The NFL season is two weeks in and we are beginning to see the Teams that are the real deal, and the teams that aren't playing up to par. There are nine 0-2 teams in the NFL, and history isn't on their side when it comes to their playoff chances. Stats show that only 12 percent of teams that start off 0-2 end up making the playoffs. There is a chance for all these teams to get into the playoffs but they need to get all their problems fixed now, or end up watching from their couch in January. Some 0-2 teams have the potential to get to the playoff race, so what do they need to fix?
What teams could make the playoff push?
New York Giants
The New York Giants are one of the 0-2 teams that have the best chance to make the playoffs for many reasons. One of the reasons is because of their division. The NFC is a very weak, but competitive division. There have been a number of seasons where the regular season record of 8-8 got an NFC East team a division title and a trip to the postseason. The Giants have an array of problems on offense, particularly on the offensive line. Eli was sacked five times in Monday night's loss to the Lions, and they need to fix that problem, as the O-line is the heart of the offense. The Giants have a great defense and an arsenal of skill positions on offense as well.
If the Giants can suddenly find some blocking to run the ball and give Eli time to throw the ball, they can quickly make their way back into the playoff race later in the season.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are 0-2 and lack identity heading into week three of the NFL season. However, all hope is not lost because they have an offense that can get hot in an instant.
Andy Dalton has been awful in his first two games, but fans shouldn't be worried. He was given the nickname 'Red Rifle' for a reason, and he has the ability to shred a defense. A.J Green hasn't been able to find a groove as well, but everyone knows he has the ability to dominate any matchup. The big problem for the Bengals is their offensive production, and if they can start playing with more cohesiveness, they can turn their season around and hopefully make some noise in the playoffs.
These are the only two teams that even have a shot at the playoffs. The Browns still lack any kind of identity, plus they have a rookie QB in Kizer who struggled against the Ravens last week. The Chargers just have a history of bad luck and losing in close games, and that isn't going away anytime soon. The Colts are lost without Andrew Luck, and he has no timetable for his return. The Saints can't stop anyone on defense either. The Bears and 49ers are in rebuilding mode, and the Jets are just awful. The Bengals and Giants have the firepower to be a contender, but they need to be better on offense to even have a shot.
