NFL 2026 Super Bowl race has six challengers
Jacksonville, Seattle, Chicago, and Las Vegas each finished Week 4 with 3-1 records. Los Angeles stood at 2-2, while Dallas fell to 2-3 after losing to Tampa Bay on October 8.
Through October 4, Jacksonville had allowed 53 points, Chicago had scored 112, and Seattle had conceded 73. Las Vegas had scored 115, Los Angeles had gained 1,668 offensive yards, and Dallas had scored 122.
Jacksonville Jaguars lead the AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars are 3 and 1 and lead the AFC South after four games. Jacksonville has scored 104 points and allowed 53, giving the team a plus-51-point differential and the NFL’s second-lowest points allowed total.
Trevor Lawrence has completed 72 of 104 passes for 843 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions. Jacksonville has also produced 469 rushing yards and converted 23 of 45 third downs through October 4.
Seattle Seahawks enter Week 5 at 3 and 1
Seattle improved to 3-1 after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 30-23 on October 4. The Seahawks scored 105 points and allowed 73 through four games, producing 1,389 offensive yards while conceding 987.
Sam Darnold has thrown 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, including 168 yards and 2 scores against the Chargers. Seattle has recorded 8 defensive takeaways and allowed 408 rushing yards, placing the defending champions near the NFC West lead.
Chicago Bears build a 3-1 record
Chicago has started the 2026 season with a 3-1 record, scoring 112 points and allowing 65 through four games. Its +47 point differential ranks among the NFC’s strongest early-season marks.
The Bears have rushed for 785 yards on 159 attempts while allowing 410 yards on the ground. Chicago has converted 27 of 57 third downs and registered 10 defensive sacks. Its offense has also scored 13 touchdowns.
Las Vegas Raiders remain 3 and 1 after loss
The Las Vegas Raiders fell to 3-1 after losing 30-27 to the Kansas City Chiefs on October 4. Through four games, Las Vegas had scored 115 points and allowed 84, gaining 1,372 offensive yards while conceding 1,349.
Kirk Cousins leads the Raiders’ passing attack with 1,026 yards, while the team has produced 372 rushing yards. Las Vegas has also recorded 12 defensive sacks, supporting its strong opening record despite the narrow loss.
Fun fact: The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX in February 2026, giving them their second Super Bowl championship.
Los Angeles Rams own a major yardage edge
The Los Angeles Rams improved to 2-2 after defeating Philadelphia 24-20 on October 4. Through four games, they have gained 1,668 offensive yards and allowed 990, establishing a +678 net yardage advantage.
Los Angeles has produced 1,202 gross passing yards and 507 rushing yards, while opponents have gained 615 passing yards. Rams quarterbacks have thrown 6 touchdown passes and 6 interceptions during the opening four games.
Dallas Cowboys rely on a strong passing attack
Dallas finished Week 4 at 2-2 after defeating Houston 34-30 on October 4, but fell to 2-3 following a 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay on October 8. Through four games, Dallas had scored 122 points and gained 1,390 offensive yards, including 1,065 passing yards and 358 rushing yards. The Cowboys scored 14 touchdowns during that span.
CeeDee Lamb caught 37 passes for 498 yards and 4 touchdowns through Week 4. His 17 receptions for 189 yards against Houston helped Dallas secure the victory, while the defense had allowed 1,558 total yards through that game.
Jacksonville Jaguars set the defensive standard
Jacksonville has the strongest defensive scoring profile among these six teams, allowing 53 points through four games. Chicago has allowed 65, Seattle 73, Los Angeles 83, Las Vegas 84, and Dallas 112. Jacksonville has allowed just 53 points.
Jacksonville’s 13.3 points allowed per game ranks second in the NFL, while Chicago’s 16.3 ranks fourth and Seattle’s 18.3 ranks fifth. Those numbers give the three 3-1 teams a clear defensive foundation.
Chicago Bears lead this group in total yards
Chicago leads these six teams in total offense with 1,716 yards through four games, followed by Los Angeles at 1,668, Dallas at 1,390, Seattle at 1,389, Las Vegas at 1,372, and Jacksonville at 1,266.
Chicago’s 1,716 yards are actually the highest total in this group, with 785 rushing yards and 976 passing yards. The Bears have paired that production with 112 points while rotating quarterbacks during Caleb Williams’ absence. Chicago’s 785 rushing yards are also the highest total in this group.
Seattle Seahawks and Rams limit passing yards
Seattle led this group in total defense through Week 4, allowing 987 yards, followed by Los Angeles at 990 and Chicago at 1,129. Las Vegas had conceded 1,349, Jacksonville 1,418, and Dallas 1,558.
Seattle had allowed 645 passing yards and 408 rushing yards, while the Rams had conceded 615 passing yards and 408 rushing yards. Jacksonville led these six teams in rushing defense, surrendering only 297 yards on the ground.
NFL Week 5 puts six teams to the test
Week 5 features several tests for potential contenders. Seattle hosts unbeaten San Francisco on October 11, while Chicago visits Green Bay, and Jacksonville faces Philadelphia in London on the same Sunday.
Los Angeles hosts Buffalo on October 12, and Las Vegas travels to New England on October 11. Dallas already suffered a setback, losing 24-16 at home to Tampa Bay on October 8. The remaining games will help clarify each team’s playoff outlook.
NFL injuries could alter six teams’ outlook
Injuries are affecting several teams ahead of Week 5. Chicago plans to start Tyson Bagent against Green Bay while Caleb Williams recovers from a hamstring injury. Seattle defensive tackle Leonard Williams missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle injury.
Dallas ruled out DeMarvion Overshown and Cobie Durant for its October 8 game, while guard Tyler Smith returned from injured reserve. Jacksonville had several defensive backs limited in practice, and Las Vegas guard Jackson Powers-Johnson participated fully on Thursday. Seattle is also monitoring injuries among its running backs.
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NFL race still has three unbeaten teams
San Francisco, Kansas City, and Minnesota entered Week 5 as the NFL’s three unbeaten teams at 4-0. Jacksonville, Seattle, Chicago, and Las Vegas stood at 3-1, while Los Angeles finished Week 4 at 2-2. Dallas fell to 2-3 following its October 8 loss to Tampa Bay.
Jacksonville has led these six teams in scoring defense, Chicago has produced the most offensive yards, and Seattle has allowed the fewest total yards. Los Angeles holds the group’s largest net yardage advantage through four games, while Dallas receiver CeeDee Lamb led the NFL with 498 receiving yards at the end of Week 4.
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What do you think? Which of these six teams has the best chance to reach the Super Bowl? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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