Why the Browns and Raiders Have Surprising 3-1 Starts in the 2026 NFL Season

Cleveland Browns Turn Season Around With Three Consecutive Wins

After finishing the 2025 campaign with a 5-12 record, the Cleveland Browns reversed their trajectory with three straight victories following a Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Todd Monken managed a heavily debated training camp quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders before ultimately handing the starting job to Watson. The veteran quarterback has thrown for 855 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions upon returning from an Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

Wide receiver Denzel Boston has anchored the passing game, hauling in 13 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns after arriving as the No. 39 overall selection out of the University of Washington in April’s draft. In the backfield, second-year running back Quinshon Judkins paces the ground attack with 177 yards on 59 carries and one touchdown, driving Cleveland’s offensive consistency during their current win streak.

Las Vegas Raiders Rely on Veteran Leadership and Explosive Rookies

The Las Vegas Raiders carry a 3-1 record into Week 5 despite a narrow 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in a game decided during the final minute of the fourth quarter. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, playing in his 15th NFL season, has thrown for 1,026 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions through four games, tying San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy for the lead in passing scores. Las Vegas originally signed Cousins to serve as a mentor to 2026 first overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza, though his current form suggests a longer stay in Nevada.

Tight end Brock Bowers returned to the lineup in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints after missing the first two contests with a meniscus injury. Bowers immediately contributed 202 yards on 16 receptions and two touchdowns across his first two games, closing in on team receiving leader Tre Tucker, who has totaled 233 yards over four games. Meanwhile, second-year running back Ashton Jeanty has contributed 264 rushing yards on 78 carries, managing an ankle injury sustained during training camp and playing through a brief exit against Kansas City.

DAZN Game Pass Coverage for the 2026 NFL Season

Fans following the surprising early success of the Browns and Raiders can stream every matchup through DAZN Game Pass, the exclusive home for live NFL broadcasting throughout the 2026 season. The platform features localized commentary alongside American broadcast feeds, NFL RedZone, NFL Network, Game in 40, Sunday in 60, and Multiview options. DAZN also provides separate subscriptions for extensive NCAA College Sports coverage, while flag football content remains available free of charge.

Watson Returns to Browns While Raiders Face Injuries

How did Deshaun Watson return to the Cleveland Browns starting lineup?

Watson won the starting job over Shedeur Sanders following a training camp competition overseen by Todd Monken, returning to the field after missing the entire 2025 season with an Achilles injury.

What injuries have impacted the Las Vegas Raiders early in 2026?

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. Running back Ashton Jeanty also dealt with an ankle issue originating in training camp and briefly left the game against the Kansas City Chiefs before returning.

Where does Kirk Cousins rank in passing touchdowns?

Through four games of his 15th NFL season, Kirk Cousins has thrown 11 touchdowns, tying him with Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers for the lead.