Although an NFL season can’t be determined in just two games, it is possible to pick up some trends by watching a few games. Some trends are predictable, while others are unexpected. We’ll be focusing on this latter category below as NFL Nation writers pick out which surprising trends are real and which are just a passing fad.
Many of the trends below make fans feel pretty good. Detroit Lions You can rack up a lot of touchdowns. Jalen Hurts You could be the MVP of the tournament if you play at a high clip Philadelphia Eagles And the Buffalo Bills Being great at almost everything. Some others are a little more alarming. Cincinnati BengalsThe lack of first-half touchdowns in the second half and the Los Angeles Rams Fantasy owners are frustrated by their use of running backs Cam Akers And Darrell Henderson Jr.
Let’s now get to the real or mirage assessments, beginning with the NFC East.
Jump into a team
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
NFC EAST
The surprise of the early days: In two games, there are only two touchdowns
The verdict is: Real. While the Cowboys won’t allow 17 touchdowns this season (OK), the second-year leap of defense under Dan Quinn was real and exactly what they expected. They have slowed offenses quarterbacked. Tom Brady And Joe Burrow The first two games. Despite the fact that these teams may have issues, this achievement cannot be dismissed lightly. The Cowboys must succeed, even though they may have other problems. Dak Prescott They were healthy, so the defense must win the day. With three of the next four games against NFC East foes playing with different levels of QB play (and Dallas), things look good for Dallas. — Todd Archer
The surprise of the early days: Richie James The leading receiver
Mirage. James leads the Giants in catches with 10, and 110 yards. It’s quite impressive considering James was seemingly on the roster bubble during the summer. James quickly became a favorite quarterback. Daniel Jones. It is hard to imagine this happening throughout the season. Kadarius Toney In Week 2, a greater role was played by rookies. Wan’Dale Robinson Within the next few weeks, (knee), should be back. Robinson’s return will reduce James’ chances, although it won’t completely eliminate him from the rotation. — Jordan Raanan
The surprise of the early days: QB Jalen HurtsThe best play
The verdict is: Real. At the beginning of the season, the big question was whether Hurts would be able to improve his game and make the Eagles legitimate contenders. He has been their best player through two games. The oddsmakers are unanimous in their assessment. Hurts’ MVP odds increased from 14-1 to 8.1 at Caesars Sportsbook after Monday’s defeat by the Vikings. He is now the third favorite. Josh Allen (+325) Patrick Mahomes (+450). Although he may not be at the same level throughout the season, his improved passing makes him more complete and is difficult to defend. Tim McManus
The surprise of the early days: The impact of WR Curtis Samuel
The verdict is: Real. Samuel is now a winner after two games Terry McLaurin They are tied for the team’s lead with 133 receiving yardage. Samuel was obviously a productive player before coming here last year. However, soft tissue injuries meant that Samuel never looked the same. Samuel has looked sharp this summer. His 85 yards after the catch is a testament to his speed. Samuel’s presence eases McLaurin’s pressure, and it also frees up rookies. Jahan DotsonHe now has a record three touchdown catches for the team. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Surprise! Run defense is a concern
The verdict is: Real. Last season, the Bears were in the bottom 11 when it came to defending run. The Bears allowed 379 yards of ground through two games in 2022, with an improved defense. The Bears were able to catch a breath after San Francisco ran its back Elijah Mitchell They were forced to leave Week 1 due to an injury, but were destroyed by the Aaron Jones–AJ Dillon Green Bay tandem, which allowed 5.3 yards per run and 203 rushing yard in Week 2. While many of the problems in Week 2 were due to missed tackles, the Bears still have a few decent (albeit shaky) options.Dameon Pierce) to really good (Saquon Barkley, Dalvin CookThe fact that they will be running back their next three games is worrying. — Courtney Cronin
The surprise of the early days: Three consecutive games have seen the Lions score at least 35 points, dating back to last season
The verdict is: Real. The Lions offense is dynamic and creative with Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator. Quarterback Jared Goff Plenty of big-play opportunities in running back D’Andre SwiftWide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown And DJ Chark Closed end T.J. Hockenson. Detroit led 22-0 after the second quarter of their 36-27 win against Washington. The Lions also scored 35 points in Philadelphia’s season opener. The Lions have now scored at least 35 in three consecutive games, surpassing last year’s 37-point win over Washington. This is the first time the team has done so since a four game stretch in 1952 and 1953. The Lions have no reason to stop scoring points as long as their top players are healthy. Eric Woodyard
Surprise! The special teams have not been terrible
The verdict is: Real. So far, so positive under Rich Bisaccia, the new coordinator. There have been no miscues. No blocked kicks and no touchdown returns against them. New punter Pat O’Donnell It ranks sixth in the NFL’s net average. Amari Rodgers One punt was missed, but he recovered it and there was no injury. He already has a 20 yard punt return, 3 yards short of the Packers’ longest. Rob Demovsky
Surprise! WR Adam ThielenThe goals of the organization have fallen
Mirage. Thielen, the Vikings’ No. Thielen, the Vikings’ No. 2 receiver, had four targets in total. On the fifth, quarterback Kirk Cousins The pass was intercepted. Thielen was able to score six more points Monday as the Vikings attempted to catch up with the Eagles. It seems unlikely that Thielen will continue in such a secondary role. The Vikings will find a way to get Thielen the ball as long as he is healthy. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
The surprise of the early days: Impact of rookie WR Drake London
The verdict is: Real. The Falcons had a plan for No. 8 pick was chosen as a tall receiver with the potential to be a red-zone threat. He could also line up in both the slot and outside. He has gotten all that he needs, catching 13 of 19 targets, for 160 yards and a touchdown. London is assisted by tight end Kyle Pitts His attention is drawn to him by defenses but his rise as an impact player for Falcons could see Pitts get more looks as teams decide what to do in London. — Michael Rothstein
The surprise of the early days: Third down conversion is a problem for the Panthers
The verdict is: Real. The Panthers finished 29th in NFL in third-down conversion rates in 2021 and rank near the bottom with a 6-of-23% conversion rate this season. Their defense is ranked ninth in league rankings and they have managed to average only 55.2 offensive snaps so far. This is why they’ve lost nine straight games (since last season) and have gone 0-2. — David Newton
The surprise of the early days: Manufactured sacks are not sufficient
Mirage. Only one Saints sack has been recorded through two games. That’s tied for 29th place, down from four at the same time last year. With 46 sacks last season, the Saints finished eighth. This group is almost identical personnel-wise. It’s an alarming statistic, but Saints coach Dennis Allen says they weren’t concerned. They were able to contain the Buccaneers well, despite being focused on getting the ball out fast. Allen stated, “The sacks are coming.” Katherine Terrell
Surprise! The defense is on fire
The verdict is: Real. In their first two games, the Bucs allowed only 6.5 points per defense. The average defense score for the Bucs was just 6.5 points per game in their first two games last season, which was 27. They have already had six takeaways this season, which is a point of emphasis. Todd Bowles shows why he deserves to be the head coach again. They will be put to the test over the next two week. Aaron Rodgers And Patrick Mahomes Coming to town. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
The surprise of the early days: The Cardinals are the worst pass defense.
The verdict is: Real. So long as the Cardinals keep the secondary intact — that is, their cornerbacks — the quarterbacks will salivate when the Cardinals take the field against them. There’s more. Byron Murphy JrArizona’s cornerbacks, until they grow up or are replaced, will continue to be liabilities. — Josh Weinfuss
Surprise! Running back is not consistent
The verdict is: Real. We are sorry to fantasy football players who drafted a Rams runningback this year. But it’s difficult to predict Sean McVay’s usage of his backs after just two weeks. In Week 1. Cam Akers Only three carries were made in a blowout defeat. Darrell Henderson Jr. Akers led the way with 47 yards and 13 carries. Akers was the leader in carries against the Falcons. Henderson, however, had 47 yards, and Henderson added 47 yards. The split at the position will continue with no one taking the RB1 job. — Sarah Barshop
Surprise! The 49ers defense ranks among the top five units
The verdict is: Real. The Niners’ defense has allowed only 216 yards against Seattle in Week 2. Through two games, the average is 210 yards (best NFL defense) and 4.08 yards/play (second). While the quality of the opposing offenses will increase in the near future and the Niners defense has the potential to be even more effective, once safety is restored, it’s possible that the Niners defense could still be as good as ever. Jimmie Ward A hamstring injury is not a reason for concern. If DeMeco Ryans is healthy, don’t be surprised to see his team among the top in the league. — Nick Wagoner
0:48
Rex Ryan talks with Jimmy Garoppolo, the 49ers’ quarterback, about their potential after Trey Lance’s injuries.
The surprise of the early days: For six consecutive quarters, Seattle’s offense was shut out
Mirage. Sunday’s loss to 49ers was the Seahawks’ sole point. They scored on a blocked field goal which they returned for touchdown. This means that their offense has been completely shut down since their first quarter. No one expected them to be the Greatest Show on Turf. Geno Smith replacing Russell Wilson at quarterback. Smith is still capable, despite his limitations. Smith also has strong teammates. While Seattle’s impressive first half against Denver won’t be the norm for the team, they have enough talent to make it better than they’ve been in the past. — Brady Henderson
AFC EAST
Surprise! Winning games in dominating, blowout fashion
The verdict is: Real. Unexpected was the Bills’ decisive victories, which have a combined point differential 55 (72-17). The defense tied for the league lead (seven) and quarterback Josh Allen This is his best ever football performance. He has four games in a row with at least 85 QBR including the playoffs. There are many things to improve upon. They can keep it up. It is not possible to keep this up over the course of a season. But, their ability to win in this manner with improvements can only be described as a testament to how talented this team can be. — Alaina Getzenberg
1:12
Stefon diggs describes how the Bills are more confident this season after losing to the Chiefs in AFC divisional round.
The arly surprise: The Dolphins’ passing attack is the best in league
The verdict is: Real. Tua Tagovailoa Although the Dolphins may not be the NFL’s top passer this season, their ability to move the ball through air is unquestioned. Receivers Tyreek Hill And Jaylen Waddle Each will end the year with over 1,000 yards receiving, if they remain healthy. Tagovailoa demonstrated in Week 2 that he can lead this Mike McDaniel-led offense. South Florida is experiencing a new day. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Surprise! Production is limited when production ends are tight Jonnu Smith Three catches and Hunter Henry (two)
Mirage. They will get more involved than before. The Week 2 win against the Steelers was played with mainly three receiver packages. This is a unique game-plan twist. As they demonstrated in the season opener of the Patriots’ season, they have devised plays to get Smith the ball. It’s only a matter now that they dial them up. Henry was able to receive 50 receptions last season so his production should increase. — Mike Reiss
The surprise of the early days: Average passing yards for the Jets is 303 per game
Mirage. The Jets will not transform into The Greatest Show on Turf. Joe Flacco They have 606 yards of passing in two games, which is the most by a Jets quarterback since Chad Pennington opened in 2006. However, this is not who they are. They are committed to a balanced offense and will return to that philosophy. Zach Wilson (knee), returns in a couple of games. His injury history would make it foolish to allow him to be exposed to so many dropbacks. Although Flacco’s Sunday comeback was great, it’s not possible to live that way for the long-term. — Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
The surprise of the early days: Ravens are the NFL’s worst pass-defense team
Mirage. After finishing last in pass defense last season, the Ravens have allowed 758 yards of passing this season. This is a worrying trend. Baltimore hasn’t played a full match with its two top cornerbacks because of injuries. With rookie defensive backs, there have been many learning curves. Kyle Hamilton, Jalyn Armour-Davis And Damarion Williams. If Marlon Humphrey (groin). Marcus Peters If the knees (knees) are healthier, quarterbacks will have problems with the Ravens. Two big tests are ahead of October: Josh Allen And Joe Burrow. — Jamison Hensley
2:21
Stephen A. Smith discusses why the Ravens’ defense is a “disgrace” to the team’s legacy.
The surprise of the early days: The Bengals have not scored any first-half touchdowns
The verdict is: Real. This troubling trend is not limited to 2022, and it is very concerning for the Bengals. Cincinnati was unable to score any first-half touchdowns in its last three postseason games, which included Super Bowl LVI. The Bengals were able overcome that offensive problem for a very short time, and almost won a title despite this fact. It’s nearly impossible to win with that problem over the course of a 17 game season. Cincinnati recognizes this problem is serious and could be out of the playoff race by November if it’s not addressed quickly. — Ben Baby
Surprise! Fourth-quarter defensive collapses
The verdict is: Real. Pro Bowlers headline Myles Garrett And Denzel WardThe Browns are a talented team that can boast an elite defense. The defense has given up 34 points in the last two quarters of games and is a complete disaster. The primary problem has been defensive errors in what was supposed be an intimidating secondary, but defense has been sloppy across the board. Consider how Cleveland was lit up by the QB in these fourth quarters.Baker MayfieldIt discarded the offseason and the backup of a 37-year old (Joe FlaccoThis troubling trend is difficult to call a mirage. Jake Trotter
The surprise of the early days: The run game was quiet
The verdict is: Real. Two games in, the Steelers average 3.8 yards per carries — exactly where they were in 2021. Although the new offensive line does a decent job in pass defense, it doesn’t always work well in the running game. Foot injury slows down the offense. Najee Harris He averages just 2.9 yards per carries with 72 yards in his two games. The Steelers must open up their passing game for the run to be successful. Harris and the offensive lines need to agree on this. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
The surprise of the early days: The defense has performed well
The verdict is: Real. After facing two exceptional quarterbacks in Colts’ games, the Texans’ defense holds opposing offenses down to 18 points per contest. Matt Ryan The Broncos and their website Russell Wilson. The Texans’ defense in pivotal areas is strong and this should continue. They have held quarterbacks to a fifth-best completion percentage of 56%, which is the best in the NFL. Their passer rating was 76.7, which is seventh best. They are converting just 33% of third downs in their defense against the Texans, which is eighth. Additionally, they have the fourth-best red line defense, allowing touchdowns only 28%. — DJ Bien Aime
Surprise! Insufficient take-aways
The verdict is: Real. Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme stressed turnovers more than anything else. The Colts are less likely to take the ball away now that Eberflus coaches them. They have only had one turnover in their two games. The absence of a linebacker Shaquille LeonardThrough the first two weeks, turnover-causing machines like, have been a major factor. The Colts’ disappointing pass rush hasn’t resulted in enough rushed decisions by quarterbacks. However, deemphasizing the turnovers might come at a steep price. — Stephen Holder
Surprise! The Jaguars are causing a lot of turnovers
The verdict is: Real. Sixteen have been forced by the Jaguars in just two games, one shy of the NFL record of seven by the Rams. This includes three interceptions by Colts QB. Matt Ryan. They have already intercepted five passes, a league record. Last season they had seven interceptions and nine total turnovers. Most notable difference to last season is the increased pressure on quarterbacks, particularly from edge players. Josh Allen (two sacks, FFF) Travon Walker (one sack, INT). Pressure was the cause of all five Jaguars’ interceptions. — Michael DiRocco
The surprise of the early days: Porous run defense
Mirage. In the season opener against Giants, the Titans allowed 238 yards of rushing before giving way to the Bills for 101. Tennessee is a strong run-stopper, as evidenced by its No. Last year, Tennessee ranked 2 in total rushing yards allowed (1 438 yards). The loss of an outside linebacker Harold Landry The Titans will suffer, but they have depth in the position. Bud Dupree, Ola Adeniyi And Rashad Weaver They should perform better than their Week 1 performance. The Giants’ opening offense, which saw them “setting the edge and creating a wall to swarm to the football”, should allow them to stop rushing attacks from goinguging them. Turron Davidnport
AFC WEST
The surprise of the early days: A (historical) heap of penalties
The verdict is: Real. This problem is real until the Broncos prove it to be not. In two games they accepted 25 penalties totaling 206 yards. They also had four delay-of-game penalties, two on field goal attempts and one on the opponent’s 6-yard line. Six false start penalties. Even though it is only two games, the Broncos look disorganized and disoriented. Most of their errors aren’t hustle plays or the type in which a player is trying to keep the quarterback safe. The AFC’s heavyweights could make them pay for their lack of discipline on the field. — Jeff Legwold
The surprise of the early days: The run defense is better
The verdict is: Real. After allowing nearly a yard per carry last year, the Chiefs allow 3.9 yards per rush attempt. But Nick Bolton And Willie Gay The Chiefs are getting better play from their linebackers than ever before. As a unit, they are faster and can chase down plays that were out of their reach before. — Adam Teicher
The surprise of the early days: The shortage of sacks
Mirage. The Mirage isn’t just a huge resort on Las Vegas Strip; it also represents Raiders high-salary bookend edge rushingers, getting only one sack through the two Raiders games. You can be sure Chandler Jones ($52.5million, three-year contract with no agent fees) Maxx Crosby This extension ($99 million) will be untracked. Both their histories are similar. Jones has 107.5 career tackles, while Crosby averaged nearly 8.5 in each of his three first seasons. As everyone knows, sacks can come in a lot, and the Raiders’ pass surge will soon be like the Mirage’s dormant volcano. Right? — Paul Gutierrez
The surprise of the early days: Allowing 23 points per match
Mirage. Over the offseason, the Chargers invested heavily in their defense and added pass-rusher Khalil MackCornerback J.C. Jackson and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day. Those standouts join edge rusher Joey Bosa Safety star Derwin James Jr. The defense has kept opponents under pressure by interception of three passes, forcing three fumbles, and recording seven quarterback sacks. Expect that points-allowed-per-game average to drop from its current mark, which is tied for 21st in the NFL, and establish the Chargers among the best defenses in the league. — Lindsey Thiry