NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 13, 2026, 7:16 AM ET

Contract Standoffs Dominate Season Eve

Lamar Jackson will not have a long-term deal with the Ravens before the season begins, league sources said, with the quarterback reluctant to discuss an extension and focused instead on the upcoming 2026 campaign. The Texans and C.J. Stroud made a run at an extension before Week, but both sides agreed to table talks until after the season amid a looming quarterback market. In Jacksonville, the Jaguars and wide receiver Parker Washington are unlikely to reach a deal before the opener, a source told NFL Network.

Bears, Packers, Raiders Lock Up Skill Players

Chicago moved quickly on two fronts. The Bears and running back D'Andre Swift agreed to a three-year, $33.75M extension that includes $27.5 million guaranteed, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Elsewhere in the division, the Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft reached a four-year extension worth up to $92M. The Raiders rewarded tight end Michael Mayer, who is stepping in for an injured Brock Bowers, with a multiyear extension reportedly worth $45 million. San Francisco also committed to its sideline, giving coach Kyle Shanahan a multiyear extension after an 83-67 record across 10 seasons.

Week 1 Injury News and Starting Lineups

The Falcons will start backup Cooper Rush at quarterback against the Steelers after ruling starter Tua Tagovailoa out with an oblique injury. Rush experienced back spasms Saturday but will still start Sunday, the team announced. Kansas City will be without left tackle Josh Simmons for Monday's opener against Denver, with the Chiefs expected to turn to undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to protect Patrick Mahomes. Dallas running back Malik Davis is scheduled for hip surgery and is headed to injured reserve after getting hurt in Friday's practice. Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze says he expects to play at Carolina despite a questionable tag on the final injury report, while a full inactives rundown tracks the status of Jeanty, Love, Odunze and others ahead of kickoff.

Commanders Banking on Daniels in 2026

Washington is expecting a leap from Jayden Daniels, with offensive coordinator David Blough saying the quarterback has had his best NFL camp so far. The Commanders' faith will be tested immediately in a Week 1 matchup that pits Daniels against Jalen Hurts, one of the 14 remaining games on the slate, which also features Josh Allen against C.J. Stroud.

Chargers' Unlikely Coaching Marriage

There is a lot riding on the relationship between Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, a partnership the two describe in blunt terms: "We need each other". Their football marriage sits at the center of Los Angeles' title hopes this season.

Cousins Embraces Mentor Role in Year 15

Kirk Cousins is approaching his 15th season as a starter with a dual mandate in Las Vegas, working with coordinator Klint Kubiak while mentoring the Raiders' young core. The veteran's guidance could prove as valuable as his arm for a rebuilding roster.

Broncos' Pass Rush Chasing a Repeat

Denver's defense is under the microscope after setting single-season franchise sack records in back-to-back years, including a league-leading 68 sacks last season. The question now is whether the Broncos can top the NFL in sacks again.

Barkley Looks to Recapture 2024 Form

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley says he is "going back to a little kid again" to recapture his 2024 dominance. Philadelphia's heavy under-center, wide zone scheme is largely new to the veteran, adding a layer of adjustment to his pursuit of another elite season.

Fantasy Decisions and Week 1 Predictions

Fantasy managers face a crowded set of calls, including whether to start your Bucs and sit Mahomes, among more than a dozen players on the start-sit fence. ESPN's analysts also rolled out 15 predictions for Week, covering upset picks, fantasy sleepers and projected stat lines — including whether DeVonta Smith finds the end zone and what Aidan Hutchinson's numbers might look like Sunday.

Draft Buzz and Record Watch

Oregon's Dante Moore is the runaway top vote-getter among 25 NFL scouts and executives polled by ESPN as the projected top quarterback for the 2027 draft, standing out in a deep crop. Looking at the season ahead, six NFL marks could be in jeopardy in 2026, from the league's rushing record to a new long in field goal kicking and a single-season tight end receiving yardage mark.

25 Years After 9/11

A quarter-century after the September 11 attacks, Hall of Famers and franchise greats including Michael Strahan and Vinny Testaverde relive the memories of the moments they experienced in the aftermath, when the NFL paused and then helped a grieving country begin to heal.