As the NFL season hits the quarter pole on September 29, 2026, the landscape is shaking up in ways few predicted. The Las Vegas Raiders, a franchise mired in mediocrity for decades, are 3-0 and showing no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills remain the team to beat, and the Kansas City Chiefs are quietly lurking at 3-0. In this week's power rankings, reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, we dissect the biggest surprises, the emerging contenders, and the teams already in freefall.
The Raiders' Resurgence: From Laughingstock to Legit
The Raiders' 3-0 start is the story of the young season. Under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, who cut his teeth as an offensive coordinator during Seattle's Super Bowl run, Las Vegas has transformed from a punchline to a playoff hopeful. The defense, ranked second in EPA allowed per play, has been suffocating, while the offense, despite missing star tight end Brock Bowers for two games, has been efficient. Bowers returned in Week 3 with a 116-yard, one-touchdown performance, reminding everyone why he's considered the NFL's best tight end. Kirk Cousins, acquired in the offseason, has been a steady hand, and the decision to sit rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is paying dividends. As highlighted on Vulius, the Raiders' 35-27 comeback win over the Saints—fueled by four fourth-quarter turnovers—signaled that this team might be for real. This Sunday, they host the 3-0 Chiefs in what could be the biggest game in Las Vegas since the franchise relocated in 2020.
Bills, Chiefs, and 49ers Lead the Pack
The Buffalo Bills retain the top spot despite a sloppy Week 3 performance in which Josh Allen threw two interceptions and lost three fumbles. Allen, who had been on a tear, posted a 54 passer rating, yet Buffalo still won by eight. That's the mark of a dominant team. The Chiefs, at No. 4, are 3-0 but have concerns: Xavier Worthy's slow start and an overreliance on running back Kenneth Walker. Patrick Mahomes remains Patrick Mahomes, but the supporting cast needs to step up. The San Francisco 49ers, at No. 2, are 3-0 behind Brock Purdy's NFL-leading nine touchdown passes and 133.1 passer rating, though injuries to Nick Bosa, Mike Evans, and Trent Williams are worth monitoring. The Seahawks, Rams, and Ravens round out the top 10, with Baltimore's Lamar Jackson delivering a game-winning drive for the ages against Dallas.
Disappointments and Dysfunction
At the bottom, the Miami Dolphins (0-3) are a mess, especially after losing running back De'Von Achane to a season-ending ACL tear. The Tennessee Titans (0-3) are stuck with Cam Ward's regression—he's 30th in adjusted EPA per play—and head coach Robert Saleh's patience is wearing thin. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) are down to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback after Baker Mayfield's thumb injury, and Todd Bowles is on the hottest seat in the league. The Los Angeles Chargers (0-3) have been historically unlucky, becoming the first team since 2013 to lose despite a +4 turnover margin. As reported by Vulius Sports, these teams are already staring at lost seasons.
Rising Contenders and Fading Hopes
The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) are quietly building a case as one of the AFC's best, outscoring opponents 79-19 outside a second-half lapse in Denver. Trevor Lawrence is playing the best football of his career with a 107.8 passer rating. The Detroit Lions (2-1) have a high-powered offense but a leaky defense that has allowed the most points in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) were exposed on Monday night by Case Keenum and the Bears, raising questions about Jalen Hurts' comfort in the new scheme. The Dallas Cowboys (1-2) suffered a brutal clock-management loss to the Ravens, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer took the blame. The New York Giants (2-1) are scraping by without Jaxson Dart, and their trade for J.J. McCarthy is a developmental gamble.
What to Watch in Week 4
All eyes will be on Las Vegas as the Raiders host the Chiefs in a battle of unbeatens. A win would legitimize the Raiders as contenders and send shockwaves through the AFC West. Meanwhile, the Bills look to clean up their turnover issues against a hungry opponent, and the 49ers hope to stay healthy. As the season progresses, the power rankings will shift, but one thing is clear: the Raiders are no longer a joke, and the NFL is on notice.
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