Week 2 — September 20, 2026

What a Sunday. We had an overtime thriller, a couple of defensive beatdowns, a stunning comeback, and one game that may have changed the outlook for an entire division.

PACKERS SURVIVE IN OVERTIME

Green Bay 20, N.Y. Jets 17

This one was a roller coaster.

Jordan Love wasn't spectacular — 145 yards and two touchdowns — but when the Packers needed him in overtime, he delivered the big throws. Green Bay eventually set up the winning field goal after a couple of clutch completions.

The Jets actually controlled the ball for nearly 38 minutes, but couldn't turn that advantage into enough points.

My takeaway: Green Bay is 1–1, but the offense has plenty to clean up before Thursday night.

And that makes our Falcons-Packers preview particularly interesting.

EAGLES ESCAPE

Philadelphia 24, Tennessee 20

This was one of those games where Philadelphia looked like it had everything under control — until suddenly it didn't.

Jalen Hurts threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns, including the late score that put Philadelphia ahead. DeVonta Smith was terrific, catching 10 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.

Tennessee's rookie quarterback Cam Ward also showed some fight, throwing for 183 yards and running for a touchdown.

My takeaway: The Eagles are 2–0, but they aren't exactly cruising. They're finding ways to win, which counts for plenty this early in the season.

VIKINGS WIN A DEFENSIVE BATTLE

Minnesota 9, Chicago 3

Well, this wasn't exactly an offensive masterpiece.

Minnesota's defense held Chicago to just three points, and Aaron Jones provided the offensive highlight with 105 rushing yards.

But the biggest concern coming out of Chicago is Caleb Williams, who left the game after suffering a leg injury. That is something we'll need to keep an eye on as more information becomes available. 

My takeaway: Minnesota is 2–0, and its defense has been a major reason why.

CAROLINA SHOCKS ATLANTA

Carolina 34, Atlanta 3

Buddy, this was the biggest surprise of the early games.

The Falcons were absolutely overwhelmed.

Atlanta committed five turnovers, while Bryce Young threw three touchdown passes for Carolina. Tetairoa McMillan also had five catches for 101 yards.

That's a brutal combination for Atlanta — and remember, the Falcons are now headed to Green Bay Thursday night.

My takeaway: Atlanta has to put this one behind them immediately.

SAINTS STUN BALTIMORE

New Orleans 24, Baltimore 17

This was probably the comeback of the day.

Baltimore led 17–3, but New Orleans scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Tyler Shough was excellent when the game was on the line, and Chris Olave finished with eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.

Then came the dagger: Lamar Jackson threw an interception inside the final minute that ended Baltimore's last chance.

My takeaway: New Orleans showed tremendous resilience. Baltimore, meanwhile, has some fourth-quarter questions to answer.

BURROW AND CHASE PUT ON A SHOW

Cincinnati 20, Houston 6

This was a statement-type performance from Cincinnati.

Joe Burrow threw two touchdown passes, both to Ja'Marr Chase, including a spectacular 32-yard touchdown reception.

Chase finished with seven catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns.

Houston actually gained more total yards than Cincinnati, but the Bengals were much more efficient when it mattered.

My takeaway: Cincinnati is now 2–0, and Burrow-to-Chase remains one of football's most dangerous combinations.

PATRIOTS DOMINATE PITTSBURGH

New England 20, Pittsburgh 3

This one belonged to New England's defense.

The Patriots limited Pittsburgh to only 235 total yards, and the Steelers couldn't get their offense moving.

Aaron Rodgers finished with 187 passing yards and no touchdowns, and the Patriots eventually put the game away with a defensive touchdown after forcing a fumble.

My takeaway: That's the kind of defensive performance that gets everybody's attention.

CLEVELAND HOLDS OFF TAMPA BAY

Cleveland 23, Tampa Bay 19

This was a good, hard-fought football game.

Deshaun Watson threw two touchdown passes, including the fourth-quarter score that gave Cleveland the lead.

Tampa Bay had one final opportunity, but Cleveland's defense held.

My takeaway: Cleveland improves to 1–1, while Tampa Bay is still searching for its first victory.

DOC'S SUNDAY TAKEAWAYS

If I had to circle three things from today's action:

1. Cincinnati looks dangerous at 2–0.
Burrow and Chase are already making plenty of noise.

2. New Orleans deserves credit.
Coming back from 17–3 against Baltimore wasn't easy.

3. Atlanta has a very short memory to develop.
After losing 34–3 today, the Falcons now have to travel to Green Bay for Thursday Night Football.