Eight teams entered week three at 0-2. One of them – the Falcons – avoided an 0-3 start. For others, it’s imperative to avoid starting the year with three straight losses.
In NFL history, only seven teams have made the playoffs after starting 0-3. The group includes the 2025 Texans, 2018 Texans, 1998 Bills, 1995 Lions, 1992 Chargers, 1982 Buccaneers and 1981 Jets.
Only the ’92 Chargers made the postseason after starting 0-4.
It’s easier now than it used to be, thanks to 17 regular-season games and seven conference playoff berths. It’s still not easy.
For starters, many teams that start 0-3 do so for a very good reason – they aren’t very good. Those who are have a reduced margin of error over the last 14 games.
This year, one game features two 0-2 teams: Texans at Colts. The other winless teams are the Dolphins, Titans, Chargers, Commanders and Buccaneers.