NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 13, 2026, 2:53 PM ET

NFL Week 1 Opens With Quarterback Decisions

The Falcons will start Cooper Rush against the Steelers on Sunday despite back spasms that flared Saturday, the team announced. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will be without Joey Porter Jr., who is inactive for the opener because of a back injury amid a summer-long contract dispute, with a trade still possible. The Chiefs ruled out left tackle Josh Simmons for Monday's opener against the Broncos and are expected to turn to undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson to protect Patrick Mahomes. Chicago's Rome Odunze says he expects to play at Carolina despite a calf injury that left him questionable on the final report.

Injury News Reshapes Lineups

The Rams' Myles Garrett will undergo knee surgery and land on injured reserve, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Raiders believe there is a realistic chance Brock Bowers misses only one game following knee surgery. San Francisco rookie receiver De'Zhaun Stribling will miss at least a month with an ankle sprain. New England is left to regroup after A.J. Brown suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 1 that will sideline him four weeks. Fantasy managers can track the latest status for Jeanty, Love and Odunze in the updated inactives file.

Quarterback Market Set to Explode

Baker Mayfield's new deal paying $55 million per year in new money signals where the quarterback market is headed, great news for 11 other passers lined up for big paydays. The Texans and C.J. Stroud made a run at an extension before the season but agreed to wait until after the season to work out a long-term deal. Lamar Jackson has been reluctant to discuss a long-term extension with the Ravens and remains focused on the 2026 season, league sources told ESPN. Jacksonville and Parker Washington are unlikely to agree on an extension before the opener, a source told NFL Network.

Raiders Build Around Cousins and Youth

Kirk Cousins enters Year 15 as the Raiders' starter, embracing a mentor role for the team's young core while working with coordinator Klint Kubiak. With Bowers sidelined, tight end Michael Mayer has received a three-year, $45 million extension as he steps into the starting lineup. The Rams pursued Maxx Crosby shortly after his trade from the Raiders to the Ravens collapsed, but Crosby shut down the talks and wanted to remain in Las Vegas.

Extensions Lock Up Skill Talent

The Bears and running back D'Andre Swift agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million extension that includes $27.5 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Green Bay reached a four-year deal with tight end Tucker Kraft worth up to $92 million, sources told ESPN. Both moves reflect the rising price of retaining young playmakers before they reach the open market.

Week 1 Picks, Props and Predictions

ESPN's experts offered 15 predictions for Week, including upset picks, fantasy sleepers and projected stat lines, asking whether DeVonta Smith can find the end zone and whether the Jets will finally intercept a pass. Bettors can find best bets for Sunday afternoon's games, with odds and player props from the experts. The full board of odds, lines and totals for all 16 games includes spreads, totals and FPI predictions. For lineup help, there are a dozen decisions to consider, including starting your Bucs and sitting Mahomes.

Jets Chase History, Commanders Eye Leap

The Jets are eager to end a historic interception drought against the Titans and are ready to see what No. 2 pick David Bailey does in his debut. Washington offensive coordinator David Blough said Jayden Daniels has had his best NFL camp so far, and the Commanders are expecting a big year from him in 2026.

Chargers' Coaching Partnership Under Scrutiny

There is a lot riding on the relationship between Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and head coach Jim Harbaugh, a football marriage that figures heavily in Los Angeles' title hopes. Both spoke about how the partnership functions as the season begins.

Draft Watch: Moore Separates From the Pack

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. NFL draft spin off Week 2 of the college season examines Dante Moore's play and asks whether there should be concern, while also assessing what has been most impressive about Jeremiah Smith.

Remembering 9/11, Years Later

Twenty-five years after the attacks, Hall of Famers and franchise greats including Strahan and Testaverde recounted the moments they experienced in the aftermath, offering emotional memories of how the NFL and the country responded.