NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 10, 2026, 10:15 PM ET

NFL Season Opens With Injury Chaos

The defending champion Seahawks began their title defense with a 13-10 victory over the Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch, but the win came at a steep cost. Seattle lost quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury on the opening drive, forcing backup Drew Lock into action. Darnold was ruled out of the season opener against New England after the injury, and the team is now reviewing MRI results to determine the severity. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Darnold received "really good news" about the hip, but sources indicate the quarterback is expected to miss next week's game. Lock steered Seattle to the narrow win, and a full game analysis highlighted the resilience of the defending champions.

Maye Takes Blame for Patriots' Loss

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye shouldered the blame for New England's 13-10 defeat, calling his three-interception performance unacceptable and admitting he "lost patience and it cost us." The loss was compounded by a significant injury to wide receiver A.J. Brown, who left in the third quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return in his Patriots debut. Sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Brown is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, which would be a major blow to New England's receiving corps.

Injury Updates Around the League

Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained an oblique injury in practice Thursday and was listed as a limited participant, with Cooper Rush taking first-team reps in his absence. In New York, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers said the team is leaving the decision on whether he plays Sunday night against the Cowboys up to him. Jets running back Breece Hall, who strained his groin on Aug. 17, proclaimed himself ready for Week 1 against the Titans at Nissan Stadium, joking that his time off was a "good vacation." The Raiders will be without star tight end Brock Bowers, who underwent a knee procedure in Dallas and is expected to miss "a game or two." Meanwhile, the 49ers received a boost as tight end George Kittle and edge rusher Nick Bosa were cleared to play against the Rams in Melbourne after recovering from significant injuries.

Mahomes Ready, Rodgers Uncertain

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he expects to play without limitations when he returns from torn knee ligaments in Kansas City's Monday night game against the Broncos. In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers said he is unsure whether the Packers would invite him back to Lambeau Field in a nonplaying capacity — or whether he would accept if they did.

Legal and Off-Field Developments

Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison Thursday for operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma. Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property at a hearing in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson entered a not guilty plea after being cited for allegedly driving 86 mph in a 60 mph zone on Aug. 26. The alleged victim in Antonio Brown's second-degree attempted murder case said he has decided to forgive the former NFL star and does not wish to participate in his prosecution.

Steelers' Heyward Blasts Franchise Tag

Steelers veteran defensive lineman and NFLPA executive committee member Cameron Heyward blasted the franchise tag on Wednesday, calling the contractual measure "stupid" in a sharp critique of the league's roster mechanisms.

International Expansion: 49ers-Rams in Melbourne

The NFL's latest and farthest international venture is to Melbourne, Australia, where the 49ers and Rams will open their seasons. The true story behind how the league's expansion landed Down Under reveals that the 49ers were not originally selected for the game. For San Francisco's Australian fanbase, the visit is a dream come true, with many supporters watching since the Montana-Rice era. The 49ers are the most popular NFL team in Australia.

Coaching and Front Office News

The Bills' Joe Brady is the youngest head coach in the NFL at, bringing big energy and confidence to a contending Buffalo team. In New York, John Harbaugh arrives as the Giants' fifth head coach in the past 10 years, facing a different set of expectations in his new role.

Season Predictions and Awards Odds

With the 2026 season underway, ESPN's panel of 62 experts predicted MVP and Super Bowl LXI winners, while Barnwell forecast eight returning playoff teams and six newcomers. NFL executives and scouts weighed in on award winners, and the latest MVP odds track the favorites for seasonlong honors including Rookie of the Year.

Fantasy and Week 1 Preview

Mike Clay revealed his top anytime touchdown scorers for Week, featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and Omarion Hampton. Fantasy managers should watch Jaxson Dart and six others for fast or slow starts. Off the field, Giants running back Cam Skattebo may be the next athlete to receive the Jonas Brothers blessing, following Cody Bellinger, Patrick Mahomes and Lewis Hamilton.

Rules, Food and Quarterback Analysis

The NFL has implemented several rules changes for the 2026 season, including adjustments to red flags and kickoffs. Stadiums across the league are debuting unique concession items, from tush push taters to Who Dey sausage. For the Browns, Deshaun Watson's downfield accuracy will be the key factor determining whether he remains Cleveland's starting quarterback and his role in 2026.