- Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are looking like a different team compared to their Super Bowl campaign. In their latest game against the Rams, Jalen Hurts was asked to play Superman in the second half after trailing by 19 points—and he delivered. Hurts orchestrated a furious comeback, leading Philadelphia to a 33–26 win. That kind of resilience shows this team still knows how to win in tough moments. Even as defenses have started to bottle up Saquon Barkley more effectively, the Eagles simply have too many weapons for opponents to contain for four quarters.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Bills came out firing to start the season, looking like one of the AFC’s strongest contenders. Beating Baltimore in Week 1 on a walk-off field goal set the tone, and dismantling the Jets only reinforced that early hype. Hosting a winless Miami Dolphins squad should have been smooth sailing, but Buffalo nearly let that one slip away. An interception late in the fourth quarter prevented the Dolphins from tying the game, but the cracks showed. Allowing Miami to go 10-for-15 on third downs raised real questions about Buffalo’s defense. Even with Josh Allen under center, failing to get consistent stops could make life harder than it needs to be.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Photo Cred: Sporting News
Off to the dream start, the Chargers remain undefeated while already picking up key division wins. Jim Harbaugh has clearly changed the culture in just his second season, and the defense continues to look as sharp as last year. The offense, meanwhile, has taken a noticeable step forward. Still, their victories haven’t been dominant—they’ve felt more like survival than statement wins. With injuries, especially along the offensive line, beginning to pile up, this team’s depth will be tested. Fortunately, a favorable schedule over the next few weeks could create some distance between the Chargers and the rest of the AFC West.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield hasn’t had the smoothest career journey, but he seems to have found a true home in Tampa. His toughness, grit, and leadership have become the heartbeat of this Buccaneers team. He’s willing to do the dirty work, take hits, and rally his teammates when needed—exactly what coaches dream of in a quarterback. Combine that with an elite receiving corps, and the Bucs’ offense looks dangerous. The bigger issue lies on defense. Tampa has struggled to close out games in the fourth quarter, and unless that improves, they’ll continue to leave the door open for comebacks. If the defense steadies, this could become one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams.
5. Indianapolis Colts
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season so far, the Colts remain undefeated under Daniel Jones. Jones has been efficient, turnover-free, and productive, while the offense has punted just once all year. Pairing him with an elite running back has given Indianapolis a balanced, explosive attack that’s caught opponents off guard. Three wins against quality teams suggest this isn’t a fluke. Their upcoming matchup against the Rams in California could be a defining test—win there, and it’s time to take them seriously. The one red flag is the pass rush. Too often, opposing quarterbacks have enjoyed clean pockets, and unless the defensive line improves, it could come back to haunt them.
6. San Francisco 49ers
Like the Chargers, the 49ers have had to navigate injuries early in the season. With Brock Purdy sidelined, Mac Jones stepped in and delivered a gutsy game-winning drive against the Cardinals. But grit only goes so far in a league as tough as the NFL. The schedule stiffens in the coming weeks, and sustaining their win streak will require more than just scrappy victories. Losing Nick Bosa for the season is an especially devastating blow. Without their defensive cornerstone, San Francisco needs someone else to emerge on the line, or this team could struggle to keep pace with the NFC’s elite.
