After just two weeks, 24 of the 32 NFL teams have at least one loss. Eight clubs suffered their first defeat in Week 2, while another eight teams are still searching for their first win of the 2016 season.
Here are four teams that figure to bounce back from Week 2 losses during Week 3:
Miami Dolphins
Last week: Loss at New England Patriots, 31-24
This week: vs. Cleveland Browns (0-2)
The Dolphins were embarrassed in the first half of Week 2 by Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who sliced and diced Miami for three scores before leaving with a shoulder injury. Adam Gase’s team will get a third shot at its first win in 2016 against another backup signal caller in Week 3.
The Browns are already down a pair of quarterbacks after just two weeks, leaving rookie Cody Kessler—a third-round draft pick—to start against Miami on Sunday. The Dolphins have obvious issues, but there will be much bigger problems in South Beach if Kessler and the Browns come to Miami and leave with a win. It’s also possible the second half in New England—when Miami scored three touchdowns to rally back into the game—will provide a boost in confidence for the Dolphins’ offense.
Green Bay Packers
Last week: Loss at Minnesota Vikings, 17-14
This week: vs. Detroit Lions (1-1)
The light probably won’t magically flick on for the struggling Packers offense, but a visit from the beat up Lions should help. Detroit could be without star defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and three linebackers—including DeAndre Levy—for the divisional trip to Green Bay.
Don’t forget, the Lions won in Green Bay for the first time since 1991 last year, snapping a 24-game losing streak in the state of Wisconsin. If Aaron Rodgers can’t get things turned around, it’s certainly possible the Lions could start a winning streak of their own against the Packers. But it seems unlikely—especially given all the outside criticism this week—that Rodgers won’t find a way to play well, especially against a defense missing so many key pieces. The Packers will also be more than happy to be back at Lambeau Field after a full month (two preseason and two regular season games) on the road. Home sweet home.
Seattle Seahawks
Last week: Loss at Los Angeles Rams, 9-6
This week: vs. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
The 49ers have exceeded expectations, especially on offense, while the Seahawks have produced only 15 points and one touchdown through two games. Still, it’s impossible to look at the one-sided matchup between Blaine Gabbert and the Seahawks and believe San Francisco can go into Seattle and win. Gabbert ranks 31st in completion percentage (54.9), 32nd in yards per attempt (5.8) and 30th in passer rating (74.4), while the Seahawks have allowed only 19 points and a single touchdown after two weeks.
The 49ers also haven’t beaten Seattle since 2013, and San Francisco hasn’t won at CenturyLink Field since 2011. Over the last five meeting between the two in Seattle, the 49ers are averaging a little over 10 points a game. Gabbert will have to play out of his mind to reverse the trends working against him in Week 3.
New Orleans Saints
Last week: Loss at New York Giants, 16-13
This week: vs. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
Drew Brees and the Superdome should give the Saints a real chance to rebound after a loss in New York in Week 2.
The visiting Falcons will come to New Orleans allowing a 120.0 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks this season, with seven passing touchdowns and just a single interception. That’s good news for Brees, who—with five touchdowns and no interceptions—currently ranks sixth among all quarterbacks in passer rating (109.9). The Saints’ veteran signal caller could dominate the matchup, especially at home in primetime—a setting in which Brees has typically produced his best games.
The Saints are also 4-1 at home against the Falcons over the last five games, including last October’s 31-21 win at the Superdome. Brees completed 30-of-39 passes for 312 yards and a touchdown in the victory. Expect him to play once again well against Atlanta on Sunday.
