Five NFL teams face early pressure after opening losses
CBS Sports has identified the Rams, Broncos, Packers, Patriots and Cowboys as the teams most in need of a victory in Week 2 of the 2026 season.
Five NFL teams enter Week 2 seeking to avoid an 0-2 start after losing their season openers, according to a ranking by CBS Sports. The assessment is subjective rather than an official league designation, but it highlights the early consequences of poor results, difficult fixtures and potential divisional tiebreaker setbacks.
The Los Angeles Rams face the New York Giants at home after a 27-7 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. CBS Sports also reported that pass rusher Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury requiring surgery. The Rams then face difficult away games against Denver and Philadelphia before hosting Buffalo.
Denver hosts Jacksonville after its defence reportedly missed 28 tackles in a 31-10 loss to Kansas City. CBS Sports said the Jaguars represent a potentially important head-to-head fixture for playoff positioning, with the Broncos facing a demanding schedule after Week 2.
Green Bay visits the New York Jets after surrendering a 12-point second-half lead against Minnesota. The Packers were the only team in the NFC North to lose in Week 1 and already have a divisional defeat. New England, meanwhile, hosts Pittsburgh after quarterback Drake Maye threw three fourth-quarter interceptions in the loss to Seattle.
Dallas completes the group after its defence struggled against the Giants, allowing nine conversions from 11 third-down attempts and touchdowns on all four red-zone trips, according to CBS Sports. The Cowboys host Washington before meetings with Baltimore and Houston. CBS Sports said an 0-2 record would not make the playoffs impossible, but would create a steeper path to postseason success.
