• NFL Week 2 winners and losers highlight the thrilling highs and lows of the 2025 season, with standout performances and costly mistakes shaping the week.
• The Lions’ offense exploded, while the Giants’ discipline faltered, and the Bengals won but lost Joe Burrow to injury.
• Lamar Jackson and Brandon Aubrey shone brightly, but Justin Fields and Joe Flacco struggled under pressure.
• Discover who’s trending up or down as the 2025 NFL season heats up.

A Rollercoaster Week 2 in the NFL

As a football fan who’s spent Sundays cheering with friends at local sports bars, Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season was a wild ride. 

From epic battles between former No. 1 picks to jaw-dropping plays and costly errors, the NFL Week 2 winners and losers tell a story of triumph and turmoil. 

Matchups like Matthew Stafford vs. Cam Ward and Jared Goff vs. Caleb Williams had fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s my take on who soared, who stumbled, and what’s next.

Winners: Who Stood Out

Detroit Lions Offense

After a rough Week 1 loss to the Packers, the Lions unleashed a ferocious attack against the Bears, racking up 511 yards and 52 points. 

Jared Goff was nearly perfect, going 23 of 28 for five touchdowns, including three to Amon-Ra St. Brown and a deep ball to Jameson Williams. 

With seven plays over 20 yards and 8.8 yards per play, Detroit’s offense was like a racecar hitting top speed, roaring back into form.

Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson shook off a Week 1 loss to the Bills with a stellar showing against the Browns, completing 19 of 29 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns. 

Despite Derrick Henry’s quiet day (11 carries, 23 yards), Jackson spread the ball to Devontez Walker (two scores), DeAndre Hopkins, Tylan Wallace, and Zay Flowers (7 catches, 75 yards). 

His command was like a quarterback conducting a symphony, lifting the Ravens to a win.

Read also: Cowboys vs. Eagles Week 1 Winners and Losers: Standouts and Struggles

Brandon Aubrey

Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was clutch in a thrilling win over the Giants, going 4-for-4 on extra points and field goals. 

His 64-yard field goal to force overtime—the longest in NFL history for that purpose—and a 46-yarder to win it were game-defining. 

Aubrey’s accuracy is like a sniper’s precision, making him a standout among NFL Week 2 winners and losers.

Losers: Who Fell Short

Brian Daboll and the Giants

The Giants’ 0-2 start is a disaster for coach Brian Daboll, whose team racked up 14 penalties in a chaotic loss to the Cowboys. 

They squandered multiple leads, including a three-point edge with 27 seconds left. It’s like watching a team unravel at the seams—sloppy and costly. With the Chiefs and Chargers up next, Daboll’s job could be in jeopardy.

Kaleb Johnson

Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson made a costly error, letting a fourth-quarter kickoff slip through his hands without recovering it. 

The Seahawks scored a touchdown, turning a three-point game into a 10-point deficit. It’s a rookie mistake that stings like a fumble in a pickup game.

Justin Fields

Justin Fields’ second start with the Jets was a nightmare, completing just 3 of 11 passes for 27 yards (39.6 passer rating). 

The Bills outscored his passing yardage (30 points to 27 yards), and the Jets’ offense stalled, going 0-for-7 on third downs early. Fields looked like a quarterback stuck in mud, raising doubts about his fit in New York.

Joe Flacco

At 40, Joe Flacco’s role as the Browns’ starter is inspiring, but his 199 yards on 45 attempts (4.4 yards per pass) against the Ravens was underwhelming. 

Cleveland’s offense averaged just 13.5 points per game in his two starts. With rookie Dillon Gabriel showing late promise, Flacco’s job may be on thin ice.

Winner and Loser: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are a mixed bag in the NFL Week 2 winners and losers. Their 2-0 record, fueled by a dramatic comeback against the Jaguars, saw backup Jake Browning step up and Ja’Marr Chase explode for 14 catches, 165 yards, and a touchdown. 

Tee Higgins also scored. But Joe Burrow’s first-half toe injury casts a shadow. Without clarity on his return, Cincinnati’s victory feels bittersweet.

Why This Matters for the 2025 Season

Week 2 showcased the NFL’s unpredictability—stars like Lamar Jackson can turn the tide, while teams like the Giants can implode. 

As a fan, I’ve lived through seasons defined by moments like these, like the Eagles’ gritty 2017 Super Bowl run. These early games set the stage, with teams like the Lions and Bengals showing playoff potential and others like the Giants and Jets facing tough roads ahead.

Looking Ahead: Who’s Next?

Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season was a thrilling reminder of why I love this game—full of heart-pounding moments and costly mistakes. Will the Lions keep their offensive fireworks alive? 

Can the Giants find discipline before facing powerhouses like the Chiefs? And how will the Bengals navigate Burrow’s injury? As a lifelong fan, I know the NFL is a long journey, and the NFL Week 2 winners and losers set the tone for what’s to come. Who’s your pick to shine in Week 3?

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.