NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 11, 2026, 3:03 PM ET

49ers Edge Rams in Melbourne Opener

The NFL's farthest international venture to date delivered a decisive result, as the 49ers beat the Rams 27-7 in Melbourne. Los Angeles flew in just one day before kickoff, while San Francisco arrived a week early — a contrast many Niners players applauded. Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay both dismissed travel as a deciding factor, though the scoreboard told its own story. The true story behind how this matchup landed Down Under involves a selection process in which, as one official put it, "We did not select the 49ers at all." For the team's devoted Australian fan base — the largest for any NFL club — the Melbourne visit was a dream fulfilled, with many supporters following the franchise since the Montana-Rice era.

Garrett Struggles in Rams Debut

Myles Garrett's first game with the Rams was one to forget. The star edge rusher finished without a tackle and afterward admitted he is not at 100%, calling it "the worst version of myself that I've put out there." A knee issue clearly limited him, and Los Angeles will need far more from its marquee acquisition if it hopes to compete in the NFC West. Rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling's 49ers debut also ended badly, as he suffered an ankle injury that Kyle Shanahan said requires further testing after the team's 16-hour flight back to the Bay Area.

Patriots Hit by Brown Injury, Add Jones

New England received tough news when an MRI confirmed that wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener and will miss at least four weeks. The Patriots moved quickly to bolster their defensive front, agreeing to sign free agent defensive tackle DaQuan Jones on a one-year deal worth up to $6M, per sources. The former Bills lineman should provide immediate depth and run-stopping help.

Quarterback Updates Around the League

Patrick Mahomes declared himself ready to play without limitations in the Chiefs' Monday night opener against the Broncos, returning from torn knee ligaments. In Atlanta, Tua Tagovailoa sustained an oblique injury in Thursday's practice and was listed as a limited participant, opening the door for Rush to take first-team reps. Seattle's Sam Darnold received "really good news" about his hip, though the Seahawks quarterback is expected to miss Week. In New Orleans, captain Tyler Shough said the high expectations surrounding him in Year 2 "doesn't faze me" as the 26-year-old chases a playoff berth.

Injury and Availability Notebook

Cardinals rookie running back Love, sidelined since mid-August with a high ankle sprain, is expected to play Sunday against the Chargers, a source told ESPN. Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers said the team is leaving the decision up to him on whether he suits up Sunday night against the Cowboys. Jets running back Breece Hall, who strained his groin on Aug. 17, declared himself ready for Week 1 and joked that his time off amounted to a "good vacation" ahead of Sunday's trip to Nissan Stadium to face the Titans.

Hunter's Two-Way Role, Nacua Opens Up

Jaguars star Travis Hunter will play both ways, though how much remains fluid as the coaching staff manages his workload. Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua acknowledged the "darkest times" of his life and his struggles with alcohol in an interview with Netflix, saying "alcohol was definitely a thing" as he navigated a rapid rise to stardom and the birth of his son. Off the field, Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property at a hearing in Green Bay. Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison for operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma.

Week 1 Previews, Picks and Props

With 14 games still on the Week 1 slate, the marquee matchups include Josh Allen versus C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels against Jalen Hurts, and our matchup previews break down picks, key stats and watchability ratings. Mike Clay's top touchdown scorers for the week feature Jahmyr Gibbs, Omarion Hampton and others. Our experts also dug into the odds and player props for Sunday afternoon, offering their best bets. For fantasy managers, there are more than a dozen start-or-sit decisions to weigh, including advice to start your Bucs and sit Mahomes. A separate facts vs. feelings breakdown examines Jaxson Dart, D'Andre Swift, Quinshon Judkins, Kenneth Gainwell, Tetairoa McMillan, Rashee Rice and Juwan Johnson.

Rules, Records and Storylines to Watch

Fans looking to understand the new NFL rules for the 2025 season should note changes involving red flags and kickoffs, along with points of emphasis. Looking further ahead, 2026 could be a record-breaking year, with six marks in jeopardy — including the NFL rushing record, a new long in field goal kicking and the single-season tight end receiving yardage mark. In Philadelphia, Saquon Barkley is going back to a "little kid again" mindset to recapture his 2024 dominance, adapting to a heavy under-center, wide zone scheme that is largely new to him. Off the field, the season's new stadium foods include such creations as tush push taters and Who Dey sausage. And Giants running back Cam Skattebo may be the next in line for the Jonas Brothers blessing, following Cody Bellinger, Patrick Mahomes and Lewis Hamilton.

25 Years After 9/11

A quarter-century after the September 11 attacks, Hall of Famers and franchise greats — including Strahan and Testaverde — relived the memories of the moments they experienced in the aftermath, offering a poignant reminder of how the sports world responded to a national tragedy.