Week 3 NFL Showdowns: 0-2 Teams Fight to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

September 18, 2025
Week 3 NFL Showdowns: 0-2 Teams Fight to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
  • Teams starting 0-3 have only about a 2.4% chance of making the playoffs, highlighting the importance of avoiding a third consecutive loss early in the season.

  • For some teams, Week 3 is seen as a 'get right' game, a crucial opportunity to turn their season around.

  • The Cleveland Browns, 0-2, face a challenging game against the Packers' strong defense, and their offensive struggles could lead to a difficult day if they don't improve.

  • The New York Jets, also 0-2, will start Tyrod Taylor at quarterback against the Buccaneers, needing a win to prevent falling further behind in the playoff race.

  • Historically, only three NFL teams that started 0-2 have won the Super Bowl—the 1993 Cowboys, 2001 Patriots, and 2007 Giants—showing that a comeback is rare but possible.

  • A victory in Week 3 could be vital for teams like the Tennessee Titans, who are 0-2 and need to stay alive in the playoff hunt against strong opponents like the Colts.

  • The Titans face a critical matchup against the Colts, who are off to a strong start and lead in key offensive metrics, making this game potentially decisive.

  • The Chicago Bears, 0-2, face the Cowboys in a game where a loss could increase pressure on their coaching staff and players to get the season back on track.

  • The Miami Dolphins, also 0-2, face a tough Thursday night game against the Bills, with their season potentially on the line given their internal issues and history against Buffalo.

  • Since 1970, only about 10% of NFL teams that started 0-2 have made the playoffs, a statistic that remains discouraging despite the expanded playoff format since 2020.

  • Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs are considered most likely to make a playoff run after an 0-2 start, with other teams like Houston and the Giants having potential depending on quarterback performance.

  • Week 3 presents critical matchups for several 0-2 NFL teams, with the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs facing off in a game that could define their seasons, especially given their current struggles and missing key players like Andrew Thomas.

  • The Chiefs, for the first time since 1990, are 0-2 and have a chance to turn their season around against the Giants, marking a pivotal moment early in the season.

  • Historically, only a small percentage of teams that start 0-2, such as the 2024 Ravens, Rams, and Broncos, have gone on to make the playoffs, but comebacks are possible with strong quarterback play and favorable circumstances.

  • Other 0-2 teams like the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers face must-win games in Week 3, with Houston aiming to improve offensive line protection against the Jaguars and Carolina trying to contain the run game against the Falcons.

  • The New Orleans Saints, also 0-2, face a tough matchup against the Seahawks in Seattle, and their playoff hopes could diminish further unless their offense shows significant improvement.

Summary based on 2 sources


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