The NFL contenders and pretenders list is ever-changing. Whether it’s the offseason or Week 18, there is always a discourse over who’s legitimate and who’s not. Five NFL teams sit at 3-0 ahead of their Week 4 matchups. Which of those five are playoff contenders, and which will eventually reveal their true selves?
The Bills have been bona fide playoff contenders throughout the 2020s. They have made the postseason in every season since 2019, and have reached the AFC Championship twice in that span.
Once again, Buffalo is off to a strong start at 3-0. Quarterback Josh Allen has thrown for 786 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He’s also rushed 28 times for 114 yards and six more scores. Save for two Week 3 interceptions, he’s having a terrific start to the year.
The Bills’ run game is carrying plenty of weight through three weeks as well. Running back James Cook has rushed 58 times for 346 yards, 18 first downs, and two touchdowns. The team is fourth in the NFL in rush yards per game (155), and first in the NFL in rushing touchdowns (eight).
Calling the Bills playoff contenders is equivalent to calling the sky blue. Through three weeks, they’ve been exciting, but all eyes will be on them in the postseason.
The Chiefs are working to restore the dynasty, and so far, it’s working. They signed free agent running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million contract in the offseason. The Super Bowl LX MVP is already making his presence felt.
In 65 rush attempts, Walker leads the league in total yards (360) and yards per game (120). He’s opened up Kansas City’s offense in a major way, but he’s not the only reason for their renewed success.
The Chiefs reunited with their former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in the offseason. He was their OC from 2018 to 2022 and won two Super Bowls in his tenure. He spent time with the Washington Commanders, UCLA, and the Chicago Bears before returning to Arrowhead.
Kansas City has outscored its three opponents 88-50, with the Indianapolis Colts accounting for 30 points. Patrick Mahomes has thrown for 812 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. The dynasty might be back, but only time will tell.
The Raiders have been an extremely fun team to watch in 2026. After a free agency overhaul and an exciting draft class, they’re reaping the benefits of their offseason moves.
Las Vegas is 3-0 for the first time since 2021. They signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins and drafted Heisman-winner Fernando Mendoza first-overall. Along with additions like center Tyler Linderbaum and linebacker Nakobe Dean, this looks like a whole new team.
The Raiders’ offense has scored at least 26 points in each of their first three games. They have a +34-point differential, and the defense ranks eighth in points allowed per game (18).
As exciting as the Raiders are right now, history has not been kind to them. In that 2021 season, they went on to go 10-7 and lose in the Wild Card round. That was their only trip to the postseason since 2016, when they also lost in the Wild Card round. They’re on the right side of a rebuild, but it’s still just that; a rebuild.
The Vikings are a tale of two teams in 2026. The offense ranks dead last in pass yards per game (137) and 17th in rush yards per game (101.3). Conversely, the defense ranks fourth in rush yards allowed per game (85.7) and second in points allowed per game (13.7).
Minnesota’s defense also leads the league in third-down rate (22.7%) and red zone touchdown rate (11.1%). Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has produced a staggering 71% blitz rate, the highest in the NFL. It’s translated to success with a league-leading 14 sacks.
What’s worrisome for the Vikings is the lack of offensive success. They have yet to reach 250 total offensive yards in any game, and they lead the NFL in punts (18). In 34 dropbacks, QB Kyler Murray has gone 18/34 for 186 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
If Minnesota’s offense can find a rhythm, we can be looking at a true Super Bowl contender. Given the three-week sample size, they’re simply not there yet.
The 49ers are a legitimate threat, not only to the NFC West, but the NFL as a whole. QB Brock Purdy has been lights out in his fifth season, going 60/83 for 789 yards, nine touchdowns (tied for the NFL lead), and one interception.
Purdy is also leading the NFL in touchdown percentage (10.8%), success rate (63.9%), average yards gained per attempt (11.1), and passer rating (133.1). The Niners have outscored opponents 98-50 and have scored at least 30 points in each of their three games.
On the defensive side of the ball, San Francisco ranks third in points allowed per game (16.7), sixth in red zone TD rate (40%), and ninth in total yards allowed per game (313).
To top it all off, the 49ers rank fourth in the NFL in rush yards per attempt (5.1), sixth in rush yards per game (136.3), and first in pass yards per attempt (9.5). Despite injuries to Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, Ricky Pearsall, and Mykel Williams, they’re a well-oiled machine.
NFL Week 4 is already off to a hot start following Thursday Night Football. These five undefeated teams could see their perfect records dashed as soon as Sunday. An undefeated start is encouraging, but it doesn’t always lead to a Super Bowl victory.
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