As the National Football League season reaches the close of September 2026, the initial league-wide evaluations offer a clear look at early-season surprises, steady contenders, and major disappointments across all 32 franchises. While the sample size remains limited to the opening weeks of action, the preliminary standings and performance grades highlight which teams have lived up to preseason expectations and which units face immediate pressure to adjust.
Elite Performances at the Top of the League
Three franchises have separated themselves in the opening month, earning top marks for their dominant starts. The Kansas City Chiefs lead the group following a return to high-level efficiency from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, bolstered by strong contributions from Kenneth Walker III in the backfield and noticeable strides from the offensive line in pass protection and run blocking. The Las Vegas Raiders surprised analysts with a 3–0 start. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has delivered a sharp and efficient opening segment, pushing the franchise’s ongoing roster rebuilding effort ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers maintained an undefeated record despite injuries and a depleted receiving corps. Quarterback Brock Purdy emerged as an early-season Most Valuable Player candidate, supported by a defensive unit that consistently applied pressure and maintained structural discipline.
Strong Contenders and Rising Risers
Several other clubs earned positive evaluations for high-level play through September. The Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars both secured strong marks for their competitive trajectories. Buffalo’s offense continued to run through the explosive arm of Josh Allen, though defensive inconsistencies—surrendering an average of over 25 points per contest—kept the team just shy of the top tier. Jacksonville established itself as a reliable force capable of dictating terms within the AFC South. In the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings, both organizations exceeded low preseason expectations through resilient play despite early hurdles. The Chicago Bears also claimed a positive grade, alongside a cluster of teams including the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Seattle Seahawks, all of which displayed competitive potential.
Early Struggles and Major Disappointments
On the opposite end of the spectrum, five franchises received the lowest marks of the preliminary review following difficult Septembers: the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For Green Bay, offensive line vulnerabilities left quarterback Jordan Love exposed, stifling the offensive rhythm and exposing defensive shortcomings. Houston dealt with stagnant offensive production around quarterback C.J. Stroud alongside a defense conceding roughly 25 points per game. The Los Angeles Chargers emerged as the league’s most significant early disappointment, failing to convert high preseason expectations into on-field execution. New England and Tampa Bay similarly rounded out the lowest tier, leaving both coaching staffs searching for answers as the schedule deepens into autumn.
