NFL Week 2: Largest questions, takeaways for each sport

Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season began on Thursday night with the Packers’ impressive win over the Commanders. In the early window Sunday, the Patriots eclipsed 30 points for the first time since 2021 in their tight win over the Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Bills and Ravens dominated the Jets and Browns, respectively, after their head-to-head Week 1 thriller last Sunday night.

Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all the action, answering lingering questions coming out of each game and detailing everything else you need to know for every team. Let’s get to it.

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NE-MIA | CLE-BAL
BUF-NYJ | WSH-GB

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Patriots

How secure is rookie kicker Andy Borregales’ job? Borregales was the first kicker selected in the 2025 NFL draft in the sixth round (No. 182), and he has had a rocky start to the season. He missed two PATs in the first half, which came after two impressive, time-consuming drives from a Drake Maye-led offense that was clicking early. He later made field goals from 22 and 53 yards and a PAT, but was penalized late in the fourth quarter for a kickoff not making it to the landing zone. Borregales, who also missed a 40-yard field goal in the season opener when he was 2-of-3 (good from 35 and 44) including a successful PAT, was awarded the job in training camp despite a charge made by now-Falcons kicker Parker Romo.

Turning point: RB Antonio Gibson’s 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter came immediately after the Patriots surrendered a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown. It was a stunning turn of events, as the Dolphins had taken a 27-23 lead and Hard Rock Stadium was shaking. Then, Gibson fielded a line-drive kickoff up the right sideline and took off on a leg-churning sprint that left the Dolphins in his wake. The defense held on late to seal the win. — Mike Reiss

Next game: vs. Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Dolphins

Is the Dolphins’ offense back after an improved performance in Week 2? Well, the Dolphins couldn’t play much worse today than they did against the Colts — so there was nowhere to go but up. Sunday’s performance was complete with a handful of explosive plays that the Dolphins have chased since the 2023 season. Still, Miami’s run game has yet to take off; they managed 61 rushing yards in Week 2, as running back De’Von Achane was more effective as a pass catcher (eight catches, 92 yards, TD) than as a runner (11 carries, 30 yards). The Dolphins still have work to do before Thursday, but they’re headed in the right direction.

What to make of the QB performance: After an abysmal performance last week, Tua Tagovailoa threw for a pair of first-half touchdowns and looked more in-sync with receivers Tyreek Hill (six catches, 109 yards) and Jaylen Waddle (five catches, 68 yards, TD). But Tagovailoa badly overthrew a pass to Hill on Miami’s potential go-ahead drive, was sacked on third down and threw his third interception of the season on fourth down. Even then, he nearly led a game-winning drive in the game’s final seconds, but a 44-yard touchdown to Achane was called back when he was ruled out of bounds well short of the end zone. Tagovailoa finished the day 26-of-32 for 315 yards but faces a steep challenge in Week 3. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next game: at Bills (Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Ravens

What did the Ravens prove in beating the Browns? Baltimore showed it remains one of the most resilient teams in the NFL. The Ravens are now 13-2 (.866) following losses since 2022, which is the second-best mark behind the Chiefs (9-1). Unlike last week when they failed to hold a 15-point lead in the final four minutes in Buffalo, the Ravens took a double-digit lead into the fourth quarter and closed it out with a 63-yard fumble return by Roquan Smith. Baltimore couldn’t afford a letdown — of the Ravens’ first six games in 2025, this was the only one against a team that didn’t make the playoffs last year.

Key stat to know: All of wide receiver Devontez Walker’s catches have been touchdowns in the NFL. In Sunday’s win, Walker connected with Lamar Jackson on touchdown passes of two and 24 yards, respectively, to continue an impressive trend. The 2024 fourth-round wide receiver now has totaled three touchdowns on three career receptions. — Jamison Hensley

Next game: vs. Lions (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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Browns

How are the Browns going to get their offense on track? After lamenting missed opportunities in their season-opening loss, the Browns weren’t able to gain any footing Sunday. Despite running back Quinshon Judkins making his team debut, Cleveland’s run game was nonexistent until a few garbage-time carries. It’s the foundation of Kevin Stefanski’s offense and until the Browns find answers on the ground, it will be an uphill battle for the unit.

Trend to watch: Judkins played 19 snaps, which was the second most of any Browns running back, despite missing all of training camp and practicing twice in the lead-up to game day. Fourteen of his snaps came on first downs, which could forecast a role as a tone-setting power back in Cleveland’s offense. — Daniel Oyefusi

Next game: vs. Packers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Bills

Is this performance an encouraging sign moving forward? It’s a strong start, especially given the injuries the unit had. The Bills came out of Week 1 with some question marks, but even without DT Ed Oliver and nickelback Taron Johnson, they made a statement. Including a touchdown drive in garbage time, the Jets were held to 154 net yards and went 0-for-11 on third down. Defensive end Joey Bosa had a team-high six pressures and one sack. There’s plenty of good signs from this one.

Key stat to know: The Bills had 194 rushing yards between the tackles — their most in a game since their Week 16 game in 2022 versus the Bears (212 yards). A significant portion of that came from James Cook, who had a complete performance with 132 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. — Alaina Getzenberg

Next game: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

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Jets

After two weeks, who are the real Jets? After an encouraging performance in their Week 1 loss, the Jets were flat, undisciplined and outworked physically in a feeble loss to the Bills. This was straight out of 2024. They were doomed in the first quarter with a penalty (roughing the passer on Micheal Clemons) and a killer turnover (Justin Fields fumble). They were dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball, as they were outrushed 224-100 — their most rushing yards allowed since 2021. Those live tackling drills in training camp, which generated positive vibes, haven’t helped at all. First-year coach Aaron Glenn is learning quickly that changing a culture isn’t an overnight thing.

What to make of the QB performance: Fields went from one of the best games of his career to one of the worst. Aside from his early fumble, he struggled with his accuracy (2-of-8, 25 yards) before being removed early in the fourth quarter for a concussion. He was off-target on at least three potential completions. He was slow to process, seemingly confused by the Bills’ coverages. Facing a huge early deficit, Fields was out of his element — and it showed. The Jets need more consistency out of Fields or else they will be doomed to another losing season. — Rich Cimini

Next game: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Catch up on the action: Box score | Recap

Packers

Is defense the Packers’ identity this year? Not that quarterback Jordan Love & Co. haven’t had their moments (Love threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns Thursday, and Josh Jacobs had his 10th straight game with a rushing touchdown), but the tone of this team has been set by the defense. Maybe it would’ve been the same story had they not traded for Micah Parsons. Maybe the acquisition only reinforced what was already in place. Either way, 12 hits on quarterback Jayden Daniels and five pass breakups by cornerback Keisean Nixon made a statement.

Most surprising performance: After catching two passes in his debut, rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden was shut out. However, he was open on both of his targets. Love underthrew the first one, which could have been a 33-yard touchdown but was broken up, and overthrew what might have gone for a 92-yard touchdown. Golden made his only plays as a ball carrier with two rushes for 15 yards. Fellow rookie receiver Savion Williams also went without a catch but rushed twice for 24 yards. — Rob Demovsky

Next game: at Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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Commanders

How will Washington bounce back after being dominated? The Commanders had multiple issues that hindered the team Thursday, and those issues could show up again versus the Raiders. Daniels was pressured on 46% of his dropbacks, the highest total in his brief career. The Packers have a terrific pass rush, but Washington’s protection must immediately improve against Maxx Crosby. Washington’s depth will also be tested, as it lost two strong leaders in running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (quad).

Trend to watch: Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin have not clicked this season, preventing explosive plays for the offense. When targeting McLaurin last season, Daniels had a completion percentage of 67.3% and a total QBR of 89.4. This season, he’s completing 53.8% with a QBR of 48.8. The pass protection hasn’t been great, so some shots aren’t available. But McLaurin missing camp due to a contract situation could have impacted their timing and rhythm. — John Keim

Next game: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)