NFL Nation
Multiple Authors
Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season marked a return to defensive dominance one week after record scoring numbers. This season, NFL defenses have a 35% pressure percentage (the highest through two weeks since ESPN began tracking pressures in 2009) and a 25% pass rush win rate (highest since 2017).
How is this impacting quarterbacks around the league? In our Power Rankings ahead of Week 3, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to name the one thing we’ve learned so far from each team’s QB situation. Which quarterbacks are handling the pressure? How are teams such as the Giants, Bears, Commanders, Seahawks and Vikings dealing with early injuries to their QB1s?
To form the list, our power panel of more than a dozen NFL analysts evaluates how all 32 teams stack up against one another, ranking them from No. 1 to 32. And here are a few highlights from this week’s rankings:
The 49ers climbed into the top three, led by a near-perfect two weeks from quarterback Brock Purdy. He became the fifth QB in NFL history to record multiple games with 90% completion percentage, per ESPN Research. And San Francisco gets to stay at home for two more weeks, starting with the Cardinals this Sunday.
The Chargers are down to No. 22 after falling to 0-2. According to ESPN Research, they are the second team in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to be favored by at least 6.5 points in each of their first two games and lose both. The Raiders, who most recently beat the Chargers, are at No. 20 and are 2-0 for the first time since 2021.
Meanwhile, the Falcons and Dolphins are squarely at the bottom of the rankings. The Dolphins are the only team to not lead at any point this season, and ESPN’s Football Power Index already gives them a 43% chance at the No. 1 pick. Atlanta is hoping to rebound with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. back in the fold from ACL surgery.
Let’s get into the full list, starting with the same No. 1 team as last week.
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 2 result: Beat the Lions 41-31
Week 2 ranking: 1
One thing we know about the QB1: Josh Allen is going to make defenses pay either way.
Allen has kept his eyes downfield through two games, averaging a career-best 9.7 yards per attempt on his deepest average depth of target (10.5) since 2018, his rookie season. That has led to three touchdowns on throws of 20-plus air yards. But Allen is just as dangerous when defenses bail out to protect against the deep ball. Of his 92 rushing yards on 20 carries this season, 70 have come on six scramble plays. — Nick Suss
Week 2 result: Beat the Cardinals 31-7
Week 2 ranking: 2
One thing we know about the QB1: Drew Lock is one of the NFL’s best backup QBs.
He’s not the same player who turned the ball over 25 times in 24 games over his first three seasons in Denver. Or the one who couldn’t beat out Geno Smith after a trade to Seattle in 2022. Lock has gotten plenty of help from receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Seattle’s defense, but he has also played like a starter. Since stepping in for an injured Sam Darnold one series into the season opener, Lock has completed almost 73% of his passes, with four touchdowns, zero turnovers and only two sacks. His Total QBR of 86.4 ranks fourth. — Brady Henderson
Week 2 result: Beat the Dolphins 35-13
Week 2 ranking: 5
One thing we know about the QB1: Brock Purdy looks poised for his best season.
Purdy has been one of the league’s most productive quarterbacks since taking over the starting job in 2022. Now in his fifth season, he’s completely comfortable in coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense and is coming off his best training camp. That hot start has teammates such as linebacker Fred Warner openly wondering whether Purdy can compete for league MVP honors. Through two weeks, Purdy is atop the league in QBR (94.9) despite a supporting cast that has already been thinned by injury. If he stays healthy, there’s reason to believe Purdy will post his best year yet. — Nick Wagoner
Week 2 result: Beat the Colts 33-30 (OT)
Week 2 ranking: 8
One thing we know about the QB1: Patrick Mahomes can deal from under center.
With the addition of running back Kenneth Walker III, Mahomes has shown that he can be surgical when passing from under center, especially on play-action passes. On under-center plays, Mahomes threw a touchdown against the Colts and has already recorded 107 passing yards. It’s one of the biggest changes from last season, when the clear majority of the Chiefs’ snaps with Mahomes were in the shotgun — 80.6% of their formations (excluding quarterback kneel-downs), third most in the league. — Nate Taylor
Week 2 result: Beat the Giants 28-6
Week 2 ranking: 4
One thing we know about the QB1: Matthew Stafford is still capable of playing at an MVP level.
Stafford and the Rams’ offense struggled in the season opener, but wide receiver Davante Adams said the team’s Week 2 offensive performance was closer to what the group expects to look like this season. On Monday night against the Giants, Stafford, the reigning MVP, completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards with four touchdown passes and an interception. He had that success without wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is dealing with soreness in his groin. — Sarah Barshop
Week 2 result: Beat the Titans 24-20
Week 2 ranking: 6
One thing we know about the QB1: Jalen Hurts is carrying this team.
The thought heading into the season was Hurts and the passing offense would need time to acclimate to coordinator Sean Mannion’s system, meaning the Eagles would have to rely on their defense and ground game early. The defense did not dominate as expected against Washington and Tennessee, while the running game has been spotty behind an offensive line still trying to find its footing. Meanwhile, Hurts led the team to a Week 1 win with three touchdowns and another victory Sunday via a go-ahead touchdown drive in the closing seconds. He is tied for second in touchdown passes (five) and ahead of schedule in this new scheme. — Tim McManus
Week 2 result: Lost to the Saints 24-17
Week 2 ranking: 3
One thing we know about the QB1: Lamar Jackson is facing a lot of pressure.
Baltimore’s revamped offensive line has struggled in protection. The Ravens’ two lowest pass block win rates with Jackson as the starting QB have come in the first two weeks this season. Baltimore had a 38% pass block win rate at the Colts in Week 1 and a 33% win rate in Week 2. Jackson and the Ravens should have a more favorable matchup this week against the Cowboys, who have two sacks this season. — Jamison Hensley
2:00
How Lamar became a QB who doesn’t just scramble to run but scrambles to throw
Week 2 result: Beat the Jaguars 20-13
Week 2 ranking: 9
One thing we know about the QB1: Bo Nix might not be all that fond of September.
Whether it’s an issue with his mechanics or rushing into plays, Nix is caught up in the Broncos’ propensity for slow starts under coach Sean Payton. In his first two seasons, Nix has thrown eight of his 23 interceptions in September — including three games with at least two picks. And in the season-opening loss to the Chiefs, Nix had his first career three-fumble game and was sacked four times, tying a career high. The Broncos escaped with a win in Week 2 after Nix and the offense got things cranked up in the second half. But he did throw his second interception of the season. — Jeff Legwold
Week 2 result: Beat the Texans 20-6
Week 2 ranking: 15
One thing we know about the QB1: Joe Burrow is a tough customer.
In reality, the back injury he had going into Week 2 wasn’t particularly severe. But it was still an example of Burrow’s toughness that his teammates appreciate. And despite the injury and getting sacked five times against Houston, he made all the necessary plays to steer the Bengals to their first 2-0 start with him as a healthy quarterback. Burrow has also been clutch. He ranks 10th in the league in third-down QBR (86.1), according to ESPN Research. And he has a near-perfect red zone QBR through two games (99.9). — Ben Baby
Week 2 result: Beat the Steelers 20-3
Week 2 ranking: 10
One thing we know about the QB1: Drake Maye‘s accuracy isn’t what he’s accustomed to.
After leading the NFL with a 72% completion percentage in 2025, Maye has completed 67.3% of his throws through two games — with one touchdown pass and four interceptions. Those performances came against two of the league’s top defenses (Seahawks and Steelers), but Maye isn’t satisfied with his performance. “It starts with me making good decisions, being in good plays,” he said. — Mike Reiss
Week 2 result: Lost to the Vikings 9-3
Week 2 ranking: 7
One thing we know about the QB1: Caleb Williams‘ hamstring injury isn’t serious.
The Bears dodged a major bullet with the right hamstring injury Williams sustained late against the Vikings. Coach Ben Johnson labeled Williams as week-to-week, and while the QB is expected to miss some time, Johnson is confident that backup Tyson Bagent can operate the offense. It understandably won’t look the same as when Williams is under center, but the scheme will not change. Chicago gave Bagent a two-year, $10 million extension in 2025, and his experience with Johnson in preseason games is why the coach believes “we’ll be fine.” — Courtney Cronin
1:13
Why Orlvosky thinks Bears can stay afloat without Caleb Williams
Week 2 result: Beat the Bears 9-3
Week 2 ranking: 17
One thing we know about the QB1: The Vikings can win with replacement-level QB play.
Starter Kyler Murray (concussion) hasn’t played since the Vikings’ 11th offensive play, and Carson Wentz has produced a typical backup performance. Wentz ranks 22nd in the NFL in QBR (52.0) and 29th in completion percentage (58%), and he’s tied for the seventh-most sacks (six). However, the Vikings are undefeated on the strength of everything but their passing game. Their defense and special teams both rank No. 6 in the NFL in EPA, while their rushing game ranks No. 16 in EPA. That’s a good sign for the entire team with Murray returning this week. — Kevin Seifert
Week 2 result: Lost to the Broncos 20-13
Week 2 ranking: 13
One thing we know about the QB1: Trevor Lawrence has to be better against pressure.
The difference is stark for Lawrence this season. When he’s not under pressure, he’s completing 76.9% of his passes (11th in the NFL) for three touchdowns to one interception. When he’s under pressure, he’s completing only 38.5% of his passes, with one TD. Jacksonville’s offensive line struggled against Denver, and if that becomes a seasonlong issue, Lawrence is going to have to be more efficient under pressure. He won’t face easy defensive fronts over the next month, either. — Michael DiRocco
Week 2 result: Lost to the Bills 41-31
Week 2 ranking: 12
One thing we know about the QB1: Jared Goff continues to build a case as the greatest QB in franchise history.
Despite facing heavy pressure behind a banged-up offensive line, Goff has continued his efficient play in Year 11. He has racked up 25 straight games with a passing touchdown, which is the longest active streak in NFL and the longest in Lions history, per ESPN Research. He also reached 40,000 career yards in Buffalo, tying Kirk Cousins and Dan Marino as the fourth-fastest to that mark in NFL history (153 games). Goff is currently in his sixth season in Detroit and continues to reach major milestones at 31 years old. — Eric Woodyard
Week 2 result: Lost to the Bengals 20-6
Week 2 ranking: 11
One thing we know about the QB1: C.J. Stroud just needs a healthy supporting cast.
Stroud has thrown for 627 passing yards in the first two games, third most in the NFL, but that has led to only two touchdowns. The Texans didn’t find the end zone at all in Week 2, as No. 1 option Nico Collins missed the game because of a hamstring injury. Stroud’s play style isn’t necessarily one that can consistently create explosive results when plays break down. He needs the players around him to be healthy so he can produce in structure. — DJ Bien-Aime
Week 2 result: Beat the Commanders 37-20
Week 2 ranking: 16
One thing we know about the QB1: The Cowboys will go as far as Dak Prescott can take them.
There have been — and will be — growing pains with the defense, so a lot will be on Prescott’s plate. The run game has not been what the Cowboys have wanted so far, either. Through two games, Prescott is completing 73.8% of his passes, and he has been able to escape harm with his legs, too. He has six touchdown passes and one interception, but the one giveaway shows the Cowboys’ thin margin for error. The Giants turned that into a touchdown to shift the momentum in Dallas’ Week 1 loss. — Todd Archer
2:33
What has Stephen A. so gleeful about the Cowboys after their win over the Commanders?
Week 2 result: Beat the Jets 20-17 (OT)
Week 2 ranking: 14
One thing we know about the QB1: Jordan Love is getting hit … a lot.
Through two games, Love has taken 18 quarterback hits and been sacked four times. And given the state of his offensive line, it might not get much better anytime soon. The Packers lost right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and their top two left guards, starter Aaron Banks and backup Donovan Jennings, on Sunday. Regardless, Green Bay still avoided its first 0-2 start since 2006, keeping alive the longest active streak in the NFL, per ESPN Research. — Rob Demovsky
Week 2 result: Lost to the Rams 28-6
Week 2 ranking: 18
One thing we know about the QB1: It’s all about Jaxson Dart staying on the field.
The young quarterback looked tremendous in Week 1, especially from the pocket, where he had a QBR of 91.0. But Dart got injured on the opening drive Monday night against the Rams and backup Jameis Winston struggled. Winston’s accuracy was a problem. In the first half alone, he completed 5 of 12 passes with an overthrown screen and open rollout in the red zone among the misses. It never got better. The Giants’ offense didn’t look the same without Dart’s running threat. Winston had two rushes for 1 yard in the contest. — Jordan Raanan
Week 2 result: Beat the Ravens 24-17
Week 2 ranking: 25
One thing we know about the QB1: Tyler Shough can handle the big moments, but he needs to start faster.
Shough has had two up-and-down games to start the season, but he has been at his best in the fourth quarter, which led to a comeback win against the Ravens. According to ESPN Research, Shough has a 14.3 Total QBR in the opening three quarters of games (29th among 30 qualifying passers this season). In fourth quarters and overtime, he ranks second with a 97.7 QBR. Shough is also 5-of-5 for 127 yards and a touchdown on passes of 15-plus air yards in fourth quarters. — Katherine Terrell
Week 2 result: Beat the Chargers 26-14
Week 2 ranking: 28
One thing we know about the QB1: Kirk Cousins can handle pressure well.
Cousins has been pressured on 36.5% of his dropbacks through two games. In those situations, he has completed 13 of 21 passes (61.9%) for 161 yards, three touchdowns, an interception and a passer rating of 105.6. Against the Chargers, Cousins was pressured on 40.6% of his dropbacks. Yet he still managed to throw for 108 yards and two scores whenever the Chargers brought the heat. — Ryan McFadden
Week 2 result: Beat the Falcons 34-3
Week 2 ranking: 26
One thing we know about the QB1: Bryce Young isn’t afraid to throw it deep.
Young averaged 5.6 yards per dropback over the past two seasons. He is averaging 8.0 yards in 2026, which ranks fifth. On Sunday, Young completed 8 of 11 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown on throws beyond 10 yards. Against the Bears in Week 1, Young threw for a career-high 221 yards on throws beyond 10 yards. Young is also sharing the wealth among his targets, as wide receivers Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan each have a 100-yard receiving performance this season. — Mike Kaye
Week 2 result: Lost to the Raiders 26-14
Week 2 ranking: 19
One thing we know about the QB1: Justin Herbert looks uncomfortable.
For the past two Sundays, this Chargers’ offense has looked like a unit that hadn’t practiced together before. Herbert looks lost and, at moments, angrier than he has ever been at the helm of a flat offense. He had three fumbles (all recovered) and two interceptions Sunday, though one was because of a dropped pass by tight end David Njoku. This new offense under coordinator Mike McDaniel was supposed to elevate this team into a championship contender. Instead, its star quarterback looks almost unrecognizable. — Kris Rhim
2:02
Pat McAfee isn’t giving up on the 0-2 Chargers yet
Week 2 result: Lost to the Browns 23-19
Week 2 ranking: 20
One thing we know about the QB1: Baker Mayfield is full healthy, but something is not right.
The Bucs returned their entire starting offensive line, they boast a receivers room that would make many teams envious, and running back Bucky Irving is averaging more than 5.0 yards per carry. But Mayfield has turned the ball over four times, has not been accurate and seems lost without franchise scoring leader Mike Evans at receiver. Mayfield had similar struggles last season when Evans was on the injury report for 10 weeks. Now, Mayfield is struggling. — Jenna Laine
Week 2 result: Lost to the Chiefs 33-30 (OT)
Week 2 ranking: 22
One thing we know about the QB1: Daniel Jones‘ Achilles injury is not impeding him.
The Colts’ record doesn’t scream “great QB play,” but Jones has mostly done his part. In Week 2, he showed the full gamut of his game in spite of his recently healed Achilles tear. He helped bring the Colts back from a deficit, scrambled, took a couple brutal hits and stretched the field when he could. Jones is completing 66.1% of his pass attempts, making the most of an offense that is being sabotaged by an inept defense. — Stephen Holder
Week 2 result: Lost to the Patriots 20-3
Week 2 ranking: 21
One thing we know about the QB1: Aaron Rodgers is no longer comfortable under pressure.
So far this season, Rodgers has completed just 8 of 24 attempts on 31 dropbacks under pressure. He has been sacked six times on such plays. Rodgers is also completing a career-low 50% against the blitz, as his off-target percentage on such throws is a career-worst 30.4%. While the offensive line’s struggles have significantly contributed to Rodgers’ inaccuracy, his decreased mobility at 42 years old has made it even more difficult to manage the pressure. — Brooke Pryor
Week 2 result: Lost to the Seahawks 31-7
Week 2 ranking: 24
One thing we know about the QB1: Jacoby Brissett should be just fine.
The first two weeks have already been a roller coaster for Brissett, who threw for 277 yards in Week 1 but only 95 on Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champions. His body of work since he became Arizona’s starter in Week 6 last season is solid. He ranks No. 1 in completions and attempts, No. 2 in passing yards, No. 4 in completion percentage over expected and No. 5 in passing touchdowns. His performance Sunday was vastly different than the last time he played Seattle, when he threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout loss in Week 10 last season. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 2 result: Lost to the Packers 20-17 (OT)
Week 2 ranking: 27
One thing we know about the QB1: Look, no interceptions for Geno Smith.
This is notable because Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions last season with the Raiders. He’s making smart decisions with the ball for the most part — not a single turnover in 74 dropbacks. He’s completing nearly 71% of his passes, though he’s averaging only 5.8 air yards per attempt — tied with Daniel Jones for 28th in the league. Going forward, the Jets need to open up the passing attack to maximize their skill-position talent. — Rich Cimini
Week 2 result: Lost to the Cowboys 37-20
Week 2 ranking: 23
One thing we know about the QB1: Jayden Daniels can’t stay healthy.
Daniels has now left because of an injury in four of his past five games — three times because of his left elbow. He has dislocated it twice, including Sunday in Dallas, and reinjured it when he returned last season. The shame of it is the comment before the injury would’ve been that Daniels is back. He had a strong finish in the Commanders’ season-opening loss to the Eagles and was playing well in Dallas. With a healthy Daniels, Washington is a much different threat. But he just has to … stay healthy. — John Keim
Week 2 result: Beat the Buccaneers 23-19
Week 2 ranking: 32
One thing we know about the QB1: Deshaun Watson found a risk-averse winning formula.
In Week 2, Watson earned his first win since September 2024 with the lowest average depth of target (3.7) of his career. At times, it has seemed like the Browns’ passing game has been played in a phone booth: Watson’s 6.7 air yards per attempt would tie a career low. However, the play style has limited turnover potential and allowed the Browns’ young playmakers to get the ball in their hands. Cleveland ranks third in yards after the catch (260) through two games. — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 2 result: Lost to the Eagles 24-20
Week 2 ranking: 30
One thing we know about the QB1: Cam Ward will run the ball more this season.
Ward isn’t a major threat to defenses with his legs, but he has become more effective at it. He picked up a couple of early first downs in the Week 1 loss to the Jets. And he was even more effective Sunday, rushing for two touchdowns to become the fifth Titans/Oilers quarterback in 50 seasons to run for multiple touchdowns in a game. Coordinator Brian Daboll has always encouraged his quarterbacks to run when necessary. Now it’s Ward’s turn. — Turron Davenport
Week 2 result: Lost to the Panthers 34-3
Week 2 ranking: 29
One thing we know about the QB1: The Falcons are desperate for Michael Penix Jr.
There are a handful of statistics that exemplify the historic futility of the Falcons’ offense under third-string quarterback Cooper Rush. But none are better than this: Atlanta is the fourth team since NFL play-by-play was first tracked in 1978 without a red zone drive through two games — and the first in 18 seasons. With three straight primetime games, the Falcons badly need Penix to be back to old self quickly. Thursday against the Packers will mark his first start since tearing his ACL last November. — Marc Raimondi
Week 2 result: Lost to the 49ers 35-13
Week 2 ranking: 31
One thing we know about the QB1: Malik Willis is still developing — and needs more help.
Willis hasn’t been the issue for the Dolphins’ offense, but he’s clearly adjusting to a new scheme and new teammates. On one hand, Miami’s receivers room consists of three rookies and has struggled to consistently get open. Willis has also been sacked at the highest rate in the NFL. But at the same time, his completion percentage over expectation of minus-3.5% ranks fourth worst in the NFL, per NFL Next Gen Stats, and there have been plays in which here he refused to hit his checkdowns. Miami believes in Willis, and a learning curve is expected considering his limited starting experience. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
