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NFL Power Rankings, 2026: Ranking top Super Bowl contenders after Week 3

Which teams are the top contenders?
ByLou Scataglia
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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3. San Francisco 49ers, 3-0

Speaking of San Francisco, the 49ers are now 3-0 on the season after beating the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. Brock Purdy looks outstanding as well and might be the MVP of the league at the moment. The 49ers seem to be dealing with, once again, a metric-ton of injuries, but they're batting .1000 thus far.

I am not sure this team can sustain the amount of injuries they have gone through thus far, so a drop down these power rankings would not be a surprise. It's really a shame, as the 49ers are almost always among the best in the league when half the roster isn't out with injury.

There has to be something that this coaching/training staff is or is not doing that is contributing to all of this. Anyway, for now, the 49ers come in at No. 3 in our power rankings.

2. Denver Broncos, 2-1

That was a statement win for the Denver Broncos. They needed 30 points in the second half to defeat the Rams. After being shutout in the first half, the Broncos kicked it into high gear in the third and fourth quarter, which is something they typically do.

Denver has now won two games in a row, defeating Jacksonville and Los Angeles at home. You'd ideally love to see the Broncos not start hysterically slow most every week, but it's what has happened since the start of 2025, really.

The Broncos have two major wins now after dropping a stinker to the Chiefs in Week 1. This team could go in a run as well, as Sean Payton-coached teams typically go on a run in October and November.

1. Buffalo Bills, 3-0

The Buffalo Bills have won by putting up a ton of points, and they have won by getting into a bit of a dogfight as well. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 and are No. 1 in our power rankings. Being able to win in ugly fashion honestly feels as important as being able to win in high-scoring shootouts.

The Bills do need to see this defense continue to play well throughout the season, but with the offense in good hands with Josh Allen, the Bills stick out as being the top contender in football right now.

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