Oct 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) looks on before the game against the New England Patriots at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The NFL has seen a mix of performances this season, with some teams regressing after promising starts, while others have excelled since Week 1, showcasing their quarterbacks’ skills in the battle for the AFC’s top spot. Below are the teams emerging as serious contenders, alongside those beginning to reveal themselves as pretenders.
MORE: NFL power rankings, updated entering Sunday Week 6
Pretender: New York Giants
NFL: New York Giants at Miami Dolphins
Aug 22, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19) leaves the field at the end of a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Jameis Winston is not the answer if the Giants are serious about winning the NFC East. Is McCarthy? New York has many questions to fill in, and now they have four running backs, and they don’t know which one is most reliable. Cam Skattebo did not touch the ball against the Saints because of a fumble last week against Washington. A mess in New York that must get straightened out soon.
Contender: Buffalo Bills
NFL: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
Buffalo Bills Josh Allen (17). Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
Josh Allen remains a pivotal force for this franchise, consistently making exceptional plays that set him apart from many quarterbacks. Keon Coleman has the potential to emerge as a reliable target for Allen, and with an increasing array of offensive weapons at his disposal, this offense is poised to become even more formidable. While scoring 197 points is impressive, the defense could pose a significant challenge that they need to address.
Pretender: Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images
The Raiders’ luck may have run out. Three straight losses for this group, and two of those three in a one-score affair. They have an interesting test against a Rams team that doesn’t look great, and if they want to steer the ship, this game would be the one to do. Can Kirk Cousins find a way to pick up a win against the Rams next week?
Contender: Kansas City Chiefs
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs onto the field for warmups before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Kenneth Walker continues to be one of the most impressive offensive players this season, and the league may have messed up watching the Chiefs sign him to a nice deal. The offense continues to play well, and the defense is playing at an extremely high level. All it took was one bad season last year, and the Chiefs are right back to where they once were.
The Chiefs and Bills are setting themselves up for an impressive season, while teams like the Raiders and Giants are struggling to find new ways to win. Both Las Vegas and New York are on losing streaks, while Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are playing great.