The Llamas have struggled to regain their footing since a 2016 campaign that saw them storm to an 11-2 record, capture the AFC East crown, and fall just short in the AFC Championship against the eventual champion Eaters. In the years since, they’ve managed only one winning season (7-6 in 2018) and stumbled to a 39-68 mark, averaging 8.5 losses per year.

But Week 4 may signal a turning point. A hard-fought win over division favorite Refugees pushed the Llamas to 3-1 and atop the AFC East, giving hope to a franchise long mired in mediocrity.

Leading the charge is rookie WR Emeka Egbuka, who has delivered on the preseason buzz with 4 touchdowns in as many games. Paired with steady contributions from Saquon Barkley and DK Metcalf, plus the continued growth of second-year QB Caleb Williams, the Llamas look poised to finally challenge for their first playoff berth in nearly a decade.

Around the league, the standings tightened as the White Guys and Merry Men both suffered their first losses of the year, the Huskers outlasted the Brothers in a 68-63 thriller, and QB Patrick Mahomes turned back the clock with his best outing in nearly two seasons to lift the Buddies - despite losing WR Tyreek Hill to a devastating Monday night injury.