NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 19, 2026, 2:01 PM ET

Bills Break In Highmark Stadium in Style

The Buffalo Bills opened their new Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 win over the Detroit Lions, as Josh Allen accounted for five touchdowns to move Buffalo to 2-0 in its new home. The housewarming party drew rave reviews from players, with several Bills marveling at the atmosphere inside the $2.2bn venue. Buffalo also benefited from a long week that gave extra recovery time to defensive lineman Ed Oliver (hip) and Moore, both of whom are working back from injuries.

Bengals, Texans Injury Picture Takes Shape

Cincinnati got encouraging news as quarterback Joe Burrow (back) was a full participant at Friday's practice and is good to go for Sunday's matchup, while rookie Stewart is set to make his Bengals debut. Houston will be without star wide receiver Nico Collins, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. The updated inactives report lists Collins out, Flowers doubtful and Burrow questionable heading into the weekend.

Vikings Turn to Wentz With Murray Sidelined

Minnesota will start Carson Wentz at quarterback Sunday against the Bears, with Murray out and on the mend. The move puts added scrutiny on head coach Kevin O'Connell, whose 2026 season could define his Vikings legacy after years of strong regular-season results but limited playoff breakthroughs.

Ravens, Raiders, Rams Manage Key Absences

Baltimore listed receiver Zay Flowers as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Saints after he was limited in practice, and defensive tackle Madubuike has been ruled out. Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers returned to practice but is doubtful to play against the Chargers. The Rams are hopeful that Aaron Donald will play Monday night against the Giants, and Donald himself said "the plan" is to suit up, though Puka Nacua sat out practice.

Falcons Stick With Rush; Commanders Thin at Two Spots

With Michael Penix Jr. not ready, Atlanta will again start quarterback Cooper Rush for the second straight week against the Panthers, the team confirmed. Washington ruled out linebacker Frankie Luvu and tight end Chig Okonkwo for its matchup with Dallas, leaving the Commanders thin on both sides of the ball.

Cowboys Seek Defensive Fix; Owens Draws Praise

Dallas is searching for answers on defense after a Week 1 loss to the Giants that marked an inauspicious start for new coordinator Chris, with the unit focusing on communication ahead of its clash with the Commanders. Meanwhile, Washington special teamer Tyler Owens has gone viral after J.J. Watt called his play against the Eagles "legitimately one of the greatest" efforts he has seen.

Steelers Corner's Future in Doubt; Gilmore Retires

The future of Pittsburgh's No. 1 cornerback with the team he grew up around remains unclear amid a contract standoff, raising the question of whether Joey Porter Jr. has played his last game for the Steelers. In retirement news, Stephon Gilmore, a two-time All-Pro and the NFL's 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, has retired as a Patriot.

Giants' Skattebo Reclaims Feature Role; Fraud Case Grows

Cam Skattebo has reclaimed his role as the Giants' feature back after a tough injury recovery, dominating in his return to the lineup. Off the field, the FBI has identified 35 additional women who say they were defrauded by a 49ers fraudster, bringing the total victims in the case higher.

Week 2 Previews and Picks

With 15 games on the slate, analysts set up the week's toughest division matchups with picks and odds plus fantasy tips. A separate roundup offered 15 predictions on upset picks, fantasy sleepers and projected stat lines, including whether Ashton Jeanty can pile up scrimmage yards and whether the Bengals can upset the Texans.

Backup QB Rankings and Fantasy Angles

ESPN stacked the best No. 2 quarterbacks across the league, with Mac Jones among those headlining the list of top backups. On the fantasy side, Eric Karabell warned not to be surprised if Malik Willis emerges as a top-10 fantasy QB this season, while Adam Rank expressed unwavering confidence in Loveland and concern for Pitts in his Week 2 insights.