We’re nearly a third of the way through the 2026-2027 NFL season, and there have been plenty of surprises so far. The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0 despite having one of the NFL’s worst offenses. The Chargers, Titans, and Dolphins are all still winless, and quarterback Bryce Young has looked like an MVP candidate so far. Here is a list of teams that are rising and falling.
28 teams in action for Week 6.
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Rising: New England Patriots
The Patriots and quarterback Drake Maye got off to a rocky start. Maye threw three picks against the Seattle Seahawks in their season-opening loss and was benched against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 3, losing 35-6. However, over the past two weeks, Maye seems to have found his old self. Maye led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to beat the Buffalo Bills 29-26 in Buffalo, and then had five touchdowns (four passing and one rushing) in a 45-17 rout of the Raiders.
The good news for the Patriots is that the schedule gets easier. Their next three games are against the Jets, Bears, and Dolphins. They also should be getting back Christian Gonzalez and A.J. Brown back from injuries, making it easier for them to go on a run midseason.
Falling: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have had a tough start to the season. They sit at 2-3, with all three losses being one-possession games. Most recently, they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-16 with Jalon Daniels winning in his first-ever NFL start at quarterback. To make it worse, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb left mid-game with an injury.
However, the issue for the Cowboys has been the run game on both sides of the ball. They average 81.6 yards per game on the offense (30th) and allow 168.4 yards per game on defense (last). They also rank 30th in sacks and takeaways. If the Cowboys want to clinch the NFC East, they need to sharpen up their defense real quick.
Rising: San Francisco 49ers
After years of falling short, it might finally be the 49ers year. They are 5-0, Brock Purdy is playing like an MVP candidate, and they have played the most complete football so far this season. Christian McCaffrey has remained healthy, free agent signing Mike Evans has stepped up the receiving game, and the defense is allowing the third fewest points per game (18.6).
The NFC West has been weaker than people expected, and the 49ers have taken full advantage of it. They are 3-0 in division play, beating the Seahawks, Rams, and Cardinals. They also don’t play an opponent with a winning record until Week 9, when they play the Raiders, who are currently 3-2.
Falling: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers entered the season surrounded by so much hype, yet have fallen completely flat on their face. They are 0-5, have one of the worst passing offenses in the league, and constantly turn the ball. They also have yet to score 24 or more points in a game this season.
It gets worse for the Chargers because they have to make a decision about their future sooner rather than later. This is Herbert’s seventh season, and it is on pace to be his worst. He has a 0-3 playoff record, and the window is closing with every team in the AFC West showing improvement. It may be only a matter of time before things get shaken up in Los Angeles.
Rising: Kansas City Chiefs
With Patrick Mahomes coming back after a torn ACL, there were questions about how the Chiefs would adjust. So far, it’s been smooth sailing. Free agent signing Kenneth Walker has been the Chiefs’ MVP so far this season, with 624 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns. A consistent run game has been an issue for years for the Chiefs, and Walker has finally filled that hole. The team is averaging 162.3 rush yards per game, which is currently fourth in the league.
Falling: Los Angeles Rams
After trading for Myles Garrett, bringing Aaron Donald out of retirement, and retaining most of the offensive weapons, the Rams were supposed to be the team to beat entering the season. Unfortunately, they’ve been beaten three times and sit at 2-3. The team was embarrassed by the 49ers in Australia in Week 1 by a score of 27-7, and from that moment on have never really looked fully put together. They blew a 16-point lead against the Broncos in Week 3 and fell apart in overtime against the Bills on Monday, losing 37-34 after Harrison Mevis had his game-winning kick blocked.
The good news for the Rams is that their schedule does get easier. The Raiders are the only team they have to play with a winning record within the next six weeks, so they have plenty of time to bounce back. However, they still have to face the Seahawks (twice), the Chiefs, and the 49ers. Things could get messy for them down the line.
