NFL history offers a clear warning for teams that start 0-2

Two weeks into an NFL season, a team with an 0-2 record can already feel like it’s in trouble. Fans start worrying, talk radio turns negative and social media fills with questions about whether the season is slipping away. History suggests those concerns are understandable because teams that lose their first two games face a much tougher path to the playoffs than teams that get off to a fast start, NBC Sports reported.

According to research compiled by NBC Sports, only a small percentage of NFL teams that begin a season 0-2 eventually make the playoffs. That means most teams that lose their first two games spend the rest of the season trying to catch up in the standings. Source:

Other historical studies have reached similar conclusions. Data examining teams since 1990 found that roughly one in every nine or 10 teams that starts 0-2 qualifies for the postseason. While the NFL’s expanded playoff format and 17-game schedule have created more opportunities for comebacks, the odds remain steep, ClutchPoints reported.

Stories by Chris Pugh

The good news is that an 0-2 start is not a death sentence. Teams still have most of the season remaining. A strong quarterback, a favorable schedule or a lengthy winning streak can quickly change a team’s outlook, according to The Sports Cast. That’s why coaches often stress patience after two early losses rather than panic.

Several NFL teams have proven that an early stumble does not automatically end championship dreams. The 1993 Dallas Cowboys, 2001 New England Patriots and 2007 New York Giants all started the season 0-2 before going on to win the Super Bowl. While those examples are rare, they remain some of the league’s most famous comeback stories.

More recently, teams have shown that digging out of an 0-2 hole is still possible. The Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos all recovered from 0-2 starts during the 2024 season and reached the playoffs. Their success helped show that the expanded playoff field gives struggling teams more room to recover than in previous eras.

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.