When an NFL team starts a season 0-2, it typically means the team is not good and has slim chance of turning things around to make the playoffs. Recent history has been particularly cruel to such teams.
Since 2013, only six of the 40 teams that started a season 0-2 have reached the postseason. In the last two seasons, only two of 16 teams have done it — last year's Saints and the 2016 Dolphins.
This year brings twist in the winless coming out of Week 2. Only six teams are 0-2, but another two have opened at the rare 0-1-1. In each case, there's reason to worry about being buried in the standings. But how panicked should those teams and their fans be about the season?
AFC
Buffalo Bills
Record: 0-2, last place in East
Point differential: -55
Chances of making playoffs: Zero percent
The Bills have improved in run defense, but that's about the only good thing to say about a team that went 9-7 and made the playoffs last season. Coach Sean McDermott's pass defense has been disappointing. The running and explosive passing games are non-existent behind a downgraded line. The only goal for this season is seeing rookie Josh Allen steadily improve at quarterback. Things will get worse with trips to Minnesota and Green Bay in the next two weeks.
Cleveland Browns
Record: 0-1-1, tied for last in North
Point differential: -3
Chances of making playoffs: 35 percent
The Browns are two plays away from being 2-0. Then again, without Tyrod Taylor sparking two big comeback efforts, the Browns could just as easily be 0-2. They're much like the 2017 Chargers, who lost three close games to open the season 0-4 but finished 9-7, just short of an AFC wild card. With the Jets and Raiders next on the schedule, the Browns have a fair shot at getting above .500 soon. There's a glimmer of hope, too, in the fact that they have some promising elements on both sides of the ball and are competing in a weaker-than-expected division. The pressure is on coach Hue Jackson to lead this team to victories, stat, but it woudn't be shocking for them to creep into contention.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 0-1-1, tied for last in North
Point differential: -5
Chances of making playoffs: 75 percent
The Steelers' offense is fine, but the defense is a major concern after blowing a big lead to the Browns and then letting the Chiefs take full control. There should be more heat around coach Mike Tomlin, and none of it relates to the Le'Veon Bell situation. Pittsburgh is still the division's most talented and accomplished team, and it hasn't had its chance to play Baltimore or Cincinnati yet. In six more games, the Steelers will have played all but one of their division games. If they're not back in control at that point, it will be time for panic. Right now, in a weak AFC, they still can create a comfortable cushion for at least a wild card.
Houston Texans
Record: 0-2, last place in South
Point differential: -10
Chances of making playoffs: 50 percent
The 2-0 Jaguars are going to repeat as South champs regardless, so that frees the Texans to focus on sneaking into the playoffs as a wild card. They started with a tough road double against the Patriots and Titans, but now they get eight of their final 14 games at home against a weak schedule that includes six average-to-poor teams from the AFC and NFC Easts. Houston has inconsistency issues that need to be corrected, however, or things will start to get bumpy for coach Bill O'Brien. If the Texans don't make the playoffs with Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt as their principal playmakers, there will be a perception of a letdown.
Oakland Raiders
Record: 0-2, last place in West
Point differential: -21
Chances of making playoffs: 15 percent
The Raiders started strong against the Rams before succumbing to a superior team. They also jumped ahead of the Broncos but failed to close out a good performance in Denver, losing in the final seconds. So there are positives for coach Jon Gruden's team, even without Khalil Mack. The problem: Oakland has no true identity. It's not looking good with two 2-0 teams in their division, but we're giving the Raiders a tiny shot at a wild card with a favorable schedule ahead.
NFC
New York Giants
Record: 0-2, last place in East
Point differential: -12
Chances of making playoffs: 30 percent
The Giants had their chances against both the Jaguars and the Cowboys, and their talented defense is playing well in the new base 3-4 scheme. But even with a healthy Odell Beckham Jr. and a dynamic Saquon Barkley, their offense is having the same issues with run blocking and pass protection in front of Eli Manning. Offensive-minded coach Pat Shurmur can't be happy with only 28 points total in two close games. Philadelphia is still the strong favorite in the division, but with Dallas and Washington both 1-1, a New York turnaround toward an NFC wild card is within reach.
AFTER FURTHER REVIEW, WEEK 2:
Davis ditches Bills, Redskins no-show, more
Detroit Lions
Record: 0-2, last place in North
Point differential: -34
Chances of making playoffs: Zero percent
The Lions had a meltdown at home against the Jets to open the season. They played better offensively on the road against the 49ers, with Matthew Stafford nearly delivering a patented, fourth-quarter comeback victory. But coach Matt Patricia's defense still stinks. The front seven is struggling, and the secondary looks lost. The Vikings and Packers are the class of the division, and the Bears look better in many areas. It's another horror-scope for the Leos.
Arizona Cardinals
Record: 0-2, last place in West
Point differential: -52
Chances of making playoffs: Zero percent
Coach Steve Wilks' team was outscored 58-6 by the Redskins and Rams, and it was lucky to get the one David Johnson touchdown on the board. The Rams are running away with the division, and the 49ers and Seahawks are shaping up to second and third. The Cardinals' decision to sign Sam Bradford for $15 million guaranteed is one thing, but continuing to play him at this point is pointless, especially since Josh Rosen's aggressive downfield throwing can bring some life to the offense. So far, Wilks and Al Holcomb have struggled to adjust their scheme to the strengths of the talented defensive players they inherited.
