Ranking The Playoff Chances For NFL Teams Who Got First Win

CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 24: Drew Brees /

Some NFL teams finally got their first wins in week 3 of the 2017 season. So one should ask. Do they have hope of making the playoffs?

It seems like a good time to explore that. On average a team that starts the year 0-2 tend to struggle making it to January. On average it’s only 11% but each year is different, heavily dependent on the talent of the teams involved and also the ways their schedules play out. Here’s some quick assessments for those who managed to get their first win and whether they can use it as a springboard for more in weeks to come.

New Orleans Saints

When a Hall of Fame QB is on the field, it’s only a matter of time before his team gets their first win. Drew Brees has never been the problem for the New Orleans Saints. It’s always their defense. To this point it, once again, has ranked among the worst in the league. However they seemed to at least find a little juice against the Carolina Panthers. Granted Cam Newton still hasn’t looked like himself with that shoulder problem but they allowed just 13 points on the afternoon.

Playoff chances: 30%

Again having Brees and a great offense always gives the Saints a chance but history says their defense will find a way to fail them in one too many games. There is also the fact they’re playing in a stacked division. Atlanta is rolling and Tampa Bay looks stronger than ever.

Chicago Bears

In hindsight people shouldn’t be surprised the Bears figured out a way to topple Pittsburgh on Sunday. Not only did the Steelers go into that game with a 1-12 record in Chicago (now 1-13) but no franchise in modern history understands how to win in the NFL without a quarterback better than them. Despite getting just 101 yards out of Mike Glennon, a pounding ground attack and stiff defense led them to a tough overtime victory 23-17.

Playoff chances: 20%

John Fox is in denial about the QB situation. Glennon is not good. He might actually be hurting more than he’s helping at this point. The Bears can’t win enough games without at least adequate help in the passing game. Until that changes, their odds won’t.

Indianapolis Colts

The Browns always seem to be a welcome cure for the losing woes. The Indianapolis Colts made sure of that with their big victory at home. Jacoby Brissett looked sharp despite being with the team for just a few weeks. In truth it was the T.Y. Hilton show with 153 yards and a touchdown. The Browns secondary just didn’t have an answer for him while DeShone Kizer couldn’t avoid the turnovers against what was an undermanned Colts defense.

Playoff chances: 15%

The good news is the Colts may be getting Andrew Luck back in a few week. Unfortunately the rest of the AFC South may not wait around for them. Tennessee and Jacksonville are 2-1 and gaining steam with each week. Houston is also always dangerous.

New York Jets

Kudos to head coach Todd Bowles. He’s heard it for months that the Jets are tanking. They want the #1 pick. Given that and the roster he was saddled with, it’s easy to fall apart. Instead he’s had his troops playing hard for three weeks and they finally rewarded him with a big win over a Miami Dolphins team that looked bewildered and disinterested most of the day.

Playoff chances: 5%

Let’s be real here. The Jets got a win but it’s not the start of anything. Their roster is still lacking in so many areas. The Patriots are still in the division and Buffalo seems to be playing well too. Obstacles standing in their way are too many at this point to expect miracles.

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