| Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com on how a ruling by a United States District Court Judge in Colorado named Charlotte Sweeney (Biden) has created the possibility that if a player is cut by an NFL team in the weeks ahead they may have the opportunity of continuing to play NCAA football rather than take a spot on an NFL practice squad. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: The constant chaos in college football has created all sorts of questions. The most pressing current donut hole relates to the five-year rule and the question of whether players who graduated high school in 2022 will get one more season of eligibility. There’s still no clarity as to how a recent injunction issued by a court in Colorado will apply. Judge Charlotte Sweeney initially opened the floodgates, before explaining that the ruling doesn’t throw the transfer portal open for players who have another season to go wherever they want. Still, other cases that have been filed or that are in the works could result in a different outcome. Through it all, the NCAA is holding firm. For some of the member schools, however, there are cracks in the wall. Or maybe they’re just being opportunistic. Regardless, some programs have been reaching out to agents with a specific pitch. First-year players who get cut and who are looking at a year on the practice squad, at best, should consider returning to college for another season. The possibility raises many questions, for everyone. Will a school have roster spots? Will a player have to surrender any money he made (signing bonus, per diem, etc.) before returning to school? For the player, the most obvious question would be the amount he could earn in another year of college football versus the money to be made on the practice squad, with the possibility of performing well enough to be signed to an active roster. Which could entail earning an accrued season, and all of the long-term benefits that go along with it. It will be, as one team executive observed, a “dangerous game” for the players. Still, the fact that they have the ability to make business decisions, dangerous or otherwise, represents progress that would have been inconceivable only five years ago. For the schools, it’s just another way to get better. Whatever it takes. Wherever the good players can be found — even if it means promising a retired jersey with no intention of living up to the commitment. That’s the irony. The schools collectively have become desperate to find a path to normalcy (by having someone else find it for them), especially if that means the players making less money and losing their current portal power. Individually, the schools want to win now. And if there’s a way to bend the chaos in their direction, the coaches will do whatever they can to make it happen. |
| NFC NORTH |
| CHICAGO The Bears are saying their sole focus is on Indiana. The AP: The Chicago Bears have at least one viable site for a stadium in northwest Indiana and they are examining a second location as they move closer to finalizing a place for their new home. The Bears announced in June that they were moving forward with a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana. They have completed their review of what they are calling the Lost Marsh site, and they are doing their due diligence on the Wolf Lake Terminal site. They could merge the two options together in some way. “Even though we’ve had occasional meetings with the state of Illinois, our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana,” team President Kevin Warren said Thursday. The Bears also had been considering Arlington Heights — about 30 miles northwest of Chicago — as a potential location for an enclosed stadium. Wherever they end up, a name change is off the table. “We will be the Chicago Bears whether we’re in Arlington or whether we’re in Hammond,” chairman George McCaskey said. But the Bears keep leaving the door open for Illinois lawmakers to lower their expectations for tax revenue and make a deal. And there is a report The Commish is working a back door channel with Democrat lawmakers in Illinois, presumably, but not certainly, in concert with Kevin Warren and the Bears braintrust. Mike Florio ofProFootballTalk.com: On the same day that Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren publicly declared that the team’s “sole focus” as to a new stadium is Hammond, Indiana, Commissioner Roger Goodell privately was working to keep the team in the only state it has called home. Via Shia Kapos of Politico, Goodell met with a “few select Illinois lawmakers” on Thursday. The news highlights the reality that Hammond is the leverage to get something done in Arlington Heights or, possibly, Chicago. If the Bears were going to build something in Hammond, the process would have started by now. Especially since, as Warren said Thursday, the projected cost is increasing by $150 million per year. So maybe, in the end, the Bears won’t leave Illinois. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll find a solution in Chicago. Until then, enjoy the remaining seasons (however few or many there may be) of the Chicago Bears in the natural elements of Soldier Field. More thoughts from Kevin Warren on why Indiana keeps cropping up as his solution even though he knows many, many Bears fans are disappointed with the idea of trekking across the state line into the unknown. Jordan Sigler of ChiCitySports.com: Warren appeared to slip up when asked by a reporter if he had a message for fans who are “disappointed” the Bears appear ready to move across the border to Northwest Indiana. At first, Warren said he “agreed” to the question, but quickly backtracked, saying he understood why fans would be frustrated. “I mean, I agree,” Warren said, before realizing that might not be the best way to answer the question while trying to finalize a deal in Indiana. “I mean, I understand how a fan could be upset, but I think what’s important to recognize is important for the fans. It’s for us to build a world-class stadium. “It’s time, the time has come for us to do it. They deserve a much better game day experience than we have now. They deserve the opportunity for us to be able to bring world-class events here, from the Super Bowl, that we have a chance to bid for, to World Cup to concerts, college football playoff games, to other professional sports.” It wasn’t ideal for the Bears, under the leadership of Warren and the chairmanship of McCaskey, to send the team to Indiana. But that could be the Bears’ best bet after being unable otherwise to make headway in Illinois. Warren thinks Bears fans will appreciate what they build if the move to Indiana becomes finalized. “The focus every single day, every meeting we’re in, we’re focusing on the importance of building this relationship with the fans,” Warren said. “But I can understand frustration. And hopefully, when we finish the stadium and open up, and they get a chance to experience it, that they’ll be grateful for what we’ve done.” Of course, the stadium has to be built before fans can even become close to grateful. On Thursday, nothing from the Bears’ news conference suggested the team was any closer to shovels in the ground than they were before the Spring General Assembly. |
| MINNESOTAS JAMAL ADAMS is done – for the year and maybe his career. Alec Lewis of The Athletic doesn’t point out that the turf at MetLife Stadium has claimed another knee: The worst-case scenario that the Minnesota Vikings feared Saturday is now a reality: Veteran safety Jamal Adams will miss the entire 2026 season with a knee injury, a team source told The Athletic on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. Adams injured his knee during the second quarter of the Vikings’ preseason opener Saturday afternoon against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J. After the game, head coach Kevin O’Connell said the team’s initial examination didn’t look good, and that was confirmed Sunday. “I told the team after the game, ‘This guy has come in and impacted our organization,’” O’Connell said after Saturday’s 13-10 preseason win. “He’s energy every day. Affecting people in a positive way. We’ve absolutely loved his play style, his competes. And he was genuinely carving out a significant role for himself by totally being all in on the process.” Adams stumbled while defending receiver Calvin Austin III on the play that resulted in his injury. He had drifted backward from the line of scrimmage and into coverage. When Austin crossed from the right side of the field to the left, Adams slipped and stayed on the turf. Following a lengthy trip to the medical tent, he was transported off the field on a cart. Vikings teammates and coaches consoled Adams on the sideline before he left the field. Safety Josh Metellus and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., specifically, appeared distraught after the injury. “This game takes a lot from you, and it doesn’t really give too much,” Metellus said Saturday. “He’s given constant, relentless effort to play the game he loves. To fall short year in and year out, I think it’s definitely been tough. His football journey hasn’t given him what he’s wanted. But that’s the name of the game.” The 30-year-old former All-Pro signed a one-year contract for just north of $1.4 million with the Vikings before training camp began. He told reporters he chose the team because of his previous relationship with general manager Nolan Teasley and his respect for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Quickly, he developed relationships with Metellus and Murphy. His versatility intrigued coaches. Adams played 11 snaps before Saturday’s injury. He lined up near the line of scrimmage and in the slot, showcasing a potentially creative role. His injury history, which includes a torn quad in 2022, clouds his future. It also adds further urgency for Minnesota to find safety depth. Adams, who was entering his 10th season in the NFL, is a three-time Pro Bowl selection. He was first-team All-Pro in 2019 when he had 75 tackles and 6.5 sacks for the New York Jets. He was traded to Seattle ahead of the 2020 season and played four years for the Seahawks. He has also played for the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Raiders |
| NFC EAST |
| DALLASThe DB is starting to think the Cowboys may exceed expectations in 2026. They make what should be a smart signing with DE VON MILLER who can drive from his boyhood home to the games. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: After Von Miller signed with the Cowboys on Sunday night, he said it feels like a homecoming. Miller, who was born and raised in the Dallas suburb of DeSoto, Texas, said on the Nightcap Show that he has been talking to the Cowboys in the offseason and always wanted to play with the star on his helmet. “They were the first team to contact me, like a week before training camp,” Miller said. “It just seemed right to me. I live here in the offseason, my mom and dad are here, my kids are here. I’ve always had blue in my heart since I was a little boy, I always paid attention to the Dallas Cowboys. My earliest memory of football includes the Dallas Cowboys. I heard my daddy screaming in the back and I ran back there to see what was going on, and he was screaming because the Dallas Cowboys had scored a touchdown. That’s my earliest memory of football, and to be back home, it’s a dream within a dream.” Miller, who led the Commanders with nine sacks last season, said he expects to have that kind of production this season as well. “I can still walk in at 8-10 sacks now. That’s just walking in,” Miller said. “I’m going to have opportunities to do it.” Miller said he has no doubt that he’ll be a good fit in the Cowboys’ locker room. “I am the best teammate in the history of the National Football League. When it comes to being a great teammate, I just know how to do it,” Miller said. “Every team that I’ve been on, there’s not a guy in that locker room who would say anything bad about me.” Miller, who has played for the Broncos, Rams, Bills and Commanders, is as motivated as ever heading to his fifth NFL team. “It really has not hit me yet,” Miller said. “I’m excited to be here, I’m excited to get started.” |
| NFC WEST |
| SAN FRANCISCOSome rare good news about a 49ers injury – TE GEORGE KITTLE believes he can play in Australia against the mighty Rams. Matt Barrows of The Athletic: San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle said Sunday he’s nearing a return to practice from a torn Achilles tendon, and he hopes to be ready to play in the Sept. 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia. Kittle said he’s “very confident” he will be activated from the physically unable to perform list before Week 1, meaning he would not miss the season’s first four games. As for facing the Rams? “I have a chance,” Kittle said. “We’re running around a lot, hitting top speeds. Hopefully we’re back in pads practicing sooner than later. Just trying to check the boxes and not be a dumbass. “These next couple weeks here are everything,” he added later. “That will let me know whether I’m ready to play in Week 1.” The 49ers substation theory isn’t looking in the right place.Kittle, who turns 33 in October, tore the Achilles in his right leg Jan. 11 in the wild-card playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles. He said his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, told him after the surgery that he had a chance to be ready for the 2026 opener, which added motivation during his rehab. “It was pretty easy to light a fire every day,” Kittle said. The seven-time Pro Bowler said he’s been hitting all his benchmarks for speed and acceleration numbers. He hinted he’d be back at practice shortly but declined to give a timeline. “I’ve got to keep you guys on your toes,” he teased. “I can’t give you all your information.” Kittle said he wants to practice in pads and build up his football stamina before Week 1. He suggested that if he’s not ready to play in the opener, he would stay behind in Santa Clara when the rest of the team takes off for Melbourne, which will be roughly a week before the Sept. 10 game. “I don’t want my first time in pads to be in Australia,” he said. “Because I don’t think that would be a very smart idea.” Kittle said he isn’t going to jeopardize the full season just to play in the opener. “If you miss Week 1 and you play Week 2 — hey, it is what it is,” he said. “I’m just going to keep (Week 1) as my goal, and we’ll adjust from there if we need to.” Still, he said his rehabilitation plan has been “very aggressive” from the beginning. He was in a cast for roughly two weeks, and immediately after it came off, he was picking up marbles with his toes and doing seated calf raises. Eight weeks after surgery, he was on the golf course at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. “That’s actually the first thing I thought of after I got hurt — this is gonna really mess up my golf game this offseason,” he said. “I actually played the best golf of my life. I was pretty excited about that.” But what’s going on with RB CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY? Mike Florio with a clever turn of phrase: The official word is that 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has missed a week of practice due to “tightness.” Some think McCaffrey is simply trying to loosen Jed York’s wallet. There’s speculation in league circles that McCaffrey has tapped the brakes on his practice time in an effort to get an adjustment to his contract, which pays out a non-guaranteed $12.5 million in 2026. The timeline fits the hypothesis. Days after Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Lions running back Jaymyr Gibbs pushed the new-money APY to $22.5 million per year, McCaffrey stopped practicing. McCaffrey, now 30, has perhaps one more bite at the apple in his career. He had a league-leading 413 touches in 2025, and he’s expected to be a major cog in the offense again. For $12.5 million in return. As Simms mentioned on Monday’s PFT Live, there was a thought last year that McCaffrey wanted a sweetener before the season started. That didn’t happen. If he wanted one then, he’ll want one now — especially after how much he contributed to a team that scrambled to hold things together through another rash of injuries. This year’s rash of injuries includes McCaffrey, if he’s truly injured. If he’s simply avoiding practice in order to keep himself healthy, it’s smart business. He doesn’t need to be going all out for now. Especially if he’s looking for a bump in his pay and some financial security for 2026 and beyond. |
| AFC WEST |
| DENVERStorms over the weekend damaged bleachers in Denver. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: The weather in Denver is clear and sunny today, but weekend storms will continue to affect Broncos training camp. The Broncos announced this morning that fans will not be able to attend today’s practice because the storms damaged the fan seating areas. “Due to damage from this weekend’s storms, the bleachers for fans are unsafe and today’s #BroncosCamp practice is now CLOSED to the public,” the team posted on social media. Denver experienced flash flooding, heavy hail and damage to structures throughout the region over the weekend. |
| AFC EAST |
| BUFFALOAnd – the Bills went with natural grass for their new stadium. But apparently, it’s not very good natural grass. Tim Graham of The Athletic: These aren’t the types of chunk plays the Buffalo Bills are looking for. On the final play of the first quarter of Saturday’s preseason opener, backup quarterback Kyle Allen scrambled left and got pinched off near the sideline. He slid as Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade delivered a crushing blow. The force of Allen being driven into the ground sent a massive clump of Highmark Stadium’s fresh grass into the air — roots, dirt and all. The rut was so deep that four Bills went onto the field to repair it. Done playing for the day, quarterback Josh Allen, receiver DJ Moore and tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown turned to gardening. They retrieved the parcel and took turns stomping it back into place. “The field is ass right now,” said one player who didn’t want to be identified. “But it’s early.” Players were mostly diplomatic after Buffalo’s 29-14 preseason victory in the $2.2 billion stadium’s first game. Highmark Stadium has absorbed heavy criticism the past week. The Bills unveiled their home to the public with an Aug. 8 open practice that allowed season ticket holders, all of whom had to pay the first personal seat licenses in Western New York sports history, to finally check out their seats. Photos of obstructed views went viral. A downpour left some fans disappointed that their seats weren’t sheltered by the canopy. Fans also complained about traffic, the size of the scoreboards and the audio. Although announced long ago, a new 6 percent Erie County sales tax delivered sticker shock on concession and souvenir receipts. The Bills are proud of their new grass system. Pointing out lawn flaws might feel like piling on. “The grass looked good,” Bills linebacker Dorian Williams said. “It was cool. A couple spots kind of chunked up a little bit, but it’s better than playing on (artificial) turf. “The kinks will keep getting worked out. You can see some of the grass kind of mound up and guys knocking it back down, but I’ve had no traction problems so far.” Highmark Stadium’s field is Kentucky bluegrass grown at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in New Jersey — the company also has handled Acrisure Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, Fenway Park and Citi Field — and installed here in October 2025. A system of heating coils under Highmark Stadium keeps the ground from freezing. Millions of dollars in agricultural equipment are stored beneath the lower seating bowl. Two hours after the game, 16 groundskeepers were still examining every inch of the field and making repairs. Sprinklers turned on at 6:30 p.m. The field looked worn to the dirt before the Bills and Panthers emerged for pregame warmups. Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid summoned a staffer to repair a troubling divot, while linebacker Terrel Bernard supervised. As receivers ran route drills over damaged ground, a Bills staffer eventually stood at the pothole like a traffic cop. Another Bills player who didn’t want to be identified said the field was “soft, but not in a good way.” At the public practice, though, Brown joked to reporters he wanted to sleep on the grass. Saturday, running back James Cook said the field felt “smooth.” The NFL’s rushing king didn’t seem to miss a step. He carried five times for 21 yards, gliding for 13 yards on one play. Highmark Stadium’s grass wore out as the game wore on. Officials had to reset Buffalo’s play clock in the first quarter so umpire Tab Slaughter could smash down loose soil in the backfield. By halftime, baldness crept between the hashmarks, especially on Highmark Stadium’s south end (to the right if sitting behind the Bills bench). Midway through the fourth quarter, several small craters pockmarked the same area between the 14- and 21-yard lines. Long snapper Reid Ferguson had to stomp one down when he went out for an extra point. Tyler Bass missed a 46-yard field goal attempt but said he was too quick with his mechanics and didn’t blame the conditions. Buffalo last played a game on real grass — sparse as it was — in December 1972 at War Memorial Stadium, aka The Rockpile. Meanwhile, the architects of the stadium say the numerous obstructed view seats were an intentional feature of the facility, not an overlooked design flaw. Bridget Reilly of the New York Post: It was all by design, Bills Mafia. After fans were quick to slam the franchise for blocked views and sightlines during a training camp practice inside the new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium on Saturday, the project’s architect told Buffalo News that was not a design flaw nor an oversight. The stadium was built by architectural design firm Populous, which sought out, alongside the Bills, to build a more vertical stadium with stacked tiers in a seating bowl to enable fans to be as close to the action as possible. It’s also said to make for a louder atmosphere. With that came sightline sacrifices, including staircases in front of the seats in the 300 and 400 levels. “You will find some level of obstruction in every stadium in the world,” Jonathan Mallie, global director and managing director of Populous’ Americas practice, told the outlet. “The goal was to bring everybody closer to the field and create an upper deck with an incredible proximity and presence within the bowl to help create a next level experience for Bills Mafia,” he added. The Bills eventually spoke out to their fans, saying they were addressing “internal and external feedback” and would “refine” any details ahead of the home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17. Pete Guelli, president of business operations of the Bills, added to Buffalo News that fans were made known of any obstructions before they bought their seats. Additionally, fans who visited the New Stadium Experience Center should have been able to see the view of their seats virtually before purchasing. He added fans were encourged to pay a visit before purchasing a personal seat license. The team only “heard from less than 1%” of season ticket holders about sightlines. “Anything else for sale that has a sightline-related issue, we thought was clearly indicated through the virtual experience and was very reflective of where people ended up,” Guelli said. “However, if anyone felt differently, we’re having those conversations, and we want to make certain at the end of the day that they’re satisfied with their seat.” The Bills totaled more than $260 million in personal seat license sales with price tags ranging from $750 to $2,500. Seats that are completely obstructed, most of which are located on the 400 level in the first several rows, will not be for sale for football games. “How is this f–ing possible,” one X user wrote with a picture of his seat in the middle of the field. “Whoever designed the new Bills stadium should wasn’t very keen to detail,” another fan posted with accompanying pictures showing the field not being fully visible. “Imagine paying tens of thousands on PSLs and season tickets and walk into a view like this.” For fans who don’t like their seats or feel mislead by the sales process, some arrangements could be possible, Guelli added. Several seats with sightline issues were not available for purchase until after the sale to current season ticket holders concluded from the old stadium, but most of them were taken quickly. A field level view is seen during a media tour of the new Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills, on Monday, August 10, 2026. Yankee Stadium, which opened in 2009, was also a Populous project that some fans were upset with after transitioning from a historic stadium. Mallie said more and more stadiums are focusing on bringing the upper decks as close as possible to the field, which also brings more code requirements than old projects ever crossed decades ago. Highmark Stadium was also designed with the idea to create more room for movement in larger concourses, with the concessions on the opposite side away from the seating bowl. “There’s always what fans are used to versus what it can be today,” Mallie said. “We have to design to code and make sure to be safe while achieving the overall goals.” You’re closer to the action – you just can’t see it. Enjoy the sound of it, quit complaining. |
| THIS AND THAT |
| DO DRAFT – FANTASY FAVORITES FROM ERIC KARABELLBills QB JOSH ALLEN is a favorite for ESPN Fantasy expert Eric Karabell: Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen led his position with 364.62 fantasy points last season, and for six consecutive years, he has finished among the game’s top two scorers at quarterback. However, quarterback is a deep position in 2026. One can make the case that nearly half the NFL teams have a QB worthy of starting for your fantasy team this season. Allen is awesome, but even last season he outscored vastly underrated Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff — barely a top-10 performer at the position — by only 67.56 points, or less than four points per week. Allen also spent quite a bit of time handing the football off (or throwing) to RB James Cook III, fantasy’s No. 6 scorer at the position last season. Cook turned his 342 touches into 1,912 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns, and for the second season in a row he was a notable bargain in terms of ESPN average draft position. This season, Cook isn’t such a bargain, as he is going early in Round 2, but he remains worth it. He isn’t alone among running backs. In fact, this really is a year to invest a pick or two at running back early. If you don’t, you might be quite disappointed in the options available later. In relation to Allen and his relatively slight superiority over other quarterbacks, for example, this narrative does not exist at running back. Standard fantasy starting lineups require one QB and two RBs, but — considering the flex position — many can and will play three RBs. Cook outscored the No. 20 RB, Denver Broncos youngster RJ Harvey, by 95.6 points. He outscored Chicago Bears RB Kyle Monangai, 30th among RBs, by 155.5. Fantasy managers cannot wait to build around running backs, so even if Cook, Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry, Omarion Hampton of the Los Angeles Chargers, Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers, Chase Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals and others aren’t what we would call “value picks,” they are very much in demand because running back is not deep, unlike quarterback. We covet volume running backs, and there simply aren’t enough. This is the year to secure a few in the early rounds, led by Cook, Henry and Hampton. As always, the annual “Do Draft” list focuses on players who keep ending up on my fantasy teams, either from valuable practice mock drafts or the ones that count, considering value versus standard ADP. I keep gravitating toward these players, either for strategic reasons — such as waiting a long time to choose a QB or two — or because the players make sense or seem undervalued. Cook might not be undervalued, since he has proved himself with 32 touchdowns and safe volume the past two seasons, but he is a player to build around because he is reliable. Allen is reliable as well, but the depth at quarterback and running back is hardly similar. Henry, one of my annual favorites, has been heavily featured in this “Do Draft” space for years, and he followed up his excellent 2024 season of 1,921 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns with 1,595 rushing yards and 16 scores. Henry boasts double-digit touchdowns for eight consecutive seasons, and a top-10 fantasy finish at running back in six of the past seven. He is 32, and although that brings legitimate concern, there is no indication of decline. Henry is neither overvalued nor undervalued this season. Like Cook, he is someone to target. Every season I try many strategies of securing players, and how I feel about the results tends to direct how I approach the drafts that matter to me. This season, I covet a few volume running backs early even if that means ignoring my rankings of a WR with a late first-round pick. There is receiver depth. There is always quarterback depth. MORE AT RUNNING BACK Dallas Cowboys starter Javonte Williams might belong in the same ADP range as Jacobs and Brown after an outstanding 2025 season with 1,201 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. Williams likely would have finished as the No. 10 RB if he had played in a meaningless Week 18 game. The Cowboys boast an electric offense and are committed to his volume. More than a few (maybe almost all?) of the RBs going in Round 5 and later scare me. Williams might be in a tier by himself, or perhaps bumped up with the others. New Houston Texans starter David Montgomery isn’t necessarily safe or gleaming with upside, but he also doesn’t cost you a high draft pick as he is going in Round 8. In the AFC for the first time, Montgomery begins the third chapter of an underrated career at age 29, and reasonable minds can debate what level of volume he will receive. Montgomery hasn’t been a true featured back for years (through little fault of his own), but that doesn’t mean he is incapable of a return to reliable RB2 range. The rushing yards and touchdowns should be there. This is a bargain player. I am generally not targeting first-year players, but Seattle Seahawks rookie Jadarian Price enters a positive situation with the defending Super Bowl champions. Kenneth Walker III is gone, and the Seahawks never seemed particularly concerned about replacing him. Price couldn’t pile on the stats at Notre Dame with Arizona Cardinals pick Jeremiyah Love there as well, and he might not play much on passing downs, but I see a bruiser with 200-plus rushing attempts and double-digit touchdowns coming. I see an RB2 option lurking, and in his ADP range I want little part of the RB timeshares with the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings. Kenny Gainwell boasts a strong chance of outscoring incumbent Bucky Irving with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and I will reach a few rounds to grab him. I also will reach a bit for Broncos starter J.K. Dobbins. He might never appear in 17 games in a season, but perhaps this will be his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign. Harvey is the third-down back. Washington Commanders newcomer Rachaad White will be a popular in-season flex option as he steamrolls toward 70 receptions. Former Commanders option Chris Rodriguez Jr. should join him; he catches few passes but can earn early-down volume and approach double-digit touchdowns in Jacksonville. I will take a chance on New Orleans Saints pass catcher Alvin Kamara in the late rounds, too. QuarterbackSan Francisco 49ers starter Brock Purdy is going outside the top 100 in ADP. He was the No. 6 QB fantasy scorer in 2023 with 4,280 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, and he was on a similar scoring pace last year. Perhaps we cannot assume 17 games or pristine health for his targets around him, but I see a borderline QB1 option going as a clear backup in many leagues. Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes (knee) is playing in Week 1 … well, I believe he will. Don’t expect the same rushing prowess as last season, but I would take the over on 4,000 passing yards and 30 TDs. How can one bet against Mahomes? Lions starter Jared Goff is rostered in barely 50% of ESPN leagues and is going 16th at his position despite finishing as a top-10 QB fantasy scorer in each of the past four seasons. No, really, it’s true. What production! What consistency! I stop short of ranking him in the top 10, but as I write this section I wonder, “Why would it be so silly to do so?” Perhaps, as with Cowboys RB Williams, I need to move Goff up a tier. I continue to take chances (mainly in superflex formats) on new Vikings starter Kyler Murray and Saints sophomore Tyler Shough. I refuse to believe that the Miami Dolphins will be so embarrassingly bad on offense that new QB Malik Willis will fail, especially with his running ability. Wide receiverVikings star Justin Jefferson might not reprise his 2024 numbers, but I bet he comes close. He doesn’t need amazing QB play, he just needs competency there. Murray should be more than competent. Meanwhile, Vikings teammate Jordan Addison enters a critical season. His rookie numbers (70 receptions, 911 yards, 10 TDs) are in play, making Addison a bargain pick — especially with an ADP below all of the Jacksonville Jaguars WRs fighting for targets. Newly paid Ravens starter Zay Flowers finished seventh in WR scoring last season despite underwhelming QB play, yet he is 17th among WRs in ADP. No, I don’t rank Flowers as a top-10 WR, but something doesn’t make sense here. I am fine with Flowers and a pair of reliable RBs among my first three selections. Lions starter Jameson Williams might never approach 100 receptions (75 is reasonable), so his value might be higher in non-PPR formats. Even so, his QB is durable and productive, the creative offense (usually) sings and Detroit’s schedule this season might be the most favorable in the sport. This could be the TD breakout campaign. Williams easily boasts WR1 upside. I admit I might be too generous to 49ers newcomer Mike Evans, but he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and scored 11 touchdowns (No. 7 WR fantasy scorer) only two seasons ago, doing so in 14 games. I don’t expect quite that, but something like a reliable WR2 season makes sense. Indianapolis Colts starter Josh Downs is a wise breakout option after the team sent Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers. Downs enters his fourth season poised for his most targets, catches and, well … everything. He and Alec Pierce are different. I like a healthy Pierce, but it seems he is not healthy (and Pittman over fellow Steeler DK Metcalf is a reasonable take, too). I don’t get the ordinary projections for new Tennessee Titans starter Wan’Dale Robinson. I do get that the Titans grabbed rookie Carnell Tate in the draft to be their new top WR, but that scenario doesn’t always work out initially. Throw Robinson into the slot and everyone enjoys 80-plus catches, even if they’re somewhat hollow. That’s valuable in PPR. Someone will catch passes in Miami. Relative fantasy afterthought Malik Washington can surprise. Tight endNothing against the top options, but I still like to build with RBs and WRs. So, when thinking about TEs after Harold Fannin Jr. (whom I like) goes off the board, Packers breakout Tucker Kraft deserves a better ADP (perhaps in the Fannin neighborhood). Kraft is recovering well from the ACL tear, and it sure seems like he will play in Week 1. He is Green Bay’s top receiving option. The good news is the Ravens’ Mark Andrews outlasted now-New York Giant Isaiah Likely and earned his own contract extension. Andrews was disappointing in 2025, but there are no excuses now: His volume must rise. Andrews has been a top-five fantasy TE in five of the past seven seasons. It is hardly outrageous to expect a return to the top 10, and if he starts slowly, streaming is an option at the position. I bet the Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson, Bills’ Dalton Kincaid and Patriots’ Hunter Henry outproduce their lowly ADPs, too. |
| THREE-YEAR OUTLOOKThe Rams are the consensus best team at the moment, but what if you look ahead and project three more seasons. ESPN.com has a huge project on that subject where they rank teams on an outlook thru 2029 from 1 (Seattle) to 32 (Arizona) based on a compilation of grades from some of their experts. Our first thought is, as an exercise in looking to the future, they have the Jets, Giants and Browns way too low. We have the full reports for the top five and bottom five, plus some excerpts in between. You can see the whole thing here. In our annual Future Power Rankings, we’re not focused on the outcome of this season. Instead, we’re ranking all 32 teams by who is primed to be among the league’s best from the 2027 through 2029 seasons. To do so, we asked our panel of experts — analysts Louis Riddick, Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak and Seth Walder — to rate each team’s quarterback situation, remaining (non-QB) roster makeup, front office and coaching staff using this scale: 100: A+ (elite)90-99: A (great)80-89: B (very good)70-79: C (average)51-69: D (very bad)50 and below: F (disastrous) After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the four categories was weighted to create the overall score: quarterback (20%), roster (30%), front office (25%) and coaching (25%). The result is a comprehensive ranking based on how well each team is positioned for the future. Our experts then picked out reasons for optimism, reasons to worry, crucial stats/nuggets to know and bold predictions for all 32 franchises over that three-year span. 1. Seattle Seahawks (Overall score: 88.7) Overall Roster excluding QB 91.25 1Quarterback 82.25 16Coaching 92.25 3Front Office 87.25 2 Reason for hope: The league has been looking for a young defensive counterstrike to the ascent of offensive masterminds Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, and the Seahawks have finally found it! Coach Mike Macdonald has a stellar track record of defensive player development, and the emergence of WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, OT Charles Cross and QB Sam Darnold sets a high floor in Seattle for years to come. — Solak Reason for concern: The relationship between Darnold and former OC Klint Kubiak was an obvious net positive for the organization. For the future, what does that real-time relationship look like between Darnold and new OC Brian Fleury? Fleury is not just calling plays for the first time on the NFL level but also doing it with a roster that is set up to contend into the future. — Riddick Nugget to know: Including the postseason, the 2025 Seahawks finished with the highest DVOA of any team since the 2007 Patriots. The top-12 teams by DVOA since 2010 finished with an average of 10.9 wins the following season (prorated for a 17-game season). However, these numbers are dragged down by two injury-riddled 49ers teams (2020 and 2024). Remove those teams, and the average is 11.9 wins. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: Darnold will not be on the Seahawks in 2028. He started last season red-hot and finished fairly strong in Seattle’s Super Bowl run. But from Weeks 10 to 18, he ranked 27th out of 30 quarterbacks in QBR. The Super Bowl win certainly will buy Darnold time. But if he stumbles in 2027, I don’t think there are guarantees that he will be re-signed. — Walder 2. Philadelphia Eagles (Overall score: 88.1) Overall Roster excluding QB 87.75 2Quarterback 83.75 14Coaching 83.5 15Front Office 96.5 1 Reason for hope: Even in an offseason of tumult, with A.J. Brown traded and the transition to a new offensive system, the Eagles rank very highly in our future outlook. Why? Because general manager Howie Roseman has proved over the past decade that nobody builds contenders more quickly. The Eagles’ star-studded young defense is proof alone. — Solak Reason for concern: Decision-makers in Philadelphia clearly believed the offense needed to evolve philosophically, and the change was made to bring in offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. His ability to teach, develop and use the skills of QB Jalen Hurts — without fully neutralizing what has made him a Super Bowl-winning QB — will shape this organization over the next several years. — Riddick Nugget to know: The Eagles project to have the league’s youngest defense if we look at their top-12 projected defensive players (starters in both base and nickel). The average age is 25.6; Jonathan Greenard and Zack Baun are their only starters over 27. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: The Eagles will trade Jalyx Hunt or Nolan Smith Jr. ahead of the 2027 season. They will be entering the final year of their deals and are the second- or third-best pass rusher on the Eagles, in some order, with Greenard aboard. Trading either player could net Philadelphia draft capital going forward — and save some money if it’s Smith. — Walder 3. Detroit Lions (Overall score: 86.2) Overall Roster excluding QB 85.5 6Quarterback 85 13Coaching 90.5 7Front Office 83.5 5 Reason for hope: As GM Brad Holmes begins paying the legendary 2023 draft class that galvanized this Lions turnaround, future contention becomes tougher and tougher in Detroit. But between Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, the Lions’ leadership is unquestionable. And Detroit’s group of young stars entering their primes (RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, OT Penei Sewell and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown) is as deep as any. — Solak Reason for concern: I still have concerns about the Lions’ ability to rush the passer at a championship level (26th in pass rush win rate last season), although rookie 2026 second-round pick Derrick Moore could lessen some of the burden on Aidan Hutchinson. What is of more concern is the secondary, where Brian Branch is trying to come back from an Achilles tear and Kerby Joseph is rehabbing a knee injury. Both are among the best in the league at their position, so it would be a major blow if they can’t get back to their top form. — Riddick Nugget to know: Detroit has reset its offensive line with youth, and only Miami now has a younger average age among its five projected starters for the 2026 season. The Lions’ starting linemen range in age from right tackle Blake Miller (22) to center Juice Scruggs (26), who replaces the injured Cade Mays (27). — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: Hutchinson will win Defensive Player of the Year. His five pre-injury games in 2024 always stick out in my mind, when he had 7.5 sacks and an obscene 35.0% pass rush win rate at edge (Danielle Hunter led qualifiers that year at 26.1%). Of course, that was a small sample. But Hutchinson has the capability to be an elite — even the best — edge rusher over a whole season. — Walder 4. Denver Broncos (Overall score: 85.6) Overall Roster excluding QB 87.75 2Quarterback 81.25 17Coaching 90.75 6Front Office 81.25 9 Reason for hope: Across the 53-man roster, there is perhaps no team deeper than Denver. And the Broncos’ coaching staff, with Sean Payton and Vance Joseph, features two of the league’s preeminent schemers over the past decade. The continued growth of QB Bo Nix and the final addition of WR Jaylen Waddle could push this team into one of the three Super Bowl matchups in question. — Solak Reason for concern: Last year, I expressed my concern about whether Denver’s RB room could make this offense complete. I’m not as worried about that now, as I think the addition of fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman (an absolute tank) next to RJ Harvey gives the Broncos the perfect 1-2 punch over the next few years. My concern now is whether new coordinator Davis Webb can create a balanced offense to go along with their lights-out defense. — Riddick Nugget to know: The Broncos are set up well for the future, but age on the offensive line is an issue. Starters range in age from Quinn Meinerz (28) to Garett Bolles (34). Guard Kage Casey, a 2026 fourth-round pick, is the only offensive lineman Denver has selected in the past two drafts. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: Ja’Quan McMillian will become the highest-paid nickel back in 2027 — with Denver or another team. McMillian is an excellent slot corner on a good defense, allowing 1.0 yards per coverage snap (average) and minus-19 expected points added on targets (fourth best). He also spent 17% of time in tight coverage (third best), per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Walder 5. Los Angeles Rams (Overall score: 85.3) Overall Roster excluding QB 86.75 5Quarterback 73.75 24Coaching 95 1Front Office 83.25 6 Reason for hope: The Rams are tricky to rank because we don’t know for certain whether coach Sean McVay, who has contemplated retirement, will stay in Los Angeles after quarterback Matthew Stafford hangs up the pads. The team is well positioned with so many good young players, and the duo of McVay and GM Les Snead duo has worked so well for so long. Even if the Stafford era ends soon, it’ll likely end only on a Super Bowl run. — Solak Reason for concern: Different season, same concern. Stafford now has an MVP award after what was in many ways the best statistical season of his career. But he is still year-to-year as far as the future goes. And though I am a big believer in the Rams’ succession plan with Ty Simpson, the transition will not be easy. — Riddick Nugget to know: The Rams already ranked eighth last season in pass rush win rate (40%) and first in run stop win rate (34%). Now, they’ll have reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett (and possibly former DPOY Aaron Donald). — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: The Rams will lead the NFL in light offensive personnel in 2028. After shepherding the league into heavy usage of multiple tight ends, McVay will pivot again once the rest of the NFL — and its defenses — has caught up. By 2028, he’ll presumably have a new quarterback and will need new advantages for him. One can only guess at what that will be, as McVay seems to find value in zigging when the rest of the league zags. — Walder 6. New England Patriots (Overall score: 84.6)Reason for hope: Teams with elite quarterbacks on rookie contracts will never fall far down this list, and that’s exactly what the Patriots have with Drake Maye. Throw in more blue-chip players at elite positions, such as cornerback (Christian Gonzalez) and defensive tackle (Milton Williams), and the Patriots have a wonderful bedrock to remain high in these rankings for the next decade. — Solak 7. Green Bay Packers (Overall score: 84.4)Reason for hope: Green Bay’s yearly investment in young starters always leaves the Packers well-positioned for the future. Jordan Love is emerging into a Tier 2 quarterback alongside guys such as Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert, and Love’s pass catchers (Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden) look as dangerous as ever. With a couple of hits on young offensive linemen (Anthony Belton, Jordan Morgan), Green Bay’s passing attack should, once again, be one of the league’s most potent. — Solak 8. Houston Texans (Overall score: 84.3)Reason for hope: The Texans were one of three elite defenses last season (along with Seattle and Denver), and almost the entire starting 11 were homegrown players under coach DeMeco Ryans. If you can set your watch to Ryans and GM Nick Caserio building a great defense, then the Texans can be a perennial team in the top 10 of these rankings. — Solak 9. Baltimore Ravens (Overall score: 83.7)Reason for hope: The Ravens haven’t signed Lamar Jackson to an extension just yet, but it’s fair to assume that the two-time MVP will remain a Raven and keep the team in a yearly contention conversation. And the infusion of new coach Jesse Minter could be just what Baltimore needs to get over the Lombardi hump. — Solak 10. Los Angeles Chargers (Overall score: 83.5)Reason for hope: With an elite young passer in Justin Herbert and an elite coach in Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers are set up well for the future. How well Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz operate in lockstep is underappreciated. The lack of playoff success keeps Los Angeles lower on this list than it could be, but that should be rectified this season. — Solak 11. Kansas City Chiefs (Overall score: 83.2)Reason for hope: How far can a team with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback really fall? Questions abound regarding GM Brett Veach’s recent drafting and head coach Andy Reid’s antiquated scheme, but the Chiefs will always be Super Bowl contenders so long as No. 15 is healthy and under center. Such is the benefit of employing a generational talent. — Solak Reason for concern: As great as Mahomes is, he needs a lot more help than what he has received over the past two seasons 12. Chicago Bears (Overall score: 82.8)Reason for hope: The Cardiac Bears proved last season what an elite coach (Ben Johnson) and ascendant young quarterback (Caleb Williams) could achieve at their peak. General manager Ryan Poles still needs to prove he can solve the defensive talent issues, but Johnson and Williams alone will keep the Bears in a strong position for all future projections — especially if the third-year quarterback takes another step forward. — Solak Reason for concern: The defense. Bold prediction for 2027-29: Chicago will reach the Super Bowl at some point. 13. Jacksonville Jaguars (Overall score: 82.6)Reason for hope: After years of close-but-not-quite, quarterback Trevor Lawrence finally looked like the prince who was promised in the back half of the 2025 season, his first under coach Liam Coen. Jacksonville is also suddenly deep at positions such as wide receiver and cornerback (thanks, Travis Hunter). If GM James Gladstone’s solutions at offensive line hold, the Jaguars will have all the features of a yearly contender. — Solak Reason for concern: There is something to be said for having conviction in your process as a general manager, and sometimes that includes going against the grain as far as the usual strategies when team building. The projected value that Gladstone received with his selections in Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2026 draft (TE Nate Boerkircher and DL Albert Regis) remains to be seen, as I have my doubts about the long-term prospects of the draft overall. — Riddick 14. San Francisco 49ers (Overall score: 82.4)Reason for hope: Do you trust coach Kyle Shanahan? I do. The 49ers are also refreshingly young and ascending on defense. So long as Shanahan can continue printing quality offenses — despite shaky offensive line play and a carousel of injured playmakers — the 49ers will remain a tough out year over year. — Solak Reason for concern: Age and longevity. 15. Buffalo Bills (Overall score: 81.7)Reason for hope: That the Bills are at No. 15 speaks to the fallen reputation of general manager Brandon Beane and uncertainty around new coach Joe Brady. Josh Allen remains a yearly MVP contender, and the Bills have not had a below-average offense since he emerged during his rookie contract. Regardless, if continued playoff failures lead to more turnover, Allen provides one brilliant ray of sunshine to believe in. — Solak 16. Dallas Cowboys (Overall score: 79.5)Reason for hope: Dallas’ roster has a long-term question regarding wide receiver George Pickens, who is playing on the franchise tag. But Dak Prescott remains one of the league’s better quarterbacks, and the offensive line has become a reliable unit after the bull’s-eye selections of guards Tyler Booker and Tyler Smith. Offensively, Dallas is in a comfortable spot. — Solak Reason for concern: It’s about defensive execution now with Dallas. 17. Cincinnati Bengals (Overall score: 79.4)Reason for hope: The current Bengals braintrust of coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin has had a long time to produce consistent team success. And the Bengals’ middling ranking here reflects those inconsistent results. But the defense and offensive line are healthier now than they’ve been in years, and quarterback Joe Burrow seems to be a reinvigorated leader of the organization accordingly. — Solak Reason for concern: Everything is riding on the improvement of a defense that was at or near the bottom of the league in every meaningful category. 18. Minnesota Vikings (Overall score: 78.9)Reason for hope: They have elite coaches. Kevin O’Connell remains one of the league’s preeminent schemers, and his history of elevating quarterback talent bodes well. On the defensive side, Brian Flores is the most unique playcaller in the NFL; his blitz-happy approach consistently puts the best offensive schemers on their backfoot. It’s hard to imagine a bad long-term future with both of those coaches secured. — Solak Bold prediction for 2027-29: Murray will be the Vikings’ quarterback through at least 2029. 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Overall score: 78.4)Reason for hope: Young, tentpole players such as LT Tristan Wirfs, RT Luke Goedeke, WR Emeka Egbuka and S Antoine Winfield Jr. carry a lot of the water here for the Buccaneers. General manager Jason Licht has an earned reputation as a strong drafter, and he might have hit again with edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and linebacker Josiah Trotter in the first two rounds this year. — Solak 20. Washington Commanders (Overall score: 76.5)Reason for hope: A healthy Jayden Daniels season would go a long way to elevating the Commanders’ standing here — doubly so if it comes with a strong showing from first-time playcaller David Blough. Perhaps more than any other team in the bottom half, the Commanders have a chance to vault into the top five with a reminder of Daniels’ near-MVP-level ability from 2024. Tons of new defensive infusions — via free agency and in the coaching ranks — should give that unit a shot in the arm, too. — Solak Reason for concern: Everything that surrounds Daniels concerns me — the offensive line, makeup of the receivers room, big-play ability of the running backs room and early competency of Blough. Daniels is a superstar. Make no mistake about that. I’m just afraid we won’t get to see the best of him if general manager Adam Peters doesn’t support him better. — Riddick 21. New Orleans Saints (Overall score: 75.7)Reason for hope: Quarterback Tyler Shough and coach Kellen Moore showed positive signs in limited moments last season. Also impressive was the performance of young defenders, such as Jonas Sanker, Quincy Riley and Kool-Aid McKinstry, under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who remains a shrewd playcaller. — Solak Reason for concern: The pass rush 22. New York Giants (Overall score: 75.3) Overall Roster excluding QB 70.5 29Quarterback 80.25 18Coaching 84.25 14Front Office 68.25 32 Reason for hope: The Giants look like they might have a franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart, and they certainly have a tenured and historically successful coach in John Harbaugh. It’s tough to rank a front office in questionable power under GM Joe Schoen, but emergent young stars such as Malik Nabers and Abdul Carter could give the Giants a strong bedrock for future growth. — Solak Reason for concern: As exciting as the upside is for Dart, Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo, their availability worries me. Nabers is coming off a significant knee injury, Skattebo is returning from a significant lower leg injury, and Dart has to modify his play style by reducing the number of hits he absorbs. — Riddick Nugget to know: The Giants are lauded for their pass rush and ranked fifth in pass rush win rate last season. But because of coverage issues, they’ve ranked only 15th in pressure rate each of the past two seasons. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: Offensive tackle Andrew Thomas will win Protector of the Year at some point in the 2027-29 window. After an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, Thomas put up a top-10 pass block win rate and top-20 run block win rate over 13 games in 2025. If the Giants’ new staff can get a strong running game going with Skattebo, Thomas could get enough shine to land the award. — Walder 23. Carolina Panthers (Overall score: 74.7)Reason for hope: Carolina’s aggressive spending on defense could return an above-average unit in 2026 and signal a rosy future. I’d also bet on a strong sophomore year from reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan moving the Panthers up a couple of spots in next year’s ranking. — Solak Bold prediction for 2027-29: The Panthers will draft a quarterback in the first round in 2027. This might not even qualify as that bold, really. Carolina has — rightfully, in my opinion — not extended Young’s contract beyond his fifth-year option. Faced with a strong rookie quarterback class next year, there’s a chance the Panthers think they’ll have a better future with a fresh start at QB. — Walder 24. Tennessee Titans (Overall score: 74.2)Reason for hope: A team should always be optimistic when it has a No. 1 pick. Cam Ward’s 2025 season was far from statistically perfect, but the film shows a passer more than capable of running a quality NFL offense. With hits on Ward and 2026 first-rounder Carnell Tate, the Titans should have the cornerstones necessary to build a strong roster foundation. — Solak Reason for concern: There is a lot of work ahead for new OC Brian Daboll to get this offense pointed in the right direction. 25. Las Vegas Raiders (Overall score: 74.1)Reason for hope: Fernando Mendoza, baby! The No. 1 pick is in good hands with new coach Klint Kubiak and an elite pass catcher in tight end Brock Bowers. General manager Jon Spytek had a bit of a false start out of the gate given the 2025 Raiders’ personnel issues under Pete Carroll, but the Raiders now have an opportunity to take that thrilling leap that comes only with talented rookie passers — which they very well might have in Mendoza. — Solak Reason for concern: Playing in a division with this caliber of QB play requires you to have a formidable pass rush. There is no question that Maxx Crosby is as good as it gets off one edge, but how many more dominant seasons can he play on his surgically repaired knee? Someone else has to perform for the Raiders to take the next step. Keep an eye on 2026 third-round pick Keyron Crawford. — Riddick 26. Indianapolis Colts (Overall score: 73.9)Reason for hope: The Colts have bet aggressively on the flicker of elite play we saw to start the 2025 season, extending the contracts of Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce, while riddling the defense with rookie starters to make the money work. But the reason for optimism is obvious: A Jones-led Shane Steichen offense is clearly capable of high-level play, and a couple of the key players (Pierce and RB Jonathan Taylor) are under long-term deals. Jones, guard Quenton Nelson and receiver Josh Downs are next in line for extensions if things go well. — Solak Bold prediction for 2027-29: Cornerback Sauce Gardner will win Defensive Player of the Year. The early returns on Indy’s blockbuster trade for him have not been great, but he remains one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Two cornerbacks have won DPOY in the past decade: Stephon Gilmore (2019) and Pat Surtain II (2024). — Walder 27. Atlanta Falcons (Overall score: 73.8)Reason for hope: The Falcons enter 2026 with a new front office and a new head coach, and the schematic turnover might take some time. But other teams ranked higher than Atlanta would do anything for its trio of extended playmakers in RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts Sr. — Solak Bold prediction for 2027-29: The Falcons will not make the playoffs from 2027 to 2029. Atlanta needs a quarterback, but the current team isn’t bad enough to land a top-two pick. The Falcons could draft one next year, but they might have to give up some serious capital to trade up. And though there are building blocks on this team, I fear the Falcons could be caught in the middle — even in the NFC South. — Walder 28. Cleveland Browns (Overall score: 71.6) Overall Roster excluding QB 73.25 24Quarterback 63.75 29Coaching 73.25 29Front Office 74.25 21 Reason for hope: Aside from QB (and to be fair, the offensive line), the Browns are set up well for long-term success. LB Carson Schwesinger, CB Denzel Ward, TE Harold Fannin Jr., Edge Jared Verse and RB Quinshon Judkins are all tentpole players for an ascending team, as general manager Andrew Berry continues to make smart personnel bets in the draft and free agency. — Solak Reason for concern: Though this franchise has what looks like a solid foundation when combining the past two draft classes, questions obviously remain about quarterback. Will Deshaun Watson resurrect his career? Will Shedeur Sanders make the second-year jump in a new system? If either answer is “yes,” then Berry can use next year’s two first-rounders on positions other than QB. — Riddick Nugget to know: The 2025 Browns were last in the league with 22.6 yards per drive on offense. Shockingly, on the other side of the ball, they led the league by allowing just 24.7 yards per drive. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: Cleveland’s 2027 quarterback competition will be between a first-round pick and … Taylen Green. This essentially is a bet that Green will be starting for the Browns by the end of 2026. He might be the fourth-string quarterback at the moment, but I hardly think this is far-fetched, considering the poor track records of Watson (as a Brown), Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. — Walder 29. New York Jets (Overall score: 71.3) Overall Roster excluding QB 74.25 23Quarterback 65.5 28Coaching 63.5 32Front Office 80 11 Reason for hope: Darren Mougey catapulted up league GM rankings with his aggressive 2025 trade deadline, and his investment in future picks has set up the Jets for long-term success. They made three first-round picks in 2026 and can do so again in 2027 … if they don’t trade those picks for a quarterback. There are a few exciting young players (Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Armand Membou, etc.), so the Jets aren’t starting from nothing, either. — Solak Reason for concern: Similar to Solak, I thought Mougey did a really great job this offseason in the veteran free agent market and the draft. But does coach Aaron Glenn and his staff have what it takes to get this franchise turned around on the field? If they can’t, someone else will have to lead the development of this young core. — Riddick Nugget to know: The Jets’ offense is remarkably young once we get past starting quarterback Geno Smith. The other 11 projected starters, including both 11 and 12 personnel, average just 24.2 years of age. Center Josh Myers is the oldest at 28, and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is the youngest at 21. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: The Jets will make the playoffs in 2027 … with a new coach and new quarterback. After another depressing season in 2026, the Jets will be rewarded with a high pick in this loaded quarterback class. The result of that QB alongside a strong offensive line and bevy of intriguing pass catchers will be immediate success. — Walder 30. Pittsburgh Steelers (Overall score: 70.4) Overall Roster excluding QB 76.25 20Quarterback 59.25 32Coaching 69.5 31Front Office 73.25 27 Reason for hope: The Steelers are treading water at quarterback with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers swan-songing under new (but former) coach Mike McCarthy. The defense is also built around aging stars (Jalen Ramsey, Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt). The good news is that GM Omar Khan has drafted well, and there are exciting young players on both sides of the trenches. That should soften the inevitable transition awaiting the Steelers after consistent mediocrity in recent years. — Solak Reason for concern: Kenny Pickett. Justin Fields. Russell Wilson. Rodgers. Will Howard. Drew Allar. Four of these players have proven that they were not the long-term answer at QB. The other two (Howard and Allar) have not attempted a pass in a regular-season game. There seems to be no end in sight when it comes to an answer for Pittsburgh’s QB situation. — Riddick Nugget to know: You know already that the Steelers were the league’s oldest team at quarterback last season (40.7). But according to snap-weighted age, they were also the oldest team at defensive back (29.1) and third oldest at wide receiver (28.0). — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: Tight end Darnell Washington will make the top 10 in Jeremy Fowler’s annual survey of coaches and executives on the best players at every position. He might be the Steelers’ No. 2 tight end at the moment, but Washington averaged 1.9 yards per route run last season and was in the 83rd percentile among tight ends in run block win rate. Tight end is a position where players can develop slowly, so he has plenty of time to increase his role. — Walder 31. Miami Dolphins (Overall score: 70.3) Overall Roster excluding QB 59.25 32Quarterback 74 23Coaching 74.5 27Front Office 76.25 17 Reason for hope: By this time next year, we’ll have a few exciting young Dolphins to talk about. Who exactly they are is anyone’s guess! But the Dolphins figure to deploy a young and inexperienced roster alongside RB De’Von Achane, C Aaron Brewer and LB Jordyn Brooks — their three veteran tentpoles. We’ll give an appropriate dose of optimism once we know just where their talent lies. — Solak Reason for concern: The Dolphins are in a total reset at the three most critical areas of a football operation: general manager, head coach and quarterback. The alignment and ultimate competency of these three positions combine to form a significant unknown for this franchise, as GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, HC Jeff Hafley and QB Malik Willis are all occupying leading roles in the NFL for the first time. — Riddick Nugget to know: Miami went from the oldest team in the league by snap-weighted age in 2024 to 21st in 2025. The Dolphins’ offense was particularly young, ranking 28th with a snap-weighted age of 25.8. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: Willis will be Miami’s quarterback through the 2029 season. This would make his high-risk, high-upside free agent signing an unqualified success. Considering what we saw from Willis in Green Bay, if this works, it could really work. — Walder 32. Arizona Cardinals (Overall score: 69.9)Overall Roster excluding QB 71.75 27Quarterback 63 30Coaching 70.5 30Front Office 72.75 28 Reason for hope: It’s hard to be optimistic in the NFC West, where three of the league’s best teams play at a different level than these Cardinals currently do. Still, Arizona is quite close to a strong offensive core of playmakers (TE Trey McBride, RB Jeremiyah Love, WRs Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr.), and that is good bedrock for an incoming 2027 quarterback. — Solak Reason for concern: How will new coach Mike LeFleur solve the QB position long term? Carson Beck (2026 third-round pick) showed some exciting flashes in the preseason opener, and it’s too early to disregard him as a long-term solution. The Cardinals have some fantastic skill position players for a QB to work with, and they cannot afford to waste them. — Riddick Nugget to know: The Cardinals led the NFL last season by throwing 35% of passes to tight ends, and they ran a league-low 27% of the time when they were in 12 personnel. — Schatz Bold prediction for 2027-29: No team will add more wins from its 2026 record to its 2027 record than the Cardinals. New quarterback? Maybe. But he won’t be the only new face, as OverTheCap.comprojects them to have more cap space in 2027 than any other team. — Walder |
| IAN EAGLEIn this look at Ian Eagle, Sam Neumann of Awful Announcing makes the statement that Eagle is the heir apparent to Al Michaels in the Amazon Thursday night booth: Ian Eagle isn’t quite sure what the future holds for him. In the immediate term, ‘The Bird’ will occupy CBS’s No. 2 NFL booth opposite Ross Tucker as the latest domino to fall from Tony Romo’s arrest and subsequent leave. At 57, Eagle now finds himself on his third booth partner in as many years, having called games with Charles Davis, J.J. Watt, and now Tucker, though none of that suggests he has his eye trained on another network. It doesn’t mean another network hasn’t got its eye trained on him, though. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and I’ve been fortunate to work for a bunch of different networks,” Eagle told Awful Announcing regarding his future at last week’s CBS Media Day. “So whichever network I’ve worked for, I give them everything that I have, and that has never changed. I’m aware of the business on my attention.” Eagle would have no reason NOT to give a stock answer, but there’s plenty of speculation that he could move to another network, one he already calls games for. Employed by Amazon as the streamer’s lead NBA play-by-play voice, Eagle finds himself as the logical heir apparent to Al Michaels. The 81-year-old Michaels might occupy a permanent spot on the Mount Rushmore of play-by-play announcers, but with his deal structured on a year-to-year basis and his current form leaving a lot to be desired, it’s certainly plausible the 2026 season could serve as his swan song in the booth. Kirk Herbstreit is in a similar boat, given that his three-year deal with Prime Video expires after the season, as does his College GameDay contract. Herbstreit, who turns 57 later this week, has struggled at times to juggle both jobs at once. He and Michaels, however awkward their pairing has appeared from the outset, remain linked in the public eye, and it would stand to reason that Amazon would want to reset the clock on the booth as currently constructed. There’s also the Greg Olsen of this all. The former star tight end has made no secret of his desire to return to a top booth, meaning that if there is an opening at another network, Olsen is almost a guarantee to explore it. In fact, his current contract includes a clause that lets him bolt for a top job should one become available. It’s not hard to envision Amazon willing to spare no expense to remodel what’s become one of sports media’s most scrutinized announcing duos, particularly with the streamer angling itself for a far bigger slice of the NFL’s next media rights cycle once it comes up for bidding. Still, Eagle isn’t in any rush to look too far down the road. Asked about his future and the possibility of another shakeup in the NFL booth hierarchy, he acknowledged that his career has taught him not to assume he knows what’s coming next. “I always like what’s happening within the industry. So that was like a few years ago; I’m not sure what’s going to happen next,” Eagle said. “I think what I’ve learned is if you expect it to go a certain way, you’re probably barking up the wrong tree. So I’ve probably been a bit more of in the moment at this stage of my career, and we’ll see where the road takes me.” For now, Eagle is taking things one step at a time. But given the uncertainty surrounding both CBS and Amazon’s NFL booths, there may be a few more turns in the road before he figures out where he’s headed. |
