NFL's Five Perfect Teams Face Week 4: Chiefs-Raiders Collision Guarantees First Undefeated Team Falls
Three weeks into the 2026 NFL season, five teams remain undefeated heading into Week 4, though at least one will lose that distinction when the Chiefs and Raiders face off on Sunday. The Raiders' surprising 3-0 start is somewhat tainted by playing three struggling teams with a combined 1-5 record outside their matchups, while their defense has benefited from unusual takeaway luck that figures to regress. The Bills, Vikings, and 49ers round out the remaining perfect teams, all favored in their respective Week 4 contests.
Through three weeks of the 2026 season, five teams have maintained perfect records, though the upcoming Chiefs-Raiders matchup will eliminate at least one. The Raiders' undefeated start comes with notable caveats: their three opponents hold a combined 1-5 record outside those games, the worst among the five perfect teams. Las Vegas has accumulated nine defensive takeaways—already surpassing their entire previous season total—a statistical outlier unlikely to sustain.
The Bills, Vikings, and 49ers complete the remaining undefeated group, each entering Week 4 as betting favorites. The 49ers present the most impressive overall performance, leading the league in yards per play and maintaining exceptional third-down and red-zone conversion rates despite significant receiver injuries. Quarterback Brock Purdy has thrown nine touchdowns against just one interception to start the season.
The survival of undefeated teams carries significance for NFL fan engagement and league narrative interest. Early-season perfect records generate viewer enthusiasm and media attention, potentially affecting television ratings and sponsorship value. The eventual losses of these teams will reshape playoff discussions and divisional standings, influencing how teams adjust strategies and manage player workloads down the stretch. Media outlets and betting markets may experience shifts in their analytical frameworks as statistical anomalies—like the Raiders' turnover rate—prove unsustainable.