NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 4, 2026, 10:36 PM ET

NFL News

Baker Mayfield's self-imposed deadline has come and gone without a contract extension from Tampa Bay, and his high school coach says the quarterback's decision to bet on himself could pay off in 2026. Mayfield is among the 22 players with the most on the line this season, per Bill Barnwell, who also flags C.J. Stroud's contract chase and Jets coach Aaron Glenn's precarious standing. In the heart of Las Vegas, high-stakes bettors are attempting the unthinkable: turn $1,000 into $20 million through survivor pools, a phenomenon that has drawn a devoted following. That market, however, shows signs of slowing at U.S. sportsbooks, where NFL betting has climbed to roughly $30 billion in annual handle but is now flattening as prediction markets gain ground.

Rams and 49ers Head to Australia

Sean McVay confirmed the Rams will bring their entire roster to Melbourne for the season opener against the 49ers, with the coach saying Friday that the club plans to have all players make the trip. The travel logistics have been anything but simple, as the 49ers touched down Thursday after navigating biosecurity protocols for a weeklong stay that included an enormous transport plane. The NFL is also pushing its reach abroad, with the league expanding its global initiative ahead of a record nine international games.

Deaths and Legal Matters

Alphonso Smith, a two-time All-America defensive back at Wake Forest who played four NFL seasons, has died at age. The former NFL and Wake Forest DB was a second-round pick in 2009, and his passing has drawn tributes across the league. Giants running back Cam Skattebo said Thursday on the "Up & Adams Show" that he briefly weighed retirement after suffering an open fracture of his right ankle during his rookie season before deciding to continue. Mark Sanchez, a former quarterback and Fox broadcaster, will plead guilty in connection to an alleged attack of a truck driver in Indianapolis, with Sanchez agreeing to a plea in the case. Packers running back Josh Jacobs' initial court appearance on misdemeanor charges was moved up to Sept. 10, two months earlier than planned.

Hall of Fame and Media

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has overhauled its selection process, significantly reducing the number of selectors and eliminating the separate Seniors category in drastic changes. The Athletic said former reporter Dianna Russini's relationship with Mike Vrabel violated newsroom standards but yielded no clear bias toward the Patriots head coach. The Khoslas officially took over the Seahawks, and the new ownership group has a blueprint in the Allen family's legacy, which set standards for on-field success and community leadership.

Draft and Player Projections

Mel Kiper Jr. has laid out 10 big takes for the 2027 draft class, pegging Jadan Baugh as the RB1 and projecting five first-round quarterbacks while noting safety and tight end depth. The projections come as 2026 season performance will dictate movement, with Ben Solak identifying 32 X factors, one per team, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Jared Verse and Travis Hunter. In Dallas, first-rounder Caleb Downs has "exceeded expectations" throughout the offseason, earning praise for being hungry, curious, and willing as he approaches his debut against the Giants.

Team Storylines and Comebacks

The Eagles are facing four key questions entering 2026, including whether Jalen Hurts is acclimating and whether defensive tackle Byron Lemon can contribute, with storylines swirling around each unit. In Jacksonville, Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence aim to guide the Jaguars to their first back-to-back playoff appearance since 1999, believing that 2026 can be different under the new staff. The Chiefs rebuilt their defensive line around tackle Chris Jones, betting that highly drafted rookies like Peter Woods and Western Thomas will provide the support he has lacked. Geno Smith, drafted by the Jets in 2013, returns to New York for a comeback with the franchise that drafted him, writing Act II of his career after nine seasons away.

Fantasy and Betting

Fantasy managers have a wealth of resources to close out draft prep, including 30-plus player notes covering key position facts for your draft. Mike Clay's Playbook Part 3 offers league-winning advice on roster management, with post-draft strategies to sharpen your in-season approach. For bettors, the 2026 betting guide includes odds, analysis and best bets, a one-stop shop for preparations across the season. Finally, get ready for opening week with Week 1 ranking composites, including PPR, IDP, and superflex ranks.