NFL 2026 Season Preview - CINCINNATI BENGALS

CINCINNATI BENGALS                                                                                   

                                                                   

2025 Record - 6-11-0 

Head Coach - Zac Taylor 

2025  Offensive Rank - 329 YPG (17th); Rushing - 94 YPG (29th), Passing - 235 YPG (6th) SCORING - 24.4 PPG (12th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 381 YPG (31st); Rushing - 147 YPG (32nd), Passing - 234 YPG (26th) SCORING - 28.9 PPG (30th)

Key Player Additions - Dexter Lawrence (DL), Jonathan Allen (DL), Bryan Cook (DB), Kyle Dugger (DB), Boye Mafe (LB/DL) 

Key Player Losses - Trey Hendrickson (DL), Geno Stone (DB), Joseph Ossai (DL), Jake Browning (QB), Noah Fant (TE), Cam Taylor-Britt (DB), Tycen Anderson (DB) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Joe Burrow enters his seventh NFL season and is coming back from injuries last season that limited him to just eight games, as he had 1,809 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. Ageless Joe Flacco is the backup and in his 18th season, he passed for 2,479 yards with 15 touchdowns and ten interceptions. Chase Brown is the primary running back, going for 1,019 yards last year (4.4 YPC) and he scored six touchdowns in addition to getting 69 receptions for 437 yards and five touchdowns. Samaje Perine (382, 4.5 YPC, three TD) is the other half of the running attack. The wide receivers are two of the best in the NFL as Ja'Marr Chase (125 receptions, 1,412 yards, eight TD) and Tee Higgins (59, 846, eleven TD) give the Bengals a solid tandem in the passing game. Andrei Iosivis and tight end Mike Gesicki (28, 307, two TD) are the other main targets in the passing game. 

DEFENSE - The Bengals revamped up front and have Dexter Lawrence (acquired from New York Giants) at nose tackle along with Jonathan Allen (free agent signee from Minnesota Vikings), Myles Murphy (5 1/2 QB sacks), Boye Mafe and rookie edge rusher Cashius Howell (Texas A&M). Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight, Jr. (106 tackles, two INT) lead the linebacking corps and the defensive backfield has safeties Jordan Battle (112 tackles, four interceptions), Kyle Dugger and Bryan Cook. The cornerbacks include Dax Hill, DJ Turner II (two picks) and nickel back Jalen Davis. Cincinnati's defense had 35 sacks a year ago and picked off 13 passes, but allowed just under 29 points per game, which was 30th in the league. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - Defense, defense, defense is the name of the game as the Bengals prepare for the upcoming season. In 2025, they had one of the worst units in the NFL, allowing close to 400 yards per game while ranking last against the run, giving up 147 yards per game. Opponents torched the Bengals for too many big plays as they allowed 30-plus points seven times last year. Head Coach Zac Taylor is yet again on that proverbial "hot seat" entering the new season, but it's hard to blame him for Joe Burrow being injured so often. As long as Burrow is upright and able to go on game day, this team has a chance to win. 

The offense is a machine with Burrow under center, especially with a great duo (Chase and Higgins) at wide receiver. Chase Brown does a good job running the football and the offensive line is adequate in pass protection, giving up 36 sacks last season. The defense will tell the story as well as Burrow remaining injury free in 2026 in regards to any success this team will have. The Bengals brought in no less than six new faces along with top draft pick Cashius Howell, who comes in highly regarded from Texas A&M to improve their porous defense. With better pressure on enemy quarterbacks and a run stuffer like Lawrence up front, the hope is the defense keeps opponents scoring down. If the defense can step up and Burrow and his gang do their thing, this team will compete for the AFC North crown and who knows what else can happen when the playoffs come around. 

The Bengals can score points, so it's just a matter of being able to outscore the other team and that is where the defense, with a new look, hopes things will be better this season. Bengals fans (and Zac Taylor) are counting on it. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Two - at Houston 

Week Three - at Pittsburgh 

Week Four - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Five - at Miami 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - at Baltimore 

Week Eight - vs. Tennessee 

Week Nine - vs. Atlanta (Madrid, Spain) 

Week Ten - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eleven - at Washington 

Week Twelve - vs. New Orleans 

Week Thirteen - at Cleveland 

Week Fourteen - vs. Kansas City 

Week Fifteen - at Carolina 

Week Sixteen - at Indianapolis 

Week Seventeen - vs. Baltimore 

Week Eighteen - vs. Cleveland  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - ARIZONA CARDINALS

ARIZONA CARDINALS                                                                                   

2025 Record - 3-14-0

Head Coach - Mike LaFleur 

2025 Offensive Rank - 326 YPG (18th); Rushing - 93 YPG (31st), Passing - 233 YPG (7th) SCORING - 20.9 PPG (22nd)

2025 Defensive Rank - 358 YPG (27th); Rushing - 127 YPG (25th), Passing - 231 YPG (24th) SCORING - 28.7 PPG (29th) 

Key Player Additions - Jeremiyah Love (RB), Tyler Allgeier (RB), Kendrick Bourne (WR), Andrew Billings (DL), Isaac Seumalo (OL), Gardner Minshew II (QB), Elijah Wilkinson (OL), Andrew Wingard (DB) 

Key Player Losses - Kyler Murray (QB), Evan Brown (OL), Kelvin Beachum (OL), Calais Campbell (DL), Michael Carter (RB), Jalen Thompson (DB), Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB), Dalvin Tomlinson (DL), Jonah Williams (OL), Darren Hall (DB) 

OFFENSE - Veteran Jacoby Brissett is the quarterback and he threw for 23 touchdowns with eight interceptions last season as well as 3,366 passing yards. Carson Beck (rookie from Miami, FL) and Gardner Minshew II will be the backups. Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) is the top draft pick for the Cardinals and he will carry the load in the running game. James Conner, who had back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons prior to 2025, is looking to bounce back after suffering a foot injury that required surgery and ended his season after three games. Tyler Allgeier (514 yards, 3.6 YPC, eight TD with Atlanta) and Trey Benson will be available as well. The wide receivers include Marvin Harrison, Jr. (41 receptions, 608 yards, four TD), Michael Wilson (78, 1,006, seven TD) and Kendrick Bourne, who comes over from San Francisco where had 37 catches for 551 yards last year. The tight ends are Trey McBride, who had 126 receptions for 1,239 yards and eleven touchdowns and Elijah Higgins, who had 30 receptions for 301 yards.

DEFENSE - Linebacker Josh Sweat is the leader on defense and he had twelve quarterback sacks last season. Along with Sweat are linebackers Cody Simon, Mack Wilson, Sr., Barron Browning (two sacks) and Zaven Collins. The defensive front includes nose tackle Roy Lopez and tackles Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson. In the secondary is safety Budda Baker, who led the Cardinals with 120 tackles last season. Along with him is Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (two interceptions) and Andrew Wingard (84 tackles with Jacksonville) and the cornerbacks are Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, who had three picks last season. The Cardinals totaled ten interceptions and had 30 sacks while giving up 28.7 points per game on defense and were gouged for 40-plus points by opponents four times.

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Cardinals have a new head coach this year as Mike LaFleur takes over and will look to get the team back in the right direction after a terrible 3-14 finish last year. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is highly touted and the team will give him ample opportunity to get a weak rushing attack (just 93 yards per game in 2025) going again. Having a healthy James Conner will help for sure as he has put up numbers for the Red Birds in the past. Jacoby Brissett played well a year ago and if his wideouts can contribute consistently it would do wonders for the offense. Tight end Trey McBride is among the best in the NFL and a great red zone target. The line has to be better in pass protection as they gave up 59 sacks and were pushed around with the team ranking next to last in rushing yardage. 

Along with the offense, the defense will have to show improvement as well after finishing near the bottom of the league in all major categories. Playing in the NFC West, perhaps the best division in the NFL, puts the Cardinals in an even tougher spot as they face a grueling schedule this season. Six of their first ten games are against teams that made the playoffs a year ago.  An improvement would be doubling the amount of wins this year, but (on paper) that doesn't look likely unless there is a major turnaround on both sides of the football. The Cardinals are looking to build a better foundation for the future and if Love can produce in his rookie season, it will go a long way to getting better balance on offense and showing improvement for this team. If they can get that and the defense shows better results, this team should be better than what happened in the 2025 season. The time is now to make it happen.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Two - vs. Seattle 

Week Three - at San Francisco 

Week Four - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Five - vs. Detroit 

Week Six - at L.A. Rams 

Week Seven - vs. Denver 

Week Eight - at Dallas 

Week Nine - at Seattle 

Week Ten - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eleven - at Kansas City 

Week Twelve - vs. Washington 

Week Thirteen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Fourteen - BYE  

Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Sixteen - at New Orleans 

Week Seventeen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Eighteen - vs. San Francisco 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - BALTIMORE RAVENS

BALTIMORE RAVENS                                                                                             

2025 Record - 8-9-0 

Head Coach - Jesse Minter 

2025 Offensive Rank - 332 YPG (16th); Rushing - 157 YPG (2nd), Passing - 175 YPG (27th) SCORING - 24.9 PPG (11th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 355 YPG (24th); Rushing - 107 YPG (10th), Passing - 248 YPG (30th) SCORING - 23.4 PPG (18th) 

Key Player Additions - Trey Hendrickson (DL), Calais Campbell (DL), John Simpson (OL), Jaylinn Hawkins (DB), Durham Smythe (TE)

Key Player Losses - Tyler Linderbaum (OL), Isaiah Likely (TE), Kyle Van Noy (LB), Dre'Mont Jones (DL), Alohi Gilman (DB), Daniel Faalele (OL), Charlie Kolar (TE), Patrick Ricard (RB), Keaton Mitchell (RB), DeAndre Hopkins (WR)

OFFENSE - Quarterback Lamar Jackson is ready for his ninth NFL season and he had 2,549 passing yards in 13 games last season along with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while also rushing for 349 yards (5.2 YPC) and a pair of touchdowns. Tyler Huntley (426 passing yards, two TD) will look to be the main backup again. The top running back is Derrick Henry (1,595 yards, 5.2 YPC, 16 TD) and Justice Hill will look to get back at it after suffering a neck injury a year ago. The wide receivers include Zay Flowers, who led the team with 86 receptions for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns. Along with Flowers are Rashod Bateman, Dayton Wade, Cortez Braham, Jr. (rookie - Memphis) and Devontez Walker. The tight ends are Mark Andrews (48, 422, five TD) and Durham Smythe. 

DEFENSE - Nnamdi Madubuike, John Jenkins and 19-year veteran Calais Campbell (6 1/2 sacks with Arizona) will look to man the front line while Trey Hendrickson (four sacks with Cincinnati last season) is the edge rusher/linebacker along with Roquan Smith (130 tackles) and Tavius Robinson, who had 4 1/2 sacks. Nose Tackle Travis Jones (five QB sacks) is on the physically unable to perform list as training camp began along with Teddye Buchanan, who made 85 tackles last year. The defensive backs are Kyle Hamilton (105 tackles) and Malaki Starks (two interceptions) at the safety spots while the cornerbacks are Marlon Humphrey (four INT), Chidobe Awuzie and Nate Wiggins, who had three picks a year ago. The Ravens totaled eleven interceptions and 30 sacks while the defense was 24th overall in the NFL last season. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - After making the playoffs for three straight seasons, the Ravens fell off and missed out on the 2025 post-season and the team let long time Head Coach John Harbaugh go and brought in Jesse Minter, who is widely regarded as defensive guru, to take over as the new head coach this year. 

The Ravens defense slipped badly last season, dropping to 24th overall while finishing 30th against the pass with only 30 quarterback sacks. They were solid against the run, rating in the top ten but they gave up too many big plays and that would eventually cost them a chance to get back to the playoffs. With some new faces on board this year, the team hopes to stay injury free as much as possible and see better results in that area. The offense was up and down as well, but running back Derrick Henry did his part in leading the running attack, which was second in the league. Quarterback Lamar Jackson saw his numbers drop and will look to get the passing game going once again and the main target is wide receiver Zay Flowers, who signed a huge contract extension in the off-season. Some younger wideouts and tight end Mark Andrews are also in the fold. 

The hope is for the offense to have more balance and as long as Henry stays on the field doing his thing and Jackson and company can do their part with the passing game, this team should be right there at seasons end. The AFC North has the reigning division champion Pittsburgh Steelers as well as the Cincinnati Bengals, who are looking to improve to their porous defense and also the Cleveland Browns, who always play solid defense. The Ravens can win this division if things click for them, but they are counting on Jackson getting back to form as well as the defense. The final four weeks of the season should determine how the Ravens fare as they are all division games, including two against the Steelers. A playoff appearance could likely happen and how much success they have in January will depend on the defense showing up and Jackson getting back to his old form on the field. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Indianapolis 

Week Two - vs. New Orleans 

Week Three - vs. Dallas (Rio de Janeiro) 

Week Four - vs. Tennessee 

Week Five - at Atlanta 

Week Six - at Cleveland 

Week Seven - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Eight - at Buffalo 

Week Nine - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Ten - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Eleven - at Carolina 

Week Twelve - at Houston 

Week Thirteen - BYE 

Week Fourteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Fifteen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Sixteen - vs. Cleveland 

Week Seventeen - at Cincinnati 

Week Eighteen - vs. Pittsburgh  

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES                                                                             

                                                                       

2025 Record - 11-6-0

Head Coach - Nick Sirianni 

2025 Offensive Rank - 311 YPG (24th); Rushing - 117 YPG (18th), Passing - 194 YPG (23rd) SCORING - 22.3 PPG (19th) 

2025 Defensive Rank - 314 YPG (13th); Rushing - 124 YPG (22nd), Passing - 190 YPG (8th) SCORING - 19.1 PPG (5th) 

Key Player Additions - Jonathan Greenard (LB), Marquise Brown (WR), Andy Dalton (QB), Arnold Ebiketie (DE/LB), Riq Woolen (DB), Dontayvion Wicks (WR), Johnny Mundt (TE)

Key Player Losses - Nakobe Dean (LB), Jahan Dotson (WR), Reed Blankenship (DB), Sam Howell (QB), Jaelan Phillips (LB), Adoree' Jackson (DB), Matt Pryor (OL), Brett Toth (OL)  
 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Jalen Hurts is entering his seventh NFL season and he passed for 3,224 yards with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions last year. Hurts also rushed for 421 yards (4.0 YPC) and scored eight touchdowns. Veteran journeyman QB Andy Dalton is in training camp this year and will look to be the primary backup. After a record setting year for running back Saquon Barkley in 2024, the top runner in Philly saw his production drop off in 2025 with 1,140 rushing yards (4.1 YPC) and seven touchdowns. Tank Bigsby (356 yards, 5.7 YPC, two TD) will get some carries as well. The wide receivers are led by DeVonta Smith, who had 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns. Along with Smith, Marquise Brown comes over from Kansas City, where he had 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns. Dontayvian Wicks, Elijah Moore and rookie Makai Lemon (USC) will look to contribute. Tight End Dallas Goedert (60, 591, 11 TD) is back for his ninth season and was a big time red zone target for the Eagles last season. Rookie tight end Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) will get his chances in the game plan this year. 

DEFENSE - Defensive tackle Jalen Carter anchors the front line and is looking to bounce back after injuries limited him to ten games a year ago. Along with Carter on the line are Jordan Davis (4 1/2 QB sacks), Jonathan Greenard and Nolan Smith, Jr. as well as Moro Ojomo (six sacks) and Jalyx Hunt, who had 6 1/2 sacks and three interceptions last year. Zack Baun (team high 123 tackles and two interceptions) and Jihaad Campbell lead the linebackers while the secondary features Cooper DeJean (two INT), Riq Woolen and Quinyon Mitchell at the corners with Marcus Epps and Andrew Makuba (two picks) at the safety spots. The Eagles had a plus-6 in turnovers in 2025 as they picked off twelve passes and registered 42 sacks while finishing in the top five in scoring defense. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - After winning the Super Bowl two years ago, the Eagles fell in the wild card round of the NFC playoffs and will look to rebound this season. Head Coach Nick Sirianni has been under fire in recent years, even with two Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl title two years ago. The last time the Eagles fell in the first round of the playoffs following a Super Bowl appearance (2022-23), they came back to win the Super Bowl. 

Quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley will be under the microscope this season after seeing their numbers drop off. In addition, wide receiver DeVonta Smith will have to step up as he is the main man now that A.J. Brown has been traded away to New England. The Eagles were 19th in scoring last year (22.3 PPG) after ranking seventh in 2024, when they averaged 27 points per game. Moving the chains was a problem last year as the Eagles slipped to 37 percent on third down conversions. That must improve if they want to compete in the always tough NFC playoff race. The defense did a decent job overall a year ago, but did struggle against the run compared to years past. Having the front line stay healthy will help make a difference this season. 

No doubt the talent is there for the Eagles to fly high again in 2026, but they have to maintain consistency and get back to where they were on offense to achieve the goal of getting back to the Super Bowl. If Hurts and the passing game can put up better numbers and Barkley regains his form and stays on the field, the offense should see much improvement, which would take pressure off the defense. The NFC East is tough with Dallas looking to improve and the Washington Commanders also looking to bounce back as well as the up and coming New York Giants. The Eagles can win a third straight division title as long as they play their game and maintain focus on the field. How far they can go from there depends on staying healthy and playing consistently. 

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - vs. Washington 

Week Two - at Tennessee 

Week Three - at Chicago 

Week Four - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Five - vs. Jacksonville (London, England) 

Week Six - vs. Carolina 

Week Seven - vs. Dallas 

Week Eight - at Washington 

Week Nine - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Twelve - at Dallas 

Week Thirteen - at Arizona 

Week Fourteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Fifteen - vs. Seattle 

Week Sixteen - vs. Houston 

Week Seventeen - at San Francisco 

Week Eighteen - at N.Y. Giants  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - NEW YORK JETS

NEW YORK JETS                                                                                                

2025 Record - 3-14-0

Head Coach - Aaron Glenn 

2025 Offensive Rank - 264 YPG (29th); Rushing - 123 YPG (10th), Passing - 141 YPG (32nd) SCORING - 17.6 PPG (29th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 356 YPG (25th); Rushing - 140 YPG (29th), Passing - 216 YPG (17th) SCORING - 29.6 PPG (31st)

Key Player Additions - Demario Davis (LB), Dane Belton (DB), Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB), David Bailey (DL), David Onyemata (DL), Geno Smith (QB), Nashon Wright (DB), T'Vondre Sweat (DL)

Key Player Losses - Tony Adams (DB), Justin Fields (QB), Nick Folk (K), Jermaine Johnson (LB), Quincy Williams (LB), Josh Simpson (OL), Jay Tufele (DL), Tyrod Taylor (QB) 

OFFENSE - Veteran quarterback Geno Smith is back for a second stint with the Jets after passing for 3,025 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions with the Las Vegas Raiders last year. Backups for Smith in training camp include Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook and rookie Cade Klubnik (Clemson). Breece Hall (1,065 yards, 4.4 YPC, four TD) leads the running game and Isaiah Davis (236, 5.5 YPC, one TD) is also available. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson was limited to seven games with a knee injury last year, but had 36 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns. Adonai Mitchell caught 33 passes for 453 yards and two scores and rookie Omar Cooper, Jr. (Indiana). The tight end is Mason Taylor, who had 44 receptions for 369 yards and one touchdown. 

DEFENSE - Will McDonald IV (eight QB sacks), T'Vondre Sweat, rookie David Bailey (Texas Tech) and David Onyemata are the main players on the line. The linebackers include Jamien Sherwood (team leading 154 tackles), Demario Davis (143 tackles with New Orleans) and Kiko Mauigoa. In the secondary are cornerbacks Brandon Stephens, Azareye'h Thomas and D'Angelo Ponds. The safeties are Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton (100 tackles with New York Giants), Andre Cisco and Keidron Smith. In the 2025 season, the Jets defense had ZERO interceptions and just 26 sacks, which led to a league worst minus-19 in turnovers.  

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - Head Coach Aaron Glenn is already rumored to be on the "hot seat" after just one season in The Big Apple as the team struggled to a 3-14 record, allowing the most points in pro football, which included 30-plus allowed eight times last season. The team was at or near the bottom of the NFL defensively, except for passing, where they were 17th ranked, but for the first time ever, the Jets became the only team to not have any interceptions for the season. Glenn came on board for his defensive prowess, so they are looking for big time improvement this season. 

On offense, the Jets didn't fair much better, finishing 29th overall and dead last in passing, averaging a paltry 140 yards per game. That is where QB Geno Smith comes in to lead the offense to hopefully better expectations in the upcoming season. Running back Breece Hall was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2025, but he needs to get that burst back that made him so dangerous in his first two seasons. The wide receivers need a shot in the arm as well health wise after losing top man Garrett Wilson to a knee injury. With Wilson back in tow, Smith has a premier target to throw to as well as Hall out of the backfield. The line has to do their part as well after allowing 60 sacks last year. 

All in all, this season has the looks of an uphill battle, but the team should win more than three games. Playing in the AFC East division means facing Buffalo and New England twice and the Jets will also face the AFC West and NFC North teams, which appear to be two of the better divisions in the NFL. The Jets should avoid the basement in the AFC East this season as Miami is going through a rebuild, but they have to prove on the field they can do better this season. It won't be easy, but if the Jets can show improvement on both offense and defense, the future will look a lot brighter after the disaster they experienced a year ago.   

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Tennessee 

Week Two - vs. Green Bay 

Week Three - at Detroit 

Week Four - at Chicago 

Week Five - vs. Cleveland 

Week Six - at New England 

Week Seven - vs. Miami 

Week Eight - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Nine - at Kansas City 

Week Ten - vs. Buffalo 

Week Eleven - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Twelve - at Miami 

Week Thirteen - BYE 

Week Fourteen - vs. Denver 

Week Fifteen - at Arizona 

Week Sixteen - vs. New England 

Week Seventeen - vs. Minnesota 

Week Eighteen - at Buffalo  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - NEW YORK GIANTS

NEW YORK GIANTS                                                                                                  

2025 Record - 4-13-0 

Head Coach - John Harbaugh 

2025 Offensive Rank - 334 YPG (13th); Rushing - 129 YPG (5th), Passing - 205 YPG (21st) SCORING - 22.4 PPG (17th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 359 YPG (28th); Rushing - 145 YPG (31st), Passing - 214 YPG (16th) SCORING - 25.8 PPG (26th)  

Key Player Additions - Isaiah Likely (TE), Tremaine Edmunds (LB), Darnell Mooney (WR), Greg Newsome II (DB), Calvin Austin III (WR), Patrick Ricard (RB), Daniel Faalele (OL), Jason Pinnock (DB)

Key Player Losses - Cor'Dale Flott (DB), Dane Belton (DB), Dexter Lawrence (DL), Bobby Okereke (LB), Wan'Dale Robinson (WR), Greg Van Roten (OL), Russell Wilson (QB), Austin Schlottman (OL)

OFFENSE - Second year quarterback Jaxson Dart is back after an injury riddled rookie season where he passed for 2,272 yards and 487 rushing yards (5.7 YPC) and nine touchdowns while also having 15 passing touchdowns and throwing five interceptions. Veteran Jameis Winston (567 passing yards, two TD, two INT) will look to be the primary backup again this season. The running game features Tyrone Tracy, Jr. (740 yards, 4.2 YPC, two TD) and Cam Skattebo, who in eight games rushed for 410 yards (4.1 YPC) and scored five touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 207 yards and two more scores before a severe ankle injury ended his rookie season. The wide receivers are Malik Nabers (18 receptions, 271 yards, two TD in four games), Darius Slayton (37, 538, one TD), Darnell Mooney (32, 443, one TD with Atlanta), Calvin Austin III (31, 372, three TD with Pittsburgh) and rookie Malachi Fields (Notre Dame) along with tight ends Theo Johnson (45, 528, five TD) and Isaiah Likely, who had 27 receptions for 307 yards and one touchdown with Baltimore. Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. returned in the off-season as well and is in training camp to add depth. 

DEFENSE - The Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati this off-season, leaving Shelby Harris, Darius Alexander and Roy Robertson-Harris as the main cogs up front. Brian Burns had 16 1/2 quarterback sacks a year ago and leads the linebacking corps. Also available are Abdul Carter (four sacks), rookie Arvell Reese (Ohio State), Kayvon Thibodeaux and Tremaine Edmunds, who had four interceptions and made 112 tackles with the Chicago Bears last season. The secondary has Tyler Nubin (74 tackles) and Jevon Holland at the safety spots and Greg Newsome II, Paulson Adebo and Dru Phillips (two interceptions) at cornerback. The pass defense was solid last year, ranking 16th while getting 39 sacks and picking off nine passes. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - Big changes for the Giants this season as John Harbaugh arrives as the new head coach after serving in that role for the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons, including one Super Bowl victory. He will oversee a team that is looking to contend in the NFC East, which has three other teams that made the playoffs in the past three years. The Giants are seeking to make it to the post-season for the first time in four years.

Quarterback Jaxson Dart will be the key for the offense and has many options with Malik Nabers (coming back from knee injuries) among the leading wide receivers and Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy, Jr. in the backfield. Dart is a dual threat at quarterback and likes to play recklessly and run into defenders when scrambling, which caused some problems for the rookie last year. The team needs him on the field for offensive consistency, looking to provide balance. The rushing attack ranked fifth in 2025 and if Skattebo is completely back from his ankle injuries, he will team with Tyrone Tracy, Jr. to continue that success. The defense has to improve at stopping the run this year after finishing next to last in the league last season and also get more turnovers and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Better red zone defense would help as they allowed 30-plus points six times a year ago. 

The Giants are a team looking to transform into a contender in 2026 after showing some signs of life with a mix of young players last season. Head Coach John Harbaugh will bring a new approach into the mix as well and if the team can be more consistent on both sides of the football, they just might be able to make some noise in the division battling the Eagles, Commanders and Cowboys. The playoffs are a big reach, but in today's NFL, one cannot rule it out. Strap it in Giants fans and enjoy the ride in 2026 because the possibilities could be endless. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Dallas 

Week Two - at L.A. Rams 

Week Three - vs. Tennessee 

Week Four - vs. Arizona 

Week Five - at Washington 

Week Six - vs. New Orleans 

Week Seven - at Houston 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - at Philadelphia 

Week Ten - vs. Washington 

Week Eleven - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Twelve - at Indianapolis 

Week Thirteen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Fourteen - at Seattle 

Week Fifteen - vs. Cleveland 

Week Sixteen - at Detroit 

Week Seventeen - at Dallas 

Week Eighteen - vs. Philadelphia 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - PITTSBURGH STEELERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS                                                                                         

2025 Record - 10-7-0 

Head Coach - Mike McCarthy

2025 Offensive Rank - 306 YPG (25th); Rushing - 103 YPG (26th), Passing - 203 YPG (22nd) SCORING - 23.4 PPG (15th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 357 YPG (26th); Rushing - 113 YPG (13th), Passing - 244 YPG (29th) SCORING - 22.8 PPG (17th) 

Key Player Additions - Michael Pittman, Jr. (WR), Rico Dowdle (RB), Jaquan Brisker (DB), Jamel Dean (DB), Sebastian Joseph-Day (DL)

Key Player Losses - Kenneth Gainwell (RB), Kyle Dugger (DB), Isaac Seumalo (OL), Calvin Austin III (WR), Jonnu Smith (TE), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR), Jabril Peppers (DB), Scotty Miller (WR) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is back for his 22nd season and second in the Steel City after passing for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions a year ago. Jaylen Warren (958 yards, 4.5 YPC, six TD) and Rico Dowdle (1,076, 4.6 YPC, six TD and 39 receptions for 297 yards, one TD with Carolina) will team up to form the running game. At wide receiver is DK Metcalf, who had 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns last season. Also in the mix will be Michael Pittman, Jr. coming over from Indianapolis after making 80 catches for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. Rookie Germie Bernard (Alabama) and tight ends Pat Freiermuth (41, 486, four TD) and Darnell Washington (31, 364, one TD) will aid the passing game as well. 

DEFENSE - Derrick Harmon, Cameron Heyward, Sebastian Joseph-Day and nose tackle Keeanu Benton man the front line and the linebackers are T.J. Watt (seven QB sacks and two interceptions), Patrick Queen (team leading 120 tackles), Payton Wilson (109 tackles), Alex Highsmith (9 1/2 sacks) and Nick Herbig, who had 7 1/2 sacks. The secondary is led by safety Jalen Ramsey (88 tackles) along with DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker (93 tackles with Chicago) and the cornerbacks are Joey Porter, Jr. and Jamel Dean, who picked off three passes with Tampa Bay last year. The Steelers had 48 sacks and 15 interceptions last season, helping to lead to a plus-12 in the turnovers category.

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - There's a new head coach in Pittsburgh for the first time in 19 years as Mike McCarthy takes over after Mike Tomlin left and then took the television gig on Sunday Night Football. It was just the third head coaching change for the Steelers in 57 years. McCarthy will be reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, where they won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers 16 years ago. Rodgers will run the Steelers offense once again and has said this will be his final season. There are  weapons to utilize on offense with running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season with Carolina and DK Metcalf at wide receiver. The offense will look to rebound after finishing in the bottom third of the league in both rushing and passing. 

The Steelers run defense was solid in 2025, but improving against the pass is a must as opposing teams gouged the Steelers a year ago. The hope will be for the team to win the AFC North division again, but that won't be a cake walk as the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns look to dethrone them. The Steelers finish the season playing Baltimore twice in the final four weeks and that could very likely determine the winner in the division. Making the playoffs for the fourth straight year is attainable and how far the Steelers can go from there will depend on Rodgers and company playing at their absolute best. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Atlanta 

Week Two - at New England 

Week Three - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Four - at Cleveland 

Week Five - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Six - at Tampa Bay 

Week Seven - vs. New Orleans (Paris, France) 

Week Eight - vs. Cleveland 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - at Cincinnati 

Week Eleven - at Philadelphia 

Week Twelve - vs. Denver 

Week Thirteen - vs. Houston 

Week Fourteen - at Jacksonville 

Week Fifteen - vs. Baltimore 

Week Sixteen - vs. Carolina 

Week Seventeen - at Tennessee 

Week Eighteen - at Baltimore