The Arizona Cardinals sit 2-0 but face questions about Marvin Harrison Jr.’s usage. Coach Jonathan Gannon said Harrison must touch the football more, even as the ball doesn’t always go to him. Week 2 showed a modest target load for Harrison amid defensive schemes aimed at him, with a key early DPI and a handful of gains keeping Arizona’s offense moving. The club won, yet the offense stalled late, inviting scrutiny of how to maximize the star receiver’s impact.

Arizona rode a 27-3 lead into the second half before Carolina’s soft zone mounted a comeback, underscoring that every win doesn’t erase concern about play design and game-management. Harrison’s role remains pivotal; the team’s success may hinge on expanding his involvement without sacrificing efficiency, a balance coach and staff will chase as they press for a higher gear.

Burrow’s toe injury crushes Cincinnati’s Super Bowl dreams for now, pushing Browning into the starting role and sending odds from 20-1 to 80-1. Taylor insists Browning can win games and contend for post-season glory, while the schedule pitchers a tough road ahead with multiple high-scoring defenses—yet several favorable matchups offer a real path to a late-season surge if Browning hits stride.

Predictions for Weeks 3–18 hinge on defense, turnover timing, and Browning’s past experience stepping in during 2023. If Cincinnati can steal a few key wins against leaky defenses—and Burrow isn’t needed for a playoff run—their postseason odds aren’t dead, just dramatically thinner.

With eight teams allowing 29+ PPG, the path remains plausible: the Bengals face Browns, Ravens (twice), Steelers (twice), Dolphins, Bears, Jets and others in a 15-game stretch. If Browning can navigate this slate and Cincinnati sneaks to 9-8 or similar, Burrow could return for a dramatic postseason push.

Week 2 injuries reshuffle NFL fantasy plans as several starter QBs face long or possible-season delays. Burrow’s toe could sideline him for months, forcing Cincinnati to roll behind Browning and elevating the Bengals’ reliance on run-heavy scripts and quick-checkdowns. Washington’s Jaylen Daniels suffered a knee tweak, with a possible quick return in Week 3 in jeopardy. Fields enters concussion protocol after a Bills game, while Jets pivot toward Tyrod Taylor for Week 3. Bills’ Allen appears challenged but is slated to start. Chargers’ defense surfaces as a key Week 6 hurdle for Miami, aided by DaShawn Hand and Teair Tart returning and Mack dealing with an elbow issue. Steelers’ Ramsey and Smith are adjusting to new environs; Freiermuth and Washington continue to form a tight end trio. Raheem Mostert is a healthy scratch again, Hunt’s torn biceps rocks the Panthers’ line, and Campbell’s two sacks highlight a sturdy Cardinals defense. Miami slips to 30 in SI power rankings, underscoring how fragile advantage can be in a season defined by injuries.