NFL Week 2 Roundup

In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, several key games could significantly impact the playoff landscape, the morale of the teams, and the divisional standings. Here are some of the most notable games picked by the Gambyl crew: Bills vs. Dolphins, Vikings vs. Niners, and Saints vs. Cowboys.

Week 2 Results:

NFL Week 2 Roundup: Bills 31 – 10 Dolphins

The Bills (2-0) picked up an early divisional win when they beat the Miami Dolphins (1-1) 31-10 on Thursday night, kicking off the start of our second NFL Week.

Turnovers were the name of the game early for the Bills defense. After forcing no interceptions against the Cardinals, they were able to intercept Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa twice in the first quarter.

Running back James Cook got going early and ended the day with 78 rushing yards, two touchdowns on the ground, and one through the air.

Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 139 yards and 1 touchdown. Wide receiver Khalil Shakir led all Bills receivers with five catches for 54 yards.

Safety Damar Hamlin, LB Dorian Williams, and LB Baylon Spector led the defense in tackles with 10 each. DB Ja’Marcus Ingram and Christian Benford caught interceptions, and Ingram ran one back for a touchdown.

NFL Week 2 Roundup: Vikings 23 – 17 49ers

Sam Darnold strong-armed his former team in his home debut for the Minnesota Vikings with a 97-yard touchdown pass to superstar Justin Jefferson.

The San Francisco 49ers weren’t surprised by his success in the 23-17 victory by the Vikings on Sunday, but they sure were kicking themselves for some of his opportunities.

The 49ers, who were 2 for 10 on third down conversions and 1 for 3 on fourth down attempts, went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2 early in the second quarter.

Brock Purdy’s pass for Jauan Jennings was deflected by Andrew Van Ginkel at the line of scrimmage and knocked down by Harrison Smith at the goal line, giving the Vikings the ball.

On second down from the 3, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell called a play he’d been hanging onto to beat a certain coverage look from the 49ers that worked against them last season.

Things went the Vikings way here, but the 49ers are looking forward to the next game to pick the pace up.

NFL Week 2 Roundup: Saints 44 – 19 Cowboys

The New Orleans Saints waltzed into AT&T Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys’ home opener and punched them in the mouth, ending the dominant home team’s regular-season win streak in Dallas at 16.

Their first six drives went for touchdowns, which powered the visiting Saints to a 41-19 lead in a game they won 44-19. Five touchdowns came in the first half as the Cowboys’ 35 points allowed is tied for their most allowed in the first half of a game in franchise history. 

Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s run scheme gave the Cowboys defense fits early, reminiscent of Dallas’ 48-32 NFC Wild Card round playoff defeat against the Green Bay Packers in January. Kubiak, the San Francisco 49ers passing game coordinator for the 2023 NFC champions last season, broke the Dallas’ secondary down. 

New Orleans became the first team since the 2021 Buffalo Bills to score on their first six drives of a game. 

Despite Mike Zimmer now operating as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator instead of Dan Quinn, the results against a Shanahan tree offense were the same. Prescott was far from perfect today, but he and the offense were in a bad spot. 

Be ready for the 2024 NFL football season with our NFL Betting Guide and follow every NFL football game with our printable NFL schedule; available for download as a spreadsheet, Google Sheet for the entire season or get every week from Week 1 through Week 18 with free picks.