NFL Football 8 Hours

Last updated: September 10, 2026, 7:57 AM ET

Week 1 Fallout

The Seattle Seahawks opened the NFL season with a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch, but the win came at a cost. Quarterback Sam Darnold was ruled out after sustaining a hip injury on the opening drive; he is set for an MRI, though initial reports are encouraging. Backup Drew Lock stepped in and guided Seattle to the win.

The Patriots' night went from bad to worse when wide receiver A.J. Brown limped off with a right ankle injury in the third quarter and did not return. Quarterback Drake Maye was blunt about his own struggles, calling his three interceptions "unacceptable" and admitting he "lost patience and it cost us."

Injury Report

The Las Vegas Raiders will be without star tight end Brock Bowers for the opener after he underwent a meniscus procedure in Dallas; he is expected to miss "a game or two." The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, got a boost as George Kittle and Nick Bosa were both cleared to play against the Rams in Melbourne.

Off the Field

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson pleaded not guilty to a speeding citation from Aug. 26, when he was allegedly clocked at 86 mph in a 60 mph zone. In a separate legal matter, the alleged victim in Antonio Brown's attempted murder case says he has chosen to forgive the former NFL star and will not participate in the prosecution.

League Business

Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, an NFLPA executive committee member, called the franchise tag "stupid" in a sharp critique of the contractual mechanism. Fans should also review the rule changes for 2026, which include updated red-flag protocols, discipline measures, and kickoff adjustments.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell projects eight playoff returners and six newcomers in his postseason bracket, along with a Super Bowl pick. Our 61 NFL experts have weighed in on MVP, conference champions, and Super Bowl LXI favorites for the 2026 campaign.