Which NFL team can least afford an 0-2 start?

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Writers from around the Tribune Co. discuss which 0-1 team most needs a win in Week 2 of the NFL season. Check for more responses throughout the day and weigh in with a comment of your own.

Dave Hyde, South Florida Sun Sentinel

Can any 0-1 team be staring at more 0-2 issues than the Dolphins?

The New York Giants’ season would be in trouble at 0-2. The Dallas fan base would be in an uproar at 0-2. Jacksonville or Denver might have coaching, quarterback or ownership questions at 0-2.

The Dolphins would have all those and more if they lose against Houston in a second home game. They told you this after losing to heavyweight New England by firing cornerback Benny Sapp. Anyone else get fired after the first week?

At 0-2, the Dolphins season wouldn’t be over. It’d be staring at the third week in more trouble than any other team, though.

Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune The Kansas City Chiefs really need a win over the Detroit Lions. The Chiefs were coming off a 10-win season and were supposed to take the next step in Todd Haley’s third year. They were favored to beat the Bills at home on opening day and instead were shellacked 41-7. In the process, they lost safety Eric Berry, one of the better players on the roster.

If the Chiefs start out 0-2, the chances of starting out 0-3 are pretty good, because their next game is in San Diego. The Chiefs were winless in the preseason, so this team doesn’t even know what a victory feels like. They need a win in order to restore their confidence. They also need a win to stay in contention in the division with the Chargers and Raiders.

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