Week 2 of the NFL regular season did not disappoint. The week saw a couple of teams who got off to rough starts last week return to form as the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 35-17, and the Buffalo Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins 35-0.
The week also saw a big upset as Lamar Jackson (239 yards passing, one touchdown; 107 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and the Baltimore Ravens took down Patrick Mahomes (343 yards passing, three touchdowns) and the Kansas City Chiefs 36-35.
While there was some great football on the field, there is also plenty of news off the field. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories of the week.
Andy Dalton Leaves Game, Is It Time For Fields In Chicago?
The Chicago Bears bounced back after their Week 1 loss to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 Sunday. This was largely due to a defense that had four sacks and forced three interceptions, but the Bears also had some developments at quarterback.
Starter Andy Dalton got off to a good start going 9 for 11 in passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, Dalton was knocked out of this game with a knee injury, but that gave rookie quarterback Justin Fields an opening under center.
Finishing the game for Chicago, Fields went 6 for 13 for 60 yards and an interception. He also rushed ten times for 31 yards.
While this was far from inspiring play, speculation has been rampant as to whether Andy Dalton will ever get the job back. On Monday, the team confirmed that the diagnosis is just a bone bruise for Dalton.
Head coach Matt Nagy also indicated that, if healthy, the job is still Dalton’s to lose. However, it is unclear as to whether Dalton will be ready for next weekend against the Cleveland Browns, so at least for one game, it could be Fields getting the start.
Chicago is currently +6000 to win the Super Bowl this season.
Other Quarterback Injuries
The Bears weren’t the only ones that suffered an injury to their starter. Both Tyrod Taylor (Houston Texans) and Carson Wentz (Indianapolis Colts) came away with injuries, and their immediate futures are questionable.
For Taylor, Mark Berman of Houston’s Fox26 reported that he has suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out for as long as a month. To date, Taylor has been impressive, throwing for 416 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He has also rushed for 55 yards and another score.
Of note, the Texans have said that Deshaun Watson will not be the replacement in Taylor’s absence. Rather, it appears that rookie Davis Mills will take over under center as the Texans take on the Carolina Panthers this Thursday.
The Texans are tied with the Jaguars for the worst odds in the AFC South at +2100. They are +42000 to win it all.
For Carson Wentz, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that he has injured both of his ankles. He actually left Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Rams after getting his ankle twisted in the fourth quarter.
Prior to the injury, he had thrown for 247 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the loss to L.A.
With Wentz likely out, it will be Jacob Eason taking over under center.
The Colts are off to a tough start as they are 0-2 overall. They are currently +190 to win the AFC South and +4400 to win Super Bowl LVI.
Baker Mayfield Loses Big Weapon
One last injury of note comes in the form of Cleveland Browns’ wide receiver Jarvis Landry. As one of Baker Mayfield’s biggest weapons, this is quite a blow to Cleveland.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski reported that he is week-to-week with a sprained MCL. This was suffered in the first quarter of Cleveland’s win over Texas.
This is especially concerning given that Odell Beckham Jr. is still working his way back from injury. That means that Rashard Higgins may take over as the number one receiver for Cleveland moving forward.
The Browns are +125 to win the AFC North, and they are +1500 to win the Super Bowl.
