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), 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 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 NFL 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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS                                                                            

2025 Record - 5-12-0 

Head Coach - Dan Quinn 

2025 Offensive Rank - 319 YPG (22nd); Rushing - 135 YPG (4th), Passing - 184 YPG (24th) SCORING - 20.9 PPG (22nd) 

2025 Defensive Rank - 384 YPG (32nd); Rushing - 142 YPG (30th), Passing - 242 YPG (28th) SCORING - 26.5 PPG (27th) 

Key Player Additions - Odafe Oweh (LB), Stefon Diggs (WR), Rachaad White (RB), K'Lavon Chaisson (DL/LB), Leo Chanel (LB), Nick Cross (DB), Chig Okwonko (TE), Van Jefferson (WR), Amik Robertson (DB), Tim Settle, Jr. (DL), Sonny Styles (LB) 

Key Player Losses - Bobby Wagner (LB), Zach Ertz (TE), Tyler Biadasz (OL), Deebo Samuel (WR), Von Miller (LB), Chris Rodriguez, Jr. (RB), Austin Ekeler (RB), Eddie Goldman (DL), Noah Igbinoghene (DB), Marshon Lattimore (DB), Jacob Martin (DL)

OFFENSE - Quarterback Jayden Daniels is looking to stay on the field this season after that sensational rookie performance in 2024. But in 2025, Daniels was limited to seven games with various injuries, finishing with eight touchdown passes and three interceptions while passing for 1,262 yards. Veteran QB Marcus Mariota will look to be the backup again this year after he passed for 1,695 yards with ten touchdowns and seven interceptions along with 297 rushing yards and one score. The running game features Jacory Croskey-Merritt (805 yards, 4.6 YPC, eight TD) and Rachaad White, who went for 572 yards (4.3 YPC) and four touchdowns along with 40 receptions with Tampa Bay. There is a bevy of talent at wide receiver with Terry McLaurin (38, 582, three TD in ten games), Stefon Diggs (85, 1,013, four TD with New England), Jaylin Lane (16, 225), Van Jefferson and rookie Antonio Williams (Clemson) along with tight end Chig Okwonko, who had 56 receptions for 560 yards and two scores with Tennessee. 

DEFENSE - Up front is edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson (7 1/2 QB sacks with New England), Dorance Armstrong (5 1/2 sacks), Javon Kinlaw, Charles Omenihu (5 1/2 sacks with Kansas City), Daron Payne and Tim Settle, Jr. and the linebackers are Frankie Luvu (86 tackles), Leo Chenal, rookie Sonny Styles (Ohio State) and Odefe Oweh, who had 7 1/2 sacks with the L.A. Chargers a year ago. Mike Sainristil (four interceptions) and Trey Amos are the cornerbacks and Quan Martin (95 tackles) and Nick Cross (120 tackles with Indianapolis) headline the safeties. Tyler Owens, Amik Robertson and Antonio Hamilton, Sr. provide depth. Washington was at the bottom of the NFL in total defense and had eight interceptions and 42 sacks last year. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - Head Coach Dan Quinn saw his squad go from 12-5 in 2024 to 5-12 last year mostly because of injuries, including starting QB Jayden Daniels and the hope is for better things as the regulars get back on the field, including some newcomers who have been around and could provide some spark on both sides of the football. Daniels will have Diggs along with McLaurin as the primary wideouts and two able running backs in Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White, who also can make catches coming out of the backfield. 

The defense will have new faces in camp as eight players come aboard to bring some life to a defense that was at the bottom of the NFL last year while also giving up 26.5 points per game. Too often the Commanders were burned by the big plays and couldn't create the turnovers they thrived on two seasons ago. More aggressive play for the defense would work wonders for the Commanders, who were minus-13 in the turnover category after forcing 17 turnovers two years ago. The first half of the schedule is rough and then lightens up in the second half of the season, so if Washington can get off to a good start and compete with the other three teams in the NFC East, they could be right there when January rolls around. The playoffs are a possibility as long as the team can do their thing with Daniels and company causing havoc for opponents and the defense showing steady play. 

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - at Philadelphia 

Week Two - at Dallas 

Week Three - vs. Seattle 

Week Four - vs. Indianapolis (London, England)

Week Five - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Six - at San Francisco 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - vs. Philadelphia  

Week Nine - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Ten - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Eleven - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Twelve - at Arizona 

Week Thirteen - at Tennessee 

Week Fourteen - vs. Houston 

Week Fifteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Sixteen - at Minnesota 

Week Seventeen - at Jacksonville 

Week Eighteen - vs. Dallas  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - MIAMI DOLPHINS

MIAMI DOLPHINS                                                                                                    

2025 Record - 7-10-0 

Head Coach - Mike Hafley 

2025 Offensive Rank - 301 YPG (26th); Rushing - 120 YPG (13th), Passing - 181 YPG (25th) SCORING - 20.4 PPG (25th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 349 YPG (22nd); Rushing - 132 YPG (26th), Passing - 216 YPG (18th) SCORING - 24.9 PPG (24th)

Key Player Additions - Malik Willis (QB), Darrell Baker, Jr. (DB), Kadyn Proctor (OL), Tutu Atwell (WR), Jalen Tolbert (WR), Charlie Heck (OL), 

Key Player Losses - Jaylen Waddle (WR), Tua Tagovailoa (QB), Tyreek Hill (WR), Cole Strange (OL), Bradley Chubb (LB), Rasul Douglas (DB), K.J. Britt (LB), Jack Jones (DB), Alec Ingold (RB), Julian Hill (TE), Nick Westbrook-Inhine (WR), Cedrick Wilson, Jr. (WR) 
 

OFFENSE - Malik Willis comes into the 2026 season for the Dolphins at quarterback after playing for the Green Bay Packers last year, where he had 422 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in very limited action. Quinn Ewers (622 passing yards, three TD, three INT) will be the backup. The top running back is De'von Achane, who ran for 1,350 yards (5.7 YPC) and scored eight touchdowns while also grabbing 67 pass receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns. Jaylen Wright had 288 rushing yards (4.1 YPC) and two touchdowns while spelling Achane. With Jaylen Waddle going to Denver this year and Tyreek Hill being released, the Dolphins have a new cast of wide receivers for 2026, led by Malik Washington (46, 317, three TD), Jalen Tolbert, tight end Greg Ducich (26, 335, one TD) and a slew of players in training camp looking to be a part of the passing game this year. 

DEFENSE - Kenneth Grant, Zach Sieler (5 1/2 QB sacks), Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche form the front line while Jordyn Brooks (183 tackles) leads the linebackers along with Tyrel Dodson (129 tackles, five sacks), Ronnie Harrison, Jr. and rookie Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech). The secondary has Darrell Baker, Jr., Chris Johnson and Jason Marshall, Jr. at the corner spots while Dante Trader, Jr. and Lonnie Johnson, Jr. will likely start at safety. Miami had just nine interceptions a year ago and 39 sacks for a defense that finished 22nd overall. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - With new Head Coach Mike Hafley taking over and so many players leaving the team, it's a whole new look for the Dolphins heading into the 2026 season. Gone are quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and defensive leaders Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bradley Chubb and Rasul Douglas, leaving a huge turnover in player personnel. 

The team will be counting on Willis to make things happen at quarterback, especially in the passing game, which dropped to 25th in the NFL after being such a high flying act just a couple of seasons ago. The running game should be decent again as long as Achane stays on the field, but the rest of the bunch will have to do more to take pressure off the fourth year running back. The key is how effective Willis can be after showing signs of good things with the Packers while filling in for Jordan Love. The defense will look to mesh as well with so much turnover after losing their sacks leader (Chubb) and interceptions leader (Douglas) and some growing pains can be expected with so many young players being thrown into the action. This team is clearly building for the future, so the expectations will be lowered from the seven victories of last year as the Dolphins gain experience from week to week. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Las Vegas 

Week Two - at San Francisco 

Week Three - vs. Kansas City 

Week Four - at Minnesota 

Week Five - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Six - BYE

Week Seven - at N.Y. Jets  

Week Eight - vs. New England 

Week Nine - vs. Detroit 

Week Ten - at Indianapolis 

Week Eleven - at Buffalo 

Week Twelve - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Thirteen - at Denver 

Week Fourteen - vs. Chicago 

Week Fifteen - at Green Bay 

Week Sixteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Seventeen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Eighteen - at New England 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - MINNESOTA VIKINGS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS                                                                                        

2025 Record - 9-8-0

Head Coach - Kevin O' Connell 

2025 Offensive Rank - 275 YPG (28th); Rushing - 108 YPG (23rd), Passing - 167 YPG (29th) SCORING - 20.2 PPG (26th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 283 YPG (3rd); Rushing - 124 YPG (21st), Passing - 159 YPG (2nd) SCORING - 19.6 PPG (7th)  

Key Player Additions - Kyler Murray (QB), Jauan Jennings (WR), Eric Johnson II (DL), Johnny Hekker (P), Ryan Van Demark (OL), James Pierre (DB)

Key Player Losses - Jonathan Greenard (LB), Jonathan Allen (DL), Javon Hargrave (DL), Justin Skule (OL), Harrison Smith (DB), Jalen Nailor (WR)

OFFENSE - The Vikings brought in former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray this year to compete for the starting job with J.J. McCarthy, who missed seven games last year while passing for 1,632 yards with eleven touchdowns and twelve interceptions and scoring four rushing touchdowns. Murray was also injured in 2025, playing in only five games while throwing for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Jordan Mason (758 rushing yards, 4.6 YPC, six TD) and Aaron Jones are the running backs. Jones was banged up last season and had 548 yards (4.2 YPC) and two scores in twelve games. The wide receivers are Justin Jefferson, who made 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns along with Jordan Addison (42, 610, three TD) and Jauan Jennings (55, 436, nine TD with San Francisco). The tight end is T.J. Hockenson, who had 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns. 

DEFENSE - There is plenty of talent here, starting with Dominique Orange, Eric Johnson II, rookie Caleb Banks (Florida) and Jalen Redmond up front. The linebackers include Dallas Turner (eight QB sacks), Andrew Van Ginkel (seven sacks), Eric Wilson (108 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks) and Blake Cashman, who led the team with 144 tackles. The secondary has cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers, Jr. and Byron Murphy, Jr. (two interceptions) as well as safeties Jay Ward and Josh Metellus, who had two interceptions and made 86 tackles last season. The Vikings amassed 49 sacks and picked off eight passes while ranking third in total defense. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - It was a pretty big step back a year ago as the Vikings missed the playoffs after a 14 win season two years ago and Head Coach Kevin O' Connell knows the team can rebound and get back into it this season. The Vikings did finish strong, winning the final five games to avoid a losing record and staying out of the basement in the rugged NFC North division. 

The big goal this year is to get the offense back on track after the team let quarterback Sam Darnold leave for Seattle. Second year man J.J. McCarthy was ineffective in 2025 while also missing time with injuries, as he had 14 turnovers in the ten games he started, which resulted in a minus-9 in that area for the team. Kyler Murray has fallen off is recent seasons with the Cardinals, but the coaching staff in Minnesota will look to fix that and hope he can deliver and get the passing attack going again. The Vikings have one of the best wideouts in the NFL with Justin Jefferson and now with Jauan Jennings coming aboard this season, there is potential for a big jump from the 29th place ranking in passing from a year ago. The running game also needs to get going as well and if Jones and Mason can show better results this season, it would be a big boost for the offense, which was 28th overall and averaged 20.2 points, which was near the bottom of the league. 

There is always hope in the current NFL for a quick rebound and Minnesota can see that happen as long as the offense plays better. The defense was solid and should continue to play well, but forcing more turnovers would help out. The Vikings open the 2026 season with two division opponents and (on paper) have what appears to be a favorable schedule, but results come from the action on the playing field. This team can contend in the division battle, where all four teams had a winning record. The NFC is stacked with good teams and should the Vikings make the playoffs, it would take a big effort to make a deep run. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Green Bay 

Week Two - at Chicago 

Week Three - at Tampa Bay 

Week Four - vs. Miami 

Week Five - at New Orleans 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eight - at Detroit 

Week Nine - vs. Buffalo 

Week Ten - at Green Bay 

Week Eleven - vs. San Francisco (Mexico City, Mexico) 

Week Twelve - vs. Atlanta 

Week Thirteen - vs. Carolina 

Week Fourteen - at New England  

Week Fifteen - vs. Detroit 

Week Sixteen - vs. Washington 

Week Seventeen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Eighteen - vs. Chicago  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - DENVER BRONCOS

DENVER BRONCOS                                                                                       

2025 Record - 14-3-0 

Head Coach - Sean Payton 

2025 Offensive Rank - 343 YPG (10th); Rushing - 119 YPG (16th), Passing - 224 YPG (11th) SCORING - 23.6 PPG (14th)

2025 Defensive Rank - 278 YPG (2nd); Rushing - 91 YPG (2nd), Passing - 187 YPG (7th) SCORING - 18.3 PPG (3rd) 

Key Player Additions - Jaylen Waddle (WR), Tycen Anderson (DB), Tyler Onyedim (DL)

Key Player Losses - John Franklin-Myers (DL), P.J. Locke (DB), Dre Greenlaw (LB)

OFFENSE - After being injured (ankle) in the AFC playoffs last year, Bo Nix is back as the quarterback and he finished the 2025 season with 3,931 passing yards and 25 touchdowns and eleven interceptions. He also scored five rushing touchdowns while gaining 356 yards with a 4.3 yards per carry average. Running back J.K. Dobbins led Denver with 772 rushing yards (5.0 YPC) and scored four times while RJ Harvey gained 540 yards (3.7 YPC) and had five touchdowns. The Broncos wide receiving corps has Courtland Sutton (74 receptions, 1,017 yards, seven TD), Troy Franklin (65, 709, six TD), Pat Bryant (31, 378, one TD) and Jaylen Waddle (64, 910, six TD with Miami Dolphins). Evan Engram (50, 461, one TD) and Adam Trautman are the tight ends. 

DEFENSE - D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach and Zach Allen lead the defense up front and the linebackers include Nik Bonitto (14 QB sacks), Jonathan Cooper (eight sacks), Justin Strnad, Alex Singleton, who led the Broncos with 135 tackles and Dondrea Tillman, who had two interceptions. Safeties Brandon Jones  and Talanoa Hufanga (106 tackles) team with cornerbacks Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss (80 tackles) and Ja'Quan McMillan (two INT) in the secondary that helped out with the second ranked defense in the NFL last season, which also had ten interceptions and a league leading 68 quarterback sacks. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Broncos seemed ready to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time in ten years after beating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round, but then it was learned quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle in the win and the following week they fell at home against New England in the AFC Championship game. Heading into 2026, Head Coach Sean Payton wants to see the team finish the job. The defense led the way last season, ranking near the top of the NFL in total defense, scoring and rushing while terrorizing opposing quarterbacks with a fierce pass rush. 

The offense will look to get a shot in the arm as they added wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who comes over from the Miami Dolphins to join a good core of receivers and give quarterback Bo Nix another option in the passing game. Improving the running game would help after finishing in the middle of the pack and running backs J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey look to do their part along with a solid offensive line that allowed only 23 sacks. If the offense gains consistency with Nix entering his third season, the Broncos should make it to the playoffs for a third straight time. The AFC West is a strong division with the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs looking to dethrone Denver for first place in addition to a very rugged schedule in the first half of the season. It will not be easy, but the pieces are in place for another playoff run and barring injuries to Nix or other key players, this team could very well get to the Super Bowl this time around. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Kansas City 

Week Two - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Three - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Four - at San Francisco 

Week Five - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Six - vs. Seattle 

Week Seven - at Arizona 

Week Eight - vs. Kansas City 

Week Nine - at Carolina 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Twelve - at Pittsburgh 

Week Thirteen - vs. Miami 

Week Fourteen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Fifteen - at Las Vegas 

Week Sixteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Seventeen - at New England 

Week Eighteen - vs. L.A. Chargers