NFL Storylines From Week 2

September 16, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

The NFL season is underway and there are lots of surprises so far. The Vikings, Saints, and Steelers have gotten off to great starts while the Panthers, Bengals, and Giants are off to slow starts once again. Here are some storylines to follow as we head into week three. 

McCaffrey, Tagovailoa, Love Dealing with Injuries

Christian McCaffrey is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL but he has yet to see the field this season. And fans will have to wait another few weeks as he was placed on injured reserve last week. Tagovailoa is once again answering concussion questions after getting injured against the Bills last Thursday. It is unknown how much time he will miss at the moment but many pundits are calling for him to retire. And Jordan Love, who was thought to have suffered a season ending injury, got good news last week when he was diagnosed with a less significant injury. He is week-to-week but expect him to be back around week five or six. 

Saints Offense is Explosive, Darnold Leading Vikings

The New Orleans Saints offense got a new play caller this season in Klint Kubiak and it has paid off already. Derek Carr has been slinging the ball around to Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave while Alvin Kamara has looked like his past self. The Saints will be contending with the Falcons and Buccaneers for the NFC South crown. When J.J. McCarthy went down with a season ending injury in the preseason, the Vikings were immediately written off. However, they won their first two games against the Giants and 49ers and Sam Darnold has played well. Injuries could slow down this Vikings team but so far so good in Minneapolis. 

Panthers Bench Bryce Young 

The Carolina Panthers have benched the 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. The Panthers have looked atrocious ever since trading for Young and the time has come for a change. Young threw for just 84 yards in their 26-3 loss to the Chargers and added an interception. Maybe Dalton can turn this team around with his veteran experience but for now the Panthers are the favorites for the No. 1 pick next April. 

So far the NFL season has had some exciting games and unbelievable plays. Week two comes to a close tonight with the Falcons traveling to Philadelphia to take on Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. Check back later today for our pick on that game.