The NFL season is already heating up, and Week 2 has delivered everything fans crave — injuries that shake up rosters, fantasy football pivots, surprise results, and storylines that could shape the season ahead. From quarterbacks going down to breakout stars on the rise, this week is a reminder that in football, anything can happen.
For fans and collectors looking to represent their team all season long, you can shop the full NFL collection at Pro Merch and gear up in style while keeping track of the action.
Major Injuries Changing the Landscape
Unfortunately, Week 2 has already delivered devastating injury news that will reshape teams both on the field and in fantasy lineups:
- Brock Purdy (QB, 49ers): After toe and shoulder injuries in the opener, Purdy is sidelined 2–5 weeks. Mac Jones will get the nod against the Saints in his place.
- George Kittle (TE, 49ers): A key weapon gone — Kittle heads to injured reserve with a hamstring issue, out until at least Week 6. This opens up opportunities for fantasy managers to look elsewhere.
- Jayden Reed (WR, Packers): The rookie suffered a broken collarbone in Green Bay’s win over Washington. He’ll undergo surgery and hopes to return in November.
- Austin Ekeler (RB, Commanders): The Commanders’ offense takes a major hit as Ekeler is out for the season with a torn Achilles.
- Deatrich Wise Jr. (DE, Commanders): Another blow for Washington as their defensive end is out for the season with a quad injury.
- Brock Bowers (TE, Raiders): Questionable for Monday night against the Chargers with a knee injury — fantasy managers should monitor closely.
- Elijah Molden (DB, Chargers) & Denzel Perryman (LB, Chargers): Both ruled out of Monday night’s matchup against the Raiders due to hamstring and ankle issues, further depleting Los Angeles’ defense.
These injuries aren’t just big for teams — they’re massive for fantasy football and betting markets heading into Week 2.
Fantasy Football Outlook: Start, Sit, Sleepers & DFS
With injuries reshaping lineups, Week 2 fantasy football strategy requires sharp pivots:
- Start ’Em:
- Juwan Johnson (TE, Saints): With Kittle sidelined, Johnson becomes a strong streaming option.
- Keon Coleman (WR, Bills): After a promising Week 1, Coleman is quickly earning trust as a reliable flex play.
- Sit ’Em:
- Cam Ward (QB, Titans): Facing a fierce Rams defensive front, Ward is better left on the bench this week.
- Sleepers to Watch:
- Zach Charbonnet (RB, Seahawks): Could carve out more touches in Seattle’s backfield.
- Troy Franklin (WR, Broncos): A sneaky pick for deeper leagues looking for a spark.
- DFS Picks:
- Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals): A strong rebound candidate with upside in daily lineups.
- Malik Nabers (WR, Giants): His explosive playmaking makes him a smart DFS gamble.
Week 2 Game Predictions & Early Results
Thursday night set the tone with a tough but costly win for Green Bay:
- Packers 27, Commanders 18: The Packers move to 2-0 but lose Jayden Reed and see Ekeler go down for Washington. A bittersweet victory with major season-long implications.
Looking ahead to the weekend matchups:
- Cowboys (-6) vs. Giants: Dallas remains the favorite at home, though their offense is still looking to click. New York’s injuries on the offensive line could tip the scales further.
- Patriots over Dolphins: Analysts are eyeing a potential upset, with New England’s defense possibly keying on slowing Miami’s high-speed offense.
- Buccaneers over Texans: Another upset watch, with Tampa Bay looking stronger than many predicted.
Other Week 2 Storylines to Watch
- Justin Fields (Jets QB): After a breakout Week 1 against Pittsburgh, Fields is now auditioning to prove he’s a top fantasy QB against the Bills.
- Colts QB Situation: The battle between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson is heating up — preseason tension is carrying into the regular season.
- Chiefs Bounce-Back Watch: Kansas City sits at the bottom of the AFC West after a Week 1 divisional loss. Many analysts aren’t panicking, but Week 2 will be a crucial litmus test.
The Bottom Line
Week 2 of the NFL season is already packed with drama — from game-changing injuries to fantasy football shakeups and surprising predictions. Every matchup feels like it could shift the narrative for playoff contenders and fantasy managers alike.
As the action unfolds, make sure you’re not just watching but also repping your team with official gear. Explore the full NFL Pro Merch collection and get the jerseys, hoodies, and accessories you need to show your colors all season long.