The Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as early surprises in the 2026 NFL season, both capturing 3:1 records through the opening four weeks.
Deshaun Watson Leads the Browns Following an Opening Week Defeat
Cleveland sits at the top of the AFC North standings after bouncing back from a Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following that initial stumble, the Browns rattled off three consecutive victories under Todd Monken. Monken faced a heavily debated training camp choice at quarterback between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders before ultimately naming Watson the starter.
Watson has responded by throwing for 855 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions through four games. His return comes after an Achilles tendon injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, during which the Browns struggled to a 5:12 record. Supporting Watson in the offensive backfield is running back Quinshon Judkins, who paces the team with 177 rushing yards on 59 carries and one touchdown in his second NFL season.
Denzel Boston Provides an Instant Spark in the Cleveland Receiving Corps
Through the air, wide receiver Denzel Boston has quickly established himself as a primary weapon for Cleveland’s offense. Drafted in April out of Washington at pick No. 39, Boston leads the Browns in receiving with 284 yards, 13 receptions, and two touchdowns. His production has given the team a reliable perimeter target alongside their revamped offensive scheme.
Kirk Cousins Powers the Las Vegas Raiders’ Offense in His 15th NFL Season
In the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders hold second place with a 3:1 record, suffering their first loss this past Sunday in a narrow 30:27 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs that was decided in the final minute of the fourth quarter. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is enjoying a career resurgence in his 15th professional season, logging 1,026 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Cousins’ touchdown tally puts him level with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy for passing scores. Las Vegas signed Cousins with the plan of mentoring 2026 draft pick number 1, Fernando Mendoza, but the veteran’s early-season output indicates he could remain a central fixture in Nevada for the foreseeable future.
Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty Overcome Injuries to Fuel the Raiders’ Attack
Las Vegas has maintained its offensive efficiency despite early health setbacks to key playmakers. Tight end Brock Bowers missed the first two games of the season due to a meniscus injury before making his debut in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. In just two appearances, Bowers has hauled in 16 receptions for 202 yards and two touchdowns, closing in on team receiving leader Tre Tucker, who has 233 yards over four games.
In the running game, second-year running back Ashton Jeanty has contributed 264 rushing yards on 78 carries without a touchdown. Jeanty battled an ankle injury throughout training camp and briefly exited Sunday’s matchup against Kansas City before returning to the field.
Browns and Raiders Lead Divisions Before Week 5
With the first quarter of the 2026 NFL schedule complete, the Browns hold the lead in the AFC North while the Raiders sit second in the AFC West. Both teams face crucial divisional matchups ahead as they attempt to validate their early-season surges and sustain their current trajectories.
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