How Many NFL Teams Have Started 0-2 and Made the Playoffs?
The NFL has a variety of intricate dynamics that determine which teams make it to the playoffs. Starting an NFL season with a 0-2 record has historically posed significant challenges, making it nearly impossible for teams to climb out of such a hole and still reach the postseason. However, there have been remarkable exceptions, such as the 1993 Dallas Cowboys, 2001 New England Patriots, and 2007 New York Giants, who managed to overcome such odds.
Historical Statistics
A recent analysis by Sporting News highlighted that since the NFL merger in 1970, only 9.5% of teams starting 0-2 have managed to make the playoffs. More specifically, out of 400 teams that started the season 0-2 between 1970 and the 2021 season, just 38 teams made the postseason.
Statistically, the incidence of a team starting 0-2 and then making the playoffs is quite rare. In the period since 2007, with 98 teams starting the season 0-2, only about 12% managed to reach the playoffs. This means that only around 12 teams per season typically have a second chance at making the playoffs. It's a challenging journey, but not entirely impossible.
Famous Exceptions
Despite the odds, a handful of teams have managed to defy the conventional narrative. The 1993 Dallas Cowboys, the 2001 New England Patriots, and the 2007 New York Giants are notable examples that successfully turned their season around from a 0-2 start to make it to the playoffs. Each of these teams showcased resilience, determination, and strategic brilliance that set them apart.
The Cowboys demonstrated this impressive feat by winning a game in their third week and then securing their spot in the playoffs. The Patriots, under the guidance of Bill Belichick, won three consecutive games to earn their playoff berth. The Giants, led by Eli Manning, secured their playoff spot by winning their final two games. These examples underscore the potential for a team to overcome a 0-2 start and still make it to the post-season, though the odds are stacked against them.
Conclusion
While the numbers suggest that starting an NFL season 0-2 is a significant hurdle, the historical data from 1970 to 2021 show that it is not impossible to make the playoffs. The rare success stories of the Cowboys, Patriots, and Giants serve as inspiration and proof that with the right strategy and mindset, any team can turn a difficult start into a championship run.
Key Takeaways:
About 9.5% of teams that start an NFL season 0-2 make the playoffs. Historically, only 38 teams have achieved this feat with 400 teams starting 0-2 from 1970 to 2021. 12% of teams starting 0-2 make the playoffs in the period since 2007 with 98 teams starting the season 0-2.For aspiring NFL teams, understanding the odds and the historical context can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of making the playoffs from a difficult start.