NFL 2026 Season Preview - TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                                                              

2025 Record - 8-9-0

Head Coach - Todd Bowles 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Cincinnati 

Week Two - vs. Cleveland 

Week Three - vs. Minnesota 

Week Four - vs. Green Bay 

Week Five - at Dallas 

Week Six - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Seven - at Carolina 

Week Eight - vs. Atlanta 

Week Nine - at Chicago 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Detroit 

Week Twelve - vs. Carolina 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Fourteen - at Baltimore 

Week Fifteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Sixteen - at Atlanta 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eighteen - at New Orleans  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - CLEVELAND BROWNS

CLEVELAND BROWNS                                                                                              

2025 Record - 5-12-0 

Head Coach - Todd Monken 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Jacksonville 

Week Two - at Tampa Bay 

Week Three - vs. Carolina 

Week Four - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Five - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Six - vs. Baltimore 

Week Seven - at Tennessee 

Week Eight - at Pittsburgh 

Week Nine - at New Orleans 

Week Ten - vs. Houston 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Thirteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Fourteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Fifteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Sixteen - at Baltimore 

Week Seventeen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eighteen - at Cincinnati   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers                                                                                              

2025 Record - 12-5-0 

Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

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

Week Two - vs. Miami 

Week Three - vs. Arizona 

Week Four - vs. Denver 

Week Five - at Seattle 

Week Six - vs. Washington 

Week Seven - at Atlanta 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Ten - at Dallas 

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

Week Twelve - vs. Seattle 

Week Thirteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Fourteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Fifteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Sixteen - at Kansas City 

Week Seventeen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Eighteen - at Arizona  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - TENNESSEE TITANS

TENNESSEE TITANS                                                                                       

2025 Record - 3-14-0 

Head Coach - Robert Saleh 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Two - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Three - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Four - at Baltimore 

Week Five - vs. Houston 

Week Six - at Indianapolis 

Week Seven - vs. Cleveland 

Week Eight - at Cincinnati 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Eleven - at Dallas 

Week Twelve - at Jacksonville 

Week Thirteen - vs. Washington 

Week Fourteen - at Detroit 

Week Fifteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Sixteen - at Las Vegas 

Week Seventeen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eighteen - at Houston  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - DETROIT LIONS

DETROIT LIONS                                                                                                       

2025 Record - 9-8-0 

Head Coach - Dan Campbell 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. New Orleans 

Week Two - at Buffalo 

Week Three - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Four - at Carolina 

Week Five - at Arizona 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - vs. Green Bay 

Week Eight - vs. Minnesota 

Week Nine - at Miami 

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

Week Eleven - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Twelve - vs. Chicago 

Week Thirteen - at Atlanta 

Week Fourteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Fifteen - at Minnesota 

Week Sixteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Seventeen - at Chicago 

Week Eighteen - at Green Bay  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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