NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 7, 2026, 6:47 AM ET

NFL Headlines

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has changed his tune on the team's trip to Australia, saying the logistics are "right" after initial concerns about the long journey. The Rams are also committed to the trip, with head coach Sean McVay confirming Friday the team plans to bring all players to Melbourne for the season opener. On the injury front, McVay does not expect wide receiver Puka Nacua or left tackle Alaric Jackson to be suspended for Thursday's game despite ongoing legal situations, per McVay's remarks. Meanwhile, Shanahan is preparing as if Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will play, saying he has "no doubt" the veteran will be on the field, as detailed in this report.

Roster Moves & Contracts

The Giants have secured their backup quarterback, agreeing to a two-year, $13 million contract extension with Jameis Winston, a source confirmed to ESPN. In Minnesota, veteran safety Harrison Smith is returning for a 15th season after agreeing to a deal worth $12.25 million, per NFL Network. The league's top executive is also locked in: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has finalized a four-year extension that runs through the 2030 season.

Coaching & Strategy

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is owning his failures in Super Bowl LX, admitting "I didn't do a good enough job" against the Seahawks' pass rush that terrorized quarterback Drake Maye. He's hoping to right those wrongs in their Week 1 rematch. Elsewhere, the Seahawks are embracing their title defense, with players speaking Saturday about being ready to "play some new football" as they run it forward into the 2026 campaign.

Season Outlook & Best Bets

As the regular season approaches, analysts have identified five franchises that are in win-now mode due to aging rosters, contracts, or draft capital constraints. A comprehensive preview of all 32 teams includes bold predictions, strengths, and concerns heading into Week. For bettors, experts have offered their best bets on division winners, conference champions, and Super Bowl LXI victors.

Rookies & Quarterback Storylines

The 2026 rookie class features intriguing Rookie of the Year candidates, including front-runners for OROY and DROY, plus updates on when first-year quarterbacks might start. In Minnesota, all eyes are on Kyler Murray, who aims to end the franchise's tragicomic quarterback history that includes names like Moon, Culpepper, Favre, and Cousins, as examined here. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones faces another redemption opportunity when he takes on the Ravens in Week, hoping to check the final box in his dramatic return from adversity.

Culture & Features

A missed Ravens field goal turned a routine pregame blessing into viral NFL folklore, and the priest at Saint Vincent Archabbey is still trying to separate faith from superstition, as told here. In Las Vegas, a high-stakes survivor pool phenomenon has emerged, where bettors attempt the unthinkable: turning $1,000 into $20 million, per this inside look. Finally, the Denver Broncos' new 240,000-square-foot facility, which cost $175 million and required 750,000 man-hours, has been rated a "10 out of 10" by players, as detailed in this feature.