Yahoo Sports Panel Splits on Raiders, Bengals Among NFL's 2-0 Teams

Yahoo Sports writers questioned Las Vegas, Cincinnati and San Francisco among undefeated teams while backing Houston, the Chargers and Indianapolis at 0-2.

A panel of Yahoo Sports writers assessed NFL teams off to 2-0 and 0-2 starts, and the Las Vegas Raiders drew the most skepticism among the unbeaten clubs. Frank Schwab and Eric Edholm both cited the quality of the Raiders' first two opponents, while Jori Epstein and Jay Busbee pointed to Cincinnati and San Francisco as undefeated teams that raise questions.

Edholm noted the Raiders have beaten two teams that are now 0-2, including a Miami Dolphins side that has yet to hold a lead this season. He added that the next five games, all against competitive opponents, will show whether Las Vegas is a genuine contender. Schwab acknowledged first-year head coach Klint Kubiak has quickly changed the perception of the franchise.

On the winless side, the Houston Texans received backing from multiple writers despite dropping their first two games at home. Both Schwab and Edholm noted Houston started 0-3 last season and finished 12-5, with Schwab adding that DeMeco Ryans remains a good head coach and the offense depends on the health of receiver Nico Collins.

Busbee said he still believes in the Los Angeles Chargers under Mike McDaniel, though he described their upcoming schedule as especially difficult. Epstein picked the Indianapolis Colts as the most likely 0-2 team to reach the playoffs, pointing to an AFC South in which no team is 2-0 and a favorable upcoming stretch of opponents.