NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap: Standouts Emerge as Regular Season Approaches

The second full week of the 2026 NFL preseason is complete, giving teams another opportunity to evaluate quarterbacks, rookies and players fighting for roster spots. Several games turned into routs, while others provided a much closer look at roster depth ahead of the final preseason weekend. The Rams delivered one of the most impressive performances, shutting out New Orleans 34-0. The Giants also dominated Miami 26-3, while San Francisco rolled past the Chargers 41-17. Tennessee closed the weekend Sunday night by overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat Seattle 19-16.

NFL Preseason Week 2 Scores

• Raiders 22, Texans 20
• 49ers 41, Chargers 17
• Jets 17, Steelers 0
• Panthers 34, Jaguars 17
• Packers 33, Broncos 13
• Lions 17, Commanders 13
• Falcons 34, Colts 6
• Bills 31, Browns 7
• Ravens 13, Vikings 3
• Rams 34, Saints 0
• Giants 26, Dolphins 3
• Patriots 24, Eagles 21
• Bengals 27, Bears 9
• Buccaneers 16, Chiefs 15
• Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13
• Titans 19, Seahawks 16

Teams and Players Who Stood Out

The Rams’ depth was particularly impressive against New Orleans. Stetson Bennett scored twice on the ground, while running back Jarquez Hunter and receiver CJ Daniels contributed offensively. The Los Angeles defense forced three turnovers and didn’t allow a point, with safety Alex Cook returning an interception 100 yards. Buffalo backup quarterback Kyle Allen was among the Bills’ standouts in their 31-7 victory over Cleveland, while defensive end Landon Jackson and running back Ian Wheeler also helped their roster cases. Seattle lost to Tennessee, but Drew Lock completed 12 of 14 passes for 103 yards, while Jacardia Wright broke a 69-yard touchdown run and finished with 81 rushing yards. Titans quarterback Cam Ward completed 8 of 12 passes for 69 yards, and Joey Slye connected on four field goals. Dallas also made a statement with a 34-13 victory over Arizona, with linebacker Jaishawn Barham among the Cowboys’ notable performers.

Betting Outlook: NFL’s First Two Regular-Season Games

Attention will soon shift from preseason betting to the regular season, which begins with two standalone games. NFL betting fans will certainly be tuning in.

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks – Wednesday, Sept. 9

The Super Bowl LX rematch kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Seattle has generally been favored by around 3.5 to 4.5 points, with the total at 44.5. FanDuel currently lists New England at +3.5, illustrating why bettors should shop around as Week 1 approaches. Seattle’s offense and its ability to pressure Patriots quarterback Drake Maye should be major factors. New England will also be looking for an immediate impact from A.J. Brown, while Seattle begins its title defense at home.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams – Thursday, Sept. 10

The second game takes the NFL to Melbourne, Australia, for the league’s first regular-season game there. The NFC West rivals meet at Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the game available on Netflix. Early sportsbook markets installed Los Angeles as a 3.5-point favorite, with a total of 48.5. The matchup features two experienced quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy and two teams with significant NFC expectations. The unusual travel and neutral-site environment add another element for bettors to consider. With Week 1 still more than two weeks away, point spreads, totals and player availability can change considerably before kickoff.