Four weeks into the 2026 NFL season, there is already plenty to talk about. New England just handed Buffalo its first loss, Kansas City and San Francisco are still unbeaten, and several familiar players are wearing different uniforms. Here is a look at the results, performances, and moves worth following as of October 5.
Drake Maye gives New England a big win
The Patriots beat the Bills 29 to 26 on October 4. Drake Maye finished with 269 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and 54 rushing yards. New England is now 2 and 2, while Buffalo falls to 3 and 1.
Maye is on our watch list because of how he responded late in this game. His performance was not mistake free, but he helped finish the comeback. One afternoon does not settle the season, yet this was a meaningful result for a team trying to keep pace in its division.
Buffalo has a bright spot in Keon Coleman
Keon Coleman caught passes for 116 yards and a touchdown against New England. Josh Allen threw a late interception, and Buffalo could not close out the win.
Coleman is another player we are watching. Our focus is whether this performance becomes the beginning of a steadier run, rather than treating one strong game as proof that everything is solved.
Kansas City and San Francisco keep winning
The Chiefs edged the Raiders 30 to 27 to reach 4 and 0. Kenneth Walker III scored two rushing touchdowns. The 49ers also reached 4 and 0 with a 24 to 14 win over Denver.
Those starts put both teams firmly in the early conversation. Still, October is a long way from the playoffs. Staying healthy and sustaining those results matter more than declaring a champion after four weeks.
Lamar Jackson’s status is worth following
Baltimore beat Tennessee 24 to 18, but Lamar Jackson left with an ankle injury. He passed for 222 yards and two touchdowns before exiting. His availability remains a story to follow.
Jaylen Waddle’s move to Denver
Denver acquired Jaylen Waddle from Miami in March. The Broncos added a receiver who had already recorded three seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. Waddle gives Bo Nix another established target alongside Courtland Sutton.
Waddle is on our watch list as the season develops. Our question is whether that addition produces more consistent offense over several games. A major trade comes with expectations, but the useful measure is what happens on the field.
Michael Pittman Jr. is now a Steeler
Pittsburgh acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from Indianapolis and signed him to a new three year contract. He arrived after a 2025 season with 80 catches, 784 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.
That gives fans another familiar receiver to follow in a new uniform. We are watching how his role develops, rather than assuming last year’s production automatically carries over to a different offense.
The early season has already given us comeback wins, unbeaten starts, standout performances, and major roster changes. Those are the stories to keep following as this year’s teams take shape.