SURPRISE: The Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, storming out to a 5-0 start. Much of the credit goes to a smothering defense coordinated by Brian Flores, which has allowed the fewest points per game in the league. This defensive
dominance has been crucial, as they have several tough games on the horizon. While they were expected to be competitive, nobody predicted this level of dominance, especially in a tough NFC North. Their unbeaten start has them looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender, a title few would have bestowed on them back in August.
SURPRISE: The Cleveland Browns
In the hyper-competitive AFC North, the Cleveland Browns were seen as a solid team, but not necessarily a division leader. Yet, heading into Week 7, they sit atop the division with a 4-2 record. Their recent victory over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens was a statement win that announced their legitimacy. While their offense has been inconsistent, the defense has been formidable. The Browns now find themselves in the unfamiliar position of having trap games on their schedule, a testament to their newfound status as a team to beat rather than an afterthought. Their surge has been a major storyline in the AFC.
DISAPPOINTMENT: The Philadelphia Eagles
With a 2-4 record, the Philadelphia Eagles are a shadow of the team many expected to compete for the NFC crown. After being Super Bowl contenders in recent years, their start has been a significant shock. The offense has struggled, and the defense hasn't lived up to its billing. A recent loss to the Carolina Panthers, where they were defeated 25-14, highlighted their current struggles. While the NFC East is in a state of flux, giving them a theoretical path back, the team looks dysfunctional and is a far cry from the powerhouse they were projected to be.
DISAPPOINTMENT: The Los Angeles Chargers
It’s hard to imagine a more disappointing start than the one the Los Angeles Chargers have endured, sitting at 0-6. The team had high expectations but has failed to secure a single victory through six weeks. Their winless record makes them perhaps the league's biggest failure relative to preseason hype. In a recent power ranking, they were placed last or second-to-last among all 32 teams. The offense has been anemic, and the team seems to find new ways to lose each week, turning a season that started with playoff hopes into a complete disaster.
DISAPPOINTMENT: The Los Angeles Rams
The Rams entered the 2026 season with Super Bowl aspirations, with some odds placing them as the favorite. A 2-4 start has completely upended those expectations. An 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, a team widely viewed as rebuilding, was a particularly tough blow and a low point for a team with so much star power. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has put up yards, but the team has struggled to win close games. For a team gifted a Super Bowl by many fans before the season even began, being four games behind the division-leading 49ers is a massive disappointment.
