Ranking the NFL's ten 0-2 teams based on chances to make NFL playoffs

Starting a season 0-2 in the NFL has historically been a steep uphill climb.

Since the 1970 merger, just 43 of 422 teams (10.1%) managed to make the playoffs after such a start. Stretching the history back to 1933, when the NFL first instituted postseason play, that percentage dips slightly to 8.6%.

In the modern era of a 14-team playoff format, the odds are even less forgiving despite more spots: since 2020, 38 of 43 teams that started 0-2 failed to reach the postseason, let alone the Super Bowl.

Still, every year brings the potential for surprises for those teams with NFL playoffs hopes. Factors such as the quality of the starting quarterback, the remaining schedule, and alignment of stars can help a team claw its way back. The 2024 season provided a prime example: the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, and Denver Broncos all overcame early setbacks, aided by strong quarterback play from Lamar Jackson, Matthew Stafford, and rookie Bo Nix, respectively, as well as solid coaching and defenses.

So, which teams currently starting 0-2 in 2025 still have a shot at the postseason?

Here’s how they stack up, sorted into tiers based on their probability to make the playoffs.

The Exception that Proves the Rule: Kansas City Chiefs

Dimers' Playoff Probability: 64.66%

The Chiefs are the rare 0-2 team that can still feel confident. With Patrick Mahomes leading the offense and an overall roster built for deep postseason runs, Kansas City remains the model for resilience. Historically, teams with elite QBs and strong coaching staffs are far more likely to defy the 0-2 odds - last year's Ravens and Rams particularly - and the Chiefs fit that mold perfectly.

Even at 0-2, the Chiefs remain dangerous with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, and history suggests no opponent will want to see him in January if Kansas City steadies itself.

The Chiefs still remain a Top 10 Super Bowl contender based on Dimers' NFL Futures predictions.

So You're Saying There's a Chance? Houston Texans

Dimers' Playoff Probability: 44.40%

Houston’s odds are surprisingly respectable. The Texans aren’t out of the playoff conversation yet, but the path forward will get extremely narrow if they fall to 0-3 against a divisional opponent. 

Houston’s defense is loaded with playmakers, giving the Texans a fighting chance to rebound in a wide-open AFC South if C.J. Stroud and the offense can keep pace. While historically 0-2 teams rarely succeed, the Texans have a real—if slim—shot.

MORE: Your Guide to Betting on Week 3 of the NFL

Thoughts and Prayers: At Least 5%

• New York Giants – 10.46%

• Chicago Bears – 8.60%

• Tennessee Titans – 6.18%

• Carolina Panthers – 5.28%

• New York Jets – 5.18%

For these teams, the probability to reach the postseason is minimal, but still mathematically possible - the Giants are the lone team with at least a 1-in-10 chance, but star talent on the defensive front and in WR1 Malik Nabers is being wasted by secondary struggles and shaky QB play, leaving Brian Daboll’s club teetering on the edge of another lost year.

A brutal start has put a major hit to Chicago’s aspirations, but rookie QB Caleb Williams still offers hope if he can get past his early season struggles. In New York, the Jets’ rebuild under Aaron Glenn will take patience, and with Justin Fields sidelined, the team is left leaning heavily on Breece Hall to keep things afloat.

The Titans are still alive, thanks to their fellow 0-2 Texans and rookie QB Cam Ward looks like the real deal, but inconsistency and a leaky roster make his promising start more about the future than an immediate turnaround, while Bryce Young’s turnover woes have undermined Carolina's progress once again.

Miraculous comebacks are rare, but not impossible—think 2024 Ravens, Rams, and Broncos from last year alone. It will take a perfect storm of player health, favorable matchups, and perhaps some chaos around the league.

Just Pack the Bags: Less Than 5%

• New Orleans Saints – 4.68%

• Cleveland Browns – 2.06%

• Miami Dolphins – 17.12%* → 0-3

The Dolphins have already gone 0-3 after Thursday Night Football, so their probability here reflects their pre-Week 2 chances. After an 0-3 start, regardless of any statistical probability, we're dropping them into the bottom tier.

The Saints and Browns are all in similarly dire straits, with their chances to reach the NFL playoffs hovering near zero.

Bottom Line

Starting 0-2 is never ideal, but it doesn’t automatically end a team’s playoff hopes—just ask the Chiefs or even last season’s unexpected comebacks from the Ravens, Rams, and Broncos. Still, history is clear: the odds are stacked heavily against these early-season losers. For some franchises, a long season of “thoughts and prayers” awaits, while others are already preparing for life outside the postseason spotlight.

Dimers' 2025 NFL Season Betting Resources

• NFL Predictions: Our data-backed previews for every game, every day
• NFL Best Bets: Our Top Picks for every individual matchup
• Best NFL Props: Player edges and projections from our predictive analytics model
• NFL Futures Odds: Who will win Super Bowl LX?
• NFL Betting News: The latest promos, storylines and more around the league

Responsible Gambling

Remember to please gamble responsibly. If you sense that you're taking your luck too far, know when to call it quits and don't be afraid to seek assistance. Keep in mind that gambling is all about having a fantastic experience! If you or someone you know is grappling with gambling issues, reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER for crisis counseling and support.