The Houston Texans are sitting at 0-2 for the 2026 season, and after a crushing Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills and a bleak Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, you’d think it was lights out. Their offensive line issues are still a problem, defensive concerns are popping up, and Nico Collins is out with an injury. But hold up, sports fans, because ESPN’s Bill Barnwell is dropping some truth bombs: Texans fans actually have more hope than any other 0-2 squad out there.
Don’t You Dare Hit That Panic Button
Forget what you think you know about 0-2 teams. Barnwell highlights why the Texans are different, even with their shaky start. This team showed us last year what they’re capable of, pulling off a wild comeback from an 0-3 start in 2025 to win the AFC South. That’s not just a turnaround; that’s a statement of resilience. Barnwell’s Football Power Index (FPI) backs this up, giving them a 41.8% chance of making the postseason, which ranks 16th highest in the league. For a team starting 0-2, that number is a serious sign of optimism. There isn’t the same panic as there would usually be for a team with championship aspirations, and for good reason.
The Division Is Wide Open, And The Schedule Gets Real
Here’s where it gets interesting for Houston. They’ve already faced two of the toughest opponents on their schedule with the Bills and Bengals. Now, the road gets a bit smoother. This coming Week 3, they’re set to face the 0-2 Indianapolis Colts, another team desperate for a win. And let’s be real, the rest of the AFC South isn’t exactly a gauntlet right now, with the 0-2 Tennessee Titans and the 1-1 Jacksonville Jaguars. The division is ripe for the taking, and Houston is still in prime position to make a run at it, even from an 0-2 hole.
Yeah, there are absolutely reasons to worry. The offensive line is still a question mark, and the defense hasn’t looked as elite as it did last season. But once C.J. Stroud gets Nico Collins back, that offense will be in much better shape. With a weaker AFC South and the team’s proven ability to overcome adversity, the Texans are the best-situated 0-2 team to go on a serious run and make the playoffs this year. They’ve got the Colts next, and that’s a chance to start digging out of this hole and show the league why Barnwell’s FPI isn’t messing around.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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