The first week of the NFL season can sometimes give a false impression of how teams will perform. By Week 2, however, patterns start to emerge, and we begin to see which teams are ready to compete and which ones still have work to do. The 2025 NFL season’s second week brought some big moments, from injuries to surprising performances and unexpected struggles. Here are the key takeaways from Week 2 and what they mean for the rest of the season.
1. Joe Burrow’s Injury Hurts Bengals’ Super Bowl Hopes
Injuries are never good for sports, especially when they happen to a star player like Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. During the Bengals’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Burrow left the game in the second quarter with a turf toe injury. This injury, which involves damage to the soft tissues and ligaments in the big toe, will require surgery, according to Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. Reports suggest Burrow could miss at least three months, which is a major setback for a team aiming for a Super Bowl.
Turf toe happens when players push off their toes, a common movement in football, especially on artificial turf. While most cases heal with rest, Burrow’s injury is severe enough to need surgery, which is rare. With Burrow out, backup quarterback Jake Browning will take over. Browning showed some promise in the Jaguars game, throwing for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also stepped in for Burrow in 2023 when the quarterback missed time with a wrist injury. Bengals fans are hoping Browning’s bold playing style will keep the team competitive until Burrow returns, possibly in Week 15 or 16.
The Bengals started the season 2-0, thanks to stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and defensive standout Trey Hendrickson. But without Burrow, their playoff chances could take a hit. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see if Browning can keep Cincinnati in the race.
2. Daniel Jones Shines with the Colts
One of the biggest surprises of Week 2 was the performance of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. After a disappointing stint with the New York Giants and a season as a backup for the Minnesota Vikings, Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts. Many expected him to be a backup to Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, Jones won the starting job and has been proving doubters wrong.
In Week 1, Jones led the Colts to score on all seven drives against the Miami Dolphins. In Week 2, he continued his strong play against the Denver Broncos, completing 23 of 34 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown, plus a rushing score. His performance helped the Colts win a dramatic game, sealed by a field goal after a Broncos penalty gave them a second chance. Jones has been a perfect match for running back Jonathan Taylor, who ran for 165 yards against Denver.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen praised Jones for his preparation and ability to read defenses. The offensive line and receivers have also played a big role in his success. At 28 years old, Jones is showing he still has the talent that made him a high draft pick out of Duke. Could this be the start of a career comeback for “Danny Dimes”?
3. Kansas City Chiefs Face Early Struggles
The Kansas City Chiefs are not used to losing, but Week 2 left them with a 0-2 record, their worst start since 2014. After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl LIX rematch, the Chiefs are searching for answers. Their offense has been slow, partly because key players like Rashee Rice (suspended) and Xavier Worthy (injured) are unavailable. Even star tight end Travis Kelce struggled, with a critical mistake in the fourth quarter leading to an interception.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, widely considered one of the best in the NFL, has now lost three games in a row, including the Super Bowl. This is a new challenge for him and head coach Andy Reid. While it’s too early to panic, the Chiefs need to find ways to get their offense moving if they want to make a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance. Reid remains confident, saying the team has strong leadership and will work hard to fix their mistakes.
4. Key Week 2 Results Show Competitive Matchups
Week 2 featured several exciting games that highlighted the NFL’s competitive nature. Here are some notable results:
- Cincinnati Bengals 31-27 Jacksonville Jaguars: Despite Burrow’s injury, the Bengals held on for a close win.
- Indianapolis Colts 29-28 Denver Broncos: A dramatic field goal secured the Colts’ victory.
- Kansas City Chiefs 17-20 Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles got revenge in this Super Bowl rematch.
- Detroit Lions 52-21 Chicago Bears: The Lions dominated with a high-scoring performance.
- Dallas Cowboys 40-37 (OT) New York Giants: A thrilling overtime game showed Dallas’ resilience.
These games gave fans a mix of surprises, close finishes, and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting season.
5. What’s Next for the NFL Season?
Week 2 showed that the 2025 NFL season will be full of surprises. The Bengals will need to rally around Jake Browning to stay in the playoff hunt without Joe Burrow. Daniel Jones’ strong start with the Colts suggests he could be a key player to watch. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ early struggles raise questions about whether they can regain their dominant form.
As the season continues, teams will need to adjust to injuries, capitalize on early momentum, or fix early mistakes. Week 2 gave fans a glimpse of which teams are ready to compete and which ones have work to do. With 15 weeks left in the regular season, there’s still plenty of time for the NFL’s storylines to unfold.
