Yardline Sports’ Favorite NFL Week 2 Matchups: Game-by-Game Breakdown
Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season is set to deliver some exciting matchups, and Yardline Sports is here to highlight the games we’re most looking forward to. From heavyweight clashes to teams seeking redemption, here’s our breakdown of the top games.
49ers (1-0) at Vikings (1-0)
Time: 1 p.m. ET | CBS
Line: SF -5.5 (45.5 O/U)
The 49ers are coming off a dominant Week 1 performance, and they’ll face a Vikings team eager to defend home turf. San Francisco’s key to victory lies in how Brock Purdy handles Minnesota’s relentless blitzing. Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings have led the league in blitz rate since 2023. However, Purdy thrives under pressure, leading the NFL in passing yards per attempt (10.2) when blitzed since the start of last season. The Vikings will have to find ways to disrupt Purdy’s rhythm or risk another loss to the Niners.
Vikings X-Factor: QB Sam Darnold’s poise will be critical against an aggressive 49ers defense. Having learned to play “on time” during his stint as a backup in San Francisco, Darnold must remain calm in the pocket to avoid costly mistakes.
Stat to Know: Darnold threw two touchdown passes in Week 1 against the Giants. The last time he accomplished this in back-to-back games was in 2019.
Yardline’s Bold Prediction: WR Brandon Aiyuk will break out for 100+ receiving yards. After a quiet opener, Aiyuk’s elite talent will shine through against a Vikings secondary vulnerable to big plays.
Yardline’s Pick: 49ers 28, Vikings 17
Rams (0-1) at Cardinals (0-1)
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET | Fox
Line: ARI -1 (47.5 O/U)
The NFC West rivalry heats up as the Rams look to bounce back from a tough Week 1 loss, while the Cardinals are aiming to avoid an 0-2 start. Matthew Stafford enters Week 2 with a hot hand, having thrown for 300+ yards in three straight games. However, Arizona’s defense presents a challenge, as Stafford struggled against them last year, throwing five interceptions across two games.
Cardinals X-Factor: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. should play a larger role in the Cardinals’ offense after a quiet Week 1. Harrison and QB Kyler Murray will look to exploit a Rams secondary that allowed 200 passing yards in Week 1.
Stat to Know: The Cardinals are riding an eight-game losing streak in divisional matchups, the longest in the NFL.
Yardline’s Bold Prediction: Matthew Stafford will post a QBR over 85, capitalizing on Arizona’s weak pass defense, which ranked 29th in EPA per dropback in Week 1.
Yardline’s Pick: Cardinals 27, Rams 24
Bengals (0-1) at Chiefs (1-0)
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS
Line: KC -5.5 (48.5 O/U)
All eyes will be on the marquee showdown between Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes. Burrow has historically dominated the Chiefs, winning two regular-season meetings with Kansas City while completing 79% of his passes and avoiding interceptions. The key to this matchup will be Cincinnati’s pass protection. When Burrow is protected well, he feasts on zone defenses, which the Chiefs often deploy.
Chiefs X-Factor: RB Isiah Pacheco. With the Bengals’ defense vulnerable to the run, Pacheco is primed for a big game after leading the Chiefs’ backfield in touches during Week 1.
Stat to Know: Each of the last four games between Burrow and Mahomes has been decided by three points or fewer.
Yardline’s Bold Prediction: Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson will record nine or more pressures against a Chiefs offensive line that struggled in Week 1.
Yardline’s Pick: Chiefs 24, Bengals 21
Bears (1-0) at Texans (1-0)
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock
Line: HOU -6 (45.5 O/U)
Sunday Night Football brings an intriguing battle between two 1-0 teams looking to maintain their early momentum. The Texans’ strength lies in their wide receiver trio, which will challenge the Bears’ secondary. Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and others will look to continue their success against a Chicago defense that gave up 100+ yards to the Titans’ passing game in Week 1.
Bears X-Factor: Rookie QB Caleb Williams will need to overcome his struggles from Week 1. Known for his deep-ball accuracy, Williams will aim to expose Houston’s secondary, which allowed multiple explosive plays in Week 1.
Stat to Know: The Bears are 3-14 in road games since 2022, a trend they must overcome in Houston.
Yardline’s Bold Prediction: The Texans will hold a 20-point lead by halftime, overwhelming Chicago’s defense and making it difficult for Williams to mount a comeback.
Yardline’s Pick: Texans 34, Bears 17
Week 2 of the NFL promises to bring plenty of excitement with marquee matchups and key storylines. Whether it’s the high-pressure duel between Burrow and Mahomes, or Stafford looking to exploit a struggling Cardinals defense, every game has its own intrigue. As the action unfolds, we’ll see which teams can maintain momentum and who needs to regroup.