NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 8:59 AM ET

Schedule Release

The NFL unveiled its 2026 schedule Thursday with 272 games officially announced, including a Week 1 primetime rematch of Super Bowl LX as the Seahawks host the Patriots at Lumen Field one of 272 games officially announced. Teams rolled out their schedules with characteristic creativity, from meme-based announcements to mini movies From memes to mini movies. The Chiefs landed a primetime Week 1 slot despite Patrick Mahomes' injury concerns, with the league betting the quarterback will be healthy and ready to go betting Patrick Mahomes will be healthy. Early overreactions to the slate suggest the Bears face a challenging strength of schedule that could impact playoff aspirations, while the Dolphins' slate has some wondering if it points toward securing the top draft pick strength of schedule impact postseason hopes.

Rodgers and Steelers Quarterback Room

The Steelers' decision to bring back Aaron Rodgers for another season creates a crowded quarterback room that must be resolved before Week 1 now have a QB conundrum. Mike McCarthy typically carries three QBs into the season opener, leaving Pittsburgh to determine the odd man out among Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and second-year passer Kyle McCord. The broader question remains whether Rodgers has anything left and whether an offense that struggled in 2025 can succeed by running it back Rodgers' offense didn't work in 2025. Early assessments of the Steelers' offseason moves suggest the Rodgers signing carries significant risk given his declining performance trajectory did the Steelers overpay for Rodgers.

Contract Extensions and Injuries

The Dolphins made De'Von Achane the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL, agreeing to a four-year, $64 million extension that places him behind only Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson in average annual value made Achane third-highest-paid RB. The Giants remain hopeful Malik Nabers will be ready for Week 1 after the wide receiver underwent a second procedure on his right knee earlier this offseason underwent a second procedure on his right knee.

League Business

The NFL is defending its expanded streaming strategy amid criticism from President Donald Trump and scrutiny from the U.S. Justice Department pushing back on criticism of streaming games. The league's revamped accelerator program features several head coaching and general manager candidates, including Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel despite him currently holding a head coaching position features several notable head coaching candidates.

Tragedy and Other News

Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication, according to records from the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner died from an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication. The UFL believes its in-game referee interviews are strengthening transparency by helping focus postgame conversations on competition rather than officiating decisions in-game discussions can help focus postgame conversations. Meanwhile, questions remain about the 2025 draft class, including whether Travis Hunter should play only defense, whether Ashton Jeanty and Emeka Egbuka can break out, and for Will Campbell and Nick Emmanwori Should Travis Hunter play only defense.