Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season brought more heart-stopping action as teams battled through nail-biting finishes and individual players shattered records across the board. With two games left, 10 of the day’s matchups were decided by one score (eight points or fewer), and several were won with dramatic game-clinching moments in the final minutes.
Close Calls Continue
Through the season’s first two weeks, 20 games have been decided by eight points or fewer, making this year one of the tightest starts in recent NFL history. Only three seasons — 2013, 2016, and 2018 — have seen more one-score games through the first two weeks.
With 10 games this week decided by a single score, the action couldn’t have been more intense. Four of these contests were decided with game-winning scores in the final minute of regulation or overtime, adding to the drama and excitement that has become the hallmark of the 2024 NFL season.
New Beginnings: Four Teams Start 2-0 After Missing the Playoffs
The Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Seattle Seahawks are all off to a 2-0 start after missing the playoffs last season. Chicago could join this group depending on the outcome of Sunday Night Football against Houston.
This is the first time since 2021 that four teams have opened 2-0 following a missed playoff berth, and it speaks to the unpredictability and resurgence of these franchises as they aim to make a deep postseason run.
Kamara and the Saints Make History
The New Orleans Saints dominated the Dallas Cowboys with a 44-19 victory, and Alvin Kamara was the star of the show. Kamara racked up 180 scrimmage yards (115 rushing, 65 receiving) and found the end zone four times — three on the ground and one through the air.
The Saints have scored 91 points in their first two games, marking the highest point total by any team in the first two weeks of a season in 15 years. The only teams with more points after two weeks in NFL history are the 1968 Oakland Raiders (95), 2009 New Orleans Saints (93), and 1920 Rock Island Independents (93).
Kamara joined elite company with his performance, becoming just the fifth player in the Super Bowl era to have multiple games with at least 150 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns.
Patrick Mahomes Adds to His Legacy
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to rewrite the record books. In the Chiefs’ 26-25 win over Cincinnati, Mahomes threw two touchdowns, helping secure his 76th win in 98 career starts. That ties him with Tom Brady and Hall of Famer Roger Staubach for the most wins by a quarterback in his first 100 career starts.
Mahomes also tied Aaron Rodgers for the most touchdown passes (222) in a player’s first 100 career starts and surpassed Matthew Stafford’s record for the most completions in that span (2,424). With each game, Mahomes cements his status as one of the most prolific quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
Kyler Murray’s Perfect Day
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray delivered an exceptional performance in a 41-10 blowout win over the Los Angeles Rams. Murray completed 17 of 21 passes (81%) for 266 yards and three touchdowns without a single interception. He also added 59 rushing yards, finishing the day with a perfect 158.3 passer rating — the highest possible.
Murray became just the second player in NFL history to post at least 250 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and a perfect passer rating in a single game, joining Ken Anderson, who accomplished the feat in 1974.
Justin Jefferson Reaches New Heights
Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson continued his torrid start to the season with a 133-yard performance, including a 97-yard touchdown, in the Vikings’ 23-17 win over San Francisco.
Jefferson has tied Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the 100-yard receiving games (30) in a player’s first five seasons. He’s also tied with Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the most games with at least 125 receiving yards (20) in the same span.
At just 25 years and 91 days old, Jefferson became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 6,000 career receiving yards, surpassing Mike Evans.
Rookies Shine Bright in Week 2
This week wasn’t just about the veterans; rookies stepped up in significant ways.
- Arizona Cardinals tight end Brock Bowers became the first tight end in NFL history to post at least five receptions and 50 receiving yards in each of his first two career games.
- New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers recorded ten catches for 127 yards and a touchdown, becoming the youngest player in NFL history to achieve that stat line at just 21 years and 49 days old.
- New York Jets running back Braelon Allen, at 20 years and 239 days old, made history as the youngest player in the Super Bowl era to score both a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game.
Aidan Hutchinson Makes a Statement
Detroit defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson had a career game in Week 2, recording 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Hutchinson became just the fourth player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to post a three-sack game in his first three NFL seasons, joining an elite group including Justin Houston, Jevon Kearse, and Hall of Famer Reggie White.
More Notes from Week 2
- San Francisco tight end George Kittle celebrated his 100th career game with seven catches for 76 yards and a touchdown, surpassing Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr. for the third-most receiving yards by a tight end in his first 100 games.
- Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continued his strong start, amassing 270 yards in the Commanders’ 21-18 win over the New York Giants. Daniels holds the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in his first two career games.
As Week 2 of the 2024 season closes, the NFL continues to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement, highlighted by veteran and rookie talent. With numerous record-breaking performances, one-score games, and unforgettable moments, this season will be one for the ages.