The San Francisco 49ers have moved to the No. 1 spot in the NFL Power Rankings after Week 3 of the 2026 season.
Their rise reflects a significant reshuffling across the league, with several teams changing positions in the standings.
Sunday's games were highly competitive, as 12 of 16 matchups were decided by a one-score margin.
The reigning champions lost their undefeated status, the AFC North collectively held a 2-1 record, and all NFC South teams fell below .
500.
Five teams remain undefeated at 3-0, including the Raiders, who entered the top 10 for the first time this season.
49ers Surge Behind Purdy and Resilient Offense
The 49ers have displayed a powerful offense despite injury challenges, maintaining strong weekly performances that include MVP buzz around quarterback Brock Purdy.
Their consistent dominance has kept them ahead in the rankings despite questions about the difficulty of their recent schedule, according to the NFL report.
The Kansas City Chiefs secured a controlled win against a depleted Dolphins team, conserving energy while limiting key opposing players.
The Buffalo Bills, despite a chaotic performance, held off the Chargers to remain competitive, with quarterback Josh Allen leading the way.
The Seattle Seahawks struggled in Sam Darnold's return game, marred by interceptions and a costly fourth-quarter pick-six in their defeat to the Washington Commanders.
Rookie running back Jadarian Price also faced setbacks during the game.
The Baltimore Ravens bounced back with a close victory in Rio, showing improvement in their passing game thanks to Zay Flowers' return, though red zone offense remains a concern.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos rely heavily on their defense to compensate for an inconsistent offense early in the season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a strong showing, comfortably defeating the New England Patriots.
Rookie Travis Hunter recorded his first career interception in the process.
The Cincinnati Bengals' defense took a hit after allowing Aaron Rodgers to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 30-point performance and a narrow win over a division rival.
The Minnesota Vikings' special defense has been key to their undefeated record, despite offensive struggles, earning them a spot in the top 10.
Similarly, the Las Vegas Raiders, energized by coach Klint Kubiak and contributions from both veterans and rookies, have earned recognition for their entertaining playstyle.
The Dallas Cowboys showed promising signs with a critical defensive stop and strong performances from Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens.
However, they ended up losing after allowing a late deep pass that set up a winning field goal for Baltimore.
On Monday night, experience shone through as 38-year-old Case Keenum led the Chicago Bears to a convincing 20-point victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bears' defense also forced three turnovers to secure the win, underscoring the team's balanced effort.
After three weeks, the 49ers lead the NFL Power Rankings as the Raiders and Vikings enter the top 10 while the Patriots drop to 31.
