Parts one and two set the stage for the top 10 of my Week 4 NFL power rankings. I consider this tier the league’s true Super Bowl contenders, based on both early 2026 results and proven success from these teams and their players. Through three weeks, these teams have separated themselves and look poised to make noise throughout the 2026 season.
Week 4 NFL Power Rankings
10. Philadelphia Eagles, 2-1
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off an ugly 27-7 loss to a Case Keenum-led Bears team that had its way with Philadelphia’s defense. Jalen Hurts struggled in the second half, while Sean Mannion has yet to find a consistent role for first-round receiver Makai Lemon.
Philadelphia opened 2-0 with wins over the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans, needing a game-winning drive to escape a surprisingly close matchup with Tennessee. In prime position to improve to 3-0 against a third-string quarterback, the Eagles instead fell flat on both sides of the ball. Philadelphia has aspirations of returning to Super Bowl form, but the offense and defense need to find consistency quickly.
9. Los Angeles Rams, 1-2
As high as I am on the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford this season, I couldn’t justify ranking them any higher after a 1-2 start. Week 1 in Australia was a nightmare, as the Rams were blown out, lost Myles Garrett to injured reserve, and saw Puka Nacua suffer a groin injury that has sidelined him for the past two games.
Los Angeles bounced back in Week 2 against a New York Giants team without Jaxson Dart before blowing a 16-point lead to the Denver Broncos in prime time, allowing 30 points in the second half. Chris Shula’s defense has performed well overall without Garrett, but back-breaking plays remain a concern, particularly on third down, where the Rams rank 21st.
I still expect the Rams to be a strong team moving forward, but their early struggles and 1-2 record can’t be overlooked.
8. Chicago Bears, 2-1
Ben Johnson has emerged as an early Coach of the Year candidate after the Chicago Bears Week 3 win over the Eagles. It was a coaching masterclass, as the Bears knocked off a Super Bowl contender with Keenum under center.
Before his hamstring injury, Caleb Williams had the offense rolling, including a nearly 60-point performance in Week 1. The defense remains the biggest question mark, but it has responded by holding the Minnesota Vikings and Eagles to fewer than 10 points in consecutive games. Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland also found their footing in Week 3.
Once Williams returns, if the defense can maintain anything close to its current level of play, Chicago should be in a strong position to contend for a playoff spot.
7. Baltimore Ravens, 2-1
The Baltimore Ravens picked up a massive win in Week 3 to right the ship after an upset loss to the New Orleans Saints the previous week. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens scored 34 points in Zay Flowers’ return from injury, with Declan Doyle’s offense hitting its stride heading into Week 4. Jessie Minter’s defense also made key stops when needed against the Cowboys.
Still, Baltimore’s defense is allowing 26 points per game and ranks 21st on third down. Improvement on that side of the ball will be pivotal down the stretch. With Jackson playing at a high level and Derrick Henry powering the rushing attack, however, opposing defenses will have their hands full with Baltimore’s offense.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-1
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense has picked up where it left off in 2025, scoring at least 34 points in two of its first three games. Jacksonville’s spread-the-wealth approach has paid off, with Parker Washington emerging as the top target while Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Brenton Strange, Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez and others have settled into their roles.
Liam Coen has done an excellent job with the offense, while the defense hasn’t missed a beat despite losing Devin Lloyd. Under Anthony Campanile, Jacksonville ranks eighth against the run and first in scoring defense, giving the Jaguars a strong foundation on both sides of the ball.
5. Denver Broncos, 2-1
Denver was manhandled by the Kansas City Chiefs and Kenneth Walker III in a 31-10 Week 1 loss. Since then, the Broncos have bounced back with wins over one of the AFC’s hottest offenses in Jacksonville and the Super Bowl-contending Rams.
Bo Nix and the offense, now led by play-caller Davis Webb, are experiencing some early growing pains, but the defense was instrumental in the comeback win over Los Angeles. Denver sacked Matthew Stafford four times and intercepted him twice, returning one for a touchdown. The defense flipped the momentum in the second half and helped propel the Broncos to victory.
Now sitting at 2-1, Denver could be positioned for another deep playoff run if the offense can rediscover what made it successful in 2025.
4. Seattle Seahawks, 2-1
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl title and, until Week 3, had looked the part. Sam Darnold suffered a glute injury on the opening drive of the season against the New England Patriots, forcing Drew Lock into action. Lock responded by helping Seattle secure back-to-back wins over New England and the Arizona Cardinals.
Darnold returned in Week 3 against Marcus Mariota and the Commanders but came up short. Turnovers proved costly, as Darnold threw two interceptions and rookie running back Jadarian Price lost a fumble. Seattle appeared poised to complete the comeback before Washington’s aggressive late-game play-calling helped seal the loss against a normally dominant Seahawks defense.
Seattle allowed 33 points despite surrendering just 265 total yards, while its offense produced 437 yards. Now 2-1, the Seahawks will look to clean up the mistakes and bounce back against the struggling Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4.
3. Kansas City Chiefs, 3-0
Kansas City made a statement in Week 1, rushing for 220 yards in a 31-10 win over Denver. Patrick Mahomes II returned from his ACL injury without missing a beat, throwing for 382 yards and three touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. The Chiefs followed with a two-score win over the Miami Dolphins, though the Dolphins remained competitive until Kansas City pulled away.
Kenneth Walker III has been a home-run signing, totaling 442 yards and four touchdowns through three games. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense has also impressed despite replacing nearly the entire starting secondary from 2025, ranking fourth in total defense, sixth against the pass, 10th against the run and third in scoring defense.
Kansas City looks like the dominant Chiefs teams of years past, and with Travis Kelce turning back the clock, it could climb even higher. The undefeated Chiefs now turn their attention to a Week 4 matchup with the 3-0 Las Vegas Raiders.
2. San Francisco 49ers, 3-0
The San Francisco 49ers have looked dominant early, opening the season with a convincing win over the Rams behind an explosive passing game and balanced rushing attack. San Francisco followed with a blowout win over Miami before outlasting Arizona 36-30 in a Week 3 shootout.
Injuries have been the biggest concern. Mike Evans is questionable, De’Zhaun Stribling and Nick Bosa are on injured reserve, and Trent Williams left Week 3 with an injury, among several others. San Francisco needs to prioritize its health while continuing to spread the wealth offensively.
Raheem Morris’ defense has also impressed, ranking ninth in total defense, third in scoring defense, and sixth in red-zone defense. With Brock Purdy playing at such a high level, the 49ers have one of the highest ceilings in the league.
1. Buffalo Bills, 3-0
My top spot goes to the Buffalo Bills in my NFL power rankings. Josh Allen and the offense dominated the first two weeks, scoring 36 and 41 points. Week 3 was a different story but perhaps Buffalo’s most impressive win yet. Despite turning the ball over five times, the Bills still held a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter.
Allen continues to play at an MVP-caliber level, while James Cook II has been excellent on the ground, rushing for 346 yards through three games. Defensively, Buffalo needs to improve, ranking 25th in total defense, 27th against the pass, and 21st in scoring defense. The Bills are coming off a disappointing end to 2025 after losing in Denver and are looking to finally get over the hump under Joe Brady.
There is plenty of season left, and these rankings are sure to change, but through three weeks, this is how I see the NFL. Familiar contenders such as the Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, and Seahawks remain near the top, while several teams are emerging throughout the rest of the league.
The NFL feels as competitive as ever, with teams rising and falling each week. Check out parts one and two to see where all 32 teams landed in my Week 4 NFL power rankings.
Main Image: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
