SUBSCRIBE to our emails here.

NFL teams in most danger of 0-2 start

Half of the NFL is currently undefeated, and the other half is winless. For the latter, many like to say “it’s only Week 1.” There’s definitely truth in that, but there’s a sense of urgency not to drop to 0-2. Playoff odds drop drastically for teams who begin the season 0-2. Here are some of the 0-1 teams that could have the toughest time getting to the .500 mark in Week 2, sending them into desperation mode.

Kansas City Chiefs: It normally wouldn’t be a huge deal for the Chiefs to be 0-1, but the first half of their schedule is absolutely brutal. They will host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, which of course is the team that hammered them in Super Bowl LIX. If any team can overcome starting 0-2, it’s the Chiefs, but their string of nine consecutive AFC West titles could be in danger.

Miami Dolphins: There’s an uneasy feeling within the Dolphins’ organization. Coach Mike McDaniel is on the hot-seat, and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is not only unhappy, but possibly in legal trouble. Falling to 0-2 could be too much for Miami to overcome, especially with the Buffalo Bills on deck in Week 3. The Dolphins will need to secure a home victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Speaking of the Pats…

New England Patriots: Stakes-wise, there’s not a lot on the line for New England as Mike Vrabel is only in his first year as coach. However, hopes have been high for the team to turn things around in 2025 after improving the roster on both sides of the ball. The development of Drake Maye is more important than stacking wins right now, but an 0-2 start would put a lot of pressure on the young quarterback.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks gave its roster quite the makeover during the offseason, but most of their new acquisitions are veterans. The NFC West is one of the weaker divisions in the league, so there has been hope that Seattle can compete for the division title. Unfortunately, the Seahawks were the only team in the division to lose in Week 1, and now have a tough road matchup in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.

Detroit Lions: The most disappointing team in Week 1 was arguably the Lions, who were manhandled by the Green Bay Packers 27-13. Detroit is still as talented as any team in the league, but there could be a learning curve with its new offensive and defensive coordinators. The Lions have yet another NFC North matchup in Week 2, this time against the Chicago Bears. Falling to 0-2 not just overall, but also within the division, would be a tough hole to climb out of.

Chicago Bears: The Bears find themselves in the same boat as the Lions, coming off a divisional loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Chicago looked sharp in the first half of last week’s game, but went flat in the second. That was a home loss for the Bears, and now they have to travel into what will be a hostile environment in Detroit. Unlike the Lions, the Bears are a young and inexperienced team, making a loss on Sunday devastating.

Houston Texans: The Texans looked lifeless on offense as they fell to the Los Angeles Rams 14-9 in Week 1. QB C.J. Stroud was held under 200 yards passing and failed to throw a touchdown pass. Houston’s talented defense kept the team alive, but the offense just couldn’t generate anything of significance. The Texans could get a boost in Week 2 having home field advantage on Monday Night Football, but they’ll have to beat a very good Tampa Bay Buccaneers team to avoid going 0-2.

New York Jets: Perhaps the most impressive team in defeat last week was the Jets, falling to the Steelers in a 34-32 shootout. QB Justin Fields impressed with 218 passing yards, 48 rushing yards, and three total TDs. Running back Breece Hall also added 107 yards rushing. New York will face a huge challenge against the Bills in Week 2, but do get to play at home. An upset win could really kickstart a turnaround for Gang Green.

Only A to Z Sports newsletter subscribers get the rest of this email, which has the latest NFL news and more.

Don’t miss out on our next full newsletter: SUBSCRIBE to our FREE weekly NFL newsletter to receive updates on your favorite NFL team and the rest of the league straight to your inbox.