line in the middle of the field, ran to his left, powered around a cluster of players and sprinted downfield to the end zone for an 81-yard return.
According to Pro Football Reference, the return was the longest in franchise history since 2000.
A flag was thrown on the play, but it was against the Ravens, who lead the Bengals 10-7. — Victoria Hernandez
Colts' Anthony Richardson heads to locker room
Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who started with two quick touchdowns against the Texans, went to the locker room early in the second quarter.
The back of Richardson’s head hit the ground after his second touchdown run, and the team announced he's being evaluated for a possible concussion. Gardner Minshew entered for the Colts.Richardson walked alongside Colts trainers off the field, with one carrying his helmet. — Safid Deen
Texans' C.J. Stroud throws first career TD pass
CJ Stroud starred at Ohio State with 41 touchdowns his final season when he was a Heisman Trophy finalist. His performance made him the No. 2 overall pick in this spring’s draft.
The Texans quarterback tossed his first NFL touchdown in Week 2 on Sunday with an 8-yard pass to Nico Collins in the first quarter. On third-and-6, Stroud dropped back, let the ball loose and found the third-year receiver, who made a leaping catch in the back of the end zone.
The score gave Houston its first points of the day as they trail the Colts 14-7. — Victoria Hernandez
Seahawks' DK Metcalf questionable to return with rib injury
The Seattle Seahawks may be without one of their best offensive weapons in their high-octane matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Wideout DK Metcalf is questionable to return with a rib injury he suffered in the first quarter. Metcalf had two catches for 34 yards and came within inches of scoring on an 18-yard catch. But he exited to the medical tent and has not returned. — Chris Bumbaca
Colts' Anthony Richardson with two quick rushing touchdowns
Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is off to a red-hot start in his second NFL game.
Richardson already has two rushing touchdowns in the first six minutes to give the Colts a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on the road against the Texans.
Richardson scored on an 18-yard run on Indy’s first possession, and needed one play to score on a 15-yard run after Texans rookie starter C.J. Stroud fumbled on Houston’s first possession. — Safid Deen
Raiders' Davante Adams scores his first TD of the season
The Las Vegas Raiders, who spent the week practicing at The GreenBrier resort in West Virginia, are on the board early in Buffalo.
Star Raiders receiver Davante Adams scored on a 16-yard screen by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to take an early 7-0 lead over the Bills.
It’s Adams’ first touchdown of the season and more could come in this game with receiver Jakobi Meyers, who had two touchdowns last week, out due to a concussion. — Safid Deen
Patrick Mahomes' pregame speech to Chiefs teammates
The Kansas City Chiefs were an inspired bunch before their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Just check out Patrick Mahomes' pregame chat with teammates before kickoff.
"We gotta show everybody who we really are," Mahomes said.
The Chiefs will have tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones back in the lineup, looking for their first win this season. The Jaguars hope to go 2-0. — Safid Deen
NFL picks Week 2
The NFL is back, its 104th season set to kick off, and USA TODAY Sports’ panel of resident NFL experts have made their Week 2 picks. Check them out here.
NFL Week 2 odds
The top NFL betting apps list the Cincinnati Bengals as one of the best bets for NFL Week 2 coming off a Week 1 loss. Just two seasons removed from a Super Bowl appearance, the Bengals are favored by 3 points against the Baltimore Ravens in Cincinnati, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
There is also significant interest surrounding the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has some of the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023, but Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence could be a sneaky longshot pick. The Chiefs also boast some of the best early Super Bowl betting odds after winning it all last season.
Other action includes the Detroit Lions — one of the most popular NFL future bets after a stunning Week 1 victory — taking on the Seattle Seahawks as home favorites.
Not interested in these games? Our guide to the NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds and/or Monday Night Football odds.
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin
All odds provided by BetMGM
Week 2 fantasy football rankings
Following devastating season-ending injuries to Aaron Rodgers and J.K. Dobbins, fantasy managers will hope for better things as Week 1 seemed to provide more disappointments than triumphs. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen will be among several key players looking to show they're much better than they were in their openers.
Fantasy football rankings for Week 2 are based on the point-per-reception (PPR) scoring used in most seasonal and daily fantasy football formats. One point is awarded for every 10 rushing and receiving yards and one point for every 20 passing yards. Six points are awarded for touchdowns scored, four points for passing TDs and one point for receptions.
Rankings are compiled by Daniel Dobish,TheHuddle.com. — Steve Gardner
Texans' John Metchie III makes NFL debut after battling back from leukemia
Texans wide receiver John Metchie III, a former Alabama standout who missed his rookie season last year while battling acute promyelocytic leukemia, will make his NFL debut Sunday against the Colts.
Metchie is on the Texans' active roster for game day.
Metchie caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021, his junior season with the Crimson Tide. — Safid Deen
Lions, Seahawks take shot at high-scoring history
Fans of high-scoring games will be rooting for the Lions and Seahawks to make NFL history Sunday.
No teams have ever combined to score 80 points in three consecutive meetings. But Detroit and Seattle can be the first duo to accomplish the feat with another shootout. In Week 4 last year, the Seahawks won 48-45 and in Week 17 of 2021, Seattle throttled the Lions 51-29.
Neither team displayed offensive fireworks in Week 1, as the Lions defeated defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City on the road 21-20 and the Seahawks fell at home to the Los Angeles Rams, 30-13. — Chris Bumbaca
Titans' DeAndre Hopkins expected to play vs. Chargers
New Titans receiver DeAndre Hopkins is expected to play today despite an ankle injury, NFL Network reported. Hopkins did not practice this week.
Hopkins turned 13 targets into seven receptions for 65 yards during the Titans' Week 1 loss at the Saints. — Safid Deen
Packers going without two starters Sunday
Green Bay is hoping to improve to 2-0 but will have to do so without running back Aaron Jones and receiver Christian Watson, both whom are dealing with hamstring injuries, per NFL Network. — Safid Deen
Chiefs' Travis Kelce, Ravens' Mark Andrews set to make 2023 debuts
After T.J. Hockenson scored two touchdowns Thursday night, it’ll be nice to see two other star tight ends make their season debuts Sunday.Chiefs star Travis Kelce and Ravens standout Mark Andrews are expected to play their first games of the season in Week 2.Kelce will play against the Jaguars, according to ESPN, after missing Kansas City’s Week 1 loss against the Lions.Andrews, who is dealing with a quad injury, is expected to play against the Bengals, according to NFL Network. He was upgraded to a full participant in practice Friday. — Safid Deen
Texans’ CJ Stroud expected to start against Colts
Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, who was questionable to play due to a right shoulder injury, is expected to play Sunday, according to NFL Network.Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, will face off against No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts.But the Texans could be without franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who has a knee injury, according to ESPN. — Safid Deen
Chargers' Austin Ekeler out, Joey Bosa likely to play
The Chargers, looking to bounce back from a loss last week, won’t have Austin Ekeler (ankle) against the Titans today.But edge rusher Joey Bosa (hamstring) is expected to play, according to NFL Network. — Safid Deen
Packers at Falcons: Predictions, picks and odds
The Packers are favorites to defeat the Falcons, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Packers (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Packers (-120); Falcons (+100)
- Over/under: 40.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Packers 22, Falcons 17
- Tyler Dragon: Packers 24, Falcons 20
- Victoria Hernandez: Packers 20, Falcons 19
- Jordan Mendoza: Packers 23, Falcons 14
Raiders at Bills: Predictions, picks and odds
The Bills are favorites to defeat the Raiders, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Bills (-9.5)
- Moneyline: Bills (-450); Raiders (+333)
- Over/under: 47
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Bills 28, Raiders 23
- Tyler Dragon: Bills 24, Raiders 17
- Victoria Hernandez: Bills 25, Raiders 17
- Jordan Mendoza: Bills 34, Raiders 20
Ravens at Bengals: Predictions, picks and odds
The Bengals are favorites to defeat the Ravens, according to BetMGM.
- Spread: Bengals (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Bengals (-175); Ravens (+145)
- Over/under: 46.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Bengals 24, Ravens 17
- Tyler Dragon: Bengals 21, Ravens 20
- Victoria Hernandez: Bengals 21, Ravens 16
- Jordan Mendoza: Bengals 33, Ravens 27
Seahawks at Lions: Predictions, picks and odds
The Lions are favorites to defeat the Seahawks, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Lions (-6)
- Moneyline: Lions (-250); Seahawks (+200)
- Over/under: 49
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 24, Seahawks 21
- Tyler Dragon: Lions 25, Seahawks 20
- Victoria Hernandez: Lions 27, Seahawks 20
- Jordan Mendoza: Lions 33, Seahawks 23
Colts at Texans: Predictions, picks and odds
The Colts are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds
- Spread: Colts (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Colts (-125); Texans (+105)
- Over/under: 40
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Colts 19, Texans 15
- Tyler Dragon: Colts 17, Texans 13
- Victoria Hernandez: Colts 17, Texans 10
- Jordan Mendoza: Colts 22, Texans 16
Chiefs at Jaguars: Predictions, picks and odds
The Chiefs are favorites to defeat the Jaguars, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Chiefs (-3)
- Moneyline: Chiefs (-155); Jaguars (+130)
- Over/under: 51.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Chiefs 31, Jaguars 23
- Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 26, Jaguars 22
- Victoria Hernandez: Chiefs 24, Jaguars 20
- Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 31, Jaguars 29
Bears at Buccaneers: Predictions, picks and odds
The Buccaneers are favorites to defeat the Bears, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Buccaneers (-3)
- Moneyline: Buccaneers (-160); Bears (+135)
- Over/under: 41.5
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Buccaneers 29, Bears 22
- Tyler Dragon: Buccaneers 20, Bears 19
- Victoria Hernandez: Buccaneers 27, Bears 17
- Jordan Mendoza: Bears 24, Buccaneers 20
Chargers at Titans: Predictions, picks and odds
The Chargers are favorites to defeat the Titans, according to BetMGM NFL odds.
- Spread: Chargers (-3)
- Moneyline: Chargers (-175); Titans (+145)
- Over/under: 45
USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:
- Lorenzo Reyes: Chargers 31, Titans 23
- Tyler Dragon: Chargers 28, Titans 24
- Victoria Hernandez: Chargers 24, Titans 10
- Jordan Mendoza: Chargers 29, Titans 17