When the Dallas Cowboys took the field in Week 1, fans expected fireworks from CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. Instead, they got four dropped passes and a sluggish offense — and then watched Russell Wilson do the same for the New York Giants. Now, as NFL Week 2 kicks off across the country, analysts are zeroing in on one question: Can Wilson turn things around before it’s too late?
Week 2’s Tightest Matchups and Key Spreads
Fifteen of the 16 NFL Week 2 games feature point spreads of 6.5 points or fewer, signaling a surprisingly balanced slate after the opening weekend. Only one game breaks the mold: the Baltimore Ravens (-12) hosting the Cleveland Browns. That’s the first double-digit spread of the season — and the first within the first two weeks since 2022, according to NFL Research.
The Dallas Cowboys are favored by 5.5 points over the New York Giants in a game that feels like a referendum on Wilson’s tenure in New York. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) gives Dallas a 64% win probability, while SportsLine’s Steven Cohen, who nailed 190 of 285 straight-up picks last season, predicts Cowboys 27, Giants 23. "Wilson’s been 0-6 in his last six starts," Cohen said. "He’s not just struggling — he’s been statistically terrible. And New York’s offensive line is still a sieve."
Quarterback Woes and the Giants’ Crossroads
Wilson’s Week 1 performance was brutal: 17-of-37 for 168 yards, zero touchdowns, and a 59.3 passer rating. That’s worse than his worst season with the Seahawks. NFL.com’s Brooke noted that Wilson’s last six losses came with three different teams — Pittsburgh, Denver, and now New York — and none of them had a winning record after Week 1. The Giants, who started 1-0 in 2024, now face the real risk of 0-2. And history isn’t kind to teams that start that way: since 1990, only 12.2% of 0-2 teams made the playoffs. Meanwhile, teams that start 1-1 have reached the postseason 41.6% of the time.
It’s not just Wilson. The Giants’ offensive line gave up seven pressures in Week 1. Their running game managed just 72 yards. And now, they’re traveling to Dallas, where Prescott is 13-2 in his career against them. "This isn’t about talent," said Bleacher Report’s Mike Davenport. "It’s about execution. And right now, the Giants don’t look like they know how to execute under pressure."
Bengals vs. Jaguars: A Battle of Emerging Teams
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) host the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that could define both teams’ seasons. ESPN’s Kevin Maldonado predicts Bengals 20, Jaguars 17. Adam Moody goes higher: Bengals 25, Jaguars 24. The FPI model gives Cincinnati a 59.4% chance to win by an average of 3.7 points.
Joe Burrow’s offense looks sharper than last year, and Ja’Marr Chase is already on pace for 1,600 yards. But Jacksonville’s defense — led by rookie standout Joshua Kaindoh — held the Titans to 10 points in Week 1. This isn’t a mismatch. It’s a clash of two teams trying to prove they belong in the AFC playoff race. "The Jaguars are playing with house money," said ESPN’s Walder. "They’re not supposed to be here. But they’re playing like they’re not afraid."
Super Bowl Rematch and Injury Woes
The most emotionally charged game? The Philadelphia Eagles versus the Kansas City Chiefs — a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. The Chiefs, coming off a shocking loss to the Bills, are +1.5 underdogs. But ESPN’s Gagnon isn’t buying it: "They haven’t lost back-to-back since December 2023. And this is personal."
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are playing without Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) and George Kittle (hamstring). Yet they’re still favored by 3 points over the New Orleans Saints — the game with the lowest total (40.5) of the week. "They’ve got a defense that can win ugly," said CBS Sports. "And that’s exactly what they’ll need."
What’s at Stake Beyond the Box Score
Week 2 isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about momentum. About identity. About whether a team is building something — or just waiting for the next coach to come in.
Take the Washington Commanders at the Green Bay Packers. Both are 1-0. Both are playing on a short week. But Green Bay crushed the Lions — a 15-win team from last year — in Week 1. "Lambeau under the lights," said Davenport. "That’s where legends are made. And this team? They’re ready."
And then there’s the Seattle Seahawks at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Walder’s bold prediction? Double-digit screen passes. "Arthur Smith’s offense is built on them," he said. "And Seattle’s defense? They’re playing like they’ve studied every snap from last year’s playoff loss to the Steelers. This game could come down to one screen that turns into a 40-yard touchdown."
What’s Next?
By Monday night, when the Los Angeles Chargers host the Las Vegas Raiders on MNF, we’ll know a lot more. Who’s legit? Who’s lucky? Who’s in trouble?
The message from Week 2 is clear: The NFL is deeper than ever. No team is safe. No lead is secure. And for Russell Wilson? His window to prove he’s still a starter — not a stopgap — is shrinking by the hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Russell Wilson’s performance such a big deal this week?
Wilson’s 0-6 record in his last six starts, combined with a 59.3 passer rating in Week 1, has raised serious questions about his viability as a starting QB in the NFL. With the Giants’ offense struggling and the team facing a tough schedule, a loss in Week 2 could trigger a quarterback controversy — and potentially end his tenure in New York before the season’s halfway point.
How rare is a double-digit spread in Week 2 of the NFL season?
The Ravens’ -12 spread over the Browns is the first double-digit line in the first two weeks since 2022. Historically, Week 2 spreads average around 3.8 points, making this an outlier. It reflects Baltimore’s dominance last season and Cleveland’s continued struggles, especially after losing starting QB Deshaun Watson to injury.
What does the FPI model suggest about the Bengals-Jaguars game?
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Bengals a 59.4% chance to win by an average margin of 3.7 points. That’s a narrow edge, but it suggests Cincinnati’s offense is more consistent, while Jacksonville’s defense, though improved, may not hold up against Burrow’s precision passing under pressure.
Why are the 49ers still favored without Purdy and Kittle?
San Francisco’s defense, led by Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, allowed just 13 points in Week 1. Their run game remains strong, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has a history of winning with backups. The Saints, meanwhile, have struggled to move the ball consistently — making this a classic case of defense beating offense.
Can the Cowboys really cover a 5.5-point spread against the Giants?
Yes — if Prescott plays clean football and CeeDee Lamb finally holds onto the ball. Dallas has won 13 of its last 15 games against New York, and the Giants’ offensive line has allowed 12 pressures in two games. Even with a shaky start, Dallas’ home-field advantage and experience in close games make them the safer bet.
What’s the significance of teams starting 1-1 versus 0-2?
Since 1990, teams that start 1-1 have made the playoffs 41.6% of the time, compared to just 12.2% for 0-2 teams. That’s not just a stat — it’s a psychological divider. Teams that win one of their first two games gain confidence; those that lose two often spiral into panic mode. Week 2 isn’t just a game — it’s a fork in the road.
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