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.
![](https://esportsnews.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/eee444-1024x673.jpg)
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.
![](https://esportsnews.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/eee022.jpg)
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.