Several teams remain tightly bunched in the upper half of the 2026 Série B table with 13 rounds left, as Juventude leads on 45 points while Vila Nova, Criciúma, Novorizontino, and Fortaleza sit within four points of third place. Recent results have seen Juventude gain ground through consistent wins, while Criciúma and others dropped points amid a congested schedule that rewards defensive organization and set-piece efficiency. Relegated sides like Fortaleza, Sport, and Ceará plus promoted clubs such as Náutico and São Bernardo add depth to the playoff chase, with goal difference and head-to-head records likely to decide final positioning. This points spread and fixture congestion sustain broad trader consensus across the listed contenders.