As NFL fans, we find ourselves at a crossroads after two weeks of the season. We tread cautiously, trying to decipher whether our team’s performance is a sign of things to come or merely September’s unpredictability. Week 3 arrives, introducing a critical juncture with teams seeking clarity.

For those who’ve won or lost both opening games, the stakes are high. The importance of Week 3 becomes evident. Nine teams aim to advance to a 3-0 record, a historical harbinger of playoff contention. Since the NFL merger in 1970, 75.6% of teams commencing the season with a triumphant trio have secured postseason berths. Last year, only two teams met this criterion (Philadelphia and Miami), both ultimately making the playoffs.

Conversely, urgency mounts for the squads dwelling in the 0-2 abyss. Over the past two decades, 99 teams began their campaigns with a dismal 0-3 record, and only one, the 2018 Houston Texans, managed to reverse their fortunes and clinch a playoff spot. This week, nine winless teams face a pivotal Week 3 challenge, battling to salvage their seasons.

Remarkably, September now presents us with ‘must-win’ games. While the pressure to perform can yield greatness, it can also expose vulnerabilities on the field. Must-win contests may not necessarily translate to must-bet games, but as I survey the odds for this week, a pair of matchups featuring winless teams beckon my attention. In this analysis, I’ll delve into what these teams must do to evade the ominous 0-3 start and whether I’ll be placing my bets on their resurgence.