As the National Football League (NFL) enters Week 3 of the 2026 season, a troubling trend is emerging for several teams and key players, particularly the highly touted quarterback class from the 2024 draft. Eight teams remain winless following Week 2, a difficult position that historically presents steep odds for playoff qualification despite the expanded 14-team postseason format introduced in 2020. Only 16% of teams starting 0-2 have managed to salvage their campaigns and reach the playoffs during this period.
One team facing potential early-season collapse is the Los Angeles Rams, who, after initial optimism, could drop to 0-2 if they lose their Monday night showdown against the New York Giants. The Rams have struggled recently, including a poor 1-4 start in 2024, leaving fans wary but not necessarily startled by a slow start.
Central to the current narrative is the 2024 quarterback class, which saw six first-round quarterbacks drafted within the first 12 picks—an unprecedented influx comparable only to the legendary 1983 class. Yet, rather than emerging as league leaders, many of these quarterbacks have struggled or faced significant setbacks. Top overall pick Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears was taken from the field Sunday with a hamstring injury during a difficult loss at Soldier Field. His counterpart, Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, suffered a dislocated left elbow days later, compounding his team’s challenges. Both injuries could affect the short- and long-term outlooks for their franchises.
Meanwhile, New England Patriots’ Drake Maye and Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix—who led their teams to significant playoff success last season—have shown limited production in the early stages of the season, combining for just three touchdowns. In contrast, Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen has outperformed the group with nine touchdowns, underscoring the disparity in quarterback development.
Others from the 2024 class remain sidelined. Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. continues to recover from knee surgery and has yet to appear this season, while Minnesota Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy remains buried deep on the depth chart without a snap to date.
The Bears’ struggles extend beyond Williams’ injury. Despite scoring 59 points in their opener, they managed just three in Week 2, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s unit sputtering amid poor weather and injuries. Chicago’s slate was among the most difficult entering the season, complicating their path forward.
Other teams facing early hurdles include the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, both of whom are 0-2. The Texans are navigating the post-C.J. Stroud transition, with the quarterback coming off a disappointing 2025 postseason. Stroud also dealt with the absence of key receiver Niko Collins in a recent loss. The Colts, meanwhile, dropped a close contest to the Kansas City Chiefs and have now lost nine straight games dating back to last season.
The Tennessee Titans continue their pattern of slow starts, entering Week 3 winless for the third consecutive season. Despite a competitive effort against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, close losses have become a troubling theme.
Elsewhere, the Dallas Cowboys improved to 1-1 behind Dak Prescott, who tied the franchise record for career touchdown passes, surpassing Tony Romo. The New York Jets and Green Bay Packers also secured wins after hard-fought contests, with the Packers overcoming the challenge of missing key players early in the season.
Notably, the Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have stumbled out of the gate, both 0-2 and searching for answers. The Falcons face further uncertainty without starting quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Penix, while the Buccaneers have yet to find consistency in a season marked by difficult weather delays and tough opponents.
The season’s early developments underscore the volatility of pro football, with injuries, uneven performances, and historically tough schedules shaping the narratives of teams and players alike as the NFL moves deeper into its 2026 campaign.