Only three weeks into the 2026 season, the NFL is already down to just five undefeated teams, showing how ridiculously tough it is to keep that zero in the loss column. We’ve got the Chiefs, Raiders, Bills, Vikings, and 49ers all sitting pretty at 3-0. Guess what? At least one of them is going down this weekend, because the Chiefs and Raiders are squaring off on Sunday. (Yeah, yeah, a tie is possible, but come on, let’s live a little!) The Bills, Vikings, and those pesky 49ers are all favored to win their Week 4 games, so they’re looking good to keep their streaks alive, at least for now.
Chiefs vs. Raiders: Someone’s Zero Has Gotta Go
The Raiders’ 3-0 start? It’s been a wild one, but let’s get some perspective. Their wins came against the Dolphins, Chargers, and Saints, and those teams are a combined 1-5 in their other games. That’s the worst opponent record among all the 3-0 squads. A massive reason for Vegas’s hot start is their defense, leading the league with nine takeaways already. They only had 16 all of last season! But here’s the rub: the Chiefs have only coughed up the ball twice in their own 3-0 run. So, don’t expect those easy takeaways for the Raiders this Sunday. While both teams have scored the exact same number of points through three games, Kansas City is averaging a massive 105 more yards per game, and they’re running for five yards per carry compared to Vegas’s 3.23. The Chiefs are 4.5-point road favorites, and honestly, it feels like they’ll win easier than that. The Raiders did get a boost with tight end Brock Bowers returning healthy last week, but their concern should be defending tight ends after the Saints threw four touchdowns to TEs against them in a close loss. That’s gotta be music to Travis Kelce’s ears.
The Niners Are Humming (For Now)
Meanwhile, San Francisco has absolutely been lighting it up to start the season. Brock Purdy has arguably had the best start of any quarterback in the league, slinging nine touchdowns against just one interception, even with all kinds of injuries at receiver. Their entire offense is just humming right along, ranking first in yards per play at 7.35, third down conversions at 63%, and red zone efficiency at a ridiculous 90%. They’re facing the Broncos this week, whose defense has been a total shocker. Last year, they were the No. 2 unit in total defense, and now they’re ranked 29th? Still, Denver did beat the Jaguars and rallied late to beat the Rams, so maybe this is their “get-right” game. It’s also a homecoming for safety Talanoa Hufanga, who practically beat the Rams by himself down the stretch. Bo Nix has been downright ordinary for the Broncos in three games, but maybe this is the week he finally connects with Jaylen Waddle for their first touchdown together.
What’s Next For That 49ers Streak?
So, the big question is, if the 49ers manage to take care of the Broncos, what then? Well, they’re heading to Seattle next week. And look, we all remember what happened in January, don’t we? The last time they came to the Emerald City, they got absolutely smoked, losing 41-6. That kind of history, that kind of beatdown in a hostile environment, it could definitely “do the trick” and hand them their first loss of the season. Keep an eye on those other undefeated teams too; the Bills aren’t about to let the Patriots hand them their first loss in their new stadium. But for us, the real drama might unfold next week when the Niners step foot back in Lumen Field. Get ready, 12s.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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