NFL Midseason Check: Which Teams Are Building Momentum?

With seven weeks of the 2026 NFL regular season completed, the race for playoff positions is beginning to take shape. Several contenders have strengthened their credentials, while disappointing performances have raised questions about teams that entered the season with championship ambitions.

The Minnesota Vikings remain undefeated, the San Francisco 49ers have suffered their first loss, and the Cincinnati Bengals delivered an impressive comeback against Baltimore. Meanwhile, Seattle made a statement by shutting out the Kansas City Chiefs' end zone visits in a dominant 20-3 victory. These results have made the developing playoff picture increasingly competitive.

Minnesota Vikings Maintain Their Perfect Record

The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as one of the season's strongest early performers. Their 16-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on October 25 improved their record to 6-0, leaving them as the NFL's only undefeated team.

Although the game was closely contested, Minnesota's ability to secure victories without needing overwhelming offensive performances is encouraging. The Vikings have also established a positive point differential, demonstrating their ability to win games through consistent execution.

However, maintaining an undefeated record becomes increasingly difficult as opponents gather more information about a team's strengths and weaknesses. Minnesota must continue improving its offensive efficiency while preserving the defensive consistency that has helped it win close contests.

Seattle Seahawks Deliver a Statement Victory

The Seattle Seahawks produced one of Week 7's most impressive performances, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 20-3 on October 25.

Holding Kansas City to three points was a significant achievement against a team that entered the weekend with a 5-0 record. The result demonstrated Seattle's defensive potential and raised questions about the Chiefs' offensive execution.

Seattle's 4-3 record does not yet place it among the league's most successful teams by wins alone. Nevertheless, beating a previously undefeated opponent so convincingly could provide an important confidence boost as the Seahawks pursue a stronger position in the NFC.

Their challenge now is consistency. One impressive performance can change perceptions, but repeated victories are necessary to establish genuine postseason credentials.

Cincinnati Bengals Capitalize on a Stunning Comeback

The Cincinnati Bengals also strengthened their position with a 35-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Cincinnati trailed 13-0 at halftime before producing a remarkable second-half turnaround. Quarterback Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes after the break, helping the Bengals take control of the game.

The victory improved Cincinnati's record to 4-2 and dealt Baltimore a damaging defeat. For the Bengals, the performance demonstrated their ability to recover from adversity and deliver when the pressure increases.

However, Cincinnati will need to avoid slow starts in future games. Against stronger opponents, falling behind early could make another comeback considerably more difficult.

Baltimore, meanwhile, must address the defensive breakdowns that allowed Cincinnati to score 35 unanswered points. The Ravens remain competitive at 4-3, but their latest defeat exposes weaknesses that could become more costly as the season progresses.

Denver and Chicago Strengthen Their Playoff Cases

The Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears also recorded important victories.

Denver defeated the Arizona Cardinals 30-16, improving to 5-2. The win strengthened the Broncos' position in the AFC and provided another opportunity to demonstrate their growing offensive potential.

Chicago, meanwhile, defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 on October 22. The Bears improved to 5-2, reinforcing their position among the NFC's competitive teams.

Both franchises have reasons for optimism, although neither can afford to become complacent. Maintaining consistency against divisional rivals and other playoff contenders will be essential in the coming weeks.

The San Francisco 49ers Face Their First Setback

The San Francisco 49ers entered Week 7 with an undefeated record but fell 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons on October 25. The defeat dropped San Francisco to 6-1.

One loss does not erase the team's strong start, but it provides an opportunity to evaluate mistakes and identify areas requiring improvement. The 49ers remain among the NFC's leading contenders, although their response to adversity will be worth watching.

What Comes Next?

The coming weeks will provide a clearer indication of which teams can sustain their early-season success. Minnesota must protect its unbeaten record, Seattle needs to build on its victory over Kansas City, and Cincinnati must demonstrate that its comeback was more than a one-game achievement.

With divisional races tightening and playoff positions still unsettled, the NFL's developing season promises further changes. For now, the strongest contenders are those combining winning records with performances that suggest they can maintain their momentum against increasingly challenging opposition.