NFL Preseason Week 2 Winners and Losers

The second week of the 2025 NFL preseason ended with a fun Monday night showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders.

Kris Knox, Maurice Moton, Brent Sobleski and Gary Davenport provided winners and losers for all of the Week 2 games.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Washington Commanders

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Commanders CB Bobby Price and Bengals WR Mitchell Tinsley

Score: Bengals 31, Commanders 17

Winner: WR Mitchell Tinsley

Monday's battle featured many highlights—and a couple of lowlights from Joe Burrow's best Fran Tarkenton impression—but there wasn't a bigger winner than Bengals wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley.

The 2023 undrafted free agent spent two seasons on the Commanders' practice squad before signing a futures contract with Cincinnati in February. Against his former team, he had five catches for 73 yards and a pair of impressive contested-catch touchdown receptions.

The 6'1", 205-pound pass-catcher may have made the Bengals' roster with Monday's performance. If he didn't, he earned himself a serious look elsewhere.

Loser: Bengals Run Defense

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Commanders and Brian Robinson Jr. "mutually agreed" that he wouldn't play against Cincinnati, and a trade remains possible. Even with Robinson out, though, the Bengals struggled to contain Washington's top ball-carriers.

Jayden Daniels scored on a 14-yard scramble, while seventh-round rookie Bill Croskey-Merritt scored on a 27-yard run. Chris Rodriguez Jr. averaged 10.3 yards per carry, and, as a team, the Commanders racked up 130 rushing yards in the first half.

While the Bengals stiffened in the second half, this was not the sort of performance that new defensive coordinator Al Golden wants to see.

Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Paul Beaty

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland

Score: Bears 38, Bills 0

Winner: Chicago Bears' tight ends

The difference with Ben Johnson calling the plays for the Bears' projected starting offense was immediately seen, with an early emphasis on the tight end position.

Three of Caleb Williams' first four passes went to either top-10 rookie Colston Loveland or Cole Kmet. Loveland showed an excellent ability to catch the ball away from his frame, while Kmet attacked the seam with a 29-yard catch.

Throughout the contest, Chicago leaned heavily on 12-personnel (two-tight end sets), whether the first team offense was out there or not. Expect it to be a big part of Johnson's scheme, especially with the Loveland and Kmet's playmaking abilities.

Loser: Buffalo Bills' safeties

The Bills refrained from playing the majority of their starters against the Bears. However, the team had two significant contributors at safety on the field, and neither looked particularly good.

The duo of Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin looked out of position and slow against the Bears' No. 1 offense, thus allowing chunk plays.

Taylor Rapp actually playing will help to a degree. However, Buffalo hasn't been truly settled along its backline since 2023 when Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer's run together came to a close.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints

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Score: Jaguars 17, Saints 17

Winner: TE Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars

The top two targets among the Jaguars offense are obvious when Brian Thomas Jr. and this year's second overall pick, Travis Hunter, comprise the team's wide receivers. Beyond those two, quarterback Trevor Lawrence could use a security blanket, specifically over the middle of the field.

Strange was Lawrence's preferred target early in Sunday's contest against the Saints. The fifth-year quarterback connected with his tight end twice on third down to convert and keep Jacksonville's initial drive going. Lawrence looking toward Strange on key downs speaks well of what the tight end can be in the Jaguars' offense this fall. He's going to get plenty of looks, even with Thomas and Hunter on the field.

Loser: Saints offensive line

Saints head coach Kellen Moore is trying to make an important decision at quarterback. It becomes exponentially more difficult to do so when a rookie quarterback in Tyler Shough is given an opportunity to win the job in Week 2 of the preseason, but his blockers struggle to pick up their assignments.

Shough was sacked twice in the first half and the offense averaged 3.5 yards per carry with the first-team offensive line on the field. Granted, Trevor Penning isn't in the lineup due to injury. However, the rest of New Orleans' starting front five—which includes three other first-round picks—was and played poorly.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Eric Lutzens

Troy Franklin

Score: Broncos 27, Cardinals 7

Winner: WR Troy Franklin, Broncos

When the Broncos used a fourth-round selection on Oregon wideout Troy Franklin last year, many viewed it as a sneaky-good pick. After all, Franklin would be joining college teammate Bo Nix in Denver. But Franklin had a quiet first season—26 catches for 263 yards and two scores.

Entering Year 2, Franklin has been making noise in training camp, and against the Redbirds Saturday night he raised quite the ruckus—five first-half targets, four catches, 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Loser: Cardinals Defense

We’ll just let the numbers speak for themselves here.

Against Arizona, Broncos backup Jarrett Stidham was 16-of-23 for 240 yards and a pair of touchdowns with a passer rating of 132.5. On the ground, Denver averaged 7.5 yards per carry.

As a team, Denver amassed 323 yards of offense. Had 16 first downs. Peeled off 11 plays of 10 yards or more.

And that all came before halftime.

Yes, the Cardinals rested their defensive starters. But it’s not like Denver trotted out its first team against them. This was scrub-on-scrub, and the Broncos completely dominated the first 30 minutes.

For a defensive-minded head coach like Jonathan Gannon?

There will be gassers coming. And yelling. Lots of yelling.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

Tre Harris

Score: Rams 23, Chargers 22

Winner: Chargers WR Tre Harris

Harris was a darling of the fantasy football community earlier this summer, when the only thing standing between the rookie and the starting lineup was Quentin “Runs Like a Deer, Catches Like a Deer” Johnston. But then the Bolts brought back veteran wideout Keenan Allen, and much of the wind was drained from those sails.

Saturday in the battle of SoFi Stadium, those sails got at least a puff of fresh air. While Harris wasn’t out there for Justin Herbert’s lone series of the game, he came in on the next series and wound up pacing the Chargers in both catches (6) and receiving yards (85).

Loser: Chargers ILB Junior Colson

There’s good news and bad news here. The good news is that relative to the Hall of Fame Game, Chargers linebacker Junior Colson looked better against the Rams—four total tackles and a nice third-down stuff.

The bad news is that, as a whole, Colson looked “OK”—against backups.

Colson was supposed to be a three-down starter—the Michigan man hand-picked by Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter in the third round in 2024 to lead the Chargers defense. Instead, he’s the No. 4 inside linebacker in Los Angeles behind Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman and Troy “Who?” Dye.

Colson is far too often slow to recognize the play. His range isn’t great. To be blunt, he’s a marginal NFL player.

New York Giants vs. New York Jets

AP Photo/Gregory Payan

Giants QB Jaxson Dart

Score: Giants 31, Jets 12

Winner: QB Jaxon Dart, New York Giants

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after Saturday's game that Russell Wilson remains the team's starter. However, the fact that Daboll is getting questions about Jaxson Dart entering the QB1 mix shows just how big a winner the rookie was.

A week after being named one of Bleacher Report's Week 1 winners, Dart was back at it and impressing on the field. He flashed the sort of accuracy that wasn't always on display at Mississippi and attacked multiple areas of the field, finishing 14-of-16 for 137 yards and a touchdown.

To be fair, Wilson looked good as well, second-quarter interception aside. He uncorked an 80-yard pass to Beaux Collins on New York's opening drive that suggests he might bring something to the deep-passing game this season. It was Dart's night, though, and the rookie is poised to put a good amount of pressure on Wilson moving forward.

Loser: QB Justin Fields, Jets

Now, normally this would be the time for the whole, "Relax. It's just a preseason game." disclaimer. But there haven't exactly been glowing reviews of Jets quarterback Justin Fields as a passer in training camp, and Saturday evening's performance was--not good.

In the game, Fields completed just one of five passing attempts for four yards. That's a robust passer rating of 39.6, for those keeping score at home. There was no real effort made to push the ball down the field, and Fields' one target of Garrett Wilson was a one-hopped screen that would have been blown up for a loss.

It's not panic time, but if the Jets were hoping to build some momentum offensively entering the regular season, it didn't happen.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Gareth Patterson

Marquise Robinson, Keyon Martin and Reuben Lowery

Score: Ravens 31, Cowboys 15

Winner: CB Keyon Martin, Ravens

When you’re a 5’9”, 170-pound cornerback who signed as an undrafted free agent, you have to do everything in your power to make the most of the snaps you receive in the preseason.

Keyon Martin of the Baltimore Ravens most assuredly did that on Saturday evening.

With the Cowboys backed up inside their own 10-yard-line in the first quarter, Martin stoned Dallas running back Miles Sanders for a five-yard loss on second down. On third down, Martin flew in off the edge and dropped Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III for a safety.

Who says little guys can’t hit?

Loser: RB Miles Sanders, Cowboys

The ground game in Dallas has been a dark cloud looming over the team all offseason long. If Saturday’s effort against the Ravens was any indication, Dak Prescott is going to be throwing a lot in 2025.

And Javonte Williams is one step closer to opening the season as the Cowboys’ lead back.

With rookie Jaydon Blue (ankle) sidelined by injury and Williams not playing, Sanders drew the start against the Ravens. It was a chance to make up ground after missing time in camp with an injury of his own. Instead, Sanders looked a lot like the back who was terrible the past two years in Carolina, managing all of 15 yards on seven carries.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Freed

Teddy Bridgewater

Score: Buccaneers 17, Steelers 14

Winner: QB Teddy Bridgewater, Buccaneers

The Buccaneers gave quarterback Baker Mayfield the bubble wrap treatment on Saturday, as did the Steelers with Aaron Rodgers. That left Tampa’s Teddy Bridgewater and Pittsburgh’s Mason Rudolph to duke it out in a battle of backups.

Preseason excitement at its finest.

The 32-year-old Bridgewater, who is only playing NFL football because he was suspended from coaching a high school team in Florida, didn’t look like a guy who hasn’t attempted a regular-season pass since 2022—he completed six-of-11 throws for 85 yards, including touchdowns to running back Bucky Irving and rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka.

Loser: Steelers Offensive Line

This one may seem a little harsh—after all, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin gave just about everyone who can reasonably be called a “starter” the night off, including the team’s young offensive line.

But watching the Steelers’ reserve linemen get little push up front and allow three sacks of quarterback Skylar Thompson (who was, in the immortal words of Charles Barkley, turrible) was un unsettling reminder that the O-line in the Steel City (which has been an issue for several years) remains one of the bigger questions looming over the team.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/David Becker

Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty breaking tackles in Week 2 of the preseason against the 49ers.

Score: 49ers 22, Raiders 19

Winner: RB Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

Jeanty bounced back from a short, ineffective debut. In the first quarter, he absorbed a big hit on a reception and went into the medical tent with a shoulder injury. The rookie tailback returned to the game and shrugged off 49ers defenders on a 13-yard run. He finished the team's second drive with a touchdown.

In a little over a quarter, Jeanty showed his pass-catching ability, toughness and broke multiple tackles. Though it's a small sample size, he looks like the total package, which is what Las Vegas needs for a rushing attack that racked up the fewest yards last season.

Loser: 49ers Offensive Line

The 49ers should protect their key starters with bubble wrap. San Francisco saw guard Dominick Puni leave the field with a knee injury in the first quarter. He suffered the injury on an extra-point attempt.

Already banged up on the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers can't afford to lose Puni, who put together a solid rookie campaign in 17 starts. Head coach Kyle Shanahan should keep all his starters on the sideline for the team's final preseason game.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New England Patriots

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Patriots WR Efton Chism III

Score: Patriots 20, Vikings 12

Winner: WR Efton Chism III, Patriots

Chism should make New England's 53-man roster. The undrafted rookie out of Eastern Washington has been shining since the spring, and he's carried that into the preseason.

Last week, Chism caught six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. He followed up with a stronger performance on Saturday, hauling in six passes for 71 yards and a score. Use a pen when you write his name in Patriots' roster projections.

Loser: Vikings WR Depth

The Vikings may need a wide receiver to take on a prominent role early in the upcoming season. Justin Jefferson is dealing with a hamstring injury. Jordan Addison will serve a three-game suspension. Jalen Nailor suffered a hand injury at practice. 

Other than Tim Jones (five catches for 68 yards), the Vikings' reserve receivers didn't take advantage of opportunities to stand out within a depleted unit. Tai Felton had two catches for 32 yards, but he fumbled on a kickoff return. As a backup receiver who will need to contribute on special teams, that's a crucial error.

Detroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Ryan Sun

Lions QB Kyle Allen

Score: Dolphins 24, Lions 17

Winner: QB Kyle Allen, Lions

In a battle for the primary backup quarterback position, Allen had a much better showing than Hendon Hooker, who went 6-of-13 passing for 61 yards and an interception. Allen led two scoring drives, completing 14 out of 17 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

Following the Lions' poor offensive showing in the Hall of Fame Game, Allen has stacked quality performances while Hooker continues to struggle with turnovers. On Saturday, Allen may have locked up the QB2 spot.

Loser: RB Jaylen Wright, Dolphins

Against the Lions, Wright couldn't get anything going on the ground. He logged four carries for just three yards. Meanwhile, Ollie Gordon II finished with 10 carries for 50 yards, which included a 19-yard gain.

Gordon has shown more big-play ability as a power runner than Wright. Behind De'Von Achane on the depth chart, Gordon (6'2", 225 lbs) could take on short-yardage duty, leaving leftover touches for Wright.

Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Did Anthony Richardson secure the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback job with Saturday's performance against the Green Bay Packers?

Score: Packers 23, Colts 19

Winner: QB Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

Prior to Saturday's contest, Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that he prefers to name a starting quarterback "sooner rather than later," while placing an emphasis on the second preseason contest. Daniel Jones may have started the game, but Anthony Richardson showed more to gain the advantage as the regular season nears. 

The decision comes down to a very simple premise that was on display against the Packers: Jones is clearly limited in what he can do, while Richardson's upside remains far too tantalizing not to have him in the lineup. 

Loser: OT Anthony Belton, Green Bay Packers

The Packers drafted Belton in this year's second round with the intention of him eventually competing to start at left tackle. Five first-half penalties—two illegal formations, a false start, a facemask and an unnecessary roughness—against the Colts show that the rookie needs significant work and become a quick way for him to lose the coaching staff's confidence.  

Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Texans RB Woody Marks

Score: Texans 20, Panthers 3

Winner: Texans Ground Game

Running back Joe Mixon's status for Week 1 is unclear because of a foot injury, but Nick Chubb and Woody Marks are ready to fill a void in the backfield if necessary.

Almost two years removed from a torn ACL, Chubb looked rejuvenated against the Panthers, rushing for 25 yards on five carries. Marks, a rookie fourth-rounder, logged seven carries for 40 yards. Houston can ease Mixon back to action with Chubb and Marks showing positive signs as a duo.

Loser: Panthers Starting Offense

Head coach Dave Canales should've sent the Panthers' first-string offense out for a third drive. The starting unit had a poor showing that could've been worse if the Texans hadn't committed a penalty on a play that resulted in a turnover.

Bryce Young only threw two incomplete passes. He took a sack because of poor pass protection. Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was wide open when he dropped a pass. The offensive line didn't provide much push at the line of scrimmage for the run game. Carolina's offense needs more work.

Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Derik Hamilton

Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba (24) celebrates after a pick-six during Saturday's contest against the Cleveland Browns.

Score: Browns 22, Eagles 13

Winner: S Andrew Mukuba, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles drafted Mukuba in this year's second round pick with the intention of him competing to start at safety as a rookie. He and Sydney Brown have competed throughout training camp. Mukuba is now pushing for that spot with a strong performance. 

Mukuba made the two biggest plays during Saturday's contest, with a pick-six and fumble recovery. Some players have a nose for the football. This year's 64th overall pick fits the bill. 

Loser: QB Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns

Gabriel looked good in his preseason debut, particularly during his first series, where he led a methodical 13-play touchdown drive. The third-round rookie looked comfortable navigating the pocket, operated well within the scheme and made some strong throws. 

However, a pair of turnovers placed him on the negative side of the ledger, at least in regards to the Browns' QB competition. After Shedeur Sanders' sterling debut last week, Gabriel shouldn't have pulled the trigger after his targets ran poor routes, which led to the aforementioned pick-six, and a misplayed handoff provided his fellow rookie with a slight edge. 

Tennessee Titans vs. Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Titans linebacker Cedric Gray, right, tackles Atlanta Falcons tight end Feleipe Franks

Score: Titans 23, Falcons 20

Winner: LB Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans

Cornerback Kendell Brooks provided the biggest highlight of the game with a pick-six off of Easton Stick that will help his chances of making the team. However, second-year linebacker Cedric Gray was an even bigger winner.

Gray and fellow 2024 draft pick James Williams Sr. are competing for a starting spot next to Cody Barton. Gray got the start on Friday and racked up five tackles, two assists and a disruptive rush that resulted in a half-sack. He also snagged an interception, though it was called back for defensive holding.

Loser: QB Easton Stick, Atlanta Falcons

With the Falcons committed to Michael Penix Jr. as their starter, Kirk Cousins looms as a potentially expendable trade candidate—the Falcons would save $27.5 million in cap space by moving him. However, they may only be eager to move Cousins if Stick establishes himself as a strong backup option.

Stick made a good impression in his preseason debut. On Friday, though, he had a late throw to the outside that resulted in the pick six and another bad decision led to Gray's would-be interception. Stick did finally throw a touchdown in the third quarter, but his night was much rockier than raw numbers (19-of-32, 173 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) might suggest.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Chiefs LB Jack Cochrane and Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet

Score: Seahawks 33, Chiefs 16

Winner: DT Brandon Pili, Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks receiver Jake Bobo deserves an honorable mention for catching a pair of first-half touchdown passes, though he was already likely to make the regular-season roster. A different 2023 undrafted free agent might be on his way to making the team too.

Defensive tackle Brandon Pili, who spent time on Seattle's training camp last season, has garnered some attention in training camp. He commanded it on Friday when he split backup linemen Hunter Nourzad and C.J. Hanson to tackle Elijah Wilson for a safety. At worst, Pili has likely guaranteed that he'll find a home on a practice squad in 2025.

Loser: Chiefs Run Defense

Unreliable offensive line play, especially along the interior, was one of Seattle's biggest problems in 2024. On Friday, the Seahawks' first- and second-team units looked like one of the best in the NFL.

The Seahawks racked up 174 rushing yards before intermission and 268 in total. That reflects well on Seahawks running backs like Zach Charbonnet, George Holani and Damien Martinez—along with rookie guard Grey Zabel—but it also highlights how poorly Kansas City's run defense performed.

Kansas City was regularly blown off the line of scrimmage, while linebackers struggled to close on ball-carriers. It's safe to say that the Chiefs have plenty to clean up defensively between now and Week 1.