NFL Week 2 Picks 2026: Predictions and Winners for Every Game
NFL Week 2 picks 2026 cover all 16 games, from the Lions at Bills on Thursday night to the Giants at Rams on Monday, with a straight up winner for each one and the reason behind it.
Week 1 gave us a Super Bowl rematch decided by three interceptions, a 59 point Bears explosion, an overtime escape in Detroit and a rookie quarterback beating Dallas in prime time, and all of that shapes the calls below.
Every pick is based on what we saw in Week 1, the current injury picture and the matchup on the field. Full kickoff times and TV are in the NFL Week 2 schedule, and you can track your own calls on the printable Week 2 pick’em sheet.
These are fan predictions for entertainment and discussion. We will add results under each game as they finish.
Thursday, September 17
Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills, 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Two teams that both survived Week 1 scares. Buffalo trailed Houston late before Josh Allen led a 96 yard drive and hit Josh Palmer for the winning touchdown with 1:36 left in a 36 to 31 win. Detroit blew a 21 to 0 lead against New Orleans and needed an Amon-Ra St. Brown overtime touchdown to escape 31 to 30.
The problem for Detroit is the secondary. Safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are both on the PUP list, and the Lions gave up nearly 200 receiving yards to Chris Olave last week. Now they face Allen, DJ Moore (100 yards and a touchdown in his Bills debut) and an offense already in rhythm.
Jahmyr Gibbs (29 carries, 156 yards, two touchdowns) keeps Detroit in it, but a short week on the road against this passing attack is a tough ask.
✅ Pick: Bills
Sunday, September 20: Early Games (1:00 p.m. ET)
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (FOX)
Carolina allowed 552 yards and 59 points to Chicago, not what you expect after adding Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips to the defense. Atlanta lost 20 to 13 to Pittsburgh, but that was mostly a Cooper Rush problem rather than a Bijan Robinson problem.
Robinson had 173 scrimmage yards and should have a big day against the defense we just watched. Right guard Chris Lindstrom is in the concussion protocol.
Pick: Falcons
New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens (CBS)
Baltimore looked like the best team in the league on Sunday. Lamar Jackson went 17 of 22 for 324 yards, Derrick Henry ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns, and the Ravens beat Indianapolis 41 to 23. The worry is the receiver room: Zay Flowers aggravated his hamstring after 150 yards and Ja’Kobi Lane broke his wrist.
Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns in the Saints comeback at Detroit, but this defense gave up 21 straight first half points last week. Henry and Jackson at home is too much.
Pick: Ravens
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears (FOX)
The best early game on the slate. Caleb Williams set a Bears record with 200 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 50 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the same game, and both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai topped 100 yards on the ground in a 59 to 37 win.
Minnesota beat Green Bay 39 to 22 behind a Brian Flores defense that blitzed on 78.3 percent of second half snaps, but Kyler Murray left in the first quarter with a concussion and Carson Wentz finished the game. If Murray is out, Chicago at home gets the edge. If he clears, it is close to a coin flip. We lean Bears either way because of how the offense looked.
Pick: Bears
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans (CBS)
Cincinnati’s rebuilt defense forced four turnovers in Tampa, including a Demetrius Knight Jr. pick six, and Joe Burrow ran the new offense cleanly in a 33 to 27 win. Houston lost a heartbreaker to Buffalo but scored 31 points and got three touchdowns from David Montgomery.
Expect points. The Bengals get the nod because their defense finally looks like it can win a game on its own, and Burrow with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase in a dome is hard to stop.
Pick: Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (CBS)
T.J. Watt returned a pick six and he and Alex Highsmith each had two sacks in Pittsburgh’s 20 to 13 win over Atlanta. That pass rush now travels to Foxborough to face Drake Maye, who threw three fourth quarter interceptions in the 13 to 10 loss at Seattle, including a jump ball into the end zone that ended the game. A.J. Brown also left that game with an ankle injury.
New England is better than Wednesday showed, but a turnover prone quarterback against this Steelers front is a bad combination.
Pick: Steelers
Green Bay Packers at New York Jets (FOX)
Green Bay’s collapse in Minnesota, with a Jordan Love fumble and a late interception turning a likely win into a 39 to 22 loss, was ugly. The Jets got error free football from Geno Smith and 142 rushing yards from Breece Hall and Braelon Allen in a 23 to 10 win at Tennessee.
But New York lost Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) after the first quarter and Omar Cooper Jr. has a feared high ankle sprain. The Jets defense is not built like Minnesota’s. Packers bounce back.
Pick: Packers
Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (CBS)
Deshaun Watson’s season debut went badly: an early interception, five sacks allowed and a 34 to 10 loss in Jacksonville. Running back Dylan Sampson also hurt his knee. Tampa Bay lost at home to Cincinnati, but Baker Mayfield’s three fumbles were the whole story.
Clean that up and the Buccaneers offense is fine. Tampa at home against an offense that could not sustain drives is one of the safer picks of the day.
Pick: Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans (FOX)
Philadelphia held Washington under 300 yards in a 24 to 22 win, the 19th time since 2024 the Eagles defense has done that. Saquon Barkley’s 42 yard run and Dallas Goedert’s 43 yard touchdown were the difference.
Tennessee’s Cam Ward was pressured on 41 percent of his dropbacks and sacked three times by the Jets. The Eagles front should do the same or worse. This is a mismatch.
Pick: Eagles
Sunday, September 20: Late Games (4:05 and 4:25 p.m. ET)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
Jacksonville looked every bit the defending AFC South champion in a 34 to 10 rout of Cleveland. Trevor Lawrence was sharp from the first drive, and Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker combined for three of five sacks.
Denver opens at Kansas City on Monday night, so both teams are on a short turnaround. What we know is Denver went 11 and 2 in one score games last season and plays at altitude. This is the toughest call on the board, and we will revisit it after Monday night.
Pick: Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
Ashton Jeanty had 147 scrimmage yards and two receiving touchdowns on 29 touches as Las Vegas beat Miami 27 to 13 in Klint Kubiak’s first game as head coach. The Chargers lost 26 to 14 in Arizona and Justin Herbert never connected downfield.
Ladd McConkey (chest) and Elijah Molden (hamstring) both left that game, so check the Friday report. Even so, the Chargers at home with a full week to fix the passing game should have too much for the Raiders defense.
Pick: Chargers
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Seattle beat New England 13 to 10 on the strength of its defense, but Sam Darnold left on the opening drive with a hip injury and is expected to miss this game. Drew Lock (16 of 22, 187 yards, a 45 yard touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba) starts.
Arizona was the surprise of Week 1: Jacoby Brissett went 27 of 37 for 277 yards, the offense stayed balanced with 34 runs and 37 passes, and a fourth quarter blocked punt sealed Mike LaFleur’s first win as head coach. The Seahawks defense keeps it close, but a backup quarterback on the road against a confident Cardinals team is our upset of the week.
Pick: Cardinals
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Both teams are 0 and 1 and both need this one. Jayden Daniels started 6 of 16 in Philadelphia before a better second half, and Washington lost Chig Okonkwo, Frankie Luvu and Tyler Owens to injuries during the game.
Dallas managed under 200 yards deep into the fourth quarter against the Giants, with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens each dropping passes that mattered. It is a home game for the Cowboys and the Commanders injury list is longer. Dallas in a close one.
Pick: Cowboys
Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
San Francisco dominated the Rams 27 to 7 in Melbourne. Brock Purdy threw three touchdowns, the 49ers won total yards 379 to 290 and converted 7 of 12 third downs. Miami is in year one of a rebuild: Malik Willis was sacked five times by the Raiders and the offense managed 13 points. The trip back from Australia is the only reason to hesitate, but the talent gap is wide.
Pick: 49ers
Sunday Night Football
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
Jonathan Taylor had 121 yards and two touchdowns, but the Colts got little else in a 41 to 23 loss at Baltimore. Kansas City opens against Denver on Monday night and then hosts this game on a short week. The Chiefs went 1 and 9 in one score games last season, which keeps this interesting, but Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead at night against a defense that just gave up 41 is the pick.
Pick: Chiefs
Monday Night Football
New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN
Jaxson Dart was the story of Week 1: 23 of 29 for 230 yards, three touchdowns and 54 rushing yards in a 28 to 20 win over Dallas in John Harbaugh’s first game as Giants head coach. Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo were both back from injury and productive.
The Rams were flat in Australia, with Matthew Stafford going 15 of 25 for 155 yards and an interception and Myles Garrett recording no stats in his Rams debut after a week of limited practice with knee swelling.
Los Angeles arrived only 28 hours before that game. With a normal week at home, we expect a much better Rams team, and a prime time road start is a different test for Dart.
Pick: Rams
NFL Week 2 Picks 2026: Quick Recap
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sep 17 | Lions at Bills | 8:15 PM | Prime Video | Bills |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Panthers at Falcons | 1:00 PM | FOX | Falcons |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Saints at Ravens | 1:00 PM | CBS | Ravens |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Vikings at Bears | 1:00 PM | FOX | Bears |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Bengals at Texans | 1:00 PM | CBS | Bengals |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Steelers at Patriots | 1:00 PM | CBS | Steelers |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Packers at Jets | 1:00 PM | FOX | Packers |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Browns at Buccaneers | 1:00 PM | CBS | Buccaneers |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Eagles at Titans | 1:00 PM | FOX | Eagles |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Jaguars at Broncos | 4:05 PM | CBS | Broncos |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Raiders at Chargers | 4:05 PM | CBS | Chargers |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Seahawks at Cardinals | 4:25 PM | FOX | Cardinals |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Commanders at Cowboys | 4:25 PM | FOX | Cowboys |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Dolphins at 49ers | 4:25 PM | FOX | 49ers |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Colts at Chiefs (SNF) | 8:20 PM | NBC | Chiefs |
| Mon, Sep 21 | Giants at Rams (MNF) | 8:15 PM | ESPN | Rams |
Home teams: 11. Road teams: 5. Upset pick of the week: Cardinals over Seahawks.
Running a pool? Print the free NFL Week 2 pick’em sheet. For venues and streaming options see the NFL Week 2 Schedule 2026, and check NFL bye weeks for the rest of the season. There are no byes in Week 2.
Week 2 Injuries That Shape the Picks
- Out or expected out: Sam Darnold (SEA, hip, Drew Lock starts), Ja’Kobi Lane (BAL, wrist, several weeks), Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch (DET, PUP), Micah Parsons (GB, PUP, at least four games), Isiah Pacheco (DET, IR).
- Concussion protocol: Kyler Murray (MIN), Chris Lindstrom (ATL).
- Left Week 1 game, status pending: Zay Flowers (BAL, hamstring), A.J. Brown (NE, ankle), Ladd McConkey (LAC, chest), Elijah Molden (LAC, hamstring), Minkah Fitzpatrick (NYJ, groin), Omar Cooper Jr. (NYJ, ankle), Chig Okonkwo, Frankie Luvu and Tyler Owens (WAS), DeMarvion Overshown (DAL, hamstring), Malik Hooker (DAL, forearm), Dylan Sampson (CLE, knee), T.J. Tampa (BAL, knee), Da’Shawn Hand (ATL, knee).
Injury statuses are current as of Monday, September 14 and will change with the final Friday reports.
Most Watchable Games of Week 2
- Vikings at Bears: Caleb Williams after a 59 point game against the most aggressive blitzing defense in football.
- Lions at Bills (TNF): Two teams that both scored 31 or more in Week 1, one of them missing both starting safeties.
- Giants at Rams (MNF): Jaxson Dart’s first prime time road start against a Rams team that badly needs a response.
- Colts at Chiefs (SNF): Kansas City’s home opener, three days after hosting Denver.
- Seahawks at Cardinals: Drew Lock against the surprise team of Week 1.
FAQs about NFL Week 2 Picks 2026
What are the NFL Week 2 picks for 2026?
Our straight up winners are the Bills, Falcons, Ravens, Bears, Bengals, Steelers, Packers, Buccaneers, Eagles, Broncos, Chargers, Cardinals, Cowboys, 49ers, Chiefs and Rams.
When does NFL Week 2 start in 2026?
Week 2 starts Thursday, September 17 with the Lions at Bills at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video and ends Monday, September 21 with the Giants at Rams on ESPN.
How many games are in NFL Week 2?
Sixteen. There are no bye weeks in Week 2, so all 32 teams play.
Is Sam Darnold playing in Week 2?
No. Darnold is expected to miss the Seahawks game at Arizona with a hip injury and Drew Lock is set to start. The team said the hip is intact and the issue is muscular.
Is Kyler Murray playing in Week 2?
Murray left the Vikings Week 1 win with a concussion and is in the protocol. His status for the Bears game depends on clearing the protocol during the week. Carson Wentz would start if he does not.
What is the upset pick for NFL Week 2?
Cardinals over Seahawks. Arizona beat the Chargers by 12 in Week 1 and Seattle will start a backup quarterback on the road.
Which Week 2 game is on Sunday Night Football?
Colts at Chiefs, Sunday, September 20 at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Can fans stream Week 2 games without cable?
Yes. Prime Video has Thursday night, Peacock carries the NBC game, Paramount+ carries CBS, FOX One carries FOX and ESPN Unlimited carries Monday Night Football. NFL+ streams every game on phones and tablets.
NFL Week 2 picks 2026 lean on the Bills, Ravens, Eagles and 49ers as the calls we feel best about, with the Cardinals as our upset. The two games to watch closest before kickoff are Vikings at Bears (Kyler Murray’s status) and Jaguars at Broncos (Denver has not played yet).
Our Week 1 picks went 11 and 4 with Monday night still to play. We will update this page with results as each game finishes.
