Through the first three weeks of the 2026 NFL Season, we've seen five teams race out to a 3-0 start. Two are in the NFC, and the other three are in the AFC. We are still quite early in the season, so these 3-0 records could easily become 4-3 or 5-4 when the middle of the season hits.
On the other hand, though, we could see these 3-0 records turn into something sustainable. As Week 4 approaches, we've analyzed the undefeated teams in the NFL and have decided whether they are a contender or simply a pretender.
Are the 3-0 records sustainable? Let's chat about the five squads with no losses on their record.
Which 3-0 teams are contenders, and which are pretenders?
Minnesota Vikings: Pretender
With the Minnesota Vikings, it's really been more of the same - the defense is playing excellent football, but the offense is struggling and has already seen both Carson Wentz and Kyler Murray play complete games.
Wentz and Murray have combined to complete less than 60 percent of their passes. They have a combined passer rating of 82.1 and have just 411 passing yards through three games. The Vikings rank 16th in points scored per game, and that feels like the absolute floor for this unit if they hope to make the playoffs this year.
The defense should remain good enough to rank inside the top-10 in points allowed, but this offense simply needs to find some consistency with Murray under center. Right now, this 3-0 record does not feel like the real deal.
San Francisco 49ers: Contender
Despite all of the injuries, the San Francisco 49ers come in as contenders. The Niners have seen QB Brock Purdy play at an MVP level thus far, and while the 49ers do have two wins against the lowly Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals, winning is winning.
With that being said, the countless injuries this team already has are almost too many to believe. We could see some regression coming if they're unable to get some of these players back on the field, but at the same time, the way the 49ers have won their games is rather outstanding.
Both sides of the ball are working. The 49ers are contenders until proven otherwise.
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