NFL Week 2 preview: Which teams have the most at stake?

Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season delivered plenty of drama and some serious shocks for teams that were expected to come out swinging. 

Heading into Week 2, which teams have the most at stake as they look to bounce back from a sketchy start to the new campaign?

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs were stunned in Brazil, falling 27–21 to the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Justin Herbert carved up Kansas City’s secondary for 318 yards and three touchdowns, while the Chiefs dropped their season opener for just the second time in three years. 

Now, a 0-2 start would place their playoff hopes on thin ice. Statistically, roughly just 10 per cent of teams in the 32-team era (since 2002) that begin 0-2 still make the postseason. A Week 2 rematch with Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles is no place for complacency. 

Miami Dolphins

Over in the AFC East, the Miami Dolphins were humiliated 33-8 by the Indianapolis Colts, giving up a season-opening rout. 

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa turned in a shocker, with just 114 passing yards, two interceptions, and a fumble, resulting in a paltry 51.7 passer rating. 

With head coach Mike McDaniel’s grip on his job looking tenuous, a Week 2 showdown with the New England Patriots cannot come soon enough. 

• Read next | NFL Week 2 Power Rankings: Eagles at the top, Steelers climb, Chiefs and Lions slide

New York Giants

The New York Giants entered the new season with a degree of optimism after adding blue-chip pass rusher Abdul Carter via the draft and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson in free agency.

But any hope was soon extinguished as the Giants sputtered to a 21-6 loss to Washington. Wilson completed 17 of 37 passes for just 168 yards, and the offense failed to score a touchdown again, marking the third straight season opener without an offensive TD. 

Win or lose in their Week 2 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, Big Blue must show improvements on its offensive line and in its efforts to move the ball over the ground and in the air.

Detroit Lions

Finally, the Detroit Lions, touted as NFC contenders preseason, lost 27-13 at Lambeau Field to divisional rivals the Green Bay Packers. 

The offense looked disjointed without coordinator Ben Johnson, who left to take charge of the Chicago Bears. Detroit needs to rediscover last season’s spark fast. 

Each of these teams now faces a Week 2 reality check or else faces an early-season setback. 

In the NFL, redemption can come fast, but so can the fall. Expect desperation, strategy overhauls, and perhaps a sign that, for these franchises, the real season starts now.

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