If Week 1 is about intriguing performances, Week 2 is about finding out which ones were real. Two weeks is obviously still a small sample size, too small to make any long-term conclusions, but we’ve learned enough to start paying attention.
The start to the season for a young quarterback, a running back being overshadowed by a superstar quarterback, a defense that was disrespected in the offseason, and a rookie head coach finding success all caught my eye.
There are plenty of common storylines that will be talked about incessantly on sports shows all week, but these are the NFL characters that deserve more attention.
NFL Storylines Getting Overlooked through Week 2 of the 2026 season
Wait, Is Bryce Young Actually Good?
He had a really good Week 1, he had a really good Week 2… hold on, is Bryce Young just really good now? We’ve been waiting for this breakout season from Young his entire career. Has it finally arrived?
Young has thrown for 648 yards for 8.9 yards per attempt and six touchdowns in his two games. Sure, he’s played the equivalent of high school defenses in his first two starts against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 and the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, but these performances would be impressive against my college intramural flag football team.
The connections he’s made with his young receivers are extremely exciting as well. Jalen Coker is in his third year out of Holy Cross and is off to a great start, totaling 208 yards and two touchdowns in the first two weeks. Second-year receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been effective as well, with 176 receiving yards.
Young is building legitimately strong connections with his receivers and has been one of the best quarterbacks in these first two weeks of the NFL season.
The Kansas City Chiefs Have Kenneth Walker to Thank for Their Fast Start
“Is Patrick Mahomes back?” I’m sure that’s what every sports show will talk about on repeat for the next week. But frankly, who cares?
Sure, Mahomes looked great on Sunday Night Football, an encouraging sign for this Chiefs team. But I want to highlight someone who I’m sure will be overshadowed.
Running back Kenneth Walker, signed this offseason, has been awesome to start the year on his new team. Through two weeks, Walker leads all running backs in attempts, yards, and EPA per attempt while ranking second in yards per carry and fourth in success rate. He’s also been a contributor in the passing game, adding nine receptions for 79 yards while ranking second on the team in targets with 16.
The success of Walker and this rushing attack will allow the passing game to open up, giving Mahomes more opportunities to find receivers downfield. That’s exactly what has happened, as Mahomes has passed for 566 yards and 5 touchdowns so far this season.
Walker deserves a handwritten letter from Mahomes, as his insertion has allowed this offense to return to its vintage ways.
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