The secret weapon behind every 2-0 start: Bills may have a new star, Chiefs unlock deep threat

Stars receive most of the credit, but these overlooked players have filled essential roles for the NFL’s eight remaining 2-0 teams

Every team has stars, but the secret sauce can be the difference between NFL wins and losses. Just like there are different levels of panic for every 0-2 team, there are different levels of hope for every 2-0 team. For some teams, this might be as good as it gets; for others, this start solidifies the idea that they can contend for the playoffs and beyond. There's one clear commonality between every undefeated team, though: Key contributors — and perhaps unexpected contributors — have stepped up in a major way. Coaches often talk about the entire roster (and practice squad) being vital to a team's success, rather than just the stars, and it's true.

Teams can't win with just their stars. They need the lesser-known players to excel, too. Whether it's a big jump or simply solid play at a key spot, these players make teams more complete. As Week 3 looms, here are the "secret weapon" players who don't often get the headlines but have been a big reason their team does. Upton Stout is listed at 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds, but he is an absolute dog of a competitor who plays much bigger than he is. He already has three tackles for zero or negative yards, including a half-sack on Malik Willis in Week 2. Stout attacks the