Several 0-2 NFL Teams Still Hold Playoff Aspirations Ahead of Week 3

The Houston Texans entered Week 3 with a 0-2 record but retain a top-tier defense, according to Next Gen Stats, which ranked the unit first in success-rate allowed. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. posted five pressures against the Bengals, while quarterback C.J. Stroud avoided turnovers despite early fumbles. The team hopes the offensive line will improve and that returning receiver Nico Collins will boost the passing game.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also sit 0-2, with quarterback Baker Mayfield responsible for three turnovers in the opener and an interception in Week 2. The Buccaneers’ offensive line and penalty issues have been highlighted, and the defense has struggled with missed tackles and delayed pass rushes. The team believes the mistakes are correctable and that a competitive NFC South division offers a path forward.

The Indianapolis Colts’s defense ranked last in several categories after conceding points and yards to elite quarterbacks. Nonetheless, running back Jonathan Taylor remains among the league’s top rushers, and quarterback Daniel Jones has shown mobility after returning from an Achilles injury. The Colts hope to compensate for the loss of receiver Alec Pierce with quick-strike options.

The Los Angeles Chargers have endured a difficult start, with quarterback Justin Herbert struggling in a new offensive system and the line generating negative EPA per play. The defense has performed better than the offense but has not produced turnovers. The franchise believes its talent level can eventually translate into wins.

The Tennessee Titans, led by defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, have seen limited pass rush pressure and average run defense, placing them near the bottom of EPA metrics. Quarterback Cam Ward has shown flashes, including two rushing touchdowns, but needs greater consistency to sustain the team’s chances.

Washington’s Commanders rely on quarterback Jayden Daniels, who posted a career-high 69 rushing yards before exiting with an elbow injury. The team’s offense ranks 11th in EPA per play, yet the defense remains porous, ranking near the bottom in coverage metrics.

The Atlanta Falcons sit at the bottom of EPA per dropback rankings, with the offense struggling under interim quarterbacks. Defensive performance has been relatively solid, generating a high number of pressures despite injuries to key pass rushers. The team’s outlook hinges on the development of rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The Miami Dolphins have a rebuilding roster, with rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez emerging as a notable defensive contributor. The offense, led by quarterback Cooper Rush, ranks near the league’s worst in EPA per play, while the defense has yet to record a sack in two weeks. The Dolphins hope young players will develop as the season progresses.