National Football League

5 NFL teams that must win in Week 2

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Here are five NFL teams that face a must-win game in Week 2.

The NFL season is 16 games long. Teams can overcome a weak start to make the playoffs and maybe even win the Super Bowl. However, sometimes teams face a must-win game — even as early as Week 2. For any number of reasons, lost that game could be a momentum starting win or a demoralizing loss.

Five teams already find themselves in exactly this situation heading into this weekend’s slate, including one team that escaped Week 1 with a win. Four of the five teams, meanwhile, have already put themselves in a corner where a loss could significantly hamper their playoff chances. Whether it’s because they need momentum or because they need a win against a very easy opponent, here are five teams that must win in Week 2.

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) celebrates with fans in the stands after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

5. Baltimore Ravens

Yes, the Ravens beat the Buffalo Bills 13-7 in Week 1. It is a very important win for them, as they start their season off on the right foot. But the Ravens still face a must win game in Week 2 because of their schedule.

In Week 2, the Ravens play the Cleveland Browns. They have a rough finish to their season, so a strong start is extremely important. Baltimore cannot afford to lose to a team like the Browns with a tough schedule ahead of them after their bye week in Week 7. At this point, a win in September is just as important as a win in December.

Losing to the Browns turns the Ravens next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who the Ravens lost to last season, into a must-win game. Should Baltimore beat the Browns, the Ravens get a bit of a break. A loss in Week 2 wouldn’t be crippling by any means, but it would certainly behoove the Ravens to beat the Browns.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts following the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have to win in Week 2. They are coming off a rough Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. Carolina came very close to getting some revenge for their Super Bowl loss, but fell just short. They have a lot of positive things they can take from their loss, but a Week 2 win is a must against a weak San Francisco 49ers team.

Luckily for the Panthers, their Week 1 loss is far from the end of the world. The NFC South did terrible, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the only NFC South team to win in Week 1. And the Panthers did look good against the Broncos. Cam Newton’s health might have been the only thing that kept them from winning.

That said, when you face a weak team like the 49ers, you have to capitalize. Nothing can be assumed in the NFL. You have to beat the bad teams when you face them because wins are valuable regardless of who they come against.

Expect the Panthers to come out strong in Week 2 and remind everyone why they are one of the best teams in the NFL. They’ll be playing at home, where they have been very good recently.

Aug 19, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) looks on from the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

3. New York Jets

The New York Jets are coming off a crushing Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. For three quarters, the Jets were the better team, but fell apart in the fourth quarter, as star corner Darrell Revis could not stop A.J. Green. The Jets allowed the Bengals to march down the field to get the game winning field goal, while a Ryan Fitzgerald interception sealed the deal.

But all hope isn’t lost. The Jets have a short week to prepare for the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. The Jets have the opportunity to make up for their loss to the Bengals. Or they could ruin their entire season.

In order to beat the Bills, the Jets’ offensive line must be solid. The Bills bullied the Ravens offensive line at times on Sunday. New York’s offensive line needs to give Fitzpatrick time and Forte space.

The Jets also need to feast on the Bills’ poor offense. They are coming off one of the worst performances in franchise history. If they can stop the deep pass and put pressure on Tyrod Taylor, that should help them get a much needed win in Week 2. Because if they can’t beat the Bills, then something is dearly wrong.

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks to pass in the first half against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

2. Indianapolis Colts

Just like the Jets, the Indianapolis Colts suffered a terrible loss in Week 1. Andrew Luck had one of the best games of his career, yet the Colts still managed to lose to the Detroit Lions. The Colts were one of the most disappointing NFL teams last season. But this year, the Colts have no excuse for being bad, especially if Luck plays like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. A Week 2 win is a must for the Colts.

The Colts will have a tough game in Week 2 as they face the Denver Broncos. Denver is coming off a huge Week 1 win over the Panthers. Worst of all, the Colts will have to win on the road. If the Colts can’t get it done, changes could be coming within the organization. They caught flack for not firing Chuck Pagano after last season.

If the Colts don’t beat the Broncos, Pagano’s seat could become very hot in a hurry. Even though the Colts face a relatively easy schedule from Week 3 to Week 6, a win against the Broncos would save their chances of winning the AFC South.

When you lose games like the Colts did on Sunday, following it up with a win is a must. Another loss could be a demoralizer for the the boys in Indy.

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) is embraced by quarterback Carson Palmer after missing the game winning field goal in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have a very talented team — no one questions that. They are one of the top teams in the NFL and are capable of winning at least 12 games, even after a Week 1 loss. However, Arizona faces a must-win in Week 2 because another loss could be damaging to their psyche.

Arizona didn’t just lose to the New England Patriots. They had them where they wanted them and they let them back into the game. Despite that, the Cardinals had a chance to beat the Patriots before Chandler Catanzaro missed what should have been the game winning field goal. That kind of loss can simply destroy a team’s confidence.

The Cardinals will be facing off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home. Tampa Bay is coming off an impressive victory over the Atlanta Falcons, but they are still a very beatable team. Sure, their offense is quite impressive. But their defense is quite beatable. The Cardinals will need a strong effort to beat the Buccaneers and avoid a 0-2 start to their season.

Carson Palmer and the Cardinals offense sputtered at times against the Patriots, but David Johnson looked great. Perhaps they can use him more going forward. But a win in Week 2 is a must for the trendy Super Bowl pick of many fans.