On Football delves into the latest developments in the NFL on a weekly basis. This past week was challenging for several top NFL teams in 2023. The 49ers struggled against the Vikings on the road, the Cowboys were defeated by the Saints at home, the Ravens lost their lead to the Raiders, and the Lions fell to the Buccaneers at home.
The new NFL season presents unique challenges, regardless of last year’s records. Not even Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs were exempt from struggles. They narrowly secured a victory against the Bengals with a last-second 51-yard field goal by Harrison Butker following a defensive pass interference call.
In a surprising outcome, the Houston Texans had to make a defensive stand in the final minutes to defeat the Bears 19-13. Las Vegas, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans were the three biggest underdogs in Week 2, defying expectations set by BetMGM Sportsbook.
Gardner Minshew led the Raiders to a comeback victory against the Ravens, who now face their first 0-2 start since 2015. Of teams that have begun 0-2 since the NFL expanded to 14 playoff spots, only two have made the postseason. The Cowboys, who had a 16-game regular-season home winning streak, were defeated by the Saints.
The Buccaneers managed to secure a win against the Lions despite missing key players, with backup players stepping up, although costly decisions by Lions coach Dan Campbell hindered their chances. The 49ers fell short against the Vikings, while the Rams suffered a significant loss against the Cardinals.
Various NFL teams are facing challenges and setbacks early in the season, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league. Coaches aim to regroup and move forward as the season progresses.