Sunday’s Best is a weekly column highlighting the NFL’s top five performers. Each week, the players who are spotlighted not only put up big numbers, but also set the tone for their teams and shaped the storylines of Sunday
The NFL’s second week was defined by chaos, comebacks, and unexpected fireworks.
While some teams are still finding their footing, individual players delivered performances that shifted narratives and demanded attention. Sunday proved that the league’s storylines aren’t just written by the scoreboard but shaped by the players who elevate in the biggest moments.
Here are Sunday’s standouts:
1. Malik Nabers | WR | New York Giants
In what might go down as the wildest game of the season, the New York Giants fell to the Dallas Cowboys in heartbreaking fashion, trading leads six times in the fourth quarter before Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey drilled a 64-yard field goal to force overtime. But the loss shouldn’t overshadow Malik Nabers’ jaw-dropping performance on Sunday.
The second-year wideout from LSU recorded nine receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns including what could ultimately be the best play of the season — a 48-yard heave to give the Giants the lead with 25 seconds left to go in the game.
https://x.com/NFLPlus/status/1967322719500001715
After Dallas jumped ahead with Dak Prescott throwing a touchdown to George Pickens with 52 seconds left on the clock, it was almost certain New York would lose the game – even though they ultimately did in overtime.
Nothing beats Nabers’ almost game-winning catch if it wasn’t for the Giants defense, but his first touchdown of the game was arguably just as good, burning Dallas cornerback Trevon Diggs for a 29-yard grab in the endzone in the second quarter of the game.
Here is Nabers’ full performance against the Dallas defense, including cornerback Trevon Diggs:
https://x.com/JustinPenik/status/1967580486907355255
2. Russell Wilson | QB | New York Giants
Again the New York Giants lost, but Russell Wilson had his best game in his 14-year, Superbowl winning career on Sunday.
Wilson finished 30-of-41 for 450 yards and three touchdowns. His almost game winning touchdown pass was so impressive that you need to see it one more time.
https://x.com/NFLPlus/status/1967322719500001715
The play that isn’t getting much attention was his 32-yard touchdown pass to Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson on fourth-and-4.
https://x.com/UnderdogNFL/status/1967316031267029379
If Wilson followed his lackluster performance in week 1 against the Washington Commanders (17-of-37 for 168 yards, posting a 29.9 QBR), it would’ve been a matter of when he would be benched for Giants’ first round pick Jaxson Dart.
Wilson would ultimately hand the Cowboys a gift with his interception in the Giants’ second drive of overtime, ending his career day.
https://x.com/NFL/status/196732724249071227
3. Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase reminded everyone of his star power in Cincinnati’s 31-27 victory over Jacksonville. The wideout hauled in 14 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown, hitting multiple career milestones along the way.
Chase cleared 400 career receptions in the first half, tying Julio Jones and Jarvis Landry as the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to reach the mark (64 games). It was also his 20th career 100-yard game, tying Bengals legend Isaac Curtis for third-most in franchise history.
Despite losing quarterback Joe Burrow in the second quarter, Chase kept the offense afloat and proved why he remains one of the league’s most dangerous weapons.
4. Jared Goff | QB | Detroit Lions
Detroit’s 52-21 rout of the Chicago Bears was a statement, and Jared Goff was the catalyst. The veteran quarterback went 23-of-28 for 334 yards and five touchdowns without an interception, finishing with a 156.0 passer rating — just shy of his third career perfect game.
Goff spread the ball efficiently, capitalizing after running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery opened the scoring on the ground. Against his former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Goff showed complete command of the offense, bouncing back after Detroit’s disappointing performance against Green Bay last week.
https://x.com/LionsPR/status/1967293065670045709
5. Daniel Jones | QB | Indianapolis Colts
I can’t believe it, but Jones has made his second straight appearance on Sunday’s Best.
A week after leading the Colts to seven straight scoring drives against Miami, he turned in another efficient outing in a 27-24 win over Denver.
Jones threw for 316 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another score. He also made the third-down completion on the Colts’ final drive, setting up the game-winning field goal. Through two weeks, Jones has yet to commit a turnover, and Indianapolis has yet to punt.
With 588 passing yards and a 111.1 passer rating, Jones has the Colts at 2-0 for the first time since 2009 and looking like early contenders in the AFC South.
Week 2 showcased why the NFL is so unpredictable in a week-to-week league. These performances weren’t just impressive — they defined the storylines of Sunday and set the tone for the weeks ahead.