ESPN evaluates whether 32 early NFL surprise trends are 'real or not' through Week 2

ESPN has published an evaluation of surprising early-season trends and statistics across all 32 NFL teams, assessing which are likely to hold up as the season continues and which may prove to be short-lived, according to the outlet.

Among the examples cited are Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt's continued dominant form, questions over whether the Green Bay Packers can establish a consistent rushing attack, and quarterback Drew Lock ranking fourth in QBR through the season's opening weeks.

Separating signal from noise

The piece frames its analysis as an exercise in separating meaningful early trends from statistical noise, a common theme for NFL coverage in the season's first few weeks when sample sizes remain small.

ESPN's report does not provide the full team-by-team verdicts in the material available, though it indicates the outlet weighed each trend individually across all 32 franchises.

The analysis reflects the broader uncertainty that surrounds early-season NFL performances, with the full assessment for each team included in ESPN's original story.

Further clarity on which trends persist is expected to emerge as more regular-season games are played.