NFL Fans React to Chargers, Texans Falling to 0-3 After High Preseason Expectations

Two Super Bowl LXI hopefuls are at risk of missing the playoffs altogether after winless starts to the 2026 season.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans both fell to 0-3 on the season following Sunday losses.

Justin Herbert threw a critical interception late in the Chargers' 24-16 loss to the Buffalo Bills, while the Houston Texans were unable to stop a game-deciding field goal drive in a 19-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Some viewers were surprised to see both teams still without a victory heading into the month of October.

The Chargers gained a 10-0 lead in the first quarter before going into the half with Sunday's game tied at 10 points apiece.

The Bills ultimately won despite turning over the ball five times, a feat ESPN Insights reported the team hadn't accomplished since 1997, after the Chargers scored just 10 points off turnovers.

This marks the first time since 2017 the Chargers have started out a season 0-3. Los Angeles went on to go 9-7 and miss the playoffs that season.

The Texans have more recent experience with a slow start. Houston started out 0-3 last season before going 12-2 down the stretch to make it into the playoffs.

ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime pointed out two of the Texans'. three season-opening losses last year took place against NFC teams.

All three Texans losses so far this fall have been against AFC opponents, which could have a greater impact on postseason tiebreakers.

The Texans will need more consistent production from an offense that went three-and-out twice while trailing in Sunday's third quarter in order to replicate last season's comeback.

The 2025 Texans were one of seven teams to ever make it to the NFL postseason following an 0-3 start, per Josh Dubow of the Associated Press.

The Chargers and Texans will now be tasked with beating the odds by turning things around starting in Week 4. The Texans face the visiting Dallas Cowboys next Sunday, the same day the Chargers travel to play the defending champion Seattle Seahawks.