The 2021 NFL season is only entering its third week but there are already several teams potentially entering a state of panic.
An 0-2 start is bad enough.
But falling to 0-3 is a good way to damage playoff dreams and lead to major changes.
A few NFL teams are in this 0-2 hole already and are facing must-win games before we even reach October.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are off to a gut-wrenching start in 2021.
First up was an overtime loss against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.
Next was another road loss, this time to the Arizona Cardinals in a game that saw kicker Greg Joseph blow a shot at victory.
Greg Joseph misses a 37 yard game winning field goal. Some Cardinals player just did a double back flip on the field in celebration. This game took 5 years off my life.
Minnesota loses 34-33, falls to 0-2.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 19, 2021
The Vikings have two losses by a combined four points.
This is a team dealing with failed expectations in recent years and an 0-3 start would just add to the doom and gloom.
Mike Zimmer could easily be put on the hot seat and Kirk Cousins would be getting paid a lot of money to guide a losing team.
The challenge in Week 3 is a home game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Perhaps the home opener will lead to some inspired play for Minnesota.
2. New York Giants
Joe Judge and the New York Giants are desperate for a win in Week 3.
Imagine how undisciplined the Giants would be if Joe Judge wasn't a stickler
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 17, 2021
They are taking on the 0-2 Atlanta Falcons, who are also in a must-win situation.
The difference is that the Falcons were not expected to do much this season.
Judge is already on the hot seat because GM Dave Gettleman could lose his job with another bad start.
That means a new GM who would want to pick his own coach.
This is a must-win as well because losing to the Falcons would prove the Giants are just one of the worst teams in the NFL this season.
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a mess right now and it all has to do with Carson Wentz‘s ankles.
He is dealing with two separate sprains and is still not sure if he can play in Week 3.
Him missing the game against the Tennessee Titans would leave Jacob Eason to make the start.
That would be bad news because the Colts are 0-2 and Derrick Henry may already be running over the defense at will.
The offense must respond and Eason would be facing a ton of pressure to succeed.
Even if Wentz does play, the pressure is on for the organization.
The team just has to decide whether it is worth it to have him play hurt at this point in his tenure.
However, his past has shown injuries are simply inevitable.
NEXT: Ben Roethlisberger Has No Choice But To Play Hurt