NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (77) after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Four weeks of the 2026 season have already given a clear indication how the NFL playoff picture could shake out. Three undefeated teams remain with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers staking their claims as the league’s best teams.
Impressive Week 4 wins for the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars have placed those franchises in the playoff mix. Meanwhile, perennial postseason contenders like the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are struggling out of the gate after posting 2-2 records.
The biggest surprise of the weekend came with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills suffering their first loss. The New England Patriots’ big win against their divisional foe eases some growing tension for Drake Maye and Co.
Where does your favorite team currently fall in the NFL playoff mix? We’ll be providing updates on the playoff picture every week throughout 2026 as the postseason gets closer.
MORE: NFL Week 4 winners and losers: Bryce Young, Drake Maye, Jalen Hurts and more
AFC playoff picture after Week 4
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) walks up to the line of scrimmage with his teammates before an play against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Kansas City Chiefs, 4-0
Jacksonville Jaguars, 3-1
Buffalo Bills, 3-1
Cleveland Browns, 3-1
Baltimore Ravens, 3-1
Las Vegas Raiders, 3-1
New England Patriots, 2-2
In the hunt: Denver Broncos (2-2), Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2), Indianapolis Colts (2-2), Cincinnati Bengals (2-2), New York Jets (1-3), Miami Dolphins (0-4), Los Angeles Chargers (0-4), Tennessee Titans (0-4), Houston Texans (0-4)
MORE: 3 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 4
NFC playoff picture after Week 4
NFL: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) and tight end George Kittle (85) butt heads after a score against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Minnesota Vikings, 4-0
San Francisco 49ers, 4-0
New York Giants, 3-1
Carolina Panthers, 2-2
Chicago Bears, 3-1
Seattle Seahawks, 3-1
Los Angeles Rams, 2-2
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (2-2), Green Bay Packers (2-2), Philadelphia Eagles (2-2), Dallas Cowboys (2-2), *New Orleans Saints (1-2), *Atlanta Falcons (1-2), Washington Commanders (1-3), Arizona Cardinals (1-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)
*Denotes the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons haven’t played their Week 4 game yet. The two NFC South teams meet on Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN).
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