Not all 2-0 beginnings in the NFL can be viewed the same way.

To clarify, being undefeated after the first two weeks is a milestone for any team. Since 1990, about 63.9% of teams with a 2-0 record have advanced to the playoffs.

Nevertheless, due to scheduling intricacies and various factors significantly affecting such a limited sample, it’s common for some teams that start strong to eventually falter. Although six out of the nine teams with a 2-0 record last season made the playoffs, some struggled later in the year.

With that in mind, here’s YSL News Sports’ evaluation of this year’s nine unbeaten teams based on their playoff potential, categorized into three tiers.

Legitimate Contenders

1. Kansas City Chiefs

If not for a couple of lucky fourth-quarter decisions, the Chiefs could easily have begun the season 0-2, raising concerns about their quest for a Super Bowl three-peat. Whether it’s good fortune, championship resilience, or a mix of both, Kansas City finds itself at 2-0 for the fifth time in seven seasons with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Despite the injury to Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and the benching of rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia, expectations of an explosive offense may need to be tempered. Yet, this is still the team that others are striving to catch, and there’s optimism for improvement, particularly as Travis Kelce has not been a significant factor in the passing game so far. With Mahomes capable of igniting key moments and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense stepping up when needed, the Chiefs have plenty of leeway this season.

2. Buffalo Bills

An offseason filled with roster changes has led to several injuries for Buffalo, including the loss of linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard and cornerback Taron Johnson. Yet, the Bills have remained resilient. With Joe Brady proving to be a versatile offensive strategist, Josh Allen and the team have found various ways to attack defenses, even as they adjust a revamped receiving core. Coach Sean McDermott will need to show he can navigate the challenges posed by injuries if they hope to compete with the AFC’s top teams. For now, though, the Bills are among the select few equipped to stand toe-to-toe with the Chiefs or any other leading contender.

3. Houston Texans

The Texans share the lowest point differential (+8) among undefeated teams, suggesting they haven’t exactly dominated their early matches. However, their defense made the most of facing two inexperienced quarterbacks. Houston possesses all the talent necessary to be a genuine playoff threat, and Coach of the Year DeMeco Ryans is guiding his team effectively. Notably, a stronger running game could elevate their prospects; Joe Mixon had a solid Week 1 but later sustained an ankle injury. With the AFC South lacking competitiveness, the Texans may very well secure another division title and aim for advantageous playoff positioning.

Close but Not Quite There

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Maybe it’s time to stop anticipating a decline for the three-time NFC South champions, who are off to their fourth straight 2-0 start. The previous two occurred with Tom Brady at the helm. However, Baker Mayfield and Todd Bowles have upheld any doubts about their capabilities, with their recent narrow victory over the Lions confirming that Tampa Bay remains a top contender in the conference. Chris Godwin’s recovery is a huge asset for their offense, while Bowles’ defense consistently rises to the occasion. While limitations exist in their rushing attack and pass rush, the Buccaneers have demonstrated their quality.

5. New Orleans Saints

The Saints have faced criticism for sticking with a roster that has delivered mixed results in recent seasons, but they may have made the most impactful change of the offseason. Hiring offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has unlocked potential in a veteran squad, as New Orleans has scored 91 points—tied for the fourth-highest in NFL history for the first two games of a season. It’s important to note, though, that these points came against the struggling Panthers and a Cowboys defense adapting to a new scheme. Nevertheless, the effective use of motion and play-action has greatly benefited both Derek Carr, who appears more assured following a shaky last season, and Alvin Kamara, who leads the league in yards from scrimmage (290). If the Saints can navigate a tough upcoming schedule (against the Eagles, at the Falcons, at the Chiefs, and against the Buccaneers), they could earn a bump up in this ranking; however, for now, there’s no reason to be too optimistic about a Super Bowl home game.

Still With Questions

6. Minnesota Vikings

While much of the buzz around the Vikings’ hot start has been about Sam Darnold, who has revived his career with a new team, we shouldn’t overlook the contributions of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. As 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy remarked after being sacked six times in a recent win, “Your scheme is crazy.” Flores is likely to keep putting pressure on opposing offenses all season, but Darnold needs to prove he can consistently be the driving force and facilitate opportunities for star receiver Justin Jefferson. Provided Kevin O’Connell can keep him in advantageous positions and injuries to his receiving corps don’t hinder their progress, Minnesota will remain competitive.

There’s a chance they could be in the wild-card race as the season progresses.

7. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers, under Jim Harbaugh, have focused more on running (395 yards) than passing (270 yards), creating a distinct identity in the NFL. However, the tactics that worked against the Raiders and Panthers may not be as effective against the formidable Steelers and Chiefs in the coming weeks. While the Chargers’ strong defense is closely linked to the struggles of the opposing offenses they faced, a still-growing receiving group may hinder them in tougher matchups. However, their schedule is manageable enough that they could mirror last year’s Dolphins, overpowering less skilled teams and remaining in the playoff conversation.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s appropriate that the Steelers are going up against the Chargers this Sunday, as both teams share similar characteristics. Pittsburgh’s defense has dominated opponents just as Los Angeles has, but it still needs a significant challenge. The Steelers have not relied heavily on their passing game with Justin Fields filling in for Russell Wilson. Coach Mike Tomlin has shown skill in managing a roster with weaknesses, yet this approach might not hold up long-term since neither Fields nor Wilson is currently able to rescue the offense like Herbert can. Pittsburgh’s impressive +5 turnover margin has contributed to their early performance. If their defense can keep making impactful plays, they might avoid challenges on offense, but sticking with Fields — who had 41 turnovers and took 135 sacks during his time with the Chicago Bears — could lead to greater issues ahead.

9. Seattle Seahawks

Mike Macdonald, at 37, is making history as the youngest head coach in the NFL, achieving a perfect start — the first for any coach in this franchise’s history. However, the beginning was relatively easy, facing the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, both in the midst of significant roster changes. Macdonald’s intricate game plan is expected to confuse opponents all season, and Geno Smith appears to be effectively executing new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s strategies. Nevertheless, the Seahawks’ offensive line is a significant concern, ranking 31st in ESPN’s pass block win rate (38%) and run block win rate (65%), particularly on the inside. While the team is performing better than many anticipated, a decline seems likely as they face tougher competition.