Not all 2-0 starts in the NFL are alike. Some teams have a bit more luck on their side than others as they strive for playoff success. Each win is vital in the harsh reality of professional football, where every team is fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the postseason.
“To be sure, being unbeaten through the first two weeks of the season is cause for any organization to celebrate. Since 1990, teams that have started 2-0 have reached the playoffs 63.9% of the time,” says a veteran NFL analyst.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at this year’s nine 2-0 teams and rank them based on their contender credentials. The top teams have emerged as favorites to make a deep playoff run, while others are still proving themselves in the early stages of the season.
Starting with the Kansas City Chiefs, they have managed to eke out wins in the first two weeks, despite facing some challenges along the way. “If not for ending up on the favorable side of a couple fourth-quarter plays, the Chiefs easily could be 0-2 and sparking panic about their Super Bowl three-peat bid,” mentions a sports journalist. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, the Chiefs are still the team to beat in the league.
Moving on to the Buffalo Bills, they have also shown resilience despite facing injuries to key defensive players. “An offseason of roster upheaval has only given way to more personnel hits for Buffalo, which has lost linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard as well as cornerback Taron Johnson to injuries,” a source reports. However, with an inventive offensive scheme led by Joe Brady, the Bills are poised to challenge the top contenders in the AFC.
The Houston Texans, though not as flashy as some other teams, have shown potential for greatness. “Tied with the Chiefs for the lowest point differential of all the undefeated teams, the Texans didn’t exactly mow down their first two opponents,” observes a football expert. Led by Coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans are a dark horse in the AFC South race.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with their star-studded roster, have continued their winning ways. “Maybe it’s time to stop expecting a falling off for the three-time defending NFC South champions,” suggests a football commentator. Despite some concerns about their run game and pass rush, the Buccaneers are still a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.
The Minnesota Vikings have been a pleasant surprise in the early part of the season, led by quarterback Sam Darnold and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. “It’s not often that a former top-five pick serves a reminder of his promise upon joining his fourth team,” notes a seasoned NFL reporter. With Flores’ innovative defensive scheme and Darnold’s solid play, the Vikings are looking like contenders in a tough NFC.
Each of these 2-0 teams has their own strengths and weaknesses, but one thing is for certain – the race to the playoffs is just getting started in the NFL. As the season progresses, we will see which teams rise to the occasion and which ones falter under the pressure. Stay tuned for more exciting football action as the weeks unfold.
