Nine NFL teams find themselves burdened with the dreaded 0-2 record as they head into Week 3 of the season.
Players and coaches from those squads may downplay the significance, insisting it’s just early days in the season.
But deep down, we know better.
The 0-2 record has served as a stark indicator of mediocrity or worse in the past four seasons. Only two out of 32 teams have clawed their way into the playoffs after starting with consecutive losses, a dismal 6.3% success rate.
Of course, not all 0-2 teams are created equal. For example, the Baltimore Ravens are far from as dismal as the misguided Carolina Panthers.
Moreover, a team like the Cincinnati Bengals, with Joe Burrow at quarterback, stands a much better chance of engineering a strong turnaround compared to a club like the Denver Broncos, who are currently relying heavily on rookie Bo Nix.
Let’s delve into which 0-2 teams still have a fighting spirit left (and quickly move on to those that don’t).
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens are up against the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, a formidable opponent that could easily push Baltimore to an 0-3 start. The Ravens have been in this dire position only once before, in 2015, when they closed the season at 5-11, shuffling through four different starting quarterbacks.
But this team is currently led by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Despite their record, the Ravens lead the NFL in total offense, amassing 417.5 yards per game. However, costly mistakes and missed opportunities have them tied for 14th in scoring offense at 21.5 points per game.
Should Baltimore iron out their issues, such as squandering a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter like they did against the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday, their prospects will brighten. Expect Baltimore to be in the mix for the AFC North crown down the stretch.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Injured Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) walks to the locker room during halftime of NFL Game 16 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, December 23, 2023. The Steelers led 24-0 at halftime. Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Bengals, also in the AFC North, could reach .500 soon, with upcoming games against the Washington Commanders at home and the woeful Carolina Panthers on the road. Their 0-2 start includes a tight loss to the New England Patriots and a near-upset against the Kansas City Chiefs, decided by a last-second field goal.
Led by Joe Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor, Cincinnati mirrors the team that nearly toppled Kansas City. Consistency in divisional play will be critical for any potential turnaround. Last season, their 1-5 record against the AFC North kept them out of the playoffs.
While another team in the division also has an 0-2 record, the Bengals can’t afford many catastrophic losses like the one they suffered against New England.
LOS ANGELES RAMS, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
September 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
These teams aren’t showing much life right now, but they have the potential to turn things around. The Rams face a must-win matchup this week when the mighty San Francisco 49ers visit. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are in a tough spot with their next road games against the Buffalo Bills (Monday) and Houston Texans.
The Rams are missing defensive stalwart Aaron Donald and have standout receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua sidelined with leg injuries. Quarterback Matthew Stafford must elevate a short-handed roster, but erasing last Sunday’s 41-10 drubbing by the Arizona Cardinals won’t be easy.
As for Jacksonville, they handed Trevor Lawrence a five-year, $275 million deal, but the young QB has yet to repay that faith with a Super Bowl appearance. The Jaguars have only managed 30 points in two games. Their best hope lies in the AFC South, where three of the four teams are 0-2.
GROUP WITHOUT POSSIBILITIES
September 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The standout disappointment here is the Carolina Panthers, who went 2-15 last season. Their questionable trade with the Chicago Bears to draft Bryce Young has looked even worse, with Young now benched.
The Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos can focus on developing their young quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson and Bo Nix, respectively. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans seem to have lost their identity post-Derrick Henry, and the New York Giants continue to resist parting ways with Daniel Jones despite mounting struggles.
