NFL Picks Week 3: Teams That Will Remain Winless Through 3 Games

There are only six teams that have failed to win either of their first two games to start the 2012 NFL season, and a few of these teams will still be winless after Week 3. 

Sean Payton’s absence has clearly affected the New Orleans Saints, and they are the only NFC team at 0-2.

The AFC has several struggling franchises. The Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders all lost their first two games. 

Here are the teams that will extend their losing streak this weekend. 

Detroit Lions over Tennessee Titans

Tennessee has been outscored 72-23 in its first two games, losing handily to the New England Patriots in Week 1 and the San Diego Chargers in Week 2.

The Titans were expecting Chris Johnson to return to superstar form this year, but he currently has 21 rushing yards on 19 attempts. As a team, Tennessee ranks dead last in the NFL with 58 rushing yards. 

The atrocious running game is not helping second-year quarterback Jake Locker, who has done well under difficult circumstances. On the other side of the ball, the defense will suffer from going up against yet another explosive offense.

The Lions' high-powered passing attack will be the next offense to decimate the Titans defense.

New Orleans Saints over Kansas City Chiefs

In the only battle between winless teams in Week 3, the Saints will prove that they are the better bottom-dweller. 

New Orleans has started the season under difficult circumstances due to the suspensions related to the bounty scandal. The defense has been awful to start the season, giving up 75 points in the first two games. 

While the Saints have struggled, Kansas City is in dire straits. The Chiefs were expected to improve this season after key players like Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry returned from injuries.

But Kansas City has failed to compete in either of its first two games, and the woes will continue in Week 3 when they take on the Saints in New Orleans.

Pittsburgh Steelers over Oakland Raiders 

The Steelers reminded football fans in Week 2 against the New York Jets that they are a perennial contender. With excellent coaching, a strong defense and an elite quarterback, Pittsburgh has a formula for prolonged success.

The Raiders, in contrast, have not had a winning record since the 2002 season. In 2012, the team’s offense has been out of sync.

Carson Palmer has thrown the ball more times than any other quarterback besides Drew Brees, and gained the third-most yards. However, the team has failed to use Darren McFadden in the running game, and has gained fewer yards on the ground than any team except Tennessee.

This imbalance has caused the team to put up just 27 points in two games. Taking a struggling offense into a game against Pittsburgh’s defense means Oakland is doomed for a third consecutive loss.