{
  "id": 8049498,
  "title": "NFL Week 2 picks & predictions: Patriots face 0-2 crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/nfl-week-2-picks-predictions-patriots-face-0-2-crisis",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T15:42:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-week-2-picks-predictions-154222946.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Week 2 of the NFL season holds crucial importance for a number of teams trying to avoid a 0-2 record. The Houston Texans and New England Patriots are among those who could benefit from a strong start. The weekend brought exciting performances from the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars on offense, as well as some disappointing results from the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Patriots. Our previous predictions covered an impressive 10-5 start to the 2026 season, and we aim to improve upon that as the NFL slate moves into Week 2.\n\nThis week sees 16 games on the NFL schedule. In the early games, the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes showcased his prowess against the Denver Broncos, while the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills enter with 1-0 records, both with a lot riding on their Week 2 matchups. The NFL's Week 2 predictions lean towards the Buffalo Bills as the favored team to defeat the Lions 27-21.\n\nIn the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers face the Atlanta Falcons in a crucial match. The Panthers' offense showed great potential against the Chicago Bears, and they are predicted to secure their first win of the season. The New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, both at 0-2, face a tough contest, with the Ravens hoping to prove they're the best team in the AFC. The Minnesota Vikings will face the Chicago Bears, where the Bears aim to break the NFL record for the most points scored in a single game, while the Vikings look to defend their defense against Chicago's offensive firepower. The New England Patriots, led by Drake Maye, take on the Seattle Seahawks, with Maye's status crucial for the team's hopes of reaching the Super Bowl.\n\nThe Pittsburgh Steelers face the New England Patriots, who are without A.J. Brown, a major blow for their offense. Pittsburgh's chances of returning to the Super Bowl hang in the balance without Brown, while the Steelers look to bounce back from their performance against Atlanta. The Green Bay Packers are in a difficult position after their Week 1 collapse. Matt LaFleur needs a victory to silence critics and keep the Packers above an 0-2 record. The Jets, who typically provide a good test for many teams, are expected to secure a win against the Packers.\n\nIn the AFC East, the Cleveland Browns face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Tampa Bay's strong offense, led by Baker Mayfield, aims to secure a crucial win. Cleveland may need to consider benching DeShaun Watson if he struggles again. Lastly, the Philadelphia Eagles look to establish the run in their Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, with Saquon Barkley set to shine. The Titans, who are destined to fall to 0-2, will provide a tough challenge for the Eagles in this game.",
  "summary": "Several preseason Super Bowl contenders are looking to avoid 0-2 starts in NFL Week 2.",
  "key_points": [
    "Week 2 crucial for Patriots to avoid 0-2 record",
    "Houston Texans and New England Patriots key teams",
    "New England Patriots without A.J. Brown"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}