It’s hard to believe we’re at this point in the 2026 NFL season, but here we are in October.
The month of September has passed after what felt like the most brutal offseason in recent memory, and we’re already seeing some big time moves in every division in the AFC.
With so many games on deck for Week 4, our latest NFL Power Rankings take a look at each team at present leads each division in the AFC, and ranks each of those teams from worst to best. Which of these teams is most likely to stick around as the season continues to progress?
NFL Power Rankings: Each AFC division leader is ranked heading into Week 4
4. Pittsburgh Steelers, AFC North
As critical as I am of the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, they have a chance to go 3-1 and on top of the AFC North by the end of Thursday night.
And with the Cleveland Browns on their way, you have to think there’s at least one decent opportunity for that to happen.
But let’s not underestimate the suddenly hot Cleveland Browns, either.
What is the steelers? Is it a defensive team? I don’t get that impression the first three weeks of the season. Is it an offensive team? I don’t get that impression either. This looks like a team that will continue to play up and down its competition, making it hard for me to put any stock in where they are headed this season.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars, AFC South
It’s really hard to rank. Putting the Jaguars 3rd on this list feels obnoxious, but the AFC looks loaded so far this season.
The Jaguars have battled the Browns and Patriots so far this season, and no one will blame them too much for going to Denver and beating the Broncos in a hostile environment.
It’s an amazing football team, and Liam Coen is an amazing coach. Trevor Lawrence is currently running his offense to near perfection, involving all of their weapons. And after they completely dismantled the New England Patriots, they proved they can bounce back well after a tough loss.
This group will be a problem all year, it appears.
2. Buffalo Bills, AFC East
I really struggled with putting the Bills in the 2nd spot on this list, but it’s definitely more of a “tied for 1st” kind of situation.
The Bills are a great team, but it was a little surprising to see them drop 30-plus points and one of the biggest passing performances to Houston’s defense in Week 1. Then they absolutely crushed the Detroit Lions in a short week in Week 2.
Yes, they battled the Chargers with five turnovers. Maybe that’s part of the reason they fell into this slot. But there is no doubt that this is one of the top teams in the NFL, especially the AFC.
1. Kansas City Chiefs, AFC West
To say I’m not buying the offseason “Chiefs are back” hype would be an understatement. Question marks at offensive tackle, Patrick Mahomes returning from a major injury, the defense almost completely overhauled…
Everyone felt it added a “struggle to 9 wins” season for the Chiefs.
That seems like a misfire from the take machine.
The Chiefs not only look like the original Chiefs, but perhaps a better version. Adding Kenneth Walker is absolutely ridiculous for them. From being the least explosive rushing team in the NFL for two straight seasons to being the mostly explosive rushing team in the NFL — overnight.
What were the Seahawks thinking walking Walker out the door again?
This Kansas City team dominated Denver in Monday night’s opener, beat the Colts in overtime the following week, and took care of business against the Dolphins. And they looked carefully at it all. Really good.
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