NFL - Week Two Recap

The 2026 NFL season took a strange twist in the second week as star quarterbacks were injured and some major upsets occurred throughout the league. 

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (pictured left) suffered a hamstring injury on a scramble run late in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 home loss for the Bears against the Minnesota Vikings in a steady downpour of rain all game long. It was all field goals accounting for the final score in this one, but the Vikings came up with a huge block on Bears kicker Cairo Santos 23-yard attempt with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter and holding a 6-3 lead. Minnesota kicker Will Reichard made his third field goal (from 39 yards) in the game with 1:09 left to help provide the final outcome as the Bears final drive was thwarted on fourth and goal when Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent was sacked on the final play. 

In Dallas, the Cowboys throttled the Washington Commanders, 37-20 as QB Dak Prescott had four touchdown passes, including two of them to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who caught eight passes for 153 yards in the win. Washington QB Jayden Daniels left the game with a severe elbow injury in the second quarter and was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who had one TD pass in the loss. 

The New Orleans Saints stunned the Baltimore Ravens, 24-17 as QB Tyler Shough scored on a one-yard run with 1:28 left to play in the fourth quarter. The Saints outscored Baltimore, 18-3 in the second half and intercepted Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in the red zone with just 20 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory. The Ravens led 14-3 after Jackson threw a scoring pass to wide receiver Rashod Bateman late in the second quarter. In the decisive fourth quarter, Shough threw a 21-yard TD pass to WR Chris Olave to tie the game at 17-17 and later scored the winning touchdown to stun the Baltimore crowd in the Ravens home opener.

In Los Angeles, the Chargers lost again, this time to the Las Vegas Raiders, 26-14 as they turned the football over three times, including a crucial fumble by RB Omarion Hampton in Raiders territory and the deficit at three points (17-14) with just over three minutes remaining in the game. From there, the Raiders scored on an 11-yard TD pass from QB Kirk Cousins (253 passing yards, three TD, one interception) to Cody White with 2:59 remaining to ice the game. 

The Cleveland Browns beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-19 for a road win that featured a lengthy weather delay which lasted over two hours. Browns QB Deshaun Watson had two scoring passes along with 238 passing yards as they overcame a second half ten-point deficit. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield had a scoring pass along with one interception in defeat as the Bucs dropped to 0-2 this season. 

How about the Cincinnati Bengals going into Houston and knocking off the Texans, 20-6 behind solid defense, including four sacks and limiting the Texans to just two field goals? Despite being out gained by over 100 yards and getting just 12 first downs, Cincinnati won as QB Joe Burrow twice hooked up with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for touchdown passes to make the difference. 

The Green Bay Packers came back from ten points down in the final quarter and eventually won, 20-17 in overtime against the host New York Jets as Trey Smack made a 26-yard field goal to decide the game. Green Bay totaled only 199 yards in offense, but QB Jordan Love had a pair of TD passes. Jets QB Geno Smith had a scoring pass in the loss.   

In Arizona, the Seattle Seahawks dismantled the Cardinals, 31-7 as QB Drew Lock hit WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (nine receptions for 155 yards) for three touchdown passes while the defense held the Cardinals to just 155 yards in total offense and ten first downs. The Seahawks gained 381 yards with a balanced offense that included 162 yards on the ground as they dominated the second half after a 7-7 tie score in the first half. 

The Denver Broncos rallied back from a ten-point second half deficit to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-13 as QB Bo Nix threw for a score and rookie running back Jonah Coleman scored on a three-yard run with 7:39 left to play to provide the final outcome. 

Bills QB Josh Allen had a huge game in win over the Lions. 

 

On Thursday night in Buffalo, the Bills opened their new stadium with a resounding 41-31 win against the Detroit Lions as QB Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns along with 248 passing yards and rushed for two more scores while running back James Cook had a touchdown and 135 rushing yards. The Bills totaled 446 yards with a balanced offense (203 rushing, 223 passing) in the win. Lions QB Jared Goff had four TD passes and 327 passing yards in defeat. 

The Philadelphia Eagles survived the extreme heat in Nashville (reported to be as hot as 150 degrees on the playing surface) as well as the stubborn Tennessee Titans for a 24-20 road win with QB Jalen Hurts (264 passing yards, two TD, two INT) throwing the winning three-yard touchdown pass to WR Darius Cooper with only 14 seconds remaining in the game. Eagles WR DeVonta Smith had ten receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown to contribute to the win. Tennessee took a 20-17 lead with 1:56 left to go when Joey Slye kicked a 33-yard field goal. Titans QB Cam Ward had two scoring runs in the loss. 

The Carolina Panthers went on on the road to Atlanta and punished the Falcons, 34-3 as QB Bryce Young had 287 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers defense forced five turnovers, including a 16-yard  "pick six" touchdown by linebacker Devin Lloyd, who had two interceptions in the rout. 

The New England Patriots beat down the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 20-3 as the defense had four sacks,  including a scoop and score 19-yard fumble return for touchdown by linebacker Elijah Ponder. Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson rambled 39 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter as the Patriots took a 10-3 halftime lead. 

In San Francisco, the 49ers crushed the Miami Dolphins, 35-13 as running back Christian McCaffrey had two scoring runs and QB Brock Purdy (287 passing yards on 20-for-22 passing accuracy) ran for another score and threw two touchdown passes to pace the rout. The 49ers broke it open with 21 points in the third quarter and coasted the rest of the way. 

In the Sunday night game in Kansas City, the Chiefs won, 33-30 in overtime when Harrison Butker (two field goals in OT) made a 40-yard field goal as time expired. The Colts had tied the game with 3:11 left in OT when Spencer Shrader drilled a 38-yard field goal. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes had three TD passes and 382 passing yards as Kansas City gained 523 yards in offense with running back Kenneth Walker III gaining 117 yards on 24 carries and tight end Travis Kelce with nine receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown. Colts QB Daniel Jones had 210 passing yards with one TD pass and one interception while running back Jonathan Taylor had two scoring runs while gaining 92 yards on 24 carries in the loss. 

The Los Angeles Rams squashed the visiting New York Giants, 28-6 on Monday Night Football behind 481 yards in total offense, led by QB Matthew Stafford, who had four touchdown passes (and one interception) along with 327 passing yards. Rams wide receiver Davante Adams had a huge game with eight receptions for 195 yards with two touchdowns. The Giants were limited to just 182 total yards and eleven first downs along with two field goals in the loss. In addition, Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart left the game with a knee injury in the first quarter and didn't return. 

 

WEEK TWO RESULTS 

Buffalo 41, Detroit 31  

Minnesota 9, Chicago 3 

Philadelphia 24, Tennessee 20 

Carolina 34, Atlanta 3 

New Orleans 24, Baltimore 17 

New England 20, Pittsburgh 3 

Green Bay 20, N.Y. Jets 17 (OT) 

Cincinnati 20, Houston 6 

Cleveland 23, Tampa Bay 19 

Denver 20, Jacksonville 13  

Las Vegas  26, L.A. Chargers 14

Seattle 31, Arizona 7

San Francisco 35, Miami 13 

Dallas 37, Washington 20 

Kansas City 33, Indianapolis 30 (OT)  

L.A. Rams 28, N.Y. Giants 6  

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Two Preview

After so many high scoring games in the opening week of the 2026 NFL season, will there be more of the same in Week Two around the league? 

The action gets started on Thursday night in Buffalo where the Bills will play their first ever regular season game in their new stadium, taking on the Detroit Lions, who won their opener, 31-30 in overtime last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The Bills won a 36-31 contest on the road against the Houston Texans to open their season. 

Bills quarterback Josh Allen will look to lead the offense to a big game against the Lions defense, which allowed 30 points after shutting out the Saints in the first half. The Lions feature many weapons on offense, including do everything running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for 156 yards and scored twice last week and also had five receptions. This game will likely be a high scoring one and could come down to the last possession. One thing for sure, the Bills fans will be jacked up sky high for this one. 

The Chicago Bears put up 59 points (tied for second highest ever) in their season opener and will likely have a harder time doing that against a tough Minnesota defense, which shut down Green Bay in the second half in a 39-22 win last week. The Vikings will probably have to go with Carson Wentz again at quarterback after starter Kyler Murray was knocked out in the opener with a concussion. 

The Bears defense was torched for 37 points by the Carolina Panthers, but it didn't matter because they put up the 59 points on the scoreboard while rushing for close to 300 yards. The Vikings defense got two big turnovers in their comeback win in the final quarter and will need to do more of that against the Bears if they are going to win. The game between these two teams could be high scoring (30-plus points for both teams) but don't be surprised if it isn't. 

The surprising Arizona Cardinals take on the Seattle Seahawks in their home opener on Sunday. The Cards shocked the Chargers in Los Angeles last week, 26-14 as their defense stifled the Chargers offense and forced two turnovers while the special teams also came up big with a blocked punt that led to an easy score (three-yard TD pass) to seal the game early in the fourth quarter.

 The Seahawks put away the stubborn New England Patriots, 13-10 last week, but the offense was lacking as starting QB Sam Darnold was knocked out of the game with a hip injury. Seattle better be ready because the Cardinals looked like a team that was out to prove something to all the doubters with their season opening road win. This game will be close and don't be surprised if the Cardinals win this NFC West tussle. 

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night and could be 2-0 after this one is over. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes played well in his first game back from the off-season knee surgery and new running back Kenneth Walker III had a huge game, scoring twice and rushing for 173 yards in the 31-10 rout over the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Colts were manhandled by the visiting Baltimore Ravens, 41-23 as their defense had no answers for the Ravens offensive attack that piled up 506 total yards in the easy win. Look for the Chiefs to get another win in this game. 

The Monday Night Football game in Los Angeles will feature two teams on opposite ends as the host Rams look to bounce back after their lethargic performance in the opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The Rams lost 27-7 and the offense was stuffed in a goal line situation that swung the game completely to the 'Niners as they went 99 yards on a touchdown drive for a 24-7 lead following the big stop.

 The New York Giants served notice they will be a team to beat in the NFC East as they knocked off Dallas, 28-20 last Sunday night with QB Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Saktebo leading the way. The Giants defense also came up with big plays to keep the highly touted Cowboys offense in check. This game will be a tight one as the Rams will be without defensive star Myles Garrett (knee injury) for the next four games. A toss up call here is in order, so look for anything to happen when the dust settles in this game. 

The rest of the action for Week Two is featured in the capsule style form and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

Carolina (0-1) at Atlanta (0-1) - The entire NFC South division is winless, so something has to give. 

New Orleans (0-1) at Baltimore (1-0) - The Ravens should roll in this one. 

Cincinnati (1-0) at Houston (0-1) - The Bengals will be going against a buzz saw team in this one. The Texans will be looking to right the ship after laying an egg at home in their season opener. 

Pittsburgh (1-0) at New England (0-1) - The Steelers will have a much tougher game this week against a Patriots team that looked unprepared in their opening game loss. 

Green Bay (0-1) at N.Y. Jets (1-0) - The Jets will look to fly high again this week, but the Packers need this one after getting smashed in the opening game. 

Cleveland (0-1) at Tampa Bay (0-1) - Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has a chance to rip his old team in this game. The Browns looked pathetic in their blowout loss last week. 

Philadelphia (1-0) at Tennessee (0-1) - The Eagles soar again this week in this game. 

Jacksonville (1-0) at Denver (0-1) - Can the Broncos bounce back in their home opener against a Jaguars team that looked really good last week? Toss up here. 

Las Vegas (1-0) at L.A. Chargers (0-1) - If the Chargers are really going to contend in the AFC this season, they better win this one convincingly. 

Washington (0-1) at Dallas (0-1) - The Cowboys should win this game at home, but the Commanders will not go down without putting up a fight. 

Miami (0-1) at San Francisco (1-0) - 49ers roll ! 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Two     . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

Buffalo over Detroit 

Atlanta over Carolina 

Baltimore over New Orleans 

Chicago over Minnesota 

Houston over Cincinnati 

New England over Pittsburgh 

Green Bay over N.Y. Jets 

Tampa Bay over Cleveland 

Philadelphia over Tennessee 

Denver over Jacksonville 

L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas 

Seattle over Arizona 

Dallas over Washington 

SAN FRANCISCO over Miami 

Kansas City over Indianapolis 

L.A. Rams over N.Y. Giants 

Last Week's Record - 12-4 

SEASON RECORD - 12-4 

Lock of the Week Record - 0-1  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week One Recap

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense had a huge day in the season opening win.

High scoring was the order of the day around the NFL and the Chicago Bears routed the host Carolina Panthers, 59-37 to set a  record for most combined points scored in a season opening game. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had 269 passing yards with two passing scores and scored twice on the ground, including a 29-yard touchdown run. Bears running back D'Andre Swift rushed for three touchdowns and piled up 124 yards on 18 carries along with RB Kyle Monangai going for 100 yards on just ten carries and he scored on a 61 yard touchdown run. Panthers QB Bryce Young had three TD passes and one rushing score along with 361 passing yards and one interception thrown in the loss. The Bears and Panthers combined for over 1,000 yards in offense in this game as the Bears gained 552 total yards in offense and Carolina amassed 478 yards.

Jacksonville rolled past the visiting Cleveland Browns, 34-10 as Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence had four touchdown passes and 245 passing yards in the easy win. Browns QB Deshaun Watson was sacked five times in the loss as he had one TD pass and one interception.  

In the season opening game last Wednesday night, the Seattle Seahawks rallied for a 13-10 win over the visiting New England Patriots. The Seattle defense intercepted Pats QB Drake Maye (178 passing yards, one TD) three times in the fourth quarter, including a pick in the end zone in the final seconds to seal the win. Seahawks QB Drew Lock, playing in place of injured starter Sam Darnold, threw a 45-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba that tied the game 10-10 early in the fourth quarter. Seattle kicker Jason Myers 26-yard field goal with 5:50 left to go provided the final score. 

In Minnesota, the Vikings rolled up 22 points in the fourth quarter and toppled the Green Bay Packers, 39-22 behind three TD passes by QB Carson Wentz, who came into the game for Minnesota after starter Kyler Murray left with a concussion. The Packers led 22-10 in the third quarter as QB Jordan Love had two scoring passes (along with one interception and 387 passing yards) and Trey Smack drilled three field goals. Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in two touchdown passes to help lead the way even with the Vikings being out gained by 419 to 239 in total yardage. 

The San Francisco 49ers served notice they also reside in the mighty NFC West division as they crushed the Los Angeles Rams, 27-7 with Brock Purdy throwing three TD passes in the game played in Melbourne, Australia on Friday. The Rams lone score was a five-yard run by RB Kyren Williams. 

Cincinnati held off the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 33-27 as Bengals QB Joe Burrow threw a scoring pass to tight end Mike Gesicki and the defense scored on a 27-yard fumble return by Demetrius Knight, Jr. and RB Chase Brown added a five-yard scoring run to go with four field goals by Evan McPherson. The Bucs linebacker Josiah Trotter had a "pick six" interception touchdown and QB Baker Mayfield and RB Bucky Irving scored rushing touchdowns in the loss. 

 

Ravens RB Derrick Henry scored three times in big win. 

The Baltimore Ravens routed the host Indianapolis Colts, 41-23 behind big games from RB Derrick Henry (144 rushing yards, three TD) and QB Lamar Jackson (324 passing yards and one rushing TD), who connected with wide receiver Zay Flowers (five receptions for 150 yards) for a 54-yard touchdown pass. The Colts were out gained by Baltimore 506-251 in yardage as running back Jonathan Taylor (98 rushing yards) scored twice on the ground in defeat.

The Buffalo Bills went into Houston and punched the Texans and their rugged defense in the mouth en route to a 36-31 win behind a huge game from QB Josh Allen, who had 334 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns along with two scoring passes, including the game winner of 34 yards to WR Joshua Palmer with 1:36 remaining in the game. The Texans turned the football over twice on fumbles and were penalized for 106 yards in the loss as RB David Montgomery scored three times, including a seven-yard TD pass from C.J. Stroud (274 passing yards), who also threw a 12-yard scoring pass to WR Niko Collins. But a strip sack fumble recovery in the final minute by the Bills defense stopped the Texans drive and clinched the victory. 

The Sunday night game saw the New York Giants knock off the visiting Dallas Cowboys, 28-20 behind a balanced offense (165 rushing yards, 229 passing yards) with RB Cam Skattebo (81 rushing yards) scoring on a three-yard run and QB Jaxson Dart throwing for three touchdowns along with 230 passing yards. The Cowboys offense managed just 244 yards as Dak Prescott had two TD passes and running back Javonte Williams scored twice in defeat.  

The Las Vegas Raiders won at home, 27-13 against the Miami Dolphins with running back Ashton Jeanty scoring twice on receptions and gaining 102 rushing yards. Raiders QB Kirk Cousins had three TD passes to overcome two interceptions to help lead the way as well. The Dolphins also had a pair of turnovers and QB Malik Willis ran for a score and was sacked five times in the loss.  

The Philadelphia Eagles squeaked out a 24-22 home win against the Washington Commanders as they stopped a two-point conversion try after Commanders QB Jayden Daniels threw for his second touchdown in the game with just 1:01 left to play in the game. The Eagles got three scoring passes from QB Jalen Hurts to lead the way to the win. 

The surprise of the day was the Arizona Cardinals beating the host Los Angeles Chargers, 26-14 behind four field goals by Chad Ryland and a blocked punt that led to a three-yard scoring pass from QB Jacoby Brissett (277 passing yards) to tight end Trey McBride early in the fourth quarter for a 23-14 edge. The Chargers had two turnovers on offense and QB Justin Herbert had a TD pass with one interception thrown in defeat. 

The Detroit Lions held on for a 31-30 overtime win at home against the feisty New Orleans Saints. Detroit took a 31-24 lead in the OT session when QB Jared Goff threw his second TD pass to WR Amon-Ra St. Brown with 5:04 remaining. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored twice and had 156 rushing yards on 29 carries and the defense registered five sacks to help out in the win. The Saints came back from a 21-0 deficit behind three scoring passes from QB Tyler Shough, who had 410 passing yards and two interceptions, but the effort fell short in overtime as the Lions thwarted the two-point attempt. 

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers won a yawner, 20-13 against the Atlanta Falcons behind T.J. Watt returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown and one TD pass from QB Aaron Rodgers. Falcons QB Cooper Rush started in place of injured Tua Tagovailoa and was sacked four times along with two interceptions thrown, which offset his one scoring pass in the loss. 

The New York Jets won, 23-10 on the road against the Tennessee Titans as their defense limited the Titans to only 195 yards in total offense and they held the ball for over 38 minutes in the win. Jets running back Breece Hall (102 rushing yards) had a TD run and wide receiver Kenyon Sadiq added a three-yard scoring run. Titans QB Cam Ward threw a TD pass in the loss. 

In the Monday Night Football game, the Kansas City Chiefs crushed the visiting Denver Broncos, 31-10 behind two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown by QB Patrick Mahomes, who had 184 passing yards with two TD and one interception. In addition, Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III had a receiving and rushing touchdown (60 yard scoring run) while piling up 173 yards on 23 carries. The Kansas City defense had four QB sacks and held the Broncos to 176 yards in total offense. The only Broncos touchdown came on a 19-yard scoring pass from quarterback Bo Nix to tight end Evan Engram. 

 

WEEK ONE RESULTS 

Seattle 13, New England 10

San Francisco 27, L.A. Rams 7  

Chicago 59, Carolina 37 

Jacksonville 34, Cleveland 10 

N.Y. Jets 23, Tennessee 10 

Buffalo 36, Houston 31

Detroit 31, New Orleans 30 (OT) 

Cincinnati 33, Tampa Bay 27

Pittsburgh 20, Atlanta 13

Baltimore 41, Indianapolis 23 

Arizona 26, L.A. Chargers 14 

Las Vegas 27, Miami 13 

Philadelphia 24, Washington 22

Minnesota 39, Green Bay 22  

N.Y. Giants 28, Dallas 20  

Kansas City 31, Denver 10 

 

 

 

25 Years Ago

 

NFL - Week One Preview

It's time for football as the 2026 NFL season gets started on Wednesday evening in Seattle with the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots in a "re-match" of the game last February. The 'Hawks crushed the Patriots in that one as their defense dominated the entire game. 

The Thursday night game will be in Melbourne, Australia between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in what should be a good NFC West battle. On Sunday, the Buffalo Bills travel to take on the Houston Texans in a game between two teams that lost in the AFC divisional playoffs last January. Both of these teams are regarded as teams that could get to the Super Bowl this time around. 

There are four games featuring division rivals as the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings go at it in an NFC North tilt. The NFC East will have all four teams facing off in the opener as the Dallas Cowboys face the New York Giants on the road on Sunday Night Football while the Philadelphia Eagles will host the Washington Commanders earlier in the day. On Monday Night Football, the Denver Broncos will face the host Kansas City Chiefs in what should be another exciting one. 

All in all, the opening week around the NFL is one of the most unpredictable as the 32 NFL teams don't usually show too much from their starting players during the pre-season and this time around it was no different. 

This is the 18th season this blog is picking games on a weekly basis and it's always fun to try and figure out how things might go during the course of the NFL season. These picks made here are strictly predictions and are not to be taken serious for gambling point spreads or straight up plays or anything like that. So if people like to do that sort of thing, you're on your own with the sports odds makers. 

With that said, here goes nothing as Heftyinfo makes the picks for Week One around the NFL with the capsule style previews for all 16 games featured and then the actual picks for the games. 

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks - The home team should come out on top, but in a season opener, expect the unexpected. The Patriots will be without running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle injury) in this game, so quarterback Drake Maye will have the chance to throw more often to his two new wide receivers. Seattle's defense will be ready for the challenge and the offense will look to do the same. 

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne, Australia) - When these two teams go at it, expect a battle and this one should be no different. Both teams feature very good defenses in this game in the "land down under." The call here is the Rams win in a close finish. 

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers - The Bears have higher expectations entering this season and the Panthers won the NFC South a year ago. This game will likely come down to the wire. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals - Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has a new contract and should be flying high for this one. The Bengals have Joe Burrow at quarterback with two of the best wide receivers in the game and what they hope will be an improved defense with several new players. 

New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions - Take the Lions in what should be a high scoring game. 

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans - This game is a test in the opener for two starting quarterbacks looking to shed the "choker" label following earlier than expected playoff exits last year. 

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts - The Ravens looking to bounce back in 2026 after a disappointing season while the Colts will look to do the same after so many injuries ruined a great start last year. 

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars - Take the Jaguars at home against a Browns team being led by QB Deshaun Watson, who hasn't started in nearly two years. 

Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers - The Steelers rate the edge in this opener as QB Aaron Rodgers begins his final NFL season. Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa is looking to revive his career. 

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans - In a game between two teams that went 3-14 a year ago, something positive has to happen. Some payback perhaps for Titans new head coach Robert Saleh as he goes against the team that fired him two years ago. 

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers - Arizona appears to be in total rebuild mode this year while the Chargers are looking to improve a stagnant offense with new coordinator Mike McDaniel on board this season. This one should be an interesting game. 

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders - Two teams with new head coaches looking to rebuild on the fly as the season gets started. Toss up. 

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings - NFC North rivals in this one and the Vikings have Kyler Murray now playing quarterback, looking to get the offense back in gear this season. Packers are expecting good things in the 2026 season after making the playoffs last season. This game will likely go down to the final possession and perhaps even into overtime. Definite toss up here. 

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles coming into this season with a chip on their shoulders as QB Jalen Hurts has been questioned by many following a down 2025 season right after a Super Bowl title. The Commanders also looking to prove themselves after falling hard with QB Jayden Daniels being injured for most of the 2025 season after his spectacular rookie year. 

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants - The Sunday night "prime time" game between two teams that dislike each other. Dallas will attempt to prove all the hype about them is correct as they enter 2026 with a huge revamping of the NFL's worst defense from a year ago. The Giants appear to be up and comers, led by second year QB Jaxson Dart. This game should be a good one with the Cowboys sneaking it out against the home team. 

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - Monday Night Football in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes and company taking on the Broncos, the team that took over AFC West crown a year ago. Take the Chiefs in a squeaker. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week One      . . . . . . . . . . . . .      (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)  

Seattle over New England 

L.A. Rams over San Francisco (game played in Melbourne, Australia) 

Chicago over Carolina 

Cincinnati over Tampa Bay 

Detroit over New Orleans 

Buffalo over Houston 

Baltimore over Indianapolis 

Jacksonville over Cleveland 

Pittsburgh over Atlanta 

Tennessee over N.Y. Jets 

L.A. CHARGERS over Arizona 

Las Vegas over Miami 

Minnesota over Green Bay 

Philadelphia over Washington 

Dallas over N.Y. Giants 

Kansas City over Denver

 

2025 FINAL SEASON RECORD - 176-95-1

Lock of the Week Record  - 16-2  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 SEASON - Preview And Predictions

The 2026 NFL season is just about here and the opening game kickoff is in Seattle on Wednesday evening when the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks host the New England Patriots. The Seahawks destroyed the Patriots, 29-13 in Super Bowl LX last February as their defense dominated while the offense was steady and running back Kenneth Walker III (now with the Kansas City Chiefs) was named the Most Valuable Player in the game. 

Seattle will have a battle once again in the NFC West division with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers this season and perhaps all three of those teams will again make the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks blasted the 49ers, 41-6 in the divisional round of the playoffs and then outlasted the Rams, 31-27 in the NFC Championship game prior to their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. Meanwhile, the Patriots made some moves with their offense and have some new faces at wide receiver in A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, to accompany quarterback Drake Maye, who was last seen running for his life in the Super Bowl loss against Seattle. The opening game should be an interesting affair for sure, but look for the Seahawks to prevail over the Patriots yet again. 

On Thursday Night Football, the Rams and 49ers will face each other for some reason all the way over in Melbourne, Australia. That game should be a good one as these fierce rivals go at it with the Rams featuring premier defensive player Myles Garrett, who is the single season sacks record holder. Last year, Garrett (with the Cleveland Browns) totaled 23 quarterback takedowns and he will be teaming with Aaron Donald, a future Hall-of-Fame player who came out of a three-year retirement to join his former team in their quest for a Super Bowl title. The 49ers have a strong defense as well, which should be bolstered by the return of edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner from injuries that kept them out of action for most of last season. 

It will be a fun start to what should be an entertaining and unpredictable NFL season. 

There are so many questions to be answered in the next four and half months as the 32 teams battle it out to see who will emerge as the Super Bowl champions at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on February 14, 2027 in Super Bowl LXI. 

Can the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, with many new faces on defense, overcome their demons and finally get to the NFL promised land? 

Can the Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, finally reach the Super Bowl after so many playoff disappointments? 

What about the Baltimore Ravens and their beleaguered QB Lamar Jackson, the same can be said about them? 

Will quarterback Patrick Mahomes (coming off major knee surgery) and the Kansas City Chiefs bounce back in 2026 and reclaim their throne atop the AFC? 

What about the Denver Broncos in the competitive AFC West division? Can they ride their strong defense and will third year QB Bo Nix show more improvement as he looks to overcome a severe ankle injury that kept him out of the AFC title game last January?

Will the Philadelphia Eagles win a third straight NFC East title with QB Jalen Hurts now devoid of one of his top wide receivers,  A.J. Brown who went to the New England Patriots this off-season? 

Can quarterback Aaron Rodgers lead the Pittsburgh Steelers back to the AFC playoffs in this his 22nd and final NFL season?

Can the Chicago Bears continue to be late-game miracle workers with third year quarterback Caleb Williams, who dubbed himself the "Ice Man" during the frosty weather run last January in the NFC playoffs? 

Will the Detroit Lions make a comeback effort in the 2026 season and get back to the playoffs after tumbling to NFC North division cellar? 

Will the NFC South division winner actually have a winning record this season?  

So many questions to be answered and it will play out over the 18-week schedule from now until early January. So here goes as Heftyinfo looks to predict how the divisional races will shake out and which teams will go at it in the post-season before two teams eventually square off in the Super Bowl in February.  

(Teams listed in italic bold are the number one playoff seeds and get a bye; Wild Card teams listed in bold) 

NFC 

East - 1. Philadelphia 2. Dallas 3. N.Y. Giants 4. Washington 

North - 1. Detroit 2. Chicago 3. Minnesota 4. Green Bay 

South - 1. Tampa Bay 2. New Orleans 3. Carolina 4. Atlanta 

West - 1. L.A. Rams 2. Seattle 3. San Francisco 4. Arizona  

 

AFC

East - 1. Buffalo 2. New England 3. N.Y. Jets 4. Miami 

North - 1. Baltimore 2. Cincinnati 3. Pittsburgh 4. Cleveland 

South - 1. Jacksonville 2. Houston 3. Indianapolis 4. Tennessee 

West - 1. Denver 2. Kansas City 3. L.A. Chargers 4. Las Vegas  

NFC PLAYOFFS 

Wild Card Round  - Philadelphia over Dallas; San Francisco over Detroit; Seattle over Tampa Bay 

Divisional Round -  L.A. Rams over San Francisco; Seattle over Philadelphia 

NFC Championship Game - L.A. Rams over Seattle  

AFC PLAYOFFS 

Wild Card Round - Denver over Houston; L.A. Chargers over Baltimore; Kansas City over Jacksonville

Divisional Round - Buffalo over L.A. Chargers; Denver over Kansas City 

AFC Championship Game - Buffalo over Denver 

 

                                                                   SUPER BOWL LXI 

                                                                Los Angeles Rams over Buffalo Bills  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rest In Peace Dolly Parton

Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80 years old. She was long ago dubbed the "Country Music Queen" and was well known for many decades, going back to her days with the late Porter Wagoner and also appearing on the old country and western variety show "Hee Haw" back in the late 1960s/early 1970s. She was voted as Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year in both 1975 and 1976. 

 

 

She was known for her beautiful singing voice and busty physical appearance and long blonde hair. But Dolly was much more than all of that as she was a very generous, caring person who donated millions of books for children to read as well as many charities she was responsible for. She was not only a singer and entertainer, but also a philanthropist, who gave  hundreds of millions of dollars to literacy, healthcare, education and disaster relief. Parton came from a large family in Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children, born on January 19, 1946 in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. 

She also had the theme park "Dollywood" in the Pigeon Forge-Gatlinburg, Tennessee area. She also appeared in quite a few movies, including the hit movie 9 to 5 (1980) and also Steel Magnolias, which was released in 1989. Some of her many hit songs included "I Will Always Love You", "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colors" and of course 9 to 5, the title track from the motion picture. Dolly Parton won ten Grammy Awards during her career as well. Dolly Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. 

God Bless You Dolly and Rest In Peace. 

 

John Roberts Led U.S. Supreme Court Gets It Wrong Again

The United States Supreme Court, already compromised with scandal due to Clarence Thomas taking bribe money for many years from Harlan Crow as well as Roberts' wife being involved in deals that make millions and then not recusing himself from said cases that came before the SCOTUS. And of course, Samuel Alito has been under fire ever since the photos came out showing his home displaying an upside American flag (a distress signal) following Trump and his goons trying to overthrow the 2020 U.S. election results. He and his wife were siding with Trump and the failed coup attempt. 

As for Roberts and his wife . . .  well, well, looky here . . . there are whistleblower documents that allege Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts' wife, Jane Sullivan Roberts, earned over $10.3 million in commissions as a high-end legal recruiter from 2007 to 2014 working with firms that had business before the Supreme Court. Critics and ethics complaints argue this created conflicts of interest and that Roberts mischaracterized the commission income as a "salary" on financial disclosures.

Now of course, this SCOTUS (with no less than six republican partisan hacks) just ruled yesterday, during their annual summertime recess mind you, that Donald Trump can go ahead with his executive order of controlling the U.S. postal service and mail-in ballots for the Congressional mid-term elections in November. 

This U.S. Supreme Court, led by John Roberts, is full of shit, to put it simply. 

They have no business ruling on this. 

Trump is a traitor (January 6, 2021 failed coup attempt) and as well as being named hundreds of thousands of times in the Epstein Files, he cannot, by the rule of the U.S. Constitution, have any say on how individual states in this country run the elections. 

Period. End of discussion. 

And like so many of his attempts in court cases regarding elections, he will lose yet again with this futile effort, which is actually the idea of Project 2025 and the so called Heritage Foundation. The elections are too close at hand and this executive order will not have time to be implemented by then. Count on this happening folks . . . the elections will take place and the republicans up for re-election in Congress will be soundly defeated by we the people as we vote. 

Just like it happened 20 years ago in the 2006 Congressional mid-term elections, there will be a shellacking and the republican party will no longer have the majority control of the U.S. House and perhaps even lose the U.S. Senate majority. 

As for Trump and his six lap dogs on the SCOTUS, they can all go to hell. 

This is our country and it's not going to happen. 

Vote!  

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS                                                                                       

2025 Record - 14-3-0 

Head Coach - Mike Macdonald 

2025 Offensive Rank - 351 YPG (7th); Rushing - 123 YPG (10th), Passing - 228 YPG (8th) SCORING - 28.4 PPG (3rd)

2025 Defensive Rank - 286 YPG (6th); Rushing - 92 YPG (3rd), Passing - 194 YPG (10th) SCORING - 17.2 PPG (1st)

Key Player Additions - Jadarian Price (RB), Dante Fowler, Jr. (LB), Rodney Thomas (DB), Noah Igbinoghene (DB), Emmanuel Wilson (RB)

Key Player Losses - Kenneth Walker III (RB), Coby Bryant (DB), Cam Akers (RB), Riq Woolen (DB), Boye Mafe (LB) 
 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Sam Darnold put together a successful season in 2025, passing for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Drew Lock is the backup quarterback. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III left in free agency, leaving Zach Charbonnet (730 rushing yards, 4.0 YPC and 12 touchdowns) as the primary running back. Rookie Jadarian Price (Notre Dame) was the top draft pick for Seattle and will get his chances to contribute. The wide receivers are Jaxon Smith-Njigba (119 receptions for 1,793 yards and ten TD), Cooper Kupp (47, 593, two TD) and Rashid Shaheed (59, 687, two TD with both Seattle and New Orleans in 2025). The tight ends are A.J. Barner, who had 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns and Elijah Arroyo, who was limited in his rookie season with knee injuries. 

DEFENSE - The defensive front has nose tackle Jarran Reed along with Leonard Williams (seven QB sacks), Byron Murphy (seven sacks) and DeMarcus Lawrence. The linebackers are Ernest Jones IV (team high 126 tackles and also five interceptions), Drake Thomas (89 tackles), Derrick Hall and Uchenna Nwosu, who had seven sacks. In the defensive backfield are cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe and the safeties are Nick Emmanwori (81 tackles) and Julian Love. Veteran cornerback Trevon Diggs was recently signed and Terrion Arnold is another possible addition in the secondary. Also looking to provide depth in the secondary are D'Anthony Bell, Noah Igbinoghene, Rodney Thomas and rookies Julian Neal (Arkansas) and Bud Clark (TCU).  The Seahawks led the NFL in scoring defense last season, allowing just 17.2 points per game and had 47 sacks along with 18 interceptions. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Seahawks won the Super Bowl in dominating fashion last year and the defense showed why it was one of the best in the NFL in that victory against the New England Patriots. Head Coach Mike Macdonald came on board with a reputation as a defensive guru and he would like to see more of the same as the Seahawks look to defend their title, which won't be easy playing in the NFC West along with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. 

The offense finished third in the league in scoring as QB Sam Darnold played well enough with a balanced attack that saw wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba lead the NFL in receiving yardage while the running attack was in the top ten in the NFL. Running back Zach Charbonnet is looking to return from a knee injury that kept him out of the post-season and rookie RB Jadarian Price will be a key piece until Charbonnet is back as a starter. The defense was tremendous and like the offense, has ten starting players from last year returning in 2026, so that should bode well for the team. 

As long as the key players stay healthy and complacency doesn't set in, the Seahawks should be right there with the Rams and 49ers in the fight for the NFC West crown this year. All three of those teams could make the NFC playoffs yet again and if the Seahawks are going to go far in January, then Darnold and company must do their part on offense as they did in the Super Bowl run last year. The chances to repeat as Super Bowl champions is always difficult, so Seattle is in for a battle. The talent is definitely there to get it done again, so now is the time for them to go out and prove it.  

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. New England 

Week Two - at Arizona 

Week Three - at Washington 

Week Four - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Five - vs. San Francisco 

Week Six - at Denver 

Week Seven - vs. Kansas City 

Week Eight - vs. Chicago 

Week Nine - vs. Arizona 

Week Ten - at Las Vegas 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - at San Francisco 

Week Thirteen - vs. Dallas 

Week Fourteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Fifteen - at Philadelphia 

Week Sixteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Seventeen - at Carolina 

Week Eighteen - at L.A. Rams  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS                                                                                          

2025 Record - 14-3-0 

Head Coach - Mike Vrabel 

2025 Offensive Rank - 379 YPG (3rd); Rushing - 129 YPG (6th), Passing - 250 YPG (4th) SCORING - 28.8 PPG (2nd) 

2025 Defensive Rank - 295 YPG (8th); Rushing - 102 YPG (6th), Passing - 193 YPG (9th) SCORING - 18.8 PPG (4th) 

Key Player Additions - Romeo Doubs (WR), Kevin Byard III (DB), Dre'Mont Jones (LB), K.J. Britt (LB), Julian Hill (TE), Kindle Vildor (DB)

Key Player Losses - Stefon Diggs (WR), Garrett Bradbury (OL), K'Lavon Chaisson (LB), Austin Hooper (TE), Jack Gibbens (LB), Jaylin Hawkins (DB), Khyris Tonga (DL), Anfernee Jennings (LB), Vederian Lowe (OL), Jahlani Tavai (LB) 

OFFENSE - Quarterback Drake Maye had a huge season in his second campaign as he passed for 4,394 yards and had 31 touchdown passes along with just nine interceptions while also rushing for 450 yards (4.4 YPC) and he scored four times. Treveyon Henderson (911 rushing yards, 5.1 YPC, nine TD) and Rhamondre Stevenson (603, 4.6 YPC, seven TD) form a solid one-two punch in the backfield. The wide receivers will be led by Mack Hollins (46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns), Romeo Doubs (55, 724, six TD with Green Bay) and Kayshon Boutte, who hauled in 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns. The tight end is Hunter Henry, who had 60 receptions for 768 yards and seven touchdowns last season. 

DEFENSE - Up front is nose tackle Cory Durden along with Christian Barmore and end Milton Williams, providing solid run defense that finished sixth in the NFL a year ago. The linebackers are Dre'Mont Jones, who had seven combined quarterback sacks with Tennessee and Baltimore last season and also Robert Spillane (97 tackles and two interceptions), Christian Ellis (76 tackles) and Harold Landry III, who led the team with 8 1/2 sacks. K.J. Britt and rookies Gabe Jacas (Illinois) and Namdi Obiazor (TCU) will look to add depth. The secondary has safeties Craig Woodson (75 tackles) and Kevin Byard III, who made 95 tackles and had an NFL leading seven interceptions with the Chicago Bears last year. The cornerbacks are Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones (three picks) and Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots defense had ten interceptions last year and totaled 35 sacks while allowing just under 19 points per game. 

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - The Patriots shocked the NFL last year by going to the Super Bowl after two successive 4-13 seasons prior and many said it was because of the easy schedule they played in the 2025 season and was the reason for their success. They only faced two teams that made the AFC playoffs a year ago and this time around it looks more challenging on the 17-game schedule, including the season opener in Seattle for a Super Bowl rematch with the defending champion Seahawks. 

Head Coach Mike Vrabel has had a pretty tumultuous off-season personally and whether or not that is a factor in 2026 remains to be seen. As for the football, the Patriots have a solid core on both offense and defense, including third year quarterback Drake Maye, who will look to keep things going in the right direction after a tremendous run in 2025. The offense was balanced last year and finished second in the NFL in scoring and brings in Romeo Doubs at wide receiver to replace Stefon Diggs (now with Washington) in the passing attack. The pass protection for Maye will need to improve as he was sacked 48 times last year and a bunch more in the post-season. 

The defense was solid and New England had a plus-3 in turnovers, though the pass rush could improve after finishing in the bottom third of the league with only 35 sacks. The red zone defense was good and when the chips were down late in games last year, the Patriots usually delivered. The Super Bowl loser hangover is always a factor, but Vrabel has the coaching experience as well as being a former player who has been there, to help this team keep their focus. The Patriots will most likely battle the Buffalo Bills for the AFC East title again and if they make the playoffs, they can go far. Only this time around, they will have the targets on their collective backs as other teams will not be taken by surprise as the season goes along. 

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Seattle 

Week Two - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Three - at Jacksonville 

Week Four - at Buffalo 

Week Five - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Six - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Seven - at Chicago 

Week Eight - at Miami 

Week Nine - vs. Green Bay 

Week Ten - vs. Detroit (Munich, Germany) 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Thirteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Fourteen - vs. Minnesota 

Week Fifteen - at Kansas City 

Week Sixteen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Seventeen - vs. Denver 

Week Eighteen - vs. Miami  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                                                                                     

2025 Record - 6-11-0  

Head Coach - Kellen Moore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Detroit 

Week Two - at Baltimore 

Week Three - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Four - vs. Atlanta 

Week Five - vs. Minnesota 

Week Six - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Seven - vs. Pittsburgh (Paris, France) 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Cleveland 

Week Ten - vs. Carolina 

Week Eleven - at Chicago 

Week Twelve - at Cincinnati 

Week Thirteen - vs. Green Bay 

Week Fourteen - at Carolina 

Week Fifteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Sixteen - vs. Arizona 

Week Seventeen - at Atlanta 

Week Eighteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS                                                                                         

2025 Record - 13-4-0 

Head Coach - Liam Coen 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Cleveland 

Week Two - at Denver 

Week Three - vs. New England 

Week Four - at Cincinnati 

Week Five - vs. Philadelphia (London, England) 

Week Six - vs. Houston (London, England) 

Week Seven - BYE  

Week Eight - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Nine - at Baltimore 

Week Ten - at Tennessee 

Week Eleven - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Twelve - vs. Tennessee 

Week Thirteen - at Chicago 

Week Fourteen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Fifteen - at Houston 

Week Sixteen - at Dallas 

Week Seventeen - vs. Washington 

Week Eighteen - at Indianapolis  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                                                              

2025 Record - 8-9-0

Head Coach - Todd Bowles 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Cincinnati 

Week Two - vs. Cleveland 

Week Three - vs. Minnesota 

Week Four - vs. Green Bay 

Week Five - at Dallas 

Week Six - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Seven - at Carolina 

Week Eight - vs. Atlanta 

Week Nine - at Chicago 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Detroit 

Week Twelve - vs. Carolina 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Fourteen - at Baltimore 

Week Fifteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Sixteen - at Atlanta 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eighteen - at New Orleans  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - CLEVELAND BROWNS

CLEVELAND BROWNS                                                                                              

2025 Record - 5-12-0 

Head Coach - Todd Monken 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Jacksonville 

Week Two - at Tampa Bay 

Week Three - vs. Carolina 

Week Four - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Five - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Six - vs. Baltimore 

Week Seven - at Tennessee 

Week Eight - at Pittsburgh 

Week Nine - at New Orleans 

Week Ten - vs. Houston 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Thirteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Fourteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Fifteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Sixteen - at Baltimore 

Week Seventeen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eighteen - at Cincinnati   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 Season Preview - SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers                                                                                              

2025 Record - 12-5-0 

Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

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

Week Two - vs. Miami 

Week Three - vs. Arizona 

Week Four - vs. Denver 

Week Five - at Seattle 

Week Six - vs. Washington 

Week Seven - at Atlanta 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Ten - at Dallas 

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

Week Twelve - vs. Seattle 

Week Thirteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Fourteen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Fifteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Sixteen - at Kansas City 

Week Seventeen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Eighteen - at Arizona