As the 2026 NFL season reaches its second week, concerns are mounting over the performance and health of the highly anticipated 2024 quarterback draft class, while several teams grapple with challenging starts and lingering injury issues.

Eight teams entered the week still winless, a start that has historically posed significant obstacles to postseason qualification. Since the playoff field expanded to 14 teams in 2020, only 16% of teams that began 0-2 have managed to secure playoff berths. Another team could join this group if the Los Angeles Rams fall to the New York Giants in Monday Night Football, a situation that might not be as dire as it appears given the Rams’ own struggles early in 2024.

A primary focus has been the quarterback prospects taken in the first round of the 2024 draft, a class notable for having six quarterbacks selected within the first 12 picks—only the second time this has happened, the first being the legendary 1983 draft. Among these, two have already suffered significant injuries. Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams, the 2024 top overall pick, exited Sunday’s game at Soldier Field with a hamstring injury, a relief compared to earlier fears of a more severe Achilles tear. Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, taken immediately after Williams, was sidelined with a dislocated left elbow sustained in the same weekend’s action. Both injuries have sparked concern over the immediate and longer-term impact on their teams.

The remaining quarterbacks from that class present a mixed picture. New England Patriots’ Drake Maye and Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix remain sidelined due to injuries but have shown promising productivity in prior seasons. Maye was last year’s league MVP runner-up and propelled the Patriots to Super Bowl 60, while Nix helped the Broncos secure the top AFC playoff seed before an ankle injury curtailed his postseason. Together, they have accounted for just three touchdowns this season so far, significantly less than standout Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who alone has matched three times that total.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. and Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy remain inactive, with Penix recovering from knee surgery and McCarthy yet to appear this season in his current backup role. Both teams would benefit from their returns, especially the Falcons, who have yet to secure a win in 2026 and return their absent quarterbacks.

In other developments, the Minnesota Vikings extended their winning streak at Soldier Field with a victory over the Bears, positioning themselves atop the NFC North despite injuries to injured starting quarterback Kyler Murray. The Dallas Cowboys posted a blowout win over Washington, with quarterback Dak Prescott setting the franchise record for touchdown passes, surpassing Tony Romo.

Uniform trends continue to evolve, as the New York Jets unveiled an alternate white helmet to complement their whiteout attire, joining several other teams in employing this look. The Rams are set to showcase throwback uniforms and may reintroduce Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, who plans to return to the field after retiring in spring 2024.

Several teams continue to face early-season struggles. The Chicago Bears’ offense, which opened the campaign with a high-scoring game, produced only three points on Sunday, raising concerns about their prospects given a challenging schedule. The Houston Texans remain winless but have shown resilience in prior seasons, overcoming slow starts to claim the AFC South title as recently as 2023. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is seeking a rebound following a difficult 2025 postseason and a 20-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals compounded by the absence of wide receiver Nico Collins.

The Indianapolis Colts have now lost nine consecutive games since a Week 11 bye last season, falling 33-30 to the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night. They face Houston in Week 3 in a matchup that may help one team break its winless streak. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are off to an 0-2 start for the third straight season, their last playoff appearance dating back to 2021.

The Washington Commanders, impacted by Daniels’ injury, appear poised for a third consecutive loss as the Seattle Seahawks prepare to visit the nation’s capital. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins remain winless after two games, raising questions about whether they can avoid the NFL’s first 0-17 campaign.

The Los Angeles Chargers, under coach Jim Harbaugh, find themselves in an unfamiliar position, suffering back-to-back losses at home despite pre-season expectations of a smooth start. Upcoming road games against Buffalo and Seattle loom as critical tests for the team.

Noteworthy individual performances include Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the league with 277 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions, matching Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown for the most receiving touchdowns through two weeks. Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young has also impressed, throwing three touchdowns in consecutive games for the first time in his career, contributing to the Falcons’ recent struggles.

Lastly, the NFL community bid farewell to Ernie Accorsi, a respected executive whose career spanned nearly four decades and included involvement in several landmark league moments, such as drafting John Elway and mentoring ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. Accorsi’s contributions helped shape successful franchises and left a lasting legacy in professional football.

As the 2026 season progresses, the health and development of its young quarterbacks, along with the resilience of struggling teams, will be pivotal in shaping the league’s competitive landscape.