Early struggles define the relegation picture in the 2026-27 Bundesliga, with promoted sides SC Paderborn and Schalke 04 sitting in the bottom four after six matches alongside Union Berlin and winless Borussia Mönchengladbach. Paderborn and Schalke hold just five points each and face the steepest projected drop risks, while Hamburg SV has climbed out of danger with three straight wins. Gladbach secured its first victory in a comeback against Stuttgart, yet the Foals remain deep in the zone with the longest road to safety. With 28 fixtures remaining, recent form, squad depth, and the promoted clubs' adaptation to top-flight intensity will shape whether the bottom three stabilizes or shifts before the May 2027 play-offs.