KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With less than one minute on the clock at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals had Patrick Mahomes right where they wanted him. Sure, 48 seconds can be an eternity for the Kansas City Chiefs star, but the rub in this case was that it was down to one, make-it-or-break-it play. 

It was fourth-and-16, with Kansas City snapping from its 35-yard line. 

But as the Bengals can attest, never mind the odds. Mahomes was chased out of the pocket, rolling left. He spotted Rashee Rice over the middle, planted his feet and launched a pretty spiral that his receiver might have grabbed but for one detail. In came the late flag. Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony arrived a split-second early to break up the pass. The 29-yard penalty instantly moved the Chiefs into field-goal range. 

Four plays later, Harrison Butker nailed a 51-yard field goal as time expired and that was that. The Chiefs survived, 26-25. The Bengals left with another hard lesson wrapped in what-might-have been. 

For the fifth consecutive matchup featuring Mahomes and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, including two AFC championship games, it was decided by three points or less. According to ESPN, that hasn’t happened five times in a row involving two NFL quarterbacks at least since 1950. 

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They know the script all too well. One play here, one play there swings it. 

“One play changed it all for us,” Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals star receiver, told the reporters gathered at his corner stall in a somber visitor’s locker room. “Y’all saw the flag on the defense. So, one play.” 

The Chiefs (2-0), beginning their bid to become the first three-peat Super Bowl champion, have surely lived on the edge lately. Ten days after they nearly blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead – and had the good fortune of Isaiah Likely’s potentially game-tying touchdown being reversed on instant replay as time expired in the fourth quarter because his right big toe landed on the chalk line – they were pushed to the limit by a rival trying to bounce back from an embarrassing loss in Week 1. 

The lead changed five times in the second half on Sunday. Before Butker’s clutch kick and Anthony’s penalty, the “one play” might have been the 38-yard scoop-and-score fumble recovery return by Charmarri Conner that allowed KC to regain the lead. Or maybe it was Conner’s 9-yard sack of Burrow off a slot-blitz later in the quarter that forced a punt. Then again, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson, who made a 53-yard field goal, missed a PAT in the third quarter. And on and on. One play here, one play there. 

Andy Reid’s team is still unbeaten in part because their opponents didn’t ram through the door that was left cracked. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Chiefs have just demonstrated that the gap is still rather substantial between the champs and other contenders. Even as Reid wouldn’t deny that there is much to correct – and fresh challenges, too, as running back Isiah Pacheco suffered an ankle injury and left the stadium on crutches while wearing a walking boot.  

The Chiefs committed three turnovers against the Bengals – two Mahomes interceptions and a fumble by fullback Carson Steele – and still didn’t lose. They made just one third-down conversion in eight tries and still won. They were outgained again in the yardage department and still couldn’t be beaten. 

Sure, the great teams will find a way to win when they are not clicking on all cylinders, which usually includes not beating themselves.  

The Bengals almost pulled it off. If only they were closer to perfect. 

“Anytime you play a team that’s won three of the last (five) Super Bowls, it’s going to be a challenge,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “Not everything is going to be perfect. You’ve got to really grind it out through some adversity. I think our guys did a good job of that, rising up. 

“I’m disappointed that we lost the game, but that doesn’t mean I’m disappointed with our players.” 

Even so, the Bengals are 0-2 for the fifth time in Taylor’s six seasons at the helm. It’s a pattern that has increased the early-season urgency again. Burrow is now 1-9 in his career in games during the first two weeks of the season, while Taylor’s mark is 1-11.

Sure, they’ve been here before and proven capable of getting on track to become dangerous contenders. But this is not the ideal way to live on the edge. 

“We’ve got to learn from the mistakes,” said Chase. 

The Bengals are lucky that they still managed to come away with a field goal after Chase drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for protesting a non-call with referee Alex Kemp in the fourth quarter. Kemp said, in a pool report with a reporter representing the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) that Chase used “abusive language” in contesting why a penalty wasn’t called for what he considered a hip-drop tackle. 

In any event, Chase’s outburst might have also served as an image of frustration as the opportunity of upsetting the Chiefs again slipped away. 

“It don’t feel great losing,” Chase said. 

The Bengals were undoubtedly encouraged that Burrow looked much closer to form, with the quarterback coming back from the wrist surgery that ended his 2023 season in Week 11. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 258 yards with two TDs and zero interceptions, posting a 103.7 efficiency rating. 

He knows. The Bengals may very well see the Chiefs again this season – as in the playoffs, with a bit more on the line. But he also realizes that would be a long way away. 

“We’ve got a lot to do before we can talk about seeing them in the playoffs again,” he said. “A lot of football.” 

Which doesn’t cut it with moral victories. 

NFL Week 2 is winding to a close with a ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup between two NFC teams hopeful to win their divisions.

The Philadelphia Eagles are hosting the Atlanta Falcons in a matchup that will have a big impact on the teams that hold the early season edge in both the NFC East and NFC South races.

The Eagles are fresh off a 34-29 Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFL’s first-ever Brazil game. Philadelphia’s offense hummed in that contest, as wide-out A.J. Brown posted 119 yards and touchdown on five catches while running back Saquon Barkley racked up up 134 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 26 touches in his Eagles debut.

Philadelphia’s defense wasn’t quite as strong on the slippery field in Sao Paolo, but Vic Fangio’s unit should fare a lot better at home against an Atlanta offense that struggled in Week 1.

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The Falcons scored just 10 points in their season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their defense limited the Steelers to 18 points, but Kirk Cousins didn’t quite have the impact many Atlanta fans were hoping to see in his debut.

Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for 158 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in a shaky outing. It looked like he was still recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered last season, and it appears that the 36-year-old’s mobility is going to be a question mark early in the 2024 season.

Here’s everything to know about the ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup for Week 2.

Who plays on Monday Night Football tonight?

Matchup: Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Penn.

The Falcons (0-1) are traveling to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles (1-0) for the Week 2 edition of ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football.’

The Eagles figure to have the advantage in this matchup. They boast a strong pass rush and the Falcons just struggled to contain T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ defense, which got seven hits on Cousins. Philadelphia may have more vulnerabilities in its secondary – where it is relying on a combination of veterans in the twilight of their careers and recent draft picks – Atlanta can exploit, but Cousins isn’t guaranteed to have the time needed to get the ball downfield.

The Falcons don’t have an easy job in defending the Eagles either. Atlanta just allowed 127 rushing yards to Justin Fields and Najee Harris, and Philadelphia’s offensive line is in much better shape than Pittsburgh’s. Add in that Jalen Hurts is a more consistent downfield thrower with better weapons than Fields, and it’s fair to wonder if the Eagles could have another 30-point outburst against the Falcons.

That said, the Falcons may be desperate to avoid an 0-2 start, especially with a Week 3 matchup with the Chiefs on deck. If Atlanta comes out with energy and Philadelphia is sluggish after the long trip to and from Brazil, the Falcons could find a way to beat the Eagles and keep pace in the wide-open NFC South.

As such, NFL fans can look forward to a tense battle to close out Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season.

What time is the NFL game tonight?

Date: Monday, Sept. 16
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The Eagles vs. Falcons game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET, the usual start time for ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football’ games in 2024. Fans wanting extra coverage of the game, or those who want to hear Jason Kelce’s thoughts about the Eagles, can tune into the network’s ‘Monday Night Countdown’ program beginning at 6 p.m. ET.

What channel is Monday Night Football on tonight?

TV Channel: ESPN | ESPN2 | ABC
Live stream: ESPN+ | Fubo

ESPN and ABC will both broadcast ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 2 and throughout the 2024 NFL season.

Peyton and Eli Manning will host the ‘ManningCast’ on ESPN2 this week.

Cord-cutters will be able to watch the game by using either ESPN+ — ESPN’s streaming app, which can be bundled with Hulu and Disney+ — or with Fubo, which comes with a free trial.

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The Atlanta Falcons sent shockwaves through the NFL during the 2024 draft when they selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.

On the surface, this looks normal for a franchise that has struggled to find consistent play under center. However, just weeks before the draft, Atlanta made one of the biggest splashes in free agency when they signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to a massive contract.

Here’s why Atlanta spent the draft capital on the passer:

Why did the Falcons draft Michael Penix Jr.?

While the Falcons seemed set at the quarterback position after the signing of Cousins, Atlanta GM Terry Fontenot made it clear at his post-Round 1 press conference that he simply believed in Michael Penix Jr.’s talent:

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‘If you believe in a quarterback, you have to take him, and if he sits for four or five years, that’s a great problem to have because we’re doing so well at that position,’ Fontenot said. ‘So, it’s as simple as, if you see a guy you believe in at that position, you have to take him.’

He would add that Penix’s intangibles and traits would push the front office into making the selection. Fontenot made it clear that Cousins would be the starter entering the season, which he has been. With Cousins’ current contract, it’s difficult to envision Penix Jr. under center anytime soon.

The left-handed passer from Washington is well-known for his outstanding character and ability to handle adversity. Fontenot received owner Blank’s blessing just a few weeks after giving Cousins $100 million guaranteed and made the selection.

Penix Jr. comes from a pass-heavy system run by Ryan Grubb, now the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator. Atlanta felt that Penix fits what their new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, coming from Sean McVay’s offense, would like from a quarterback. He excels as a pocket passer, similar to Matthew Stafford and Cousins.

In his final season at Washington, Penix Jr. led the FBS with 4,903 passing yards, ranked third in passing touchdowns with 36, and was a Heisman Trophy finalist. He is a 24-year-old rookie and can develop quickly behind Cousins. Some draft experts give him an NFL comparison to Tua Tagovailoa.

The Falcons had franchise quarterback Matt Ryan in the building not too long ago. They moved on from the former MVP before the 2022 season when they traded him to the Indianapolis Colts. Subsequently, they signed veteran Marcus Mariota and drafted Desmond Ridder in the third round. Atlanta went 7-10 the past two seasons and decided an overhaul of the quarterback room was necessary heading into 2024.

Owner Arthur Blank also hired a new coaching staff after firing Arthur Smith, who spent three years with the team. On Jan. 25, Atlanta hired former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as its next head coach. With a new regime in town, they didn’t wait long to assess the quarterback position. On March 11, Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract. NFL fans and media assumed this would be the decisive move of the offseason and would thrust the Falcons to the top of the NFC South.

However, despite the harsh reactions across the league for the draft selection, some forgot: Cousins suffered a torn Achilles on Oct. 29 last season with the Minnesota Vikings. The 36-year-old signal-caller isn’t guaranteed to return to his pre-injury performance on the field. Having a high-quality replacement like Penix Jr. could be what Atlanta needs if Cousins struggles in his return.

Atlanta could adopt a similar model to the one the Green Bay Packers have found successful. Green Bay drafted Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick in 2020, and he sat on the bench behind Aaron Rodgers for three seasons before being named the starter.

Kirk Cousins contract

The Falcons quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. His contract with Atlanta includes a no-trade clause.

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The Houston Texans are 2-0 for the first time since 2016.

C.J. Stroud led the Texans to a 19-13 win against the Chicago Bears in Houston’s regular-season home opener.

The combination of Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins proved to be too much for a pesky Bears team to handle. Stroud produced 260 passing yards and a touchdown. Stroud found his favorite wideout early and often. Collins finished with a game-high eight catches, 135 yards and one touchdown.

The heroics of Stroud and Collins were just enough to lift Houston over Chicago.

The Bears had a chance to win the game on their final draft but Caleb Williams’ pass on fourth-and-17 fell incomplete with 34 seconds left on the clock.

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Williams started the contest 5-of-5 passing and showed improvement from Week 1. But Williams and the Bears couldn’t contain the Texans’ blitz and pass rush. Williams was sacked seven times and hit 11 more times in the loss.

Texans edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. combined for nine tackles and three sacks. Houston cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter each had interceptions. — Tyler Dragon

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Texans vs. Bears highlights

A matchup featuring two of the league’s most promising passers came down to defense, as the Texans held rookie Caleb Williams in check as Houston moved to 2-0.

Texans vs. Bears final stats

Team stats:

Total yards: Texans 310, Bears 205
First downs: Bears 15, Texans 15
Third-down conversions: Bears 6-17, Texans 4-14
Red zone: Bears 1-1, Texans 1-2
Turnovers: Bears 2, Texans 1

Passing:

C.J. Stroud: 23-36, 260 yards, 1 touchdown
Caleb Williams: 23-37, 174 yards, 2 interceptions

Rushing:

Caleb Williams: 5 carries, 44 yards
Cam Akers: 7 carries, 32 yards
Joe Mixon: 9 carries, 25 yards
D’Andre Swift: 14 carries, 18 yards

Receiving:

Niko Collins: 8 receptions, 135 yards, 1 touchdown
DJ Moore: 6 receptions, 53 yards
Stefon Diggs: 4 receptions, 37 yards
Joe Mixon: 3 receptions, 25 yards
Rome Odunze: 2 receptions, 33 yards
Cole Smet: 2 receptions, 27 yards
Dalton Schultz: 2 receptions, 21 yards

Bears vs. Texans score

Bears: 13
Texans: 19

First quarter

Texans field goal (10:20) — Ka’imi Fairbairn, 56 yards

Bears field goal (3:51) — Cairo Santos, 53 yards

Second quarter

Texans touchdown (14:55) — Niko Collins, 28-yard pass from C.J. Stroud (Ka’imi Fairbairn extra point)

Texans field goal (9:55) — Ka’imi Fairbairn, 47 yards

Bears touchdown (0:32) — Khalil Herbert, 2-yard run (Cairo Santos extra point)

Texans field goal (0:01) — Ka’imi Fairbairn, 59 yards

Fourth quarter

Texans field goal (13:39) — Ka’imi Fairbairn, 53 yards

Bears field goal (2:51) — Cairo Santos, 54 yards

Bears’ last chance falls well short

The Bears got the ball back with 1:37 left on the clock and 80 yards to go to at least tie the game and potentially take the lead with an extra point.

Texans 19, Bears 13: Cairo Santos makes it a one-score game

A roughing-the-passer penalty on Mario Edwards Jr. helped the Bears get into position for another long field goal.

Cairo Santos made the fifth field goal of 50 or more yards in the game to make it a one-score game with a little less than three minutes remaining.

Texans RB Cam Akers fumbles near end zone

The Texans were on the cusp of putting the game away, but running back Cam Akers fumbled the football three yards away from the end zone and it was recovered by Bears safety Kevin Byard.

Bears DT Andrew Billings got credit for the forced fumble.

Caleb Williams tosses second INT

Rookies sometimes make rookie mistakes. Caleb Williams isn’t immune to mishaps.

The Bears rookie QB threw an ill-advised pass intended for tight end Cole Kmet that was picked off by Texans cornerback Kamari Lassiter and returned to Chicago’s 43-yard line with 13:07 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Luckily for the Bears, the Texans offense wasn’t able to score any points after the turnover.

Texans 19, Bears 10: Ka’imi Fairbairn drills another long field goal

Ka’imi Fairbairn is making his case for player of the game. 

The Texans kicker knocked in his fourth field goal of the day and third of at least 50 yards when he made a 53-yard attempt to make it a 19-10 Houston lead. He has made kicks of 56, 47, 59 and 53-yarder on the night.

Joe Mixon (ankle) returns to game    

Texans starting RB Joe Mixon returned to the game with under one minute left in the third quarter.

The Texans ruled Mixon (ankle) questionable to return with 11:57 on the game clock in the third quarter after what appeared to be a hip-drop tackle by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards.

Texans pick off Caleb Williams 

Caleb Williams is still looking for his first NFL touchdown pass, but he just threw his first interception.

Near midfield, Williams tried to lob a pass in to DJ Moore, but Texans defensive back Derek Stingley jumped the route and got to the ball before Moore could. Stingley hauled it in for the interception to give Houston the ball just before the end of the third quarter. — Jordan Mendoza

Tensions rising after hit on Caleb Williams

A hit on Caleb Williams started a mini fight near the Bears sideline, and one Texans player got away with a punch.

Williams scrambled toward the sideline when Azeez Al-Shaair shoved him right before he stepped out of bounds. The Bears players took exception and started to gang up on Al-Shaair, and the Texans linebacker was seen throwing a punch at Chicago’s Roschon Johnson.

Joe Mixon (ankle) questionable to return

Texans running back Joe Mixon is questionable to return with an ankle injury, the team announced in the third quarter.

Mixon was injured after a short nine-yard catch when he was tackled by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards. It appeared Edwards got Mixon to the ground via a hip-drop tackle that is now outlawed by the NFL. However, Edwards wasn’t penalized on the play.

Chain gang crew member carted off

It was a scary moment in the third quarter when a member of the chain gang was carted off the field after taking a fall.

After a Joe Mixon run, the official was backpedaling when he tripped over the yard marker and appeared to hit his head on the ground. Members of the Bears training staff checked on the official and he was taken off of the field. 

The incident came the same day a chain gang member in the Ravens vs. Raiders game suffered a medical emergency on the sideline. That member was also carted off the field and the Ravens said he was “alert and responsive’ when leaving the field and was taken to a local hospital. — Jordan Mendoza

Texans 16, Bears 10: Ka’imi Fairbairn extends Houston’s lead right before halftime

Ka’imi Fairbairn’s having himself a half. The UCLA product made three 45-plus yard field goals in the first half as the Texans have a 16-10 lead at halftime. He connected on long 59-yard field goal to end the half.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud led the team on three straight scoring drives to begin the game. Stroud’s been efficient in the first half. The second-year QB is 14-of-19 passing for 173 and has a touchdown.

Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams looks more comfortable in his second NFL game. The USC product completed his first five passes. Williams has completed 12 of 15 of his passes for 91 passing yards.

The Texans outgained Chicago 206 to 91 in total yards, but the Bears defense held Stroud and company to 2-6 on third downs.

Texans 13, Bears 10: Bears get first offensive touchdown

Chicago’s offense has finally found the endzone.

Khalil Herbert ran around the offensive line and dove past the goal line to get the Bears’ first touchdown of the day and cut the deficit to 13-10 with 32 seconds left in the first half.

The Bears benefited from good field position thanks to a bad punt from Houston. They moved into Texans territory and on a long third down, a pass interference near the goal line set Chicago up with first and goal. The first two plays were unsuccessful, but the third down run from Herbert made it a one-score game.

The first offensive touchdown of the season for Chicago came after the defense scored both touchdowns in the season-opening win over the Titans. — Jordan Mendoza

Bears can’t capitalize after fourth-down conversion

Just when it looked like Chicago’s offense got momentum, it quickly went back to Houston.

Texans 13, Bears 3: Three straight scoring drives for Texans

The Texans have scored on their first three drives.

Houston went on an eight-play, 48-yard drive that resulted in a successful 47-yard field goal by kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn. The possession was highlight by a C.J. Stroud scramble during which he passed to WR Nico Collins for an 18-yard gain.

The Texans have a 13-3 lead midway through the second quarter.

Texans 10, Bears 3: Nico Collins scores game’s first touchdown

Texans WR Nico Collins is making his presence known early.

Collins produced three catches, 52 yards and a touchdown on during Houston’s eight-play, 77-yard TD drive. 

The Texans have scored on both their possessions to start the game.

C.J. Stroud is 8-of-10 passing for 92 yards and a touchdown early in the second quarter.

Bears 3, Texans 3: Rookie Caleb Williams off to fast start

Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams is off to a much better start than Week 1.

Williams completed his first five passes during an 11-play, 42-yard drive. However, the drive ended when Williams was sacked by Texans edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. on third down.

Chicago was able to tie the ballgame up after kicker Cairo Santos hit a 53-yard field goal. Santos barely made the long field goal. The football hit the camera at the bottom of the goal post and bounced between the upright.

Texans 3, Bears 0: Ka’imi Fairbairn connects on 56-yard field goal on opening drive

The Texans scored the first points of the night in their home opener.

C.J. Stroud led Houston on an eight-play drive that resulted in a 56-yard field goal by kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn.

Running back Joe Mixon had two touches for 24 yards during the Texans’ opening series.

What time is Bears at Texans? 

Bears at Texans will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET from NRG Stadium in Houston.

How to watch Bears vs. Texans

TV channel: NBC

The game will air on NBC and Peacock. The game is also available to stream for free on Fubo.

Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (analyst) will be on the call, with Melissa Stark adding reports from the field for NBC. 

Bears vs. Texans inactives: Keenan Allen out for Chicago

Both rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) and six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen (heel) were listed by the Bears as questionable for Sunday night’s game against the Texans. While Odunze is available, Allen is inactive for the game.

Bears’ inactive players:

WR Velus Jones Jr.
WR Keenan Allen
OL Kiran Amegadjie
FB Khari Blasingame
LB Noah Sewell
DL Dominique Robinson

Texans’ inactive players:

WR John Metchie III
S M.J. Stewart
RB Dameon Pierce
LB Jamal Hill
C/G Juice Scruggs
LB Rashad Weaver

Bears at Texans: Predictions, picks and odds

The Texans are favorites to defeat the Bears, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024.

Spread: Texans (-6)
Moneyline: Texans (-275); Bears (+220)
Over/under: 45

Jarrett Bell: Texans 
Chris Bumbaca: Texans 
Nate Davis: Texans 
Tyler Dragon: Texans 
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz:  Texans 
Lorenzo Reyes:  Texans 

Caleb Williams is first No. 1 overall pick to win NFL debut as starting QB since 2002

Caleb Williams accomplished a rare feat in Week 1, becoming the first No. 1 overall quarterback selection to win his NFL debut since David Carr with the Houston Texans in 2002.

Williams’ debut was less than ideal statistically — 14 completions on 29 attempts for 93 yards and no touchdowns in a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans.

David Carr’s win came in the inaugural game for the expansion Texans, a 19-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Before Williams’ win last week, the past 15 No. 1 picks who were quarterbacks were a combined 0-14-1 in their first starts, beginning with the Cincinnati Bengals’ Carson Palmer in 2003.

Who is the highest-paid NFL player? 

The NFL’s top 18 players in average annual salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott became the league’s highest-paid player on the season’s opening Sunday, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million deal. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the first non-quarterback on the highest-paid list after striking a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason. 

Complete list of the league’s highest-paid players

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position?

We have a complete list at every position: 

Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
Offensive tackles
Offensive guards
Centers
Edge rushers
Interior defensive linemen
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Kickers
Punters

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The Kansas City Chiefs earned a second consecutive nail-biting victory over an AFC North foe in their 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but their starting running back got hurt in the process.

Isiah Pacheco played during most of the Chiefs’ win, but he suffered an apparent leg injury late in the contest when he was sandwiched by three Bengals defenders.

Pacheco left the game and didn’t return to the contest. The Chiefs did not provide an in-game update on his status given that it occurred late in the game, but he was spotted after the contest in a walking boot and on crutches.

Here’s what to know about Pacheco’s injury:

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Isiah Pacheco injury update

Pacheco’s injury occurred just after the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter when he took a first-and-10 carry up the middle for a 1-yard gain. He was quickly surrounded by three Bengals defenders and bent backward as he was tackled from behind during the play.

Pacheco did not return to the field after suffering the injury. The Chiefs used a rotation of Samaje Perine and Carson Steele to finish their game-winning drive while Pacheco remained on the sidelines.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid revealed after the game that Pacheco had suffered an ankle injury. The running back was ’emotional’ in the locker room, according to Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star, but was still walking under his own power.

However, Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot, per ESPN’s Jeff Darlington. The veteran running back will have a battery of tests performed Monday to determine the extent of his injury.

Who is Isiah Pacheco’s backup on Chiefs depth chart?

The Chiefs have two running backs on their 53-man roster behind Pacheco: Samaje Perine and Carson Steele. Perine, an eight-year veteran, has operated as Pacheco’s primary backup while Steele, an undrafted rookie, has handled a some between-the-tackles work while serving as a fullback for the team.

Should Pacheco miss time because of his injury, Perine would likely absorb most of the passing-down work for the Chiefs while the between-the-tackels work might be more of an even split. It’s worth noting that Steele handled seven carries and generated 19 yards in Week 2 against the Bengals while Perine’s only touch came on a 3-yard reception.

Isiah Pacheco stats

Pacheco enjoyed a productive outing in Week 2 against the Bengals, racking up 90 yards on 19 carries and adding 25 yards on five catches. He generated positive yardage on most of his carries, though his longest play was just a 13-yard reception.

Pacheco doubled up his rushing yardage from the Chiefs’ season opener, as he generated just 45 yards on 15 carries in that contest. He did score on the ground during that outing, his lone touchdown of the 2024 season to date.

Pacheco ran for 935 yards and seven touchdowns on 205 carries last season. All marks were career-highs.

The Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) are flying high while the Atlanta Falcons (0-1) struggle to get off the ground as the teams prepare to face off for the second Monday Night Football game of the season. 

The Eagles should be well-rested for their home opener after beginning their season Sept. 6 in Sao Paolo, Brazil, with a victory against the Green Bay Packers in a rare Friday night game that also marked the first NFL game played in the Southern Hemisphere. Led by the dynamism of running back Saquon Barkley, the Eagles outlasted the Packers 34-29 despite a slow start and some sloppy mistakes that included two fumbles. Against Atlanta, Philadelphia will look to clean up unforced errors and improve on its defense, which conceded 423 total yards and three touchdowns against Green Bay.

The outlook was bleaker for Atlanta following its opening loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Falcons’ offensive line stuggled and failed to score a single point in the second half during their 18-10 loss to a Pittsburgh team that did not score a touchdown and played with backup QB Justin Fields since starting QB Russell Wilson was out with a calf injury. Although Atlanta will not have to face linebacker T.J. Watt and the rest of Pittsburgh’s defense, the Falcons must make offensive adjustments from Week 1 to contest the game closely. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the Falcons-Eagles matchup Monday evening. 

When is the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons game?

The Falcons and Eagles will play Monday, Sept. 16, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kickoff is slated for 8:15 p.m. ET.

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How to watch Falcons at Eagles on Monday Night Football

The Falcons-Eagles game will be broadcast on ESPN with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters on air. ESPN Deportes will have a Spanish language broadcast.

Will there be a live stream of the Atlanta Falcons at the Philadelphia Eagles?

The Monday Night Football game can be streamed on Fubo and on the NFL app with NFL+ (subscription required).

What are the betting odds for the Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles?

The Eagles (-300) are the moneyline favorite, while the Falcons (+240) enter the game as the underdog. The over/under is set at 47 points, with the Eagles favored by 6.5 points, according to BetMGM.

Spotlight on the quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts vs. Kirk Cousins

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts exhibited glimpses of brilliance as he contributed 311 total yards against Green Bay, but he also committed uncharacteristic errors responsible for three turnovers (including two interceptions). Hurts, who has proven he is capable of taking his team to the Super Bowl, will be eager to clean up his play going forward and make Week 1 a mere blip attributed to the nervous energy surrounding a season opener.

While Hurts was a little rusty during Week 1, Cousins has a lot more rust to shake off. The former Minnesota Vikings QB returned to the field for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon last October and did not seem able to cope against a suffocating Steelers defense. Cousins finished the game 16-for-26 for 155 yards, scoring only one touchdown and throwing two interceptions. If Cousins is to improve, he will also need better support around him as he was sacked twice and hit seven times overall by Pittsburgh. 

Player to watch: Eagles running back Saquon Barkley

Barkley is sure to get a warm welcome to Lincoln Financial Field after he was named the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week for his superb debut performance with the Eagles. Against Green Bay, Barkley energized Philadelphia’s offense with 24 carries, 109 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. On top of that, the former New York Giants player showed he was capable in the air, tallying two receptions and an additional touchdown. If Barkley plays like he did last week, the Falcons will face the immense challenge of trying to match his offensive production.

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For the past 25 seasons, no right-handed hitter has ever made a splash into McCovey Cove in San Francisco.

Until now.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos became the first ever right-handed batter to hit a home run directly into the ocean at Oracle Park on Sunday afternoon. The history-making home run came in the bottom of the ninth against the San Diego Padres to tie the game and eventually send it into extra innings. The Padres would eventually win 4-3 in 10 innings.

The Giants broadcast team was unsure at first if the homer went directly over the right field wall and stands and didn’t just bounce into the water. It was confirmed that it was a true splash dinger.

McCovey Cove home runs

Since the ballpark opened in 2000, Oracle Park has been one of the best places to hit a home run because of how close the water is to the playing field. Since it’s possible to hit homers into the water, the Giants have ‘splash hits’ for whenever their players hit a dinger into the cove. Opposing players have hit splash hits, but those don’t count toward the official total.

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With Ramos’ home run, that makes it 105 splash hits in the ballpark’s history. Not surprisingly, the player to hit the most splash hits was of course Barry Bonds, who raked it a whopping 35 times straight into McCovey Cove. In second is Brandon Belt with 10.

But no matter which team they were on, no right-hander had ever accomplished the feat before Sunday. Not only is there the challenge of having a complete opposite field home run, but the winds in San Francisco can be so strong it can easily kill a potential hit destined to land in the water. It took more than two decades, but Ramos has etched himself into baseball history.

All eyes are on the quarterback position every week. But in primetime games, the quarterback’s performance becomes more magnified.

The Atlanta Falcons will play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 on ‘Monday Night Football.’ Under center for Atlanta will be Kirk Cousins, who signed a massive four-year contract with Atlanta in the offseason. He suffered an Achilles injury last October, cutting his 2023 season short in Minnesota.

After not playing with his new team throughout the preseason, Cousins played poorly in the Falcons Week 1, 18-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The lack of chemistry and timing issues with his receivers and offensive line were on display. It was his first game action since the injury, and he struggled: Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for just 155 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.

Things won’t be easy in primetime on Monday night in Philadelphia. The Eagles are coming into Monday night off an impressive 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Eagles cornerback Darius Slay will likely shadow London on the outside and give the Falcons passing game issues.

Kirk Cousins primetime record

Kirk Cousins’ primetime record entering ‘Monday Night Football’ is 12-20 overall. The narrative around Cousins can change if he can win games on the national stage against the better teams in the NFL, like the Eagles in Week 2.

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The last time we saw Cousins play on Monday Night Football was in Week 7 last season, where he led Minnesota to an impressive 22-17 win over the 49ers.

However, we also watched Cousins play in Philadelphia in primetime Week 2 last season on ‘Thursday Night Football.’ The Vikings lost 34-28 despite Cousins’ terrific statistical night (31 completions on 44 attempts, 364 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT). This will be the third consecutive season Cousins will play on the road in Philadelphia in primetime in Week 2. In 2022, he lost 24-7 in this spot.

The Falcons shocked the world when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, just months after signing Cousins. Many NFL fans and media members will wonder when or if Atlanta would bench Cousins in favor of the rookie first-rounder, especially if Cousins struggles in primetime on the national stage.

Cousins’ record on Monday Night Football is 3-10, and the Falcons are 6.5-point underdogs, according to BetMGM.

Kirk Cousins contract

The Falcons quarterback signed a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. His contract with Atlanta includes a no-trade clause.

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