NFL Season Update
We’re currently two weeks into the 2025 NFL season.
Although it’s still early, I can start to form some opinions about the teams.
As it stands, ten teams remain unbeaten, while ten others are facing the tough reality of starting the season 0-2. Let’s look at those in the latter group and rank them based on their chances of recovering and making a playoff run.
For some of these teams, a postseason appearance might still be a possibility.
For others, it might be time to shift focus toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
If you hear “player-only meeting” after just one game, that’s usually a red flag.
After losing their first two games, the Miami Dolphins now have a short week ahead of them to prepare for an undefeated Buffalo Bills team.
Things can turn south pretty quickly in Miami.
Expectations for the New Orleans Saints weren’t particularly high this season, so starting 0-2 isn’t a shock to many.
To their credit, though, they fought hard in their losses to the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, both by just a single score. The likelihood of them making a playoff push may be slim, but they certainly look better than the Dolphins.
As for the Cleveland Browns, it’s tough for a Joe Flacco-led team to carve out a path to the playoffs. The veteran quarterback hasn’t been performing well, and while the defense is capable of keeping games close, it looks like a wash year until they settle on a long-term QB.
The Browns are not a team to take lightly if you’re facing an 0-2 squad, though the challenge of the AFC North is daunting.
The Tennessee Titans, with Cam Ward at the helm, have shown some improvement from week one to week two, but they need their young quarterback to step up under pressure. He’s already been sacked 11 times, and the statistics aren’t encouraging.
Until Ward becomes more consistent, it’s hard to envision this team finding their rhythm.
The Carolina Panthers showed some resilience in their game against the Cardinals, almost pulling off a significant comeback after trailing 27-3. However, there’s a feeling of confusion in their offensive strategy right now. The absence of Adam Thielen is heavily felt, and ongoing injuries are complicating things.
If Jalen Coker can return, there may still be hope for this team, though the defense is currently a concern. With the NFC being tightly contested, they could use a miracle to slip into the playoffs.
In Chicago, the mood is pretty low. The Bears are also 0-2 in their division, and there’s a chance Caleb Williams won’t be teaming up with Ben Johnson as originally planned. Tyson Bagent may end up starting sooner than expected.
Still, it’s important to remember that the Bears have the potential on paper, which hasn’t changed just because of their record. They did show glimpses of quality play against the Lions.
Then there are the New York Giants, who are a bit of a surprise so far. They’ve been competitive with Russell Wilson running the show, which is somewhat unexpected. Malik Nabers is emerging as one of the best receivers in the league, which is a promising sign.
This competitiveness could very well become a factor as they aim for a postseason run, although it remains to be seen if they can pull off any surprises.
The New York Jets find themselves in a bit of a precarious situation, having faced two tough opponents. The AFC East looks uncertain outside of the Bills, meaning the Jets could still snag some crucial victories.
Despite the messiness so far, there’s potential for this team, as the coaching staff believes in their capabilities.
On a more concerning note, Houston Texans fans might have reason to be worried about the offense.
The young offensive line is struggling to provide adequate protection for CJ Stroud, leading to a tough time for him during games. In week one, he faced significant pressure, and his stats are falling short of expectations.
Even though it’s not the start anyone hoped for, there’s a glimmer of hope; while the offense is still figuring things out, the defense appears solid. With players like Daniel Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., the Texans can apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks and keep themselves competitive.
It’s all about finding a pathway to the playoffs.
Even though they’ve started 0-2, the Kansas City Chiefs still have a fair chance of turning things around.
Context is key when considering their losses; both came against teams that could be in the playoffs. They have been dealing with injuries, including a key player facing a six-game suspension, and it’s put a dent in their goals.
Yet, even at 0-2, they still seem to be one of the stronger teams out there.
