NFL Power Rankings: Five Undefeated Teams Headline Week 4 as Raiders and Vikings Surge

Three weeks into the 2026 NFL season, the early-season excuses are getting expensive. Five teams remain undefeated heading into the Sunday slate of Week 4, setting up a high-stakes clash between established juggernauts and surprising upstarts.[3]

While the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Buffalo Bills sitting at 3-0 feels like business as usual, the Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings have crashed the top tier. Both franchises have leveraged elite quarterback play to navigate a chaotic opening month.[3][5]

"Three weeks into the 2026 NFL season, the 'small sample size' shield is starting to crack," writes the Full Press Coverage editorial desk. "The Raiders are 3-0. The Vikings are 3-0. The 49ers, Bills and Chiefs are still clean."[3]

For Las Vegas, the surge stems from a revitalized passing attack under play-caller Klint Kubiak. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has thrived in his new environment, tossing nine touchdown passes through three games to pace the AFC.[1][2]

Raiders and Vikings surge

Cousins currently shares the league lead in touchdown passes with San Francisco's Brock Purdy. The Raiders' offense has clicked immediately, even while rookie running back Ashton Jeanty works to find his rhythm on the ground during his first professional month.[1][5]

Las Vegas has paired that aerial efficiency with a suffocating defense. Through three weeks, the unit ranks 11th in overall success rate and fourth in points per drive allowed, helping secure road victories against the Chargers and Saints.[1]

Minnesota has matched that flawless start under head coach Kevin O'Connell. The Vikings held on to beat Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in Week 3, keeping vibes high in Minneapolis despite losing star receiver Justin Jefferson to a short-term injury.[2]

The schedule sets up favorably for Minnesota to extend its run. The Vikings do not face a daunting stretch of opponents until after their Week 6 bye, giving O'Connell time to adjust his offensive scheme without Jefferson on the field.[2]

The established elite

At the top of the board, the Buffalo Bills continue to look like a juggernaut under elevated head coach Joe Brady. Buffalo's offense has transformed into an incredibly diverse and explosive attack, though they had to survive a scare in Week 3.[1]

The Bills turned the ball over five times against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, falling behind 10-0 early. Buffalo rallied with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to complete the comeback, keeping their perfect record intact despite the sloppy performance.[1]

"The Bills made it interesting against the Chargers with 5 turnovers, the first 3 of which let Los Angeles jump out to a 10-0 lead," notes Sharp Football Analysis. "Buffalo scored 2 touchdowns in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback."[1]

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are leaning on Patrick Mahomes to power their 3-0 start. Mahomes has piloted the Chiefs to top-ten rankings in points per game, passing yards, and rushing yards, setting up a massive AFC West showdown.[2]

San Francisco rounds out the undefeated group, relying on Purdy's nine passing touchdowns to offset a depleted roster. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has kept the 49ers competitive despite dealing with a constant stream of early-season injuries.[2]

Injuries reshape the bottom

While the top of the league thrives, injuries have devastated several winless franchises. The 0-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost quarterback Baker Mayfield to a dislocated thumb, an injury expected to sideline him for at least three weeks.[3]

The Miami Dolphins, also sitting at 0-3, suffered a season-ending blow when running back De'Von Achane went down with a knee injury. Miami has now started 0-3 in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1968 and 1969.[5]

As the calendar turns to October, the undefeated tier will inevitably shrink. The Raiders and Chiefs face off this week in Las Vegas, guaranteeing that at least one perfect record will fall before Monday morning.[1][2]

Prediction markets reflect the shifting hierarchy. According to Kalshi's schedule-adjusted power scores entering Week 4, the undefeated tier has separated itself from the pack, forcing oddsmakers to reevaluate preseason expectations.[6]