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Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season delivered exactly what fans hoped for after the historic MCG opener: chaos, upsets and star-quarterback injuries reshaping the early season. The Minnesota Vikings’ defence smothered the Chicago Bears in a 9-3 win — but Caleb Williams left with a hamstring injury that will shape Chicago’s next month. Washington’s Jayden Daniels suffered a gruesome elbow injury in a Cowboys win. Cincinnati and Seattle dominated. The Eagles pulled out a last-second win over Tennessee. Green Bay avoided 0-2 in overtime. Here’s the full state of the NFL for the week ending 20 September 2026.
The Vikings-Bears defensive slugfest
The result of the weekend that reshaped the NFC North: Minnesota Vikings 9, Chicago Bears 3 at Soldier Field. It was a defensive war from start to finish — the Bears never crossed 200 total yards. Carson Wentz managed 143 passing yards for Minnesota. But the headline wasn’t the score; it was Caleb Williams leaving with a hamstring injury. The Bears drop to 0-2 and now face genuine questions about their season trajectory.
The star-QB injury toll
Jayden Daniels (Commanders) — a gruesome elbow injury in Washington’s loss at Dallas. The second-year quarterback was on his way to another strong performance (found Stefon Diggs for a touchdown to make it a one-score game) before going down. Length of absence unclear at time of writing.
Caleb Williams (Bears) — hamstring injury against the Vikings. Bears now 0-2 with their franchise QB’s status uncertain.
Week 2 marquee results
- 49ers 21, Dolphins 17 — Purdy and Kittle connected again. Christian McCaffrey scored his first TD of the season. San Francisco to 2-0 after the MCG win.
- Cowboys def. Commanders — Dak Prescott two TD passes (including one to Jake Ferguson). Dallas moves to 1-1.
- Bengals dominate Texans — Joe Burrow 207 yards, 2 TDs; CJ Stroud 353 yards but no answer for Cincinnati’s pass rush.
- Seahawks def. Cardinals — Jaxon Smith-Njigba three touchdowns. Seattle 2-0.
- Eagles def. Titans (last-second) — Jalen Hurts 264 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs. DeVonta Smith 10 receptions, 117 yards, 1 TD. Cameron Ward 183 yards in his second NFL start.
- Patriots def. Steelers — a decisive win in Foxborough.
- Packers def. Jets in OT — Green Bay avoided dropping to 0-2 in a genuine early-season scare.
- Broncos 20, Jaguars 13 — Rookie RB Jonah Coleman put Denver ahead in a heavyweight AFC matchup.
- Bills def. Jets — James Cook 21 attempts, 135 yards, 1 TD. Amon-Ra St. Brown (in the Lions win) 9 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TDs.
- Raiders def. Chargers — Tre Tucker 5 receptions, 119 yards, 1 TD. Kirk Cousins found his rhythm.
What Week 2 means
The 49ers look genuinely good. Back-to-back wins with the offence humming and McCaffrey/Kittle producing. NFC contender status confirmed.
The Bears are in trouble. 0-2 with Caleb Williams potentially missing time. Their offensive line remains the deeper issue.
The Eagles offence is still figuring itself out. Two interceptions from Hurts against Tennessee is a warning sign. But wins are wins.
The AFC has genuine contenders on both sides. Bills, Bengals, Broncos, Ravens — all looking strong through two weeks.
This week’s viewing on Kayo, ESPN, Channel 7 and 7mate
- Thursday Night Football (Friday morning AEST): Falcons @ Packers via ESPN and Kayo
- Sunday games (Monday morning AEST): ESPN and selected on 7mate
- NFL RedZone Monday morning AEST 3-10am: Disney+ exclusive
- Sunday Night Football: ESPN and 7mate
- Monday Night Football (Tuesday morning AEST): ESPN via Kayo
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What’s next?
Week 2 results accurate as of Sunday 20 September 2026 US time. All times AEST. Mac Johannson covers US sports for Australian fans.
