playNFL NationOct 6, 2026, 06:20 AM ETCloseNFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season.Multiple AuthorsOpen Extended ReactionsAfter four weeks of the 2026 NFL season, there are only three undefeated teams left: the 49ers, Chiefs and Vikings. And last season’s 14 playoff teams are off to a rocky start, with a combined record of 30-26 this season. That’s the lowest winning percentage through four weeks by the previous season’s playoff teams in the past 15 years, per ESPN Research.So why are those teams struggling — and how are San Francisco, Kansas City and Minnesota still unbeaten?
We’re stacking all 32 teams entering Week 5. And in addition to our 1-32 rankings, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to reflect on the first month of the season. Which teams are meeting or exceeding expectations? Which teams are already in jeopardy of a failed season?To form the list, our power panel of more than a dozen NFL analysts evaluates how all 32 teams stack up against one another.
Here are a few highlights from this week’s rankings:The Jaguars secured their second straight win over an AFC opponent Sunday to move into the top five of our rankings. That was despite 125 penalty yards in Cincinnati, which marked their most in a single game since Week 7 of 2019, per ESPN Research. And the Jaguars saw some positive play from third-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who scored on his first red zone target this season.The Eagles are out of the top 10 after a shocking defeat to the Rams at home. According to ESPN Analytics, Philly had a 97.4% chance to win when it led by 10 with a third-and-goal with 8:17 left in the fourth quarter.
The loss marked their second straight game with no points in the second half.The Browns climbed into the top 20 of our list after their third straight win — a 27-24 decision over the Steelers on Thursday night. Cleveland won three games as an underdog for the first time since 2021, per ESPN Research, and is tied with Baltimore for first place in the AFC North, though the Ravens could run into some trouble after QB Lamar Jackson injured his left ankle Sunday.Let’s get into the full list, starting with a different No. 1 team from last week.Previous rankings: Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4Jump to a team: ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF SEA | TB | TEN | WSH1. San Francisco 49ers (4-0)Week 4 result: Beat the Broncos 24-14 Week 4 ranking: 2Four words to describe the first four weeks: Not surviving but thriving.The 49ers have again been hit by a slew of injuries. On the defensive line, star defensive end Nick Bosa is out because of a calf issue.
At receiver, they’ve lost Ricky Pearsall (knee) for the season and promising rookie De’Zhaun Stribling (ankle) for 10 weeks. And yet the Niners are one of three undefeated teams. Quarterback Brock Purdy has emerged as an early MVP candidate, as the offense has done most of the heavy lifting. But Sunday’s win showed the Niners can lean on their defense and special teams when they aren’t lighting up the scoreboard. — Nick Wagoner2.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)Week 4 result: Beat the Raiders 30-27 Week 4 ranking: 3Four words to describe the first four weeks: In Walker we trust.Coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy have no excuses to ever abandon the running game as long as running back Kenneth Walker III is healthy and on the field. Walker has completely transformed the Chiefs’ offense, allowing quarterback Patrick Mahomes to make more deep completions. Walker leads the NFL with 537 rushing yards and the team with six total touchdowns. The Chiefs should continue to rely on Walker following the bye week after injuries to receivers Tyquan Thornton (dislocated left ankle) and Rashee Rice (right hamstring). — Nate Taylor3.
Seattle Seahawks (3-1)Week 4 result: Beat the Chargers 30-23 Week 4 ranking: 4Four words to describe the first four weeks: Eventful — not always positive.Quarterback Sam Darnold sustained a glute injury on the season’s fifth play and missed most of the first two games. No. 1 running back Jadarian Price, Seattle’s first-round pick, lost fumbles in consecutive weeks and is now on IR because of a chest injury. The Seahawks won in Week 4 despite a franchise-record 150 penalty yards. Throw in coach Mike Macdonald’s interview mishap — which resulted in an apology to Broncos coach Sean Payton — and the reigning champions haven’t traveled the smoothest road so far.
But the first month was also defined by some stellar performances, such as Drew Lock’s fill-in stint and Jaxon Smith-Njigba continuing to make his case as the league’s best receiver. — Brady Henderson4. Buffalo Bills (3-1)Week 4 result: Lost to the Patriots 29-26 Week 4 ranking: 1Four words to describe the first four weeks: Might’ve established unsustainable expectations.The Bills opened the season with 77 points and 855 yards in two weeks. Quarterback Josh Allen looked unstoppable against Houston and Detroit, two teams with Super Bowl aspirations. Now the Texans and Lions are a combined 2-6, and the Bills are coming back down to earth.
Coach Joe Brady’s offense has been held to 25 points per game over the past two weeks and turned the ball over seven times. There’s no question the Bills can compete in the AFC. But the steamrollers who looked poised to break NFL scoring records seem like an artifact from the start of the season. — Nick Suss5. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)Week 4 result: Beat the Bengals 22-17 Week 4 ranking: 10Four words to describe the first four weeks: Defense is getting overlooked.Heading into this season, there was plenty of hype around Year 2 of the Liam Coen offense.
But defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has made a name for himself early in the season, which could lead to attention in next year’s head-coaching cycle. The Jaguars rank among the top eight in the NFL in sacks, run defense, turnovers, red zone efficiency and third-down defense. With a run defense ranked second in the NFL (74.3 yards per game), Jacksonville has given up just nine first-half points. — Michael DiRocco6. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)Week 4 result: Beat the Titans 24-18 Week 4 ranking: 5Four words to describe the first four weeks: First place but hurting.The Ravens are meeting expectations with their best start in three seasons, which puts them in a first-place tie with the Browns atop the AFC North.
But it has come at a cost. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is considered day-to-day after injuring his left ankle Sunday, and his offensive line isn’t faring much better. Injuries have left Baltimore with its No. 4 option at center (Olaivavega Ioane) and its third-string right guard (Emery Jones Jr.). “We’re not going to make excuses,” coach Jesse Minter said.
“We’re going to figure out the guys that we have and put them out there and give ourselves the best chance to be successful.” — Jamison Hensley7. Los Angeles Rams (2-2)Week 4 result: Beat the Eagles 24-20 Week 4 ranking: 7Four words to describe the first four weeks: Not a superteam … yet.The Rams came into the season with sky-high expectations after adding defensive end Myles Garrett, cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive tackle Aaron Donald to a team that already had the reigning MVP in quarterback Matthew Stafford. But Los Angeles needed an improbable comeback victory Sunday to avoid a 1-3 start. The Rams have been inconsistent and missed significant players because of injuries, including Garrett (three games), Donald (one game) and wide receiver Puka Nacua (two games).
Los Angeles might not be playing like a Super Bowl contender right now, but it could be later in the season, especially once Garrett is back from knee surgery. — Sarah Barshop8. Chicago Bears (3-1)Week 4 result: Beat the Jets 23-12 We
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