The 0-2 curse is real

Only 12% of teams starting 0-2 since 2002 made the playoffs. Just three teams won the Super Bowl after starting 0-2: the 1993 Cowboys, 2001 Patriots, and 2007 Giants.

“Only 12% of teams to begin 0-2 since 2002 have made the playoffs”

Miami's long road back

The Dolphins face the longest odds among 0-2 teams. Six of their next seven games are against non-playoff teams from 2025, offering potential winnable matchups against the Jets, Lions, and Chargers.

Titans showing improvement

Tennessee nearly beat the Eagles in Week 2, taking the lead with under two minutes left. Cam Ward was efficient, and the defense recorded three sacks and forced two turnovers including a 92-yard interception return.

Commanders banking on Mariota

Jayden Daniels' injury isn't season-ending, but backup Marcus Mariota provides stability. The 2014 Heisman winner has thrown 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions with Washington and has playoff experience as a former Titans starter.

Falcons get Penix back

Michael Penix Jr. makes his season debut in Week 3 against the Packers. Atlanta has the NFL's top-ranked run defense and arguably its best running back in Bijan Robinson, plus they play in the winnable NFC South.

Colts showed Week 2 fight

Indianapolis took the Chiefs to overtime after a listless Week 1, scoring 30 points. Jonathan Taylor ran for 92 yards and two touchdowns, and Josh Downs stepped up with 72 receiving yards.

Chargers lean on Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh made the playoffs in each of his first two seasons with Los Angeles. The Chargers have Justin Herbert at quarterback, emerging running back Omarion Hampton, and a top-10 defense in red zone efficiency.

Buccaneers lost close games

Tampa Bay lost both games by a combined 10 points and could have won either. The offense improved in Week 2, ranking ninth in the league on third down, and the defense is seventh in red zone efficiency.

“Tampa Bay lost both games by a combined 10 points and could have won either”

Texans did this last year

Houston started 0-3 last season before winning 12 of its final 14 games and making the playoffs for the third straight year. Four of their next five games are against 2025 non-playoff teams.

“Houston started 0-3 last year before winning 12 of its final 14 regular-season games”

Texans have the blueprint

Houston has one of the NFL's best defenses and plays in the mediocre AFC South, which they've won the last two seasons. C.J. Stroud played well in Week 1 and has the weapons to lead a comeback.