The NFL’s Week 2 schedule for the 2024 season is packed with exciting games, and we’re here to provide all the essential information for the weekend ahead.
NFL Nation reporters highlight the key factors for every game, while analytics writer Seth Walder offers a bold prediction for each matchup. The ESPN Stats & Information team shares crucial stats and betting insights for each contest, and our Football Power Index (FPI) gives a detailed game projection. Fantasy expert Eric Moody identifies fantasy football X factors, and analysts Kalyn Kahler, Moody, and Walder provide final score predictions for all games. This comprehensive guide has everything you need to prepare for an action-packed weekend of NFL football.
Dive into the complete Week 2 lineup, featuring the Buccaneers seeking payback against the Lions and an epic quarterback battle between Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes. The week wraps up with a “Monday Night Football” showdown between the Falcons and the Eagles on ESPN. (All game times are Sunday unless otherwise specified.)
Buccaneers storyline to watch: After losing twice to the Lions last year, including a 31-23 defeat in the divisional round, the Buccaneers have been anticipating this game since the schedule release. However, they’ll need to rely heavily on their offense due to a defense now plagued by injuries. Last week, they were without 2023 first-round pick Calijah Kancey (calf) and defensive lineman Logan Hall (foot). Additionally, three cornerbacks, along with All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., were injured. There is a chance that starting cornerback Zyon McCollum could play if he clears concussion protocol. If not, rookie undrafted free agent Tyrek Funderburk may step in, as he was inactive last week.
Lions storyline to watch: All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a quiet night in the Week 1 overtime win against the Rams, but QB Jared Goff is confident that “he’ll get his” as the season progresses, and St. Brown remains optimistic about getting back on track. In Week 1, St. Brown had six targets, finishing with just three catches for 13 yards. However, he has a strong track record against Tampa Bay, with 12 catches and a touchdown in a 2023 Week 6 victory and another touchdown in the NFC divisional round. The Lions’ offense is deep, but head coach Dan Campbell aims to get St. Brown more involved this week. “We’ll find a way,”
Stat to know: The Lions are just the fourth team in NFL history to begin a season with two playoff rematches from the prior year (having beaten the Rams in Week 1). The previous three teams to do so all advanced to the Super Bowl that same season.
Bold prediction Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan will have a game with over 60 yards. He made a 32-yard touchdown catch in his debut against the Commanders. Last week, Lions cornerback Carlton Davis allowed 113 yards as the nearest defender, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, suggesting McMillan has a good opportunity to capitalize.
Injuries: Buccaneers | Lions
Fantasy X factor: Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. He posted a career-high 24.4 fantasy points against the Rams in Week 1. The Buccaneers were already without two key defensive linemen at the start of Week 1, and the situation worsened as they lost three of their four active cornerbacks to injuries. With all three potentially out against the Lions, Tampa Bay’s secondary is vulnerable, giving Williams a prime opportunity as Goff and the Lions’ offensive line are well-prepared to exploit these defensive gaps. See Week 2 rankings.
Betting nugget: The Buccaneers are 8-1 ATS on the road over the past two seasons. Read more.
Kahler’s pick: Lions 21, Buccaneers 14
Moody’s pick: Lions 30, Buccaneers 23
Walder’s pick: Lions 30, Buccaneers 16
FPI prediction: DET, 65.1% (by an average of 6.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: Red-hot Mayfield, Bucs looking to keep things rolling against Lions
