Poll: Which 0-3 Team Has Best Chance Of Reaching Playoffs?
Six teams currently find themselves at 0-3 to begin the year. Managing to rebound from that mark and reach the playoffs has proven to be an extremely difficult task over the years. 
Only four times has a team reached the postseason after starting 0-3 since 1990. Crucially, none have achieved the feat since the playoffs were expanded from six to seven teams in each conference in 2021. Whether or not that continues this season will be interesting to see.
Chances are slim for any of the league’s winless teams to rally into the postseason, but there is of course variance with respect to their prospects of doing so. There is an argument to be made the Texans represent the likeliest candidate to pull off such a comeback, based largely on their defensive success to date. Houston ranks fifth in the NFL in points allowed (17 per game on average) and the team’s losses have come by a combined margin of 13 points.
Improvement on offense could thus help turn things around in short order, but the Texans’ offseason renovations up front have not gone as planned so far. Third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has not been able to return to the form shown during his stellar rookie campaign, and a number of new pass-catchers are in the process of acclimating to an offense lacking a strong ground game. Catching the undefeated Colts for top spot in the AFC South would be a surprise at this point, but a wild-card berth could very much still be within reach if Nick Caley‘s unit can turn things around.
Houston will take on the Titans in Week 4 in a clash of teams seeking their first win. Tennessee entered the year with far lower expectations, but the team’s performance to date has still left plenty to be desired. The Titans lead the league in penalties (31) and rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been sacked an NFL-high 15 times. Second-year head coach Brian Callahan sports a record of 3-17 at this point, and it remains to be seen if he will be entrusted with overseeing Ward’s development over the long term.
Callahan relinquished offensive play-calling duties this week, and he will now look to increase his involvement in other aspects of the team. Finding success in that regard would no doubt help his job security. It would also, presumably, allow for Tennessee to improve on last season’s 3-14 showing and offer signs of progress from Ward and a supporting cast in need of improvements moving forward.
Another intra-divisional Week 4 game will see the Dolphins take on the Jets. The first half of the upcoming Monday Night Football doubleheader will be key in determining both teams’ immediate futures. Miami was seen as a disappointment given how the 2024 campaign played out. Head coach Mike McDaniel has certainly not helped his standing in the organization so far this season, although a concerted effort to improve the Dolphins’ culture could help stave off a firing for he and general manager Chris Grier. 
Finding a rhythm on offense has proven to be highly challenging in 2025, even with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa managing to avoid any injuries to date. Stronger play on both sides of the ball will be needed if Miami is to reach the playoffs for the third time in McDaniel’s fourth season at the helm. Winning a postseason contest will become a major objective in that event, but for now quieting the rumors about major organizational changes will be the goal.
By contrast, 2025 marks another new beginning for the Jets. Rookie head coach Aaron Glenn and first-year general manager Darren Mougey are seeking to provide the team with long-term stability in addition to ending a playoff drought which dates back to 2010. That effort has not gone according to plan so far, but a key element will be the evaluation of new quarterback Justin Fields. The former first-rounder is back at practice, and he will return to starting duties upon being cleared from concussion protocol.
Fields is under contract through 2026, but helping lead the Jets to the playoffs would greatly increase his chances of landing a long-term accord. It would also help Glenn and Mougey’s standing, although at this point their job securities are of course not in question. Still, a strong first campaign in New York (something which could be attained without a postseason berth, at least in theory) would be welcomed by the duo; a quick rebound from the way things have started would suffice, and it would be less surprising than one from some of the league’s other winless outfits.
New York’s NFC squad is in a state of flux in no small part due to another unwanted beginning to a campaign. Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen managed to remain in place this offseason, but aside from a high-scoring output against the Cowboys things have not gone according to plan. The decision has been made to replace quarterback Russell Wilson with first-round rookie Jaxson Dart, and the outcome of that move (beginning with a debut against the 3-0 Chargers) will be critical on a number of fronts. 
Daboll and Schoen are known to be on the hot seat, and showing potential for a turnaround with Dart in place would go a long way in helping ensure they remain in place. Owner John Mara made clear his mandate for a step forward compared to 2024 (3-14), and plenty of work remains given how things have gone early in the current campaign. If the Giants are to at least contend for a wild-card spot this season, Dart will no doubt be a key figure in the process.
Joining the Jets as a team led by a rookie head coach encountering early struggles are the Saints. New Orleans underwent a number of offseason changes, with Kellen Moore‘s hire being the most noteworthy. The longtime NFL OC was a central figure in the decision to draft Tyler Shough, but instead of the second-rounder handling starting duties it has been Spencer Rattler at the helm so far.
The Saints’ QB setup raised eyebrows amongst some of their players, but Rattler has improved upon his output from last season’s late spell in the starter’s role. Two of New Orleans’ losses, meanwhile, came about in one-score games. A postseason berth was not expected from the team, with many pointing to the 2026 draft as the point where a new franchise quarterback would arrive. Rattler (or potentially Shough, depending on how things play out) could earn an extended look in the QB1 role, however. A quick recovery toward postseason contention would come as a surprise, but at a minimum a bounce-back from last week’s lopsided loss in Seattle will be sought out. Doing so against the undefeated Bills will of course be a tall task.
Only once since 1990 has a team started 0-4 but managed to reach the playoffs. By contrast, moving to 1-3 has been more beneficial (with 35 teams doing so in that same span). The success of this year’s group in recording a first win this weekend and generating momentum beyond that point will make for an interesting storyline.
Out of this group of winless teams, which do you feel will have the best chance of rebounding and qualifying for the postseason in 2025? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and have your say in the comments section below.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/25/25
Thursday’s taxi squad moves:
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: CB Corey Ballentine
Ballentine’s only regular season appearance to date has come with New England, but he spent training camp with the Packers. The 29-year-old was among Green Bay’s final roster cuts, and after recently being let go by the Patriots he was free to join any interested suitor. Dallas would obviously qualify (at least for the next few days) given the team’s upcoming matchup with Green Bay.
Mac Jones Battling PCL Sprain; Brock Purdy Likely To Return In Week 4?
SEPTEMBER 25: Nothing is certain at this point regarding the 49ers’ Week 4 quarterback situation, but the team could have two healthy passers to choose from. Purdy was a limited practice participant Wednesday and again today, and he said (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner) he is happy with his recovery progress. Jones, meanwhile, stated (via Matt Barrows of The Athletic) he will be ready to play if needed on Sunday.
SEPTEMBER 22: Facing perennial issues keeping key players healthy, the 49ers have two injured quarterbacks entering Week 4. Mac Jones joins Brock Purdy in rehabbing an injury.
Jones aggravated a PCL sprain Sunday, informing reporters (including NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport) of the malady — one he initially sustained during training camp. Jones was not on San Francisco’s injury report last week, but it sounds like he will be for Week 4. Fortunately for the 49ers, they look to have a good chance of seeing Purdy back in action by then.
Logging three limited practices last week while recovering from an AC joint sprain and turf toe, Purdy has submitted a better-than-anticipated recovery effort, Rapoport adds. This puts a Week 4 return against the Jaguars firmly in play, after Purdy had been rumored to be available in case of emergency days before Week 3. That did not end up being the case, with the 49ers ruling out their starter.
Purdy has now missed three career starts due to injury — the past two weeks and Week 18 of the 2024 season — after seeing a Jimmy Garoppolo injury launch his stunning ascent. The 49ers have been without Purdy, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ben Bartch on offense. They improved to 3-0 under these circumstances, beating the Saints and Cardinals, but their Nick Bosa loss represents a more significant issue. Having Purdy back should help the cause, though the 49ers are again battered by maladies at an early-season juncture.
Four years after being closely linked to the 49ers during the pre-draft process, Jones joined the team on a two-year, $7MM deal. He delivered back-to-back wins, following a three-touchdown performance in New Orleans with a 284-yard, one-TD showing in a 16-15 win over Arizona. Benched in New England and traded to Jacksonville as a clear backup, Jones has given the 49ers an upgrade at the QB2 position. Considering the injury trouble the franchise has run into at QB during Shanahan’s tenure, that is rather important. Jones probably raised his stock during this stretch, but in signing a two-year deal, no near-future path to a starting role elsewhere is on the horizon.
As for Bosa, Shanahan said (via the San Jose Mercury News’ Cam Inman) the former Defensive Player of the Year suffered a clean ACL tear. Bosa came back on time after his September 2020 ACL tear, playing 17 games in 2021 to lead a 49ers resurgence. The 49ers will hope this largely Bosa-less season goes far better than their injury-riddled 2020 campaign — a 6-10 slate that also included an extensive Garoppolo absence — and having Purdy back soon would be a good sign for the long-running contender.
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/25/25
Thursday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: RB Michael Carter, DL Anthony Goodlow
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from reserve/suspended list: WR Demarcus Robinson
- Placed on IR: DE Nick Bosa (story)
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: T Amari Kight, DT Brandon Pili
A DUI case resulted in a three-game suspension for Robinson. An early effort was made with respect to an appeal, but as expected the standard length for a ban was issued in this instance. Bosa’s ACL tear has created an open roster spot for Robinson, under contract through 2026, to make his season debut this week.
49ers GM John Lynch: No Pass Rush Trade Imminent
In the wake of Nick Bosa‘s ACL tear, the 49ers have become a team to watch regarding an edge rush addition. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Tuesday San Francisco is open to making a move on the trade market, but nothing is imminent at this point. 
“Of course, we’re always looking. Prior to Nick getting hurt — that’s our job, is to look at the market and see who might become available,” general manager John Lynch said during a Thursday appearance on KNBR (via Will Simonds of NBC Sports Bay Area). “We’re not afraid, and we’ve been effective in doing that. This is no different.”
Indeed, the 49ers have not been shy about pulling off midseason moves under Lynch and Shanahan. The Christian McCaffrey deal in 2022 is the most notable of those, but San Francisco has also brought in the likes of Jordan Willis, Charles Omenihu, Chase Young and Randy Gregory over the years. Each of those acquisitions were aimed at adding depth at the defensive end spot.
“I think we’re all aware — finding someone who just goes and does what Nick Bosa does — that’s not very feasible,” Lynch continued. “We’ll see what’s out there at the appropriate time, but right now, we’re going to rely on the guys we have, and we believe in our group.”
Based on those comments, incumbents Mykel Williams, Yetur Gross-Matos and Bryce Huff are in line to continue handling the bulk of the workload along the edge. The 49ers rank third in scoring defense early in the campaign but they have totaled just five sacks across three games. The team’s expected productivity across the remainder of the season in that regard has obviously been dealt a major blow with Bosa out of the picture.
It would thus come as little surprise if another rental move along the edge were to take place. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle writes it can be safely expected a trade of some kind will be worked out before the deadline. It would be understandable, though, if a brief evaluation period of the team’s in-house options were to take place before Lynch and Co. proceeded with an acquisition.
Eagles Place LB Nolan Smith On IR
SEPTEMBER 25: Bennett revealed on Friday (via ESPN’s Tim McManus) his IR move was brought about by a pectoral injury. The issue has been in place since Week 1, but during Sunday’s win over the Rams it was “tweaked.” Bennett will look to reprise his depth role upon returning to full health.
SEPTEMBER 24: The Eagles lost two pass-rushing pillars during the offseason, seeing Brandon Graham retire and Josh Sweat sign with the Cardinals. Those moves increased Nolan Smith‘s importance to the team.
Philadelphia will need to get by without its top edge rusher for the foreseeable future, however. The team placed Smith on IR today, with cornerback Jakorian Bennett joining the young sack artist in being sidelined for at least four games via an IR transition. Philly also placed wide receiver Darius Cooper on IR.
None of these injuries are believed to be season-ending, per the Philadelphia Inquirer’s EJ Smith, who adds surgeries are not expected for Smith, Bennett or Cooper. All would be eligible to return in Week 8, but with the Eagles’ bye in Week 9, an extra recovery week will factor into the club’s decision-making here. Indeed, The Athletic’s Zack Berman indicates the Eagles hope each will be recovered around the bye.
Smith tweaked the triceps injury he had surgically addressed, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. He suffered a strained triceps muscle in Week 3, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who indicates an injury absence that runs through Philly’s Week 9 bye is anticipated. An aggravation months later is certainly a storyline to follow for the Eagles, particularly given Smith’s impact on their pass rush. For now, the expectation is a midseason return.
The 2023 first-round pick suffered a triceps tear in Super Bowl LIX, joining Graham in sustaining that injury during the Eagles’ February romp. Graham re-tore the triceps he rehabbed, and Smith has now aggravated his. The key difference here being Graham did not undergo surgery during his speedy recovery, while Smith did go under the knife this offseason.
Despite their 3-0 record, the Eagles have struggled to pressure quarterbacks this season. They have three sacks in three games; Smith has yet to record one, while new starter Jalyx Hunt is also sackless through three games. More pressure will be on Hunt, a former third-rounder, now. The Eagles did make a key addition before Week 2, ending Za’Darius Smith‘s free agency stay. The nomadic edge rusher will be expected to play a bigger role moving forward. Za’Darius Smith, 33, has three double-digit sack seasons on his resume and recorded nine between stays in Cleveland and Detroit last year.
Tallying only one QB hit this season, Nolan Smith notched 6.5 sacks and 11 QB hits in 2024. The speed rusher came up big in the playoffs, registering four sacks during the Eagles’ three NFC postseason games and two hits on Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. This represents a key year for Nolan Smith, whose fifth-year option will need to be exercised or declined shortly after the draft. How he fares to close out this season could well determine how Philly proceeds there.
The Eagles’ late-summer trade binge included a Bennett addition, nabbing him from the Raiders. Bennett has played a small part on defense early, logging only 24 defensive snaps. He started 11 games with the Raiders from 2023-24. A former UDFA, Cooper has only played 20 offensive snaps. He does not have a reception in his pro career yet.
Philly signed safety Marcus Epps, tight end Cameron Latu and cornerback Parry Nickerson to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. Linebacker Lance Dixon, cornerback Eli Ricks and wideout Quez Watkins are now on the P-squad.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Expected To Play In Week 4
Christian Gonzalez has missed the first three games of the campaign but New England could receive a major boost on defense Sunday. The team’s top cornerback has continued to make progress in rehabbing his hamstring injury. 
As such, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports Gonzalez is “likely” to make his season debut in Week 4. The 2023 first-rounder was limited to just four games as a rookie but he managed to make 16 appearances last season. Avoiding any further missed time this year would represent a major boost to the Patriots’ defense. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adds practice participation will be key in determining if a debut will take place on Sunday.
Gonzalez returned to practice last week after a longer-than-expected period on the sidelines. The 23-year-old declined to confirm whether or not he encountered any setbacks in his rehab process, but it now appears as though he will be available against the Panthers. Per Schultz, Gonzalez was close to returning in Week 3 and has managed to handle an increased workload over the past few days.
Through three weeks, the Patriots rank 29th against the pass with an average of 256 yards allowed through the air per game. The free agent addition of Carlton Davis has provided the team with a new perimeter starter, while Marcus Jones remains in place as a key figure in the slot. Adding Gonzalez to the mix should help New England’s defense take a needed step forward.
The Colorado and Oregon product recorded a pair of interceptions in 2024, adding 11 pass deflections and one touchdown from a fumble recovery. Gonzalez earned second-team All-Pro acclaim, raising expectations for his third year in the NFL. He will be eligible for an extension beginning in January, while a fifth-year option decision will need to be made after the current campaign. It will thus be critical for team and player for Gonzalez to remain healthy moving forward; all parties will hope Sunday produces a return to action without any aggravations of his hamstring or any new injuries.
John Lynch: 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk ‘Not Close’ To Return
49ers general manager John Lynch said that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is “not close” to returning to the field from last year’s devastating knee injury.
“There’s no absolutes on these things,” said Lynch on Wednesday (via KNBR). “He’s gotta continue to hit markers. He’s tracking well, we’ll be a better team when Brandon’s out there.”
Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 last year, setting him up for a lengthy recovery process that will extend well into this season. In August, Lynch said that there was no timetable for Aiyuk’s return, while head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested that the veteran wideout could return around Week 6.
Aiyuk started the season on the physically unable to perform list, making him ineligible to practice until next week. He would then have three weeks to be activated to the 53-man roster or revert to season-ending injured reserve, a situation the 49ers will want to avoid. Lynch’s comments further indicate that Aiyuk won’t be back anytime soon, though the veteran receiver was seen working out during a practice last week, per CBS Sports’ Matt Lively.
As a result, San Francisco will continue to work with a thin receiving corps until Aiyuk’s return, as the team has dealt with injuries to Jauan Jennings (ankle, shoulder) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) this year as well. Rookie Jordan Watkins is dealing with a calf injury, but has avoided injured reserve for the time being despite some early prognostications of an extended absence. All three wideouts were absent on Wednesday, though Pearsall said (via KNBR) that he would play “if there was a game today.” Jennings missed every practice last week and didn’t play on Sunday, though the 49ers will certainly be hoping he’s ready to go for Week 4.
Pearsall has impressed amid his teammates’ absences this year, racking up 281 yards in 16 catches through three games. Jennings has 105 yards in his two starts, while Kendrick Bourne has added 70 yards in the last two games. If their WR health issues continue, the 49ers will need Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to step up for their next few games.
Jets QB Justin Fields Returns To Practice
Jets quarterback Justin Fields returned to practice on Thursday, per Brian Costello of the New York Post, but he is still in concussion protocol with four days to go until the team’s Week 4 matchup with the Dolphins.
Fields was knocked out of the game in Week 2 and missed Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers. Backup Tyrod Taylor started in his stead and completed 26 of his 36 passes (72.6%), but only managed 5.5 yards per attempt. He also threw an interception that was returned by Jamel Dean for a touchdown. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Monday that Fields would remain the team’s starter once he cleared concussion protocol.
Fields impressed in his first start of the year, leading the Jets to 30 points against the Steelers, but went 3-for-11 in Week 2 before suffering his concussion in Week 2. A return to the field would be a boost to a New York offense that has been surprisingly effective to start the year with at least 27 points in two of their three games.
This weekend’s trip to Miami offers a major opportunity for Fields to bounce back from his Week 2 struggles. The Dolphins have allowed the most points and the second-most yards per passing attempt so far this year.
If Fields is unable to play, Taylor will start for the second week in a row with rookie Brady Cook likely receiving another practice squad elevation to serve as the backup.
Jarvis Brownlee, Titans Teammates Shocked By Trade
Early-season trades are always somewhat of a surprise in the NFL, but the Titans’ decision to trade Jarvis Brownlee to the Jets was shocking to the second-year cornerback and his teammates in Tennessee.
Titans linebacker James Williams said (via Terry McCormick of Main Street Media) that he was with Brownlee when he learned of the trade, adding that both were taken aback by the unexpected news. Veteran cornerback L’Jarius Sneed called the move “unfortunate,” but admitted, “It’s the NFL and things happen.”
Williams said that he didn’t know why the Titans made their decision, though McCormick offered his own explanation.
“The Titans had seemingly become disenchanted with Brownlee’s approach and fit in the locker room as the team tries to build a culture around a certain type of desired character that Brownlee in their estimation must have fallen short of,” wrote McCormick.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that there were “short-term” and “long-term” reasons behind the move, though he declined to elucidate further. He did say that the trade was a “one-off situation,” per McCormick, though Tennessee’s 0-3 start may loosen the team’s grip on some of their players as they near the trade deadline.
Brownlee noted (h/t ESPN’s Rich Cimini) he felt surprised and “hurt” by the trade, but his new team seems ecstatic to have him. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn (via Brian Costello of the New York Post) said that the deal was a “no-brainer” and revealed that he liked Brownlee as a prospect in the 2024 draft.