Week 2 in the NFL brought some more drama and surprises around the league. As we look ahead to Week 3 and the games that stand out the most, here is what you should know around the league and what to look out for in the week ahead.
Ravens-Cowboys face off in Brazil
For the third time ever, an NFL game will be played in Brazil when the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys meet in Rio De Janeiro on Sunday.
Both teams enter the game with matching 1-1 records. Baltimore followed up a 41-23 season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts by allowing the New Orleans Saints to score 15 answered points in a 24-17 loss on Sunday.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, answered the call after a 28-20 loss to the New York Giants by returning to their offensive form in Sunday’s 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders as quarterback Dak Prescott tossed four touchdowns and became the franchise’s all-time passing TDs leader (249).
The season is still young, but this is a huge game for both teams and an opportunity to come back stateside with a key win that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Colts, Texans search for first win; Rams-Broncos clash on “SNF”
The Colts and Houston Texans will try to get themselves out of the basement in the AFC South when they meet for the first of two times this season.
While the Colts have allowed a combined 74 points to the Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, they put up a solid fight against Kansas City on Sunday night and just simply could not finish the deal. The Texans, on the other hand, did not score a single TD against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and will look to take advantage of a Colts defense that has struggled so far.
Fresh of their first wins of the season, the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos are set for a showdown on “Sunday Night Football.” The Rams turned back the clock in their win over the Giants on Monday night, while the Broncos scored 17 straight and relied on their defense to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-13.
QB injuries dominate Week 2
While injuries are an unfortunate reality in the NFL, they were especially unkind to some talented young signal-callers around the league in Week 2.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury in a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, though it was not as severe as initially expected. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels was carted off the field with what was later announced as a dislocated left elbow, and Giants QB Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury on Monday night “that was worse than anticipated.”
Even Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent may not be available for a Week 3 game against the Philadelphia Eagles as he deals with a concussion, which will only test the depth chart that much more until Williams is able to return.
Several teams off to surprising starts
While the Bengals have been a slight surprise due to the improved play from their defense, the Las Vegas Raiders are clearly the most surprising 2-0 team and have already made huge strides under head coach Klint Kubiak.
Granted, their two wins have come against a pair of 0-2 teams (Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers), but they are just one win away from equaling their total from the entire 2025 season.
The Vikings have also impressed with their 2-0 start despite losing starting QB Kyler Murray early in the opener against the Green Bay Packers and playing the entire Week 2 game against the Bears without him.
As for the most disappointing starts, the Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at the top of the list. A second consecutive no-show has the Chargers sweating ahead of a brutal gauntlet, and the Buccaneers are already experiencing buyer’s remorse with QB Baker Mayfield after a disastrous loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.