In a shocking turn of events, the heavily favored Cincinnati Bengals suffered a loss to the New England Patriots in the opening week of the 2024 NFL regular season. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins staged impressive comebacks, adding an element of surprise to an already action-packed week.
As we look ahead to Week 2, the schedule may not feature as many marquee matchups, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see some major twists unfold on the field.
In an exclusive feature, USA TODAY Sports presents bold predictions for Week 2 in the NFL:
Despite a less-than-stellar debut with the Chicago Bears, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams managed to lead his team to victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. However, his performance left much to be desired, as he struggled to find his rhythm in the passing game. Facing off against the Houston Texans on “Sunday Night Football,” Williams will face a tough challenge.
The Texans defense showed promise in Week 1, limiting the Indianapolis Colts to 27 points and stifling their run game. While Williams may have some success on the ground, he will face a formidable opponent in Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who is known for his defensive prowess. Expect Williams to face pressure and struggle to find his footing in the passing game, resulting in a scoreless outing for the rookie.
Moving on to the San Francisco 49ers, star running back Christian McCaffrey is set to sit out due to calf and Achilles injuries. In his absence, backup running back Mason will once again step up to the plate and showcase his talent. After a standout performance in Week 1, where he rushed for over 100 yards, Mason will look to make a statement against the Minnesota Vikings.
With a solid offensive line paving the way, Mason will have ample opportunities to shine in Shanahan’s run-heavy game plan. Expect Mason to break free for big gains and showcase his speed and agility against a Vikings defense that may struggle to contain him. Look for Mason to replicate his success from Week 1 and establish himself as a reliable option for the 49ers moving forward.
As we gear up for another thrilling week of NFL action, keep an eye out for these bold predictions to come to fruition on the gridiron. Stay tuned for more unexpected twists and turns as the 2024 NFL season unfolds.
