NFL Nation Oct 6, 2026, 06:20 AM ET Close NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cover the NFL year-round across ESPN.com, ESPN television shows, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established ahead of the 2013 season. After four weeks of the 2026 NFL season, there are only three undefeated teams left: the 49ers, Chiefs and Vikings.
And last season's 14 playoff teams are off to a rocky start, with a combined record of 30-26 this season. That's the lowest winning percentage through four weeks by the previous season's playoff teams in the past 15 years, per ESPN Research. So why are those teams struggling -- and how are San Francisco, Kansas City and Minnesota still unbeaten? We're stacking all 32 teams entering Week 5.
And in addition to our 1-32 rankings, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to reflect on the first month of the season. Which teams are meeting or exceeding expectations? Which teams are already in jeopardy of a failed season? To form the list, our power panel of more than a dozen NFL analysts evaluates how all 32 teams stack up against one another. Here are a few highlights from this week's rankings: The Jaguars secured their second straight win over an AFC opponent Sunday to move into the top five of our rankings.
That was despite 125 penalty yards in Cincinnati, which marked their most in a single game since Week 7 of 2019, per ESPN Research. And the Jaguars saw some positive play from third-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who scored on his first red zone target this season. The Eagles are out of the top 10 after a shocking defeat to the Rams at home.
According to ESPN Analytics, Philly had a 97.4% chance to win when it led by 10 with a third-and-goal with 8:17 left in the fourth quarter. The loss marked their second straight game with no points in the second half. The Browns climbed into the top 20 of our list after their third straight win -- a 27-24 decision over the Steelers on Thursday night.
Cleveland won three games as an underdog for the first time since 2021, per ESPN Research, and is tied with Baltimore for first place in the AFC North, though the Ravens could run into some trouble after QB Lamar Jackson injured his left ankle Sunday.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing