The first three weeks of the 2025-26 NFL season are over, and some franchises are performing above and below their preseason expectations. Here are four teams that have defied what NFL betting sites projected less than a month ago.
Unexpected Contenders
The Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have taken the NFL by storm, jumping to a 3-0 record for the first time since 2009 and leading the AFC South with impressive wins over Miami, Denver, and Tennessee. Central to this hot start is quarterback Daniel Jones, who’s thrown for six total touchdowns without an interception and orchestrated an explosive offense that’s put up 103 points, their highest three-week total since moving to Indianapolis.
Running back Jonathan Taylor is also delivering at an elite level, posting 338 rushing yards, highlighted by a game-changing 46-yard score against the Titans. Remarkably, the Colts have only punted once all season, joining rare company with the 2007 Patriots for offensive efficiency. Balanced play, stingy defense, and surging confidence have positioned Indianapolis as one of the NFL’s most surprising unbeaten teams heading into Week 4.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have begun the 2025 season at 2-1, showing renewed competitiveness under head coach Mike Macdonald. Led by veteran quarterback Sam Darnold and newcomer Cooper Kupp at receiver, the revamped offense has put up 88 points across three games while the defense has surrendered just 47, keeping them firmly in the NFC West race.
Running back Kenneth Walker and a strengthened offensive line have sparked big plays, with rookies like Grey Zabel making key contributions. The Seahawks’ balanced attack and resilience have made them one of the division’s most improved teams after last season’s 10-7 finish, setting optimistic expectations as they pursue their first NFC West title since 2020.
Underperformers
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have endured a difficult start to the 2025 season, opening 0-3 and struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Despite efforts from quarterback C.J. Stroud and standout wide receiver Nico Collins, the offense has managed just 38 points in three games. At the same time, the defense has surrendered 51, leading to close but disappointing losses.
New offensive coordinator Nick Caley is working to establish a rhythm after offseason coaching changes, but the team’s revamped approach has yet to yield results. Looking to rebound from back-to-back 10-7 playoff seasons, the Texans now face mounting pressure to secure their first win as they aim to defend their AFC South title.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have gotten off to a challenging 1-2 start in the 2025 NFL season, struggling to find consistency on both offense and defense early in the year. Despite scoring 111 points through three games, the defense has allowed 96 points, contributing to tough losses that have left them in third place in the AFC North.
The team continues to lean on quarterback Lamar Jackson and key players like wide receiver Zay Flowers, but has yet to fully gel following offseason roster changes and the departure of longtime kicker Justin Tucker. With a 1-1 home record and a tough schedule ahead, the Ravens will be looking to rebound quickly and put their championship aspirations back on track as the season progresses.
Despite their 1-2 start, the Ravens are still listed as the second most likely team to win Super Bowl LX in the latest NFL futures.
Entertainment
The Voice Season 28 Odds: Who Will Be The Winning Coach?
