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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - BUFFALO BILLS

BUFFALO BILLS                                                                                                   

2025 Record - 12-5-0

Head Coach - Joe Brady

2025 Offensive Rank - 376 YPG (4th); Rushing - 160 YPG (1st), Passing - 216 YPG (15th) SCORING - 28.3 PPG (4th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 293 YPG (7th); Rushing - 136 YPG (28th), Passing - 157 YPG (1st) SCORING - 21.5 PPG (12th) 

Key Player Additions - DJ Moore (WR), Bradley Chubb (LB), Dee Alford (DB), Austin Corbett (OL), Geno Stone (DB), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (DB), Lloyd Cushenberry (OL), Mike Danna (LB)

Key Player Losses - David Edwards (OL), Joey Bosa (DL), Gabe Davis (WR), Matt Milano (LB), Jordan Poyer (DB), DaQuan Jones (DL), Tre'Davious White (DB), Ryan Van Demark (OL), Brandin Cooks (WR), Cam Lewis (DB)  

OFFENSE - Josh Allen returns at quarterback after passing for 3,668 yards a year ago with 25 touchdowns and ten interceptions along with 579 rushing yards (5.2 YPC) and scoring 14 touchdowns. Running back James Cook led the NFL in rushing as he piled up 1,621 yards (5.2 YPC) and scored twelve rushing touchdowns. Ray Davis had 275 rushing yards as the backup. The wide receiving corps will have former Bears player DJ Moore this season and he had 50 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns last year. Also in the fold are Khalil Shakir (72, 719, four TD), Joshua Palmer (22, 303) and Keon Coleman. The tight ends are Dalton Kincaid (39, 571, five TD) and Dawson Knox, who had 36 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns. 

DEFENSE - Ed Oliver, T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker are the top linemen and the linebackers are Greg Rousseau (seven QB sacks), Terrel Bernard (65 tackles), Dorian Williams and Bradley Chubb, who had 8 1/2 sacks with the Miami Dolphins last year. T.J. Parker (rookie from Clemson) will look to get time as the edge rusher as well. The secondary has safeties Cole Bishop (85 tackles, three interceptions) and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (two interceptions with Chicago last season) and cornerbacks Christian Benford (two INT), Dee Alford (three interceptions with Atlanta) and Maxwell Hairston, who had two picks as well. Geno Stone, who had 104 tackles and two picks with Cincinnati, comes over this season to play safety and Damar Hamlin is another safety. Buffalo led the NFL in pass defense in 2025 and they allowed 21.5 points per game while getting 36 sacks and 13 interceptions. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - There is a new head coach in Buffalo this year as Joe Brady takes over after Sean McDermott was fired after nine seasons that saw the Bills get close to a Super Bowl appearance several times, but they couldn't quite get there. Brady was the play caller on offense for the Bills and he will continue to do that and quarterback Josh Allen is the man the offense centers around. Allen is a two-way threat and will be looking to atone for the rough playoff game he had (four turnovers) as the Bills lost to Denver in the AFC divisional round last January. 

The offense has been one of the best in the NFL in recent years and barring injuries, should continue to be that way this season as James Cook is coming off a huge season at running back and Allen adds to the rushing numbers as well for the team, which led the league in rushing last year. On board to help Allen in the passing game is DJ Moore at wide receiver and he will be alongside  Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer to help improve the passing attack, which slipped to the middle of the pack in 2025 and Allen was sacked 40 times, up by more than double from two years ago. On defense, the Bills will look to have the ball hawking, hands off approach from last year, when they allowed just 157 yards per game. The run defense was gashed for 136 yards (28th in the NFL), so there is a need for improvement there. 

The Bills were knocked off their perch atop the AFC East last season as the New England Patriots came out of nowhere to win the division title and also reach the Super Bowl. But the Bills have vowed to come back this season and not only win the AFC East for the sixth time in seven years, but finally get to the Super Bowl once the playoffs roll around in January. As long as Allen and Cook are on the field and doing their thing, the offense should be among the best in the league. The defense would benefit by forcing more turnovers and getting better pressure on the opposing quarterbacks while also maintaining the solid pass coverage and improve at stopping the run. This team is primed for another successful season, and should they get back to the playoffs, no more excuses as it is by far time for them to finally get to the Super Bowl. 

The clock is ticking. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Houston 

Week Two - vs. Detroit 

Week Three - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Four - vs. New England 

Week Five - at L.A. Rams 

Week Six - at Las Vegas 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - vs. Baltimore 

Week Nine - at Minnesota 

Week Ten - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Eleven - vs. Miami 

Week Twelve - vs. Kansas City 

Week Thirteen - at New England 

Week Fourteen - at Green Bay 

Week Fifteen - vs. Chicago 

Week Sixteen - at Denver 

Week Seventeen - at Miami 

Week Eighteen - vs. N.Y. Jets  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - CAROLINA PANTHERS

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                                                                        

2025 Record - 8-9-0

Head Coach - Dave Canales 

2025 Offensive Rank - 296 YPG (27th); Rushing - 117 YPG (19th), Passing - 179 YPG (26th) SCORING - 18.3 PPG (27th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 327 YPG (16th); Rushing - 123 YPG (20th), Passing - 204 YPG (15th) SCORING - 22.4 PPG (15th) 

Key Player Additions - Jaelan Phillips (LB), Devin Lloyd (LB), Stone Forsyth (OL), A.J. Dillon (RB), Luke Fortner (OL), Kenny Pickett (QB), Haynes King (QB), John Metchie III (WR), Rasheed Walker (OL) 

Key Player Losses - Cade Mays (OL), Rico Dowdle (RB), A'Shawn Robinson (DL), D.J. Wonnum (LB), Christian Rozeboom (LB), Austin Corbett (OL), Andy Dalton (QB), Yosh Nijman (OL) 

OFFENSE - Bryce Young is entering his fourth season at quarterback and he finished with 3,011 passing yards along with 23 touchdowns and eleven interceptions in 2025. Young also rushed for 216 yards (4.0 YPC) and scored two times. Kenny Pickett and Haynes King will likely be the backups this season. The running game will be led by Chuba Hubbard (511 yards, 3.8 YPC, one TD) after Rico Dowdle left in free agency. A.J. Dillon and Trevor Etienne are also on hand. The wide receivers are Tetairoa McMillan (70 receptions, 1,014 yards, seven TD), Jalen Coker (33, 394, three TD), Xavier Legette (35, 363, three TD) and rookie Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee). The tight ends are Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans. 

DEFENSE - Bobby Brown III, Derrick Brown and Turk Wharton man the front line and the linebackers are Devin Lloyd (74 tackles, five interceptions with Jacksonville), Jaelan Phillips (five sacks totaled with Philadelphia and Miami in 2025), Nic Scourton and Trevin Wallace. In the secondary is safety Nick Scott (109 tackles) along with Tre'von Moehrig, Jr. (103 tackles) and cornerbacks Jaycee Horn, who had five interceptions and also Mike Jackson, who had four picks last season. Robert Rochell, rookie Zakee Wheatley (Penn State) and Lathan Ransom add depth. The Panthers totaled 15 interceptions and 30 sacks a year ago and the defense finished in the middle of the pack while allowing 22.4 points per game. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Panthers surprised many by making the playoffs last season, although they won the NFC South division with a losing record. But they battled the L.A. Rams tough in the wild card round, losing 34-31 on their home field. Head Coach Dave Canales would like to see the team improve on that performance in what could be the most competitive division in the NFL. 

If Young continues to make strides at quarterback and the running game can show improvement, the offense should be better than last year, where the Panthers ranked 27th overall and averaged just 18.3 points per game. Turnovers must be managed as well where the team was minus-2 in that area. The defense was decent enough to keep the team in games and only twice all season allowed over 30 points in a game. Playing in the NFC South sees Atlanta, New Orleans and Tampa Bay in the mix and three teams all finished 8-9 while the New Orleans Saints were just two games behind. There wasn't a lot of player turnover on the roster, so the Panthers should be able to get things going early on this year. They will not be sneaking up on opponents this time, so they better be ready to pick up where they left off last season because it will likely take more than eight wins to make the playoffs.  

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Chicago 

Week Two - at Atlanta 

Week Three - at Cleveland 

Week Four - vs. Detroit 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - at Philadelphia 

Week Seven - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Eight - at Green Bay 

Week Nine - vs. Denver 

Week Ten - at New Orleans 

Week Eleven - vs. Baltimore 

Week Twelve - at Tampa Bay 

Week Thirteen - at Minnesota 

Week Fourteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Fifteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Sixteen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Seventeen - vs. Seattle 

Week Eighteen - vs. Atlanta  

 

 

 

 

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