The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2025 NFL season as the clear-cut favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 60.

Just two weeks into the season, the Green Bay Packers have announced themselves as the top challenger to the reigning NFC champions.

The Packers dominated the Washington Commanders 27-18 in Week 2’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. The game wasn’t quite as close as the score might have indicated, as Green Bay outgained Washington 404-230 during the contest and saw Jordan Love (19-of-31 passing, 292 yards, two TDs) outplay Jayden Daniels (24-of-42 passing, 200 yards, two TDs).

The Packers’ rise as a legitimate challenger comes after they spent most of the offseason flying under the radar. They were able to do so by virtue of being the most mundane team in the NFC North, as the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings all underwent seismic shifts with their coaching staffs (Chicago and Detroit) or quarterback rooms (Minnesota).

But once the Packers – who have made the NFL playoffs in back-to-back seasons as the No. 7 seed – traded for Micah Parsons, their outlook changed. They went from having a good-looking defense to a potentially great one.

How Micah Parsons has helped make Packers defense elite

Through two weeks, the Packers have looked every bit the part of an elite defense. Second-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has the unit playing at a high level, and the reason for their success was evident in the team’s win over the Commanders.

The Packers faced a Commanders team led by Daniels, one of the league’s top dual-threat quarterbacks. Throughout the evening, Green Bay’s defense was able to contain the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, rarely allowing him to make big plays with his legs and limiting his ability to complete long, downfield passes. As a result, the Commanders totaled just 230 yards of offense, their fewest ever in a game started by Daniels.

How did Green Bay do it? Hafley’s defense routinely disguised its coverages to keep Daniels off balance. That forced the quarterback to check the ball down often, which was also a staple of the Packers’ success in their Week 1 matchup with the Detroit Lions. They forced Jared Goff to work more horizontally than vertically with their defensive looks, which limited his average depth of target (ADOT) to a league-low 4.29 yards.

Of course, part of the reason this strategy worked is because the Packers were able to routinely generate pressure with just four rushers. That allowed the team to drop seven into coverage, which crowded the field and made it harder for each quarterback to generate downfield completions.

Parsons is playing a significant role in leveling up Green Bay’s ability to generate pressure with four men. His versatility and quickness off the snap were both on display often as he wreaked havoc against the Commanders.

That consistent pressure is a big part of why the Packers have allowed an average of 15.5 points per game through two games. More impressively, they haven’t allowed a single touchdown in the first three quarters of either contest. All three of the touchdowns they have surrendered have come in the fourth quarter when the team has had a two-score lead.

Eventually, the Packers may run into a team against which the four-man rush and shell coverage isn’t as successful. Still, the Lions and Commanders are no pushovers. Detroit was the NFC’s No. 1 seed last year while Washington beat the Lions to reach the NFC championship game. And each sported a top-four offense in EPA per play.

So, considering the Packers are achieving these results against high-end offenses with Parsons playing a limited role as he works into shape after battling a back injury, Green Bay has to be happy with where its defense is at.

Jordan Love playing at high level gives Packers excellent balance

The Packers spent the 2024 NFL season hoping Love would take the next step after his torrid finish to the 2023 campaign. That never happened as he battled a knee injury that impacted him throughout the season.

Love appears to be making that leap in the 2025 season. The 26-year-old has gotten off to a strong start, looking comfortable as a passer and performing efficiently in each of Green Bay’s wins.

Love looked particularly comfortable against Washington. He read the field well throughout the evening and was largely able to deliver his passes accurately. He did have a couple of overthrows on deep passes that could have gone for big gains, but he didn’t have any critical mistakes, remaining turnover-free for a second consecutive game.

The most impressive part of Love’s performance against the Commanders was that he thrived without one of his top targets, Jayden Reed, available for most of the game. The team’s leading receiver from 2024 suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter and did not return to action.

Love’s progression should strike some fear into Green Bay’s NFC counterparts. He is already elevating the weapons around him without Reed and Christian Watson (torn ACL) available and is also showing a willingness to take chances downfield. He logged the NFL’s second-highest ADOT among quarterbacks in Week 1 (11.5).

How will Love do when Reed returns, or after he develops more chemistry with rookie first-round speedster Matthew Golden? The sky is the limit for the young quarterback.

Add in Green Bay’s strong, Josh Jacobs-helmed running game and its elite defense and the Packers look like one of the best-balanced teams in the NFL.

That should be enough to make the Eagles sweat as they watch their previously unquestioned stranglehold on the NFC begin to diminish.

It’s a big fight with an even bigger paycheck.

Canelo Alvarez is guaranteed to make more than $100 million to fight Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, said Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi matchmaker and deal broker who has led his country’s massive investment in boxing.

One of the biggest deals Alalshikh made is a three-fight deal with Alvarez. And on Sept. 11, during the final press conference before the two boxers face off, he responded when asked if he would become the first person to guarantee a Mexican athlete $100 million.

“No, you get the number wrong,’’ said Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “… More than that.’’

Alalshikh, often referred to as “His Excellency,’’ offered no other details. But this fight will mark the second of the three-fight contract with Alvarez coming off his lackluster victory over William Scull by unanimous decision.

Alalshikh has been credited with putting together the fight between Alvarez and Crawford – two of the best fighters of their generation – and it will be live-streamed by Netflix. He also has brought in UFC CEO Dana White as a business partner.

“When Sheik Turki asked me to be a part of this thing, there’s absolutely no way you wouldn’t do it,’’ White said. “… It’s going to be an incredible fight on Saturday night and I’m honored to be here.’’

Terence Crawford seeks to quiet doubters

Crawford used the press conference as an opportunity to air his grievances, largely about failing to get the credit he thinks he deserves from the boxing world. He said people have taken issue with the quality of boxers he’s fought while going 41-0.

“And for what everybody say, I haven’t fought anybody,’’ Crawford said. “So come Saturday we’re going to all see.’’

That’s been a theme of the pre-fight buildup, Crawford saying he’s been disrespected while winning world titles in four weight classes. A victory over Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) would end the doubt about Crawford’s greatness, the boxer from Omaha, Nebraska, said.

“It’s been a long time coming, it’s been long overdue,’’ Crawford said, “and come Saturday I’m going to show the world what they’ve been missing out on.’’

Exuding confidence, Crawford said he thought he could beat Alvarez not only in boxing, but anything else.

“The only thing he probably can beat me in is horseback riding because I don’t ride horses,’’ Crawford said. “But anything else you don’t come close.’’

Not surprisingly, Crawford elicited boos from the pro-Alvarez crowd – and it brought a smile to his face.

Canelo Alvarez faces drought

Alvarez made no promises about ending his knockout drought. His last one came eight fights ago, when he beat Caleb Plant by ninth-round TKO in 2021.

“If the knockout come, good,’’ Alvarez said. “If not, I’m going to show why I’m the best.’’

Whereas Crawford griped about his doubters and agitated Alvarez supporters, Alvarez embraced the role of grateful champion.

“This fight for me is big,’’ he said. “It’s one of the biggest fights in my career.’’

But some people already are looking ahead.

One reporter asked Alvarez if, before the boxer’s career ends, he would fight David Benavidez, the WBA world light heavyweight champion. Alvarez has sidestepped that matchup, which likely would test Alvarez.

“Look, I never say no to anything,’’ he said. “We’ll see later, but I’m focused 100% on this fight.’’

This story has been updated with new information.

The Washington Commanders already lost one of their defensive players, Deatrich Wise, to injury in their ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Now, they have lost running back Austin Ekeler to a non-contact leg injury.

Ekeler went down on a passing play in the fourth quarterback away from the ball. The 30-year-old veteran appeared to be making a cut but fell to the ground, reaching for his right lower leg.

Ekeler attempted to get up, but the Commanders’ medical staff had him remain down on the turf. He eventually got up to stand and was helped off the field, putting no weight on his right leg.

The Amazon Prime broadcast initially showed Ekeler sitting on the bench while continuing to get treatment. However, just a few minutes later, the veteran running back was seen being carted into the locker room.

The Commanders quickly ruled Ekeler out for the game with an Achilles injury, stoking fears he had suffered a significant injury.

Austin Ekeler injury update

The belief is Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles at the end of the Commanders’ loss to the Packers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Ekeler will have an MRI on Friday to confirm the diagnosis.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said the team won’t have an update until Monday.

Commanders RB depth chart

Ekeler is listed as the top running back on Washington’s depth chart. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, whose nickname is Bill, would likely see an uptick in playing time if Ekeler’s MRI confirms an Achilles tear.

Below is the full look at Washington’s running back depth chart:

1. Austin Ekeler
2. Bill Croskey-Merritt
3. Jeremy McNichols
4. Chris Rodriguez Jr.
5. Donovan Edwards (practice squad)

Rodriguez did not dress for Thursday’s game. The bruiser would likely replace Ekeler on the active, game-day roster and become the short-yardage and potential goal-line back in Washington’s backfield-by-committee.

(This story will be updated as more information becomes available.)

Linebacker Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers earned their second win in as many games to start the season.

Parsons had two tackles and half a sack in the win and stopped by the Thursday Night Football postgame show desk afterwards.

The Packers fans stuck around to show their appreciation for Parsons, who was traded to Green Bay by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Aug. 28.

The fans were chanting “Thank you, Jerry!” Parsons was seen on the broadcast encouraging them to scream louder.

• A trio of SEC stars sit atop our 2026 NFL Draft QB prospect rankings after two weeks of college football play.
• Leading the way is LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina, followed by LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Texas’ Arch Manning.
• Oklahoma’s John Mateer is the big riser this week.

Week 2 of the season had fewer ranked matchups than the first week. Oklahoma and Michigan loomed as the lone game between two ranked opponents and did not disappoint.

It was another week of film for the top players in the 2026 NFL Draft class, quarterbacks included. A much deeper class than 2025 could see a handful of passers drafted in the first round.

Week 2 didn’t see much change as SEC quarterbacks held the top three spots in the rankings with solid to OK performances. The biggest riser came from that ranked matchup as John Mateer’s game against Michigan bumps him ahead of two other passers.

We’ll be following the top players at the position throughout the season and updating our rankings in the wake of weekly results.

2026 NFL Draft QB prospect rankings

1. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (last week: 1)

• Week 2 vs. South Carolina State: 11-19 (57.9%) passing, 128 yards, one touchdown; six carries, 28 yards, one fumble

South Carolina needed a special teams touchdown to kick-start the team and get past visiting South Carolina State in the Gamecocks’ home opener.

Sellers showed out well in Week 1 against Virginia Tech but wasn’t quite on the same mark in Week 2. He threw deep more with an average depth of target (ADOT) of 11.0 yards compared to 7.9 in Week 1, per Pro Football Focus. Yet he only had 128 passing yards and faced fewer pressures than against the Hokies.

He could’ve scored a touchdown as runner on a key third-down conversion in the opening drive of the second half. Instead, he ran into the lone defender – occupied by a Gamecocks wide receiver who was blocking – left between him and the end zone. That shows a potential worrying trend that he showed in Week 1, when he ran into contact that kept him from scoring instead of moving around it to score.

Still, in a down week for most of the top quarterbacks in the class, Sellers retains his No. 1 spot. The Gamecocks stay home in Week 3 for a game against 2-0 Vanderbilt.

2. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (last week: 2)

• Week 2 vs. Louisiana Tech: 26-41 (63.4%) passing, 237 yards, one touchdown, one interception

Nussmeier followed his outstanding showing against Clemson with a solid game against Louisiana Tech. The game plan was vastly different than what the Tigers did in Week 1; Nussmeier’s ADOT was 9.1 yards, more than double what it was against Clemson (4.4).

He started off a bit scattershot with unsettled feet. An overthrow with a clean pocket that would’ve been a chunk gain to Barion Brown in the first quarter stands out. He found his rhythm more in the second half as the Tigers eventually pulled away for a 23-7 win.

Nussmeier had relatively clear pockets but stood tall against pressure to deliver, including when the Tigers were backed up in their own territory. This wasn’t Nussmeier’s best game statistically as the Louisiana Tech secondary played physically against the Tigers’ wideouts. He still made enough throws to keep his standing at No. 2.

LSU has Florida up next in its first SEC matchup of the season.

3. Arch Manning, Texas (last week: 3)

• Week 2 vs. San Jose State: 19-30 (63.3%) passing, 295 yards, four touchdowns, one interception; three carries, 30 yards, one touchdown, one fumble

Manning’s scoring spree in Week 2 improves his outlook in general but, given the level of competition, doesn’t bump him up the rankings.

He played with a lot more confidence against San Jose State but still had some of the issues we saw in Week 1 against Ohio State. His footwork impacted his accuracy even with more open throws on offer against the visiting Spartans.

Manning and the Longhorns face UTEP at home this week. It should be another opportunity for him to build on his improvements from the San Jose State game.

4. Drew Allar, Penn State (last week: 4)

• Week 2 vs. FIU: 19-33 (57.6%) passing, 200 yards, two touchdowns

Allar had a strong start to the year against Nevada but, like Nussmeier and Sellers, some issues cropped up in Week 2 – along with the flashes that scouts like to see.

His footwork was inconsistent at times and that caused the ball to miss the mark, hence his nearly 30-point drop in completion percentage. Penn State pushed the ball on Saturday and Allar had a 9.1-yard ADOT but missed the mark more than you’d like.

Still, his second touchdown was one of the reasons why scouts and fans alike should be excited about his potential. Allar faked a handoff and powered a ball 55 yards in the air to Devonte Ross in the end zone for the score.

When he’s right, it’s quite right. Allar and Penn State have a tune-up against Villanova before their bye week and a showdown at home against Oregon.

5. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (last week: 5)

• Week 2 vs. Kennesaw State: 18-25 (72%) passing, 245 yards, four touchdowns; three carries, 20 yards

Mendoza wasted no time showing off both his passing and running skills against Kennesaw State. He led consecutive touchdown drives in the first quarter and capped off the second with a nicely-placed slot fade to Elijah Sarratt.

That duo connected multiple times on Saturday – including three touchdowns. The last score came on a wide open shot up the middle to extend the lead.

Mendoza’s settling in at Indiana after transferring from Cal. His footwork looked improved overall in Week 2 and that showed in his high completion percentage. The Hoosiers have one more game against an unranked opponent – Indiana State – in Week 3 before taking on their first ranked team of the season in No. 9 Illinois. That game will be crucial for his evaluation.

6. John Mateer, Oklahoma (last week: 8)

• Week 2 vs. Michigan: 21-34 (61.8%) passing, 270 yards, one touchdown, one interception; 19 carries, 75 yards, two touchdowns

Mateer jumps up the rankings after putting on a great showing against a good Michigan defense in Week 2 following his historic performance against Illinois State in Week 1.

Mateer showcased his pocket mobility and varied arm slots against the Wolverines. He was more aggressive than the other passers on this list and it could’ve come back to bite him. It didn’t this time, leaving him a great performance both as a passer and a runner in Week 2.

A crucial third-down conversion stands out as his best play in the Sooners’ 24-13 win over the Wolverines.

Oklahoma heads on the road for the first time in Week 3 for a game against Temple.

7. Cade Klubnik, Clemson (last week: 6)

• Week 2 vs. Troy: 18-24 (75%) passing, 196 yards, two touchdowns, one interception; four rushes, 7 yards

The Tigers were nearly upset at home by Troy and had to roar back from a 16-3 halftime deficit to win 27-16. Klubnik and the offense as a whole started slow in the first quarter.

His footwork was troubling early on and a tipped pass became a 4-yard pick-six to put the Tigers down 16-0. That’s a tough start against an unranked opponent.

To his credit, Klubnik came back in the second half. One of his best throws of the night came against pressure up the middle with a 34-yard dime to Bryant Wesco Jr. for a touchdown.

He’s yet to put together a complete game but there’s still plenty of time for that. Clemson heads on the road to face Georgia Tech in its ACC opener this week.

8. Taylen Green, Arkansas (last week: NR)

• Week 2 vs. Arkansas State: 17-26 (65.4%) passing, 239 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions; nine carries, 151 yards, one touchdown

Green makes his debut on this ranking behind another multi-touchdown performance in Week 2. At 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, he’s similar in size to Sellers with outstanding athleticism, as well.

He leads the FBS in passing touchdowns after his four on Saturday. He showed off his athleticism on one play by scrambling for a first down (and hurdling a defender) before firing a shot to Jalen Brown from 8 yards out for a touchdown.

Green’s dual threat abilities and production have him on the radar early in the season. This week’s game against Ole Miss on the road will be massive for his draft outlook.

Next two up: Sam Leavitt, Arizona; Nico Iamaleava, UCLA