Ranking NFL’s 0-2 Teams: Bengals and Ravens Still Dangerous, Broncos and Panthers in Trouble
After the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL season, nine teams have yet to secure their first win, making up roughly 28% of the league. Historically, starting 0-2 is a tough position to come back from, with only 11.5% of such teams making the playoffs since 1990. But with plenty of football left in the season, there’s still time for a turnaround. Here’s how we rank the 0-2 teams, from most concerning to the most promising:
9. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers haven’t just struggled; they’ve been outscored 73-13 across their first two games. Bryce Young’s performance hasn’t shown much progress, and now veteran QB Andy Dalton has been called in to replace him. The question is whether Dalton can inject some life into this stagnant offense.
8. Denver Broncos
Sean Payton came in with high hopes, but it’s fair to question if rookie QB Bo Nix was truly ready for the NFL. Nix has struggled to protect the football, which is a problem in a team that was expected to play a more conservative style. With their AFC West rivals looking strong, the Broncos’ chances already seem slim.
7. New York Giants
The Giants managed to make some key plays with Daniel Jones and rookie Malik Nabers on Sunday, and their defense limited the Washington Commanders to just seven field goals. But despite these efforts, they still found a way to lose. Things are tense in New York, and the Giants seem to be teetering on the edge.
6. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency and struggles with accuracy remain an issue. The Colts’ defense hasn’t helped either, being the worst in the NFL against the run. To make things worse, star defender DeForest Buckner is dealing with injuries.
5. Tennessee Titans
Will Levis’ decision-making has been questionable, but he has moments of brilliance. With veteran talent on both sides of the ball, the Titans’ winless start is surprising. However, with two other AFC South teams also at 0-2, they aren’t entirely out of the race yet.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ offensive struggles have been concerning, despite their high ranking here. Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson have proven themselves in the past, but their early-season performance raises doubts. Luckily, the weak AFC South gives them some breathing room to improve.
3. Los Angeles Rams
After winning the Super Bowl in 2021, the Rams followed up with a disappointing 5-12 season. Now, with injuries to key players like Puka Nacua and ongoing offensive line issues, things could head downhill quickly again. But as long as Matthew Stafford stays healthy and Sean McVay finds ways to create opportunities for the offense, the Rams have a chance to turn things around.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are no strangers to failing to close out games, but they still have MVP-level talent with Lamar Jackson. While concerns linger about their ability to finish off opponents, the Ravens are built for a playoff run and remain a threat in the AFC North. You can’t count them out just yet.
- Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have made a habit of starting slow, so their 0-2 record isn’t a shock. Yes, the team has concerns with Ja’Marr Chase’s drama and Tee Higgins’ availability, and discipline has been an issue. But with Joe Burrow at the helm, Cincinnati remains one of the toughest teams in the NFL. If Burrow can stay healthy, the Bengals have the tools to challenge the best, as seen in their close games against top contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs.