Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason delivered a strong mix of quarterback competitions, rookie breakthroughs and impressive performances from players fighting for roster spots. The slate was played from August 20–23.
Biggest Performances
San Francisco 41, L.A. Chargers 17
The 49ers produced one of the week’s most convincing victories, with Jacob Cowing returning a punt 83 yards for a touchdown and Sincere McCormick adding a rushing touchdown.
Dallas 34, Arizona 13
Joe Milton III strengthened his case for the Cowboys’ backup quarterback job with an impressive performance as Dallas moved to 2-0 in the preseason.
Buffalo 31, Cleveland 7
The Bills dominated from start to finish. Rookie receiver Ja’Mori Maclin erupted for 108 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Buffalo’s quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele each threw a touchdown pass.
Atlanta 34, Indianapolis 6
Falcons quarterback Jack Strand was one of the weekend’s biggest surprises, throwing for 212 yards and contributing two touchdowns as Atlanta overwhelmed Indianapolis. The Falcons outgained the Colts 461-164.
L.A. Rams 34, New Orleans 0
The Rams delivered the week’s only shutout, forcing turnovers and turning them into points. Stetson Bennett IV scored two rushing touchdowns as Los Angeles completely controlled the game.
Other Notable Results
The Packers defeated Denver 33-13, the Panthers beat Jacksonville 34-17, and the Jets shut out Pittsburgh 17-0. Detroit edged Washington 17-13, while Baltimore defeated Minnesota 13-3.
The Patriots also rallied past the Eagles 24-21, while Tampa Bay narrowly defeated Kansas City 16-15. Cincinnati handled Chicago 27-9, and the Giants cruised past Miami 26-3.
Quarterback Storylines
Several quarterback competitions became clearer in Week 2. Las Vegas overcame a 20-3 halftime deficit to defeat Houston 22-20, with Aidan O’Connell leading the comeback after rookie Fernando Mendoza threw a pick-six.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation remained unsettled after Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson produced mixed results in the Browns’ loss to Buffalo. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s Tanner McKee strengthened his case in the Eagles’ defeat to New England.
Week 2 Takeaway
The second preseason week provided the closest thing to a dress rehearsal for many teams, but the most important results were individual: young quarterbacks, rookies and fringe players made their cases before final roster decisions.
Top Week 2 performers: 49ers, Cowboys, Bills, Falcons and Rams.
With one preseason game remaining, the pressure now shifts toward final roster battles and determining which young players have done enough to make the 53-man roster.
