Undefeated and Unproven: Separating the Super Bowl Threats from the Scheduling Flukes
Five teams remain perfect through three weeks, but a closer look at the tape and the calendar suggests some are riding a wave of luck while others are genuine juggernauts.
The NFL's undefeated ranks are thinning. As CBS Sports first reported, only five teams remain perfect heading into Week 4 after the Eagles, Bengals, and Seahawks all suffered their first losses of the 2026 season. While the Bills, Chiefs, Raiders, Vikings, and 49ers are currently chasing the ghosts of the 2007 Patriots and 1972 Dolphins, not all 3-0 records are created equal.
**The Genuine Threats**
Buffalo is firmly in the 'buy' category. CBS Sports notes the Bills' recent victory over the Chargers was particularly impressive because Buffalo overcame five turnovers to hold Los Angeles to 16 points. The roster is brimming with early-season accolades: Josh Allen is an MVP candidate, and Greg Rousseau is a front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year, having joined Kevin Greene (1998) and Mark Gastineau (1984) as the only players to record two or more sacks in each of their first three games. Furthermore, James Cook III leads the league with a 6.0 yards-per-carry average. The primary question mark for Buffalo is whether their defense can maintain this level against elite competition, a test that arrives in Week 5 against the Rams.
Kansas City also warrants a 'buy' rating. In a 24-10 win over Miami, Patrick Mahomes displayed extreme efficiency with an 83.3% completion rate. While the Dolphins focused on limiting Kenneth Walker III—who entered the game with 290 rushing yards over the first two weeks—Walker still contributed 70 rushing yards and two total touchdowns. CBS Sports reports the Chiefs' defense has forced at least one turnover in every game this season, totaling five. While receiver depth and Walker's workload are concerns, the Chiefs currently sit as the projected No. 1 seed in the AFC.
**The Pretenders**
Then there are the teams whose records are more a product of the calendar than dominance. Las Vegas is a prime example. CBS Sports points out that the Raiders' three wins have come against opponents with a combined 1-8 record. The real test begins now; the Raiders face the NFL's toughest strength of schedule over the next eight weeks, including upcoming clashes with the Bills, Rams, Chiefs, and the reigning AFC champion Patriots. While coach Klint Kubiak has mirrored Bill Cowher's 1992 start by allowing no fourth-quarter points through three games, the Raiders must fix a red zone defense ranked 27th and a rushing attack that ranks 31st in yards-per-carry (3.2).
Finally, the Vikings are a 'sell' as championship contenders, even if they are a 'buy' as a playoff team. Their 3-0 start is fueled almost entirely by Brian Flores' defense, which ranks first in red-zone and third-down efficiency and second in points allowed. Offensively, however, Minnesota is struggling. CBS Sports reports the Vikings rank 32nd in passing attack, 31st in third-down efficiency, and 27th in yards per carry (3.6). Quarterback Kyler Murray has struggled with efficiency, completing only 52.9% of his passes while throwing two interceptions and a single touchdown. Until Murray adjusts to Kevin O'Connell's system or O'Connell turns to Carson Wentz, Minnesota remains a defensive powerhouse without a legitimate offensive threat.