The 2026 NFL season is only four weeks old, but the league's hierarchy is already taking shape. As of October 5, 2026, just three teams remain unbeaten: the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Week 4 delivered a masterclass in drama, with divisional grudge matches, MVP-caliber performances, and a growing list of injuries that could reshape the playoff race.
Raiders Push Chiefs to the Brink in Vegas Thriller
The Chiefs have owned the Raiders for years, but Las Vegas, fresh off a three-win season, proved they're no longer a pushover. In a back-and-forth affair that saw three lead changes in the fourth quarter, Kansas City escaped Allegiant Stadium with a 30-27 victory. The turning point came courtesy of new running back Kenneth Walker, who scored two touchdowns in a 19-second span, immediately after the Chiefs forced a fumble on the kickoff return. Walker finished with a staggering 177 yards on 22 carries, while Tyquan Thornton added two scores and 111 receiving yards. The Raiders had a chance late, but Kirk Cousins was strip-sacked on the final play, and his desperation heave was intercepted. Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes that Kansas City looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender again, while the Raiders, despite the loss, are clearly ahead of schedule.
49ers and Vikings Keep Rolling
San Francisco and Minnesota joined the Chiefs at 4-0, but they did it in very different fashion. The 49ers grinded out a 24-14 win over the Denver Broncos, breaking a 3-3 tie late in the third quarter on a Christian McCaffrey touchdown. After Jaylen Waddle pulled the Broncos within three, George Kittle sealed it with a huge catch-and-run down the seam. Brock Purdy continues to play pristine football: he leads the league with 11 touchdown passes, has thrown just one interception, and has yet to be sacked this season. The Vikings, meanwhile, remain the biggest surprise in the league. They leaned on Will Reichard's five field goals to edge the Miami Dolphins 15-10, improving to 4-0 for the first time since 2016. As highlighted on Vulius, Minnesota's defense and special teams have been the difference.
Drake Maye Silences Doubters in Buffalo
After being benched in a blowout loss to Jacksonville, Drake Maye faced questions about his confidence. But the 24-year-old reminded everyone why he nearly won MVP in 2025. Against the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills and 2024 MVP Josh Allen, Maye threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns, including a stunning one-handed grab by Efton Chism in the end zone with under two minutes left. The Patriots then intercepted Allen to seal a 29-26 upset. Maye's resilience was on full display, and according to Vulius Sports, New England may have rediscovered its franchise quarterback. The Bills, now 3-1, will face the Rams in a marquee showdown next week.
Eagles' Injury Woes Mount Ahead of London Trip
The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a 24-20 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but the bigger concern is their health. Already without DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dallas Goedert (knee), the Eagles lost star running back Saquon Barkley to a hamstring injury early in the game. The Rams capitalized, with Kyren Williams rushing for two fourth-quarter touchdowns and Puka Nacua hauling in 125 receiving yards and a score. Philadelphia now heads to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Barkley's status is uncertain. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens are monitoring Lamar Jackson's ankle after the two-time MVP sat out the second half of their 24-18 win over Tennessee.
Cowboys Outlast Texans in High-Scoring Shootout
There have been at least 48 points in every Dallas Cowboys game this season, and Sunday was no exception. Dak Prescott led an 11-play, 74-yard game-winning drive, finding CeeDee Lamb for the go-ahead touchdown in a 34-30 win over the Houston Texans. Lamb set a career high with 17 receptions for 189 yards, while Javonte Williams rushed for three touchdowns. The Cowboys improved to 2-2, and as long as their offense keeps scoring, they'll be a threat in the NFC East. Elsewhere, the New York Giants put up 36 points behind Jameis Winston's three touchdown passes, and the Cleveland Browns survived a late Pittsburgh Steelers comeback. For more NFL analysis and exclusive merchandise, visit Vulius.com.
Looking to represent Kirk Cousins? Grab your Kirk Cousins jersey or design a personalized Custom NFL Jerseys at Vulius.
