JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — NFL history isn't kind to 0-2 teams who want to make the playoffs and win the Super Bowl.

        The Bengals would fall to 0-2 if they lose today at Jacksonville. And they'll be a big underdog again when they travel to Baltimore next week.

        The 1993 Cowboys, who were winless in two games when Emmitt Smith held out, are the only 0-2 team to win the Super Bowl.

        A third loss is doom. Only three teams since 1970 — the 1998 Bills, '95 Lions and '81 Jets — have started 0-3 and made the playoffs in a non-strike year.

        Cincinnati is one of 10 winless teams heading into Week 3. The Bengals and Pittsburgh have both had byes and are 0-1. Dallas and Seattle, both playoff teams a year ago, are two of the eight 0-2 teams.

        Last Sunday's loss to Cleveland was the Bengals' 29th before October, dating to the end of the 1989 season. They are 10-29 in the season's first month in that time.

        In his three-plus seasons as coach, Bruce Coslet is now 2-10 in September games, which includes the Aug. 31, 1997 opening-day victory against Arizona at Cinergy Field.

        Cincinnati has only one winning opening month, 3-0 in 1990.

Akili could learn from Brunell Bengals already in danger in Week 2 Bengals know they can't let losses linger Who's got the edge Bengals-Jaguars by the numbers Bengals, Jaguars to watch

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