NFL 2026 Season Preview - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                                                                                     

2025 Record - 6-11-0  

Head Coach - Kellen Moore

2025 Offensive Rank - 314 YPG (23rd); Rushing - 94 YPG (28th), Passing - 220 YPG (13th) SCORING - 18.0 PPG (28th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 300 YPG (9th); Rushing - 121 YPG (19th), Passing - 179 YPG (4th) SCORING - 22.5 PPG (16th) 

Key Player Additions - Travis Etienne, Jr. (RB), David Edwards (OL), Anfernee Jennings (LB), Noah Fant (TE), Kaden Elliss (LB), Tyree Wilson (DL) 

Key Player Losses - Demario Davis (LB), Luke Fortner (OL), Taysom Hill (TE), Foster Moreau (TE), Alontae Taylor (DB), Jonah Williams (DL) 

OFFENSE - Tyler Shough will be the starting quarterback and in his rookie season he had 2,384 passing yards with ten touchdowns and six interceptions. Spencer Rattler backs him up and in 2025 he had 1,586 passing yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. Travis Etienne, Jr. will be the running back after five seasons with Jacksonville. In 2025, Etienne rushed for 1,107 yards (4.3 YPC) and scored seven touchdowns. Alvin Kamara missed six games last season, but led the Saints with 471 rushing yards (3.6 YPC) and scored one touchdown and also had 33 receptions for 186 yards. Devin Neal had 206 rushing yards (3.6 YPC) and two touchdowns. Chris Olave leads the wide receivers and he made 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Also contributing will be Devaughn Vele (25, 293, two TD), rookie Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Trey Palmer and tight ends Juwan Johnson (77, 889, three TD) and Noah Fant. 

DEFENSE - Edge rushers Cameron Jordan (10 1/2 QB sacks) and Chase Young (ten sacks) lead the way on the line along with Bryan Breese (2 1/2 sacks), Nathan Shepherd and Davon Godchaux. The linebackers are Kaden Elliss (107 tackles with Atlanta), Carl Granderson (six sacks) and Pete Werner (81 tackles) and the secondary features safeties Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon and Jonas Sanker, who had two picks last season. The cornerbacks are Quincy Riley, Kool-Aid McKinstry (three interceptions) and rookie T.J. Hall (Iowa). The Saints had 45 quarterback sacks last year and ten interceptions while ranking ninth in total defense while allowing 22.5 points per game. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - After a rough 1-8 start last year, the Saints finished strong, going 5-3 which included a four-game win streak in December with rookie Tyler Shough starting at quarterback. Head Coach Kellen Moore is looking for the team to continue the momentum this season and compete for the NFC South title, which Carolina won last year with a losing record. 

Shough did a good job and showed leadership as the starter and now has two running backs to go with a top notch wide receiver in Chris Olave. The team didn't re-sign Taysom Hill, who for nine seasons provided the team with rushing and receiving skills that kept opponents off guard. A bounce back season from running back Alvin Kamara would be a big boost after he dealt with a knee sprain last season that dropped his numbers. The defense was good, especially against the pass (4th in NFL) and the Saints were in the top ten with 45 sacks. Getting more turnovers would help (minus-4 in that category in 2025) and the team is replacing two starters from a year ago in the back seven on defense. 

The Saints haven't made the playoffs in six years (Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees last season) so they are hungry to get back after a late season surge showed they have life. Getting off to a better start in 2026 would be huge and on paper it looks doable after the first two games (on the road against Detroit and Baltimore) as they play five teams that had losing records last year and their bye comes after a game in Paris, France against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Saints could very well win the NFC South and make the playoffs. The key this year will be how much progress QB Tyler Shough can make after showing good play in the second half last season. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Detroit 

Week Two - at Baltimore 

Week Three - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Four - vs. Atlanta 

Week Five - vs. Minnesota 

Week Six - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Seven - vs. Pittsburgh (Paris, France) 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Cleveland 

Week Ten - vs. Carolina 

Week Eleven - at Chicago 

Week Twelve - at Cincinnati 

Week Thirteen - vs. Green Bay 

Week Fourteen - at Carolina 

Week Fifteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Sixteen - vs. Arizona 

Week Seventeen - at Atlanta 

Week Eighteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS                                                                                         

2025 Record - 13-4-0 

Head Coach - Liam Coen 

2025 Offensive Rank - 337 YPG; Rushing - 115 YPG (20th), Passing - 222 YPG (12th) SCORING - 27.9 PPG (6th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 304 YPG (11th); Rushing - 86 YPG (1st), Passing - 218 YPG (21st) SCORING - 19.8 PPG (8th)  

Key Player Additions - Ruke Orhorhoro (DL), Chris Rodriguez, Jr. (RB), Ameer Abdullah (RB), Nate Boerkircher (TE)

Key Player Losses - Devin Lloyd (LB), Travis Etienne (RB), Dyami Brown (WR), Greg Newsome II (DB), Andrew Wingard (DB), Johnny Mundt (TE), Tim Patrick (WR), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL) 

OFFENSE - Trevor Lawrence is the starting quarterback after another big season, where he had 4,007 passing yards with 29 touchdowns and twelve interceptions and also rushed for 359 yards (4.4 YPC) and scored nine touchdowns. The running game will have a new lead running back in 2026 as Travis Etienne, Jr. left in the off-season. Bhayshul Tuten (307 rushing yards, 3.7 YPC, five TD) and Chris Rodriguez, Jr., who had 500 yards rushing (4.5 YPC) and six touchdowns with Washington last season. The wide receivers are Jakobi Meyers (75 receptions, 835 yards, three touchdowns) and Parker Washington, who made 58 catches for 847yards and five touchdowns. Two-way player Travis Hunter had 28 receptions for 298 yards and one score as a wide receiver. Brian Thomas, Jr. had 48 receptions for 707 yards and two scores while tight end Brenton Strange had 46 grabs for 540 yards with three touchdowns. Top rookie draft pick Nate Boerkircher will to contribute at tight end as well. 

DEFENSE - Arik Armstead (5 1/2 QB sacks),  Ruke Orhorhoro, Josh Hines-Allen (eight sacks), DaVon Hamilton and Travon Walker (3 1/2 sacks) form the defensive front. The linebackers are Ventrell Miller, Foyesade Oluokun and Dennis Gardeck. The defensive backs include cornerbacks Jarrien Jones (three interceptions), Montaric Brown and Travis Hunter, who also doubles up at wide receiver for the Jaguars. Hunter missed ten games in his rookie season due to knee injuries. The safeties are Antoine Johnson, who had five picks last year and Caleb Ransaw. Keith Taylor, Jr., Jourdan Lewis and rookie Jalen Huskey (Maryland) add depth. The Jaguars finished eleventh in overall defense last season and allowed 19.8 points per game while topping the NFL against the run. They had a plus-13 in turnover rate (3rd in NFL) and picked off 22 passes (2nd) while getting 32 quarterback sacks. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - After two successive step back seasons, the Jaguars leaped to the top of the AFC South division last year and then lost a nail biter game to Buffalo in the wild card round of the AFC playoffs. Head Coach Liam Coen was the runner up for the NFL Coach of the Year as the team won 13 games in his first year at the helm and he has a knack for the saying and doing the unexpected that helps keep the team loose. 

With Trevor Lawrence finally showing consistency at quarterback, the Jaguars scored a lot of points and ranked sixth in the league in that area in 2025. More of that would go a long way to getting this team back to the playoffs and perhaps making a deep run this time around after a one-and-done appearance last year. The passing game is good and it will be a transition in 2026 with the rushing attack as their top back (Travis Etienne) left for New Orleans in free agency, leaving a tandem of running backs to keep things going and maintain balance on the offense. The defense was solid a year ago and should continue to be so as long as injuries don't take a toll. A better pass rush would help as the team ranked 27th in sacks. The Jags do get turnovers though and that helps flip the field for the offense, which took advantage of that last year. 

Jacksonville has big expectations for the upcoming NFL season and it would be a disappointment if they fail to reach the playoffs. The main foe for them in the AFC South is the Houston Texans, but Indianapolis is looking to bounce back after injuries to key players ruined their 2025 season, so the Jags can take nothing for granted this year. The playoffs look to be in the big picture in 2026 and how far the Jaguars can go will depend on Lawrence and the offense making the plays and the defense getting the big stops in crunch time. The Super Bowl isn't out of the question, but they will have to work hard to make it a reality. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Cleveland 

Week Two - at Denver 

Week Three - vs. New England 

Week Four - at Cincinnati 

Week Five - vs. Philadelphia (London, England) 

Week Six - vs. Houston (London, England) 

Week Seven - BYE  

Week Eight - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Nine - at Baltimore 

Week Ten - at Tennessee 

Week Eleven - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Twelve - vs. Tennessee 

Week Thirteen - at Chicago 

Week Fourteen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Fifteen - at Houston 

Week Sixteen - at Dallas 

Week Seventeen - vs. Washington 

Week Eighteen - at Indianapolis  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                                                              

2025 Record - 8-9-0

Head Coach - Todd Bowles 

2025 Offensive Rank - 320 YPG (21st); Rushing - 114 YPG (21st), Passing - 206 YPG (20th) SCORING - 22.4 PPG (17th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 337 YPG (19th); Rushing - 99 YPG (5th), Passing - 238 YPG (27th) SCORING - 24.2 PPG (20th) 

Key Player Additions - Alex Anzalone (LB), A'Shawn Robinson (DL), Christian Rozeboom (LB), Kenneth Gainwell (RB), Chase Lucas (DB), Al-Quadin Muhammad (DL), David Sills (WR), Justin Skule (OL) 

Key Player Losses - Mike Evans (WR), Lavonte David (LB), Jamel Dean (DB), Logan Hall (DL), Charlie Heck (OL), Deion Jones (LB), Michael Jordan (OL), Greg Gaines (DL), Sterling Shepard (WR), Rachaad White (RB) 

OFFENSE - Baker Mayfield is entering his fourth season as the Buccaneers quarterback and he had 3,693 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and eleven interceptions last year. Mayfield also rushed for 382 yards (6.9 YPC) and scored one touchdown. Jake Browning is looking to be the backup after leaving Cincinnati. The running game features Bucky Irving (588 rushing yards, 3.4 YPC, one TD) and Kenneth Gainwell, who went for 537 rushing yards with Pittsburgh last year, averaging 4.7 YPC and scored five touchdowns and he also had 73 receptions for 486 yards and three scores. The wide receivers are Emeka Egbuka (63 receptions, 938 yards, six TD), Jalen McMillan (12 receptions, 178 yards in only four games), David Sills (18, 191, two TD with Atlanta) and Chris Godwin, Jr., who is looking to return after ankle injuries that limited him to nine games in 2025, where had 33 receptions for 360 yards and two touchdowns. The tight end is Cade Otton, who had 59 receptions for 572 yards and one touchdown. 

DEFENSE - Nose tackle Vita Vea (4 1/2 QB sacks) leads the way on the front line along with Calijah Kancey and A'Shawn Robinson (2 1/2 sacks with Carolina Panthers) as well as Elijah Roberts, Al-Quadin Muhammad, who had eleven sacks with Detroit last year and rookie DeMonte Capehart (Clemson). The linebackers are Yaya Diaby (seven sacks), SirVocea Dennis (100 tackles), Alex Anzalone (95 tackles with Detroit), Christian Rozeboom (122 tackles with Carolina) and rookies Rueben Bain, Jr. (Miami, FL) and Josiah Trotter (Missouri). The secondary has safeties Antoine Winfield, Jr. (two interceptions) and Tykee Smith, who made 100 tackles and the cornerbacks are Jacob Parrish (two INT) and Zyon McCollum. The Buccaneers defense finished 19th overall last year and totaled 37 sacks and had 13 interceptions. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Buccaneers stumbled badly down the stretch last year, losing four of the final five games to miss the playoffs. All of those losses were one-score games, so Head Coach Todd Bowles will be looking for the team to improve at finishing games. Bowles has been one of a number of NFL head coaches rumored to be on the "hot seat" entering this season, especially following the late collapse last season. 

The offense was middle of the pack in 2025, ranking 21st overall and 17th in scoring (22.4 PPG) and Baker Mayfield is entering the last year of his current contract and wants to focus on the playing field. The team saw longtime leading wide receiver Mike Evans leave for San Francisco this season, so the Bucs will hope for more good things from second year wideout Emeka Egbuka and also Jalen McMillan, who is coming back after neck injuries forced him to miss 13 games last season. The rushing attack will see Kenneth Gainwell teaming up with Bucky Irving this season as they look to improve on a 21st ranked running game. The defense was solid against the run a year ago and with Vita Vea at nose tackle, that should continue, especially with A'Shawn Robinson, another run stuffer, now playing up front as well. The pass defense was found wanting a year ago, allowing 238 yards per game and getting burned for big plays more frequently than in past seasons. 

The Buccaneers must be better in the fourth quarter in 2026 as they lost four tight games in December last season and that cost them the NFC South division crown they held for four straight years. The pieces are in place for the Bucs to get back to the playoffs again, but it won't be easy against Atlanta, New Orleans and defending division champion Carolina lurking. As long as Mayfield stays healthy and the new players on offense and defense contribute, Tampa Bay should be right there in late December battling for the division title. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Cincinnati 

Week Two - vs. Cleveland 

Week Three - vs. Minnesota 

Week Four - vs. Green Bay 

Week Five - at Dallas 

Week Six - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Seven - at Carolina 

Week Eight - vs. Atlanta 

Week Nine - at Chicago 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Detroit 

Week Twelve - vs. Carolina 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Fourteen - at Baltimore 

Week Fifteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Sixteen - at Atlanta 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eighteen - at New Orleans  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - CLEVELAND BROWNS

CLEVELAND BROWNS                                                                                              

2025 Record - 5-12-0 

Head Coach - Todd Monken 

2025 Offensive Rank - 262 YPG (30th); Rushing - 97 YPG (27th), Passing - 165 (31st) SCORING - 16.4 PPG (31st)

2025 Defensive Rank - 284 YPG (4th); Rushing - 117 YPG (16th), Passing - 167 (3rd) SCORING - 22.3 PPG (14th)

Key Player Additions - Spencer Fano (OL), Jared Verse (LB), Miles Bryant (DB), Zion Johnson (OL), Quincy Williams (LB), Kalia Davis (DL), Tytus Howard (OL), Elgton Jenkins (OL)

Key Player Losses - Myles Garrett (DL), David Njoku (TE), Jerome Baker (LB), Devin Bush (LB), Joel Bitonio (OL), Mohamoud Diabate (LB), Jerome Ford (RB), Shelby Harris (DL), Cam Robinson (OL), Wyatt Teller (OL), Ethan Pocic (OL), Rayshawn Jenkins (DB)

OFFENSE - The quarterback position looks to be in the hands of Deshaun Watson, who hasn't played much since signing with the Browns four years ago, due to Achilles injuries and shoulder injuries. Second year QB Shedeur Sanders had 1,400 passing yards in eight games last season with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. He also rushed for 169 yards (8.0 YPC) and one touchdown. Dillon Gabriel (937 passing yards, seven TD, two INT in ten games) is another option at quarterback. The running backs are Quinshon Jenkins, who led the team with 827 rushing yards (3.6 YPC) and seven touchdowns last year, and Dylan Sampson (175, 2.7 YPC), Raheim Sanders and fullback Michael Burton. Jerry Jeudy (50 receptions, 602 yards, two TD) and tight end Harold Fannin, Jr. (72, 731, six TD) lead the receiving corps. Isaiah Bond (18, 338), Cedric Tillman and Tylan Wallace are others looking to contribute along with KC Concepcion, a highly touted rookie from Texas A&M. 

DEFENSE - All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the off-season and in return the Browns have Jared Verse, who had 7 1/2 quarterback sacks last season. Mason Graham, Maliek Collins (6 1/2 sacks) and Alex Wright (5 1/2 sacks) round out the defensive front.The linebackers are Carson Schwesinger (team leading 146 tackles, two interceptions), Quincy Williams (82 tackles with N.Y. Jets) and Winston Reid, who missed all of last year with back injuries. In the secondary are cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell. The safeties include Ronnie Hickman, Jr. (100 tackles, two INT), Grant Delpit and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Cleveland was fourth overall in total defense last season and they had 53 sacks, with (former DE) Garrett getting 23 of them to set a new NFL single season record. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - It's a new day in Cleveland as the Browns have Todd Monken as their new head coach and he brings a new approach on offense and would like to see the team get the running game going after averaging just 97 yards per game a year ago. Whether or not Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders is the answer at quarterback remains to be seen, but the Browns offense must improve overall after finishing 31st in the NFL in scoring with only 16.4 points per game last season. 

The defense helped carry the team to five wins in 2025 and should be solid yet again even with Myles Garrett no longer leading the way on the line. The defensive backfield is among the best in the NFL, ranking third against the pass in 2025 and the team had eleven interceptions. Denzel Ward is a true shut down type of cornerback and the linebackers get after people. The Browns lost six games by one score a year ago, so they were in a lot of games and if the offense can score more on a regular basis in 2026, perhaps this team could surprise their opponents. 

The AFC North has three good opponents the Browns need to overcome, but they were 2-4 in division play and two of the losses were one score games. The playoffs are a long shot, but in the topsy turvy nature of the modern day NFL, no one should be that surprised if this team can make a run in the AFC playoff picture this year. One thing for sure, the Browns will look more like a team on the rise for the first time in nearly four years. 

 
TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Jacksonville 

Week Two - at Tampa Bay 

Week Three - vs. Carolina 

Week Four - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Five - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Six - vs. Baltimore 

Week Seven - at Tennessee 

Week Eight - at Pittsburgh 

Week Nine - at New Orleans 

Week Ten - vs. Houston 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Thirteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Fourteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Fifteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Sixteen - at Baltimore 

Week Seventeen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eighteen - at Cincinnati   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers                                                                                              

2025 Record - 12-5-0 

Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan 

2025 Offensive Rank - 351 YPG (7th); Rushing - 107 YPG (24th), Passing - 244 YPG (5th) SCORING - 25.7 PPG (10th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 340 YPG (20th); Rushing - 108 YPG (11th), Passing - 232 YPG (25th) SCORING - 21.8 PPG (13th) 

Key Player Additions - Mike Evans (WR), Deebo Samuel (WR), Jack Jones (DB), Dre Greenlaw (LB), Nate Hobbs (DB), Christian Kirk (WR), Jack Jones (DB), Osa Odighizuwa (DL), Vederian Lowe (OL)

Key Player Losses - Jauan Jennings (WR), Kendrick Bourne (WR), Clelin Ferrell (DL), Brian Robinson, Jr. (RB), Skyy Moore (WR), Jordan Elliott (DL), Bryce Huff (DL), Jason Pinnock (DB), Dee Winters (LB) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Brock Purdy missed half of the 2025 season (turf toe injuries), but still had 20 touchdown passes and ten interceptions along with 2,167 passing yards while also scoring three rushing touchdowns and averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Mac Jones is a capable backup quarterback and he had 2,151 passing yards with 13 TD passes and six interceptions. The top player on offense is running back Christian McCaffrey, who bounced back strong in 2025 after injuries in 2024 limited him to only four games. McCaffrey rushed for 1,202 yards (3.9 YPC) and scored ten touchdowns and also had 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns. Jordan James and rookie Kaelon Black (Indiana) will look to spell McCaffrey in the backfield. The wide receiving corps is led by tight end George Kittle, who had 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in eleven games. The 49ers top two receiving leaders in 2025 with Kittle both left in the off-season, so this year former All-Pro wideout Mike Evans comes on board and he had 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns in eight games with Tampa Bay. Deebo Samuel returns to the Bay Area after a year in Washington, where he made 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Christian Kirk and DeMarcus Robinson are also on hand this year. 

DEFENSE - On the front line are Osa Odighizuma (3 1/2 QB sacks with Dallas), Alfred Collins, Mykel Williams, Sam Okuayinonu (three sacks) and Nick Bosa, who went out for the season early last year (knee surgery) playing in just three games. The linebackers are Dre Greenlaw, Luke Gifford, Tatum Bethune (91 tackles) and former All-Pro Fred Warner, who missed eleven games in 2025 with an ankle injury. The defensive backs are Ji'Ayir Brown (two interceptions), Malik Mustapha, Deommodore Lenior (two INT), Upton Stout (82 tackles), Renardo Green, Jack Jones (77 tackles with Miami) and Nate Hobbs. The 49ers finished the 2025 season with only six interceptions and 20 sacks, which was last in the NFL. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - Injuries really took a toll on both sides of the football last year in San Francisco and the 49ers still made the playoffs and advanced to the divisional round while playing in the NFC West, which was the best division in pro football with the Los Angeles Rams and Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks dominating. And so far in training camp this year, it has been rough as Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was injured in a bad car accident and he is recovering while overseeing things and also wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, Jr. is out for the season following knee surgery. 

The 49ers have a very deep roster and as long as Brock Purdy is ready to go at quarterback, the offense is in good hands, especially with a weapon like running back Christian McCaffrey, who was outstanding again last year. Deebo Samuel returns to the team after a season with Washington and he will be a featured receiver in the passing attack. San Francisco led the NFL in third down conversion rate (49.8 percent) last season. The 49ers have good balance as well and the offensive line allowed just 27 sacks, which is a good thing. With all the injuries last season, the defense slipped in the numbers game, finishing 20th overall and in the bottom third against the pass, but played well enough to rank in the top half of the NFL in scoring defense. 

The playoffs are expected once again for the 49ers, but it would be a hard effort to duplicate what they did last year if the injuries pile up as they did a year ago. The defense should be much better in 2026 with Bosa and Warner back in the mix as both have been All-Pro players throughout their careers. Look for this team to compete with both the Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West race and who knows what can happen. If the breaks go the way of the 49ers, they could very well make their way back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2023 season.  

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. L.A. Rams (Melbourne, Australia) 

Week Two - vs. Miami 

Week Three - vs. Arizona 

Week Four - vs. Denver 

Week Five - at Seattle 

Week Six - vs. Washington 

Week Seven - at Atlanta 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Ten - at Dallas 

Week Eleven - vs. Minnesota (Mexico City, Mexico) 

Week Twelve - vs. Seattle 

Week Thirteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Fourteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Fifteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Sixteen - at Kansas City 

Week Seventeen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Eighteen - at Arizona  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - TENNESSEE TITANS

TENNESSEE TITANS                                                                                       

2025 Record - 3-14-0 

Head Coach - Robert Saleh 

2025 Offensive Rank - 260 YPG (31st); Rushing - 94 YPG (30th), Passing - 166 YPG (30th) SCORING - 16.7 PPG (30th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 345 YPG (21st); Rushing - 115 YPG (15th), Passing - 230 YPG (23rd) SCORING - 28.1 PPG (28th) 
 

Key Player Additions - John Franklin-Myers (DL), Daniel Bellinger (TE), Michael Carter (RB), Carnell Tate (WR), Wan'Dale Robinson (WR), Cordale Flott (DB), Mohamoud Diabate (LB), Mitch Trubisky (QB), Jordan Elliott (DL), Jermaine Johnson (LB), Jacob Martin (DL), Alontae Taylor (DB), Solomon Thomas (DL), Tony Adams (DB), Joshua Williams (DB) 

Key Player Losses - Lloyd Cushenberry (OL), Chig Okwonko (TE), Sebastian Joseph-Day (DL), Arden Key (LB), Johnny Hekker (P), Van Jefferson (WR), Darrell Baker, Jr. (DB), T'Vondre Sweat (DL), Jihad Ward (LB), Xavier Woods (DB), Kevin Zeitler (OL) 

OFFENSE - Cam Ward is in his second NFL season at quarterback after passing for 3,169 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025 and he also rushed for 159 yards (4.1 YPC) and scored two touchdowns. Veteran Mitch Trubisky and Will Levis are in training camp looking to be the backup quarterback. The running game features Tony Pollard, who is coming off rushing for 1,082 yards last year with a 4.5 YPC and he scored five touchdowns. Tyjae Spears (283, 3.9 YPC, two TD) and Michael Carter (333, 3.6, one TD with Arizona) are also on hand. The wide receivers are Elic Ayomanor (41 receptions, 515 yards, four TD), Wan'Dale Robinson (92, 1,014, four TD with N.Y. Giants), Chimere Dike (48, 423, four TD), Calvin Ridley (17, 303) and highly touted rookie Carnell Tate (Ohio State), who was the number four overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The tight end is Gunnar Helm, who had 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns. 

DEFENSE - Jeffrey Simmons (eleven QB sacks) leads the defense on the line along with John Franklin-Myers, who had 7 1/2 sacks with the Denver Broncos last season. Jacob Martin (95 tackles, 5 1/2 sacks with Washington), Oluwafemi Oladejo and edge rusher/linebacker Jermaine Johnson II and Jordan Elliott are also looking to start up front. The linebackers include Cody Barton (81 tackles, three interceptions), Cedric Gray (team leading 160 tackles), Mohamoud Diabate and rookie Anthony Hill, Jr. (Texas). The secondary has Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor at the cornerback positions and Amani Hooker (81 tackles) and Kevin Winston, Jr. at safety. Adding depth for the Titans will be Tony Adams, Sanoussi Kane and Joshua Williams. The Titans sacked opposing quarterbacks 42 times last season and picked off six passes and they gave up 28 points per game. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - New Head Coach Robert Saleh will be in his second go round as the top man on the sidelines and he will be looking to get this team back on track after a terrible 2025 season that saw the Titans go 0-6 against their AFC South divisional foes and they were outscored 186-61 in those losses. Saleh had a rather forgettable tenure as head coach with the New York Jets a few years ago and brings with him a defensive mindset to help the Titans get out of the cellar after two consecutive 3-14 finishes. 

The offense lacked fire power a year ago (finishing 31st overall and 30th in scoring) and second year quarterback Cam Ward was sacked 56 times. The Titans brought in new skill players at wide receiver to help Ward in the passing game. Wan'Dale Robinson had a big year with the New York Giants in 2025 and he is looking to be the top man at the wide receiver position along with rookie Carnell Tate, who could be a star wideout as long as he lives up to the billing. The rushing attack needs to step it up as well and Tony Pollard will look to do his part after going for over 1,000 yards last season. The defense needs work, especially against the pass and as many as ten new players are in camp this season to help the effort. 

With their fourth head coach since 2023, it will no doubt be a rebuilding year for the Titans, but they will look to compete in the AFC South after getting crushed last year and try to improve on their win-loss record, which hasn't topped three victories since the 2023 campaign. The schedule doesn't appear to be as rugged as last year when they faced eight teams that made the playoffs, including both Super Bowl participants. Topping three victories would be a plus and it could happen as long as things come together with the new approach. Anything better than that will be icing on the cake as the team looks to the future for success. 

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Two - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Three - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Four - at Baltimore 

Week Five - vs. Houston 

Week Six - at Indianapolis 

Week Seven - vs. Cleveland 

Week Eight - at Cincinnati 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Eleven - at Dallas 

Week Twelve - at Jacksonville 

Week Thirteen - vs. Washington 

Week Fourteen - at Detroit 

Week Fifteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Sixteen - at Las Vegas 

Week Seventeen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eighteen - at Houston  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - DETROIT LIONS

DETROIT LIONS                                                                                                       

2025 Record - 9-8-0 

Head Coach - Dan Campbell 

2025 Offensive Rank - 373 YPG (5th); Rushing - 120 YPG (14th), Passing - 253 YPG (3rd) SCORING - 28.3 PPG (4th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 332 YPG (18th); Rushing - 115 YPG (14th), Passing - 217 YPG (20th) SCORING - 24.3 PPG (22nd) 

Key Player Additions - Devin White (LB), Blake Miller (OL), Isiah Pacheco (RB), Larry Borom (OL), Tyler Conklin (TE), Chuck Clark (DB), Cade Mays (OL), Jay Tufele (DL), D.J. Wonnum (LB) 

Key Player Losses - David Montgomery (RB), Taylor Decker (OL), Alex Anzalone (LB), Graham Glasgow (OL), Al-Quadin Muhammad (DL), D.J. Reader (DL), Terrion Arnold (DB), Amik Robertson (DB), Kalif Raymond (KR/WR)

OFFENSE - Quarterback Jared Goff had another big season in 2025, throwing for 34 touchdowns and only eight interceptions along with 4,564 passing yards while the Lions ranked fifth in total offense. The running game will feature Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for 1,223 yards (5.0 YPC) and scored 13 touchdowns and he also had 77 receptions for 616 yards and five touchdowns. Fellow backfield mate David Montgomery left for the Houston Texans in the off-season, so Isiah Pacheco is in Detroit this season after rushing for 469 yards (3.9 YPC) and one score with Kansas City. Sione Vaki could be another option in the rushing attack as well. The Lions boast two 1,000-yard wide receivers with Amon-Ra St. Brown (117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns) and Jameson Williams, who had 65 receptions for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight End Sam LaPorta had 40 catches for 489 yards and three scores. 

DEFENSE - Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson (14 1/2 QB sacks) leads the defensive front along with D.J. Wonnum, Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeill. Jay Tufele and rookie Derrick Moore (Michigan) add depth on the line. The linebackers are Jack Campbell (team high 166 tackles, including five sacks), free agent signee Devin White (174  tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, one interception with Las Vegas), Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez. In the secondary is safety Kirby Joseph, who had thee interceptions and Brian Branch (75 tackles) along with cornerbacks D.J. Reed, Jr. (two picks), Nick Whiteside II and Rock Ya-Sin. Ten-year veteran safety Chuck Clark comes over from Pittsburgh in 2026 to provide depth. Also in the mix is corner man Ennis Rackestraw, Jr, who is coming off injuries that forced him to miss the entire 2025 season. The Lions finished 18th in total defense a year ago and had 49 sacks (4th in NFL) while getting 13 interceptions and allowed 24.3 points per game.

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - After two big seasons that saw them win the NFC North division and advance to the NFC Championship game following the 2023 season, the Lions dropped to last place in the division, even though they finished with a winning record. Head Coach Dan Campbell is eager to see the team rebound in 2026 and get back to the playoffs. 

Four losses in the final six games derailed the Lions express as injuries and breakdowns on both offense and defense cost them games against the L.A. Rams, Pittsburgh and the Minnesota Vikings in three straight games in December that knocked them out of playoff contention. With the key players on the field, the offense should be able to roll up points on the scoreboard again and Goff has shown he isn't slowing down as he enters his 11th season in the NFL and sixth with the Lions. The offense is balanced and the tandem of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams at wide receiver, along with dynamic running back Jahmyr Gibbs, makes this offense explosive and able to score at any time.

As long as the defense is capable of getting back to the form they showed a few years ago, the Lions should be in business in the NFC North race. Having Aidan Hutchinson healthy makes a big difference and with linebacker Devin White now included, the defense should be stronger this season. Winning within the division is crucial as always (Detroit was 2-4 vs. division foes last season) and three road games against all three NFC North opponents in the final four games this year will likely go a long way in determining whether or not the Lions return to the top of the NFC North mountain. The playoffs are legitimate for this team and then they have to show they can get it done or else critics will say the Lions have missed their opportunity for a first ever Super Bowl appearance. After all, the window stays open for only so long. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. New Orleans 

Week Two - at Buffalo 

Week Three - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Four - at Carolina 

Week Five - at Arizona 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - vs. Green Bay 

Week Eight - vs. Minnesota 

Week Nine - at Miami 

Week Ten - vs. New England (Munich, Germany) 

Week Eleven - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Twelve - vs. Chicago 

Week Thirteen - at Atlanta 

Week Fourteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Fifteen - at Minnesota 

Week Sixteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Seventeen - at Chicago 

Week Eighteen - at Green Bay