Eight teams playing Sunday are staring at a possible 0-3 start in their face. The stats for 0-2 are already gloom. Since 1990, when the NFL playoffs expanded to 12 teams, 24 of 199 teams that have started 0-2 have made the playoffs (12 percent). That number drops to 2 percent if a team falls to 0-3. So basically, if those teams lose it in Week 3 — it’s not happening.
Atlanta at Dallas, 11 a.m., KDVR-31. A new reality for Cowboys fans, who will have Brandon Weeden as their quarterback for at least two months. They’ll quickly wish they had Tony Romo back.
Indianapolis at Tennessee, 11 a.m. Andrew Luck’s 56.6 passer rating is the worst in the NFL among starters. He isn’t getting much help from the makeshift offensive line.
Oakland at Cleveland, 11 a.m. Derek Carr threw for 351 and three touchdowns in a comeback win over the Ravens. The Browns are coming off an impressive win over the Titans.
Cincinnati at Baltimore, 11 a.m. Division games are always tough, but it’s even more imperative for the Ravens, who can’t afford to fall to 0-3. It’s their home opener.
Jacksonville at New England, 11 a.m. Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson had six catches, 155 yards and two touchdowns in a win last week. But there’s still that Tom Brady guy.
New Orleans at Carolina, 11 a.m. Another division game with one team, the Saints, more desperate than the other. Drew Brees’ status will be the big question in this one.
Philadelphia at New York Jets, 11 a.m. The Jets have been one of the NFL’s best surprises so far. With a struggling Eagles team coming to town in need of a win, the defense will be tested not to let their guard down.
Tampa Bay at Houston, 11 a.m. Tampa Bay battered Drew Brees enough to catch a win in New Orleans. They’ll have to cut back of turnovers and penalties to notch their second straight road win against the weary Texans.
San Diego at Minnesota, 11 a.m., KCNC-4. Sneaky good game. Adrian Peterson went off for 134 rushing yards last week in a win over the Lions. Phillip Rivers completed 78 percent of his passes Sunday.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 11 a.m. After an impressive Week 1 win over the Seahawks, the Rams laid an egg against Washington. They’ll have their hands full with Big Ben.
San Francisco at Arizona, 2:05 p.m. With Seattle struggling, the Cardinals have a chance to jump to an early NFC West lead.
Buffalo at Miami, 2:25 p.m. After an impressive beatdown of Indy in Week 1, the Bills wet the bed against Tom Brady defensively, giving up 466 passing yards.
Chicago at Seattle, 2:25 p.m., KCNC-4. Blowout of the week? The Bears might not have Jay Cutler or Alshon Jeffrey. Meanwhile, Seahawks welcome Kam Chancellor back to try to avoid 0-3. What’s the max bet?
Game of the week
Kansas City at Green Bay, 6:30 p.m., Monday, ESPN
K.C.’s defense should give Aaron Rodgers and the Packers a formidable test. Rodgers hasn’t thrown an interception at Lambeau Field since Dec. 2, 2012. Chiefs rookie cornerback Marcus Peters has a pick-six in every NFL game he has played. Somebody’s streak will be broken Monday.
