Only 12 teams out of a staggering 84 over the last ten years, just 14.3% of them, have ever managed to crawl out of an 0-2 hole and actually make the postseason. Last season, yeah, three teams did it, but let’s be real, the odds are absolutely stacked against you. So when we’re talking about the eight NFL teams currently sitting at 0-2, it’s grim. But believe it or not, there’s a team emerging as the one most likely to beat those crushing odds: the Houston Texans.
Houston’s History of The Great Escape
Yeah, I know, the Texans are 0-2 again. Sounds familiar, right? They’ve practically got a patent on this, having started 0-2 in three of the last four years. Last year they even went 0-3 before flipping the script in a huge way. Their path to turning it around starts Sunday on the road against the Colts. Remember, they swept the Colts last year, so there’s history there. Houston’s got all three of their division road games crammed into the first six weeks, which is wild. If they can snag two wins in those three road contests, and then somehow take down the Dallas Cowboys next week, they’ll be right back on track. With one of the league’s best defenses already locked in as their foundation, that’s a serious weapon.
What’s the missing piece? That run game. David Montgomery is averaging a measly 2.7 yards per carry right now. Get that clicking, and life gets a whole lot easier for C.J. Stroud. Seriously, if they can get some ground production, it opens up everything. Many of us are giving the edge to Houston because the AFC South just looks weaker than the NFC South, where the Saints and Panthers seem tough for Tampa. The Texans, with their messy Titans and Colts division rivals, actually might be able to stroll through their division.
But Wait, Are The Colts Actually The Better Bet?
Honestly, I’m not totally sold on any of these 0-2 teams making a run. I had the Chargers for playoffs in May, but L.A.’s disastrous offense and the Chiefs’ resurgence killed that. AFC West is just too competitive. So I’m genuinely torn between the 0-2 Texans and the 0-2 Colts. Their game in Indianapolis on Sunday is probably going to be the decider. Both these teams ran into absolute buzzsaws early, which makes their 0-2 records a little more understandable. The Texans faced the Bills and Bengals, while the Colts battled the Ravens and Chiefs. That’s four legitimate Super Bowl contenders right there. Brutal!
When push comes to shove, I’m leaning Colts for one big reason: their offense. I just have way more faith in it. Indy’s quarterback, Daniel Jones, is simply better than C.J. Stroud right now. Even with Alec Pierce on injured reserve, they still have plenty of weapons. Jonathan Taylor, one of the best running backs in the league, totally gives them that ground game the Texans are desperately missing. That’s a huge advantage that could win them the division.
So, who really pulls off the miracle turnaround? Sunday’s game in Indy isn’t just another early season matchup. It’s the survival test for two teams trying to prove that 0-2 isn’t a death sentence. Buckle up, because one of these squads is about to make a statement, and the loser is going to have an even steeper hill to climb!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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