NFL Odds: Which 0-2 teams will make the playoffs?
The stats come out every year and they are pretty blatant in the NFL. Teams that start off 0-2 are much more likely to miss the playoffs than make it.
Since the NFL merger in 1970, only 43 of 422 NFL teams (10.1 per cent) have started 0-2 and went on to make the playoffs.
Last year, the Ravens, Rams and Broncos all bucked the trend by making the playoffs after 0-2 starts, but the season was an anomaly. In 2023, the Texans were the only one of eight 0-2 teams to reach the postseason, while the Bengals were the lone exception of five 0-2 teams in 2022.
There are 10 teams that have started 0-2 this season, so surely one of them will make the playoffs, right? Let’s dig into it.
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Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are in a very different spot right now at 0-2 for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era.
But, let’s put this 0-2 hole into perspective. Both games were one-possession losses and it was a tough couple of weeks facing the AFC West rival Chargers in Brazil in Week 1 followed by a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles in Week 2.
The Chiefs should get in the win column this week against the Giants, although they’ll still be missing Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder) in the coming weeks when they host Baltimore and Detroit.
While Kansas City might lose the division to the Chargers this year, I don’t see them missing the playoffs. Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs have another level they can hit and you have to trust a veteran team to find a way to win.
Week 3 opponent: @ New York Giants
Houston Texans
Houston got a tough break starting the year against the Rams and Buccaneers, but the team simply needs to play better. C.J. Stroud only has one passing touchdown through two weeks and Nico Collins has been unremarkable with three receptions in each game.
The Texans are lucky they play in a weak AFC South division, with their only real competition being a questionable Colts team. Winning divisional matchups will be key to Houston’s playoff hopes.
Week 3 opponent: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins
“To win games, you have to win the game and not lose the game, honestly. And that is how you lose the game.”
That is an actual quote from an actual NFL head coach. Mike McDaniel made the baffling statement after Miami’s Week 2 home loss against a less-than-impressive Patriots squad.
The Dolphins are a mess on both sides of the ball. Tua Tagovailoa’s health is always a question, there are rumours Tyreek Hill could be shipped out of town and the defence couldn’t stop a peewee football team.
No coach’s seat is hotter than McDaniel’s and it seems like a matter of when, not if he’ll be fired. Now, let me leave you with some words of wisdom.
To avoid being fired, you have to avoid being fired and stay hired, honestly. And that is how you avoid being fired.
Week 3 opponent: @ Buffalo Bills
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns haven’t won a playoff game in five years and they likely won’t get a chance to break that streak in 2025. They’ve already lost two divisional games against Baltimore and Cincinnati and outside of Myles Garrett, there’s no real star that gives this team any hope.
Week 3 opponent: vs. Green Bay Packers
New York Giants
Russell Wilson exploded for 450 passing yards last week against Dallas, but even that wasn’t enough to salvage a win for the Giants. New York is the only winless team in the NFC East and that likely won’t change anytime soon as they’re set to face the Chiefs and Chargers in the next two weeks.
Week 3 opponent: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Chicago Bears
The Bears were done dirty by schedule makers as they opened the season with tough divisional losses against Detroit and Minnesota. The jury’s still out on Caleb Williams’ ability to develop into an elite quarterback, but it’s safe to say he won’t lead Chicago to the promised land this season.
Week 3 opponent: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward has just one passing touchdown through two games and his completion percentage is 50.8 per cent. It’s way too early to call Ward a bust, especially with the lack of help he has, but there’s no way he’ll lead this Titans team to the playoffs this year.
Week 3 opponent: vs. Indianapolis Colts
New York Jets
After nearly upsetting the Steelers in Week 1, the Jets came back to reality in a blowout loss against the Bills in Week 2. With Justin Fields dealing with a concussion and a terrible defence, New York is bound to miss the playoffs for a 15th straight year. That’s a wild number.
Week 3 opponent: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New Orleans Saints
The Saints nearly upset the 49ers in Week 2, which is a good sign, right? Wrong! New Orleans is far from a playoff calibre team with Spencer Rattler under centre. They’re not going to make the playoffs anyway this season, so they may as well lose big and get a shot at the top draft pick in 2026.
Week 3 opponent: @ Seattle Seahawks
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers haven’t played playoff football since 2017 and if the first two weeks of the season are any indication, that streak will continue. Bryce Young looked a lot better in Week 2, but the defence continues to let the team down.
Week 3 opponent: vs. Atlanta Falcons