Week 1 offered an early look at which teams arrived prepared and which teams still have serious work to do. Quarterback protection, defensive pressure, third-down execution and red-zone efficiency were the biggest factors across the league.

Now comes the adjustment week.

Winning teams must prove their opening performances were legitimate, while several contenders already face pressure to avoid a damaging 0–2 start.

Chargers Look to Recover

The Chargers suffered one of the biggest disappointments of Week 1, scoring only 14 points while converting just two of eight third downs. Justin Herbert threw for 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception, but Los Angeles struggled to protect him against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ defensive front.

Las Vegas pressured Herbert on 44% of his dropbacks and recorded three sacks. The Chargers must improve their protection and create more favorable third-down situations if they want to avoid another offensive struggle.

Jaguars Attempt to Build Momentum

Trevor Lawrence delivered one of the strongest quarterback performances of opening weekend, completing 18 of 23 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns. Jacksonville scored 34 points through the first three quarters and controlled the game with an effective combination of rushing and passing.

Denver’s defense struggled with missed tackles and allowed 152 rushing yards. The Broncos were even worse offensively, converting only two of 12 third downs while averaging 3.7 yards per play. Bo Nix threw for only 131 yards and was sacked four times.

Denver must protect Nix and stay on the field offensively. Jacksonville will look to maintain the same balance that made its offense difficult to defend in Week 1.

Cowboys and Washington Search for Offense

Dallas and Washington both enter Week 2 with questions surrounding their offenses. Dak Prescott threw for only 175 yards with two interceptions, while Jayden Daniels finished with 164 passing yards.

Washington converted five of 15 third downs, and neither team consistently produced explosive plays. Dallas must improve its offensive-line play, while Washington needs more pressure from its defensive front. This could become a defensive battle decided by turnovers and field position.

Seattle’s Defense Sets the Standard

Seattle’s defense continued to establish itself as one of the league’s best units. Despite injuries and difficult field position, the Seahawks limited their opponent to 13 points and created multiple turnovers.

Arizona showed some ability to move the ball through the air, but its running game averaged fewer than four yards per carry. Seattle’s aggressive front and opportunistic secondary could once again determine the outcome if its offense protects the football.

Ravens Bring an Explosive Formula

Baltimore produced more than 500 yards of offense while scoring 41 points in Week 1. Lamar Jackson looked like an MVP candidate, and Derrick Henry overwhelmed the defense with 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

That combination forces defenses to make an uncomfortable choice: commit extra defenders to Henry or leave Jackson with favorable passing lanes. New Orleans showed offensive potential behind Tyler Shough, who threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns, but turnovers and defensive breakdowns proved costly.

If Baltimore continues controlling the line of scrimmage, the Ravens will remain one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC.

Bears Try to Prove Week 1 Was No Fluke

Chicago delivered the league’s most explosive offensive performance, scoring 59 points and producing more than 550 total yards. Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards and added two rushing touchdowns while consistently creating big plays.

The Bears also received strong production from their running game, giving the offense the balance it lacked in previous seasons. Week 2 will test whether Chicago’s explosion represented a real offensive breakthrough or simply one great opening performance.

Chiefs Remain Difficult to Contain

Kansas City’s offense looked dangerous again behind Patrick Mahomes and a powerful rushing attack. Kenneth Walker rushed for 173 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown, as the Chiefs scored 31 points against a respected defense.

Mahomes also hurt the defense with his legs, rushing for two touchdowns. Opponents can no longer focus exclusively on stopping Kansas City’s passing attack. The Chiefs now have the balance to punish defenses that play too aggressively against Mahomes.

Rams Face an Early Test

The Rams opened the season with only seven points, converting two of nine third downs and one of three red-zone opportunities. Matthew Stafford was pressured on 41% of his dropbacks and finished with 155 passing yards and one interception.

Los Angeles must protect Stafford and rediscover its offensive rhythm. The Giants showed the ability to run the football and control the game defensively. Another poor performance would place immediate pressure on a Rams team that entered the season with championship expectations.

49ers’ Balance Presents Problems

San Francisco produced one of the league’s most complete Week 1 performances. The 49ers scored 27 points, converted seven of 12 third downs and did not allow Brock Purdy to be sacked.

Their defense generated pressure without relying heavily on the blitz and held Miami to seven points. With Fred Warner back in the lineup, San Francisco once again has the defensive speed and offensive balance to control games.

Miami must protect its quarterback after allowing five sacks and pressure on 44% of its passing plays.

Texans and Bills Must Protect the Football

Houston’s defense recovered four fumbles and consistently pressured Josh Allen, but Buffalo still generated enough explosive plays to win. The Texans showed offensive promise, with C.J. Stroud throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns, but protection remained inconsistent.

Buffalo must eliminate turnovers, while Houston must prevent negative plays from disrupting promising drives. This matchup could be decided by which quarterback receives better protection in the fourth quarter.

Week 2 Keys

Week 2 will be about corrections. Teams that struggled in Week 1 must repair their protection, tackling and situational execution before one poor performance becomes the beginning of a trend.

The four biggest factors to watch will be:

  • Quarterback pressure and pass protection
  • Third-down efficiency
  • Red-zone touchdown production
  • Turnover margin

Week 1 introduced the contenders, surprises and early warning signs. Week 2 will begin separating legitimate teams from those already drifting toward an 0–2 danger zone.