NFL Football 3 Days

Last updated: May 16, 2026, 8:57 AM ET

Schedule Release & Opening Week

The NFL officially unveiled its 2026 schedule Thursday, with the Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl LX rematch kicking off the season at Lumen Field in one of 272 games announced throughout the league. The Packers-Rams were set as the league's first Thanksgiving Eve game, marking a scheduling innovation for the holiday tradition. As teams rolled out their schedules through elaborate social media campaigns featuring memes and mini-movies, the release has evolved into a springtime spectacle that teams use to one-up each other in creativity.

Early betting lines emerged immediately, with spreads, moneylines and totals posted for every Week 1 matchup, while futures and Week 1 bets became actionable as the full slate became public. The league is betting Patrick Mahomes will be healthy for Kansas City's Week 1 primetime assignment, despite the quarterback's injury concerns. Meanwhile, the Giants remain hopeful Malik Nabers will be ready for Week 1 after the wide receiver underwent a second cleanup procedure on his right knee earlier this offseason.

International Expansion & Streaming Debate

The NFL revealed its most expansive international slate in league history, featuring nine games outside the United States, including a Steelers-Saints matchup in Paris. Betting odds for each international game were released alongside the full schedule. The league pushed back on criticism of its expanded streaming game lineup amid scrutiny from President Donald Trump and the U.S. Justice Department, defending the move to put more games on digital platforms.

Player Transactions & Contracts

The Dolphins made De'Von Achane the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL, agreeing to a four-year, $64 million extension that locks up one of their offensive cornerstones. The Jets added veteran receiver Tim Patrick to their wide receivers room, bringing much-needed experience to a position group that needed depth. The Saints signed WWE legend Scott Steiner (Rechsteiner), who spent a short stint with the Titans before joining New Orleans.

Coaching & Organizational Moves

The NFL ended a mandate requiring all 32 teams to hire a minority offensive assistant ahead of the 2025 season, a decision that predated recent pressure from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who continued his push against the Rooney Rule by issuing an investigative subpoena to the league. The Rams' success with tight end-heavy 13-personnel sets in 2025 has prompted other teams to explore similar approaches, while the organization allowed Matthew Stafford time away from the facility to enter the season fresher than in years past. San Francisco hired Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator because of Kyle Shanahan's past experience working with him.

Rookies & Draft Class Development

The Bills' 10 draft picks made their first impression at Buffalo's initial practice under the team's new coaching staff, while Texans coach De'Ryons preached culture acclimation to the 2026 draft class. Deion Sanders said his son Shedeur "matured spiritually" after enduring criticism and what he called untruthful reporting during his predraft process and rookie season with the Browns. Several questions remain for the 2025 draft class, including whether Travis Hunter should play only defense, if Ashton Jeanty and Emeka Egbuka can break out, whether Will Campbell's role is in danger, and for Nick Emmanwori.

Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication according to Maricopa County medical examiner records. Patriots rookie defender Quintayvious Hutchins, a seventh-round draft choice from Boston College, was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of assault and battery against a family/household member.

Fantasy Football Implications

The 2026 schedule benefits certain players and teams significantly, with Mike Clay analyzing the biggest winners and losers from a fantasy perspective. The schedule release also raises questions about Bye-mageddon timing and potential pitfalls for teams with unfavorable scheduling quirks. Analysts examined how strength of schedule could impact postseason hopes for the Bears, Bengals and Chiefs, while questioning whether the Dolphins' slate points toward securing the top draft pick.

Quarterback Coverage

The Netflix series "Quarterback" returns for its third season showcasing quarterbacks from the Titans, Bengals, Commanders and Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback evaluations are underway, with analysis of how each first-year QB fits with his new team including the two first-round selections. Miami's Cam Ward benefits from experience in two NFL-style offensive systems, knowing how to call cadence and take snaps under center—skills many other rookie quarterbacks lack.

Miscellaneous

Longtime NFL and college assistant Tom Moore, who will turn 88 during the upcoming college football season, joined Iowa's staff as senior consultant to the head coach and offensive adviser. The NFLPA's JC Tretter cited FIFA's "green carpet" approach for the World Cup, saying NFL players want the same high-quality grass fields. Saquon Barkley ensured a young Eagles fan with a rare genetic disorder got the chance to score a touchdown at his youth camp. NFL executives are already predicting the 2027 offseason will feature a QB carousel, contract standoffs and potential trades, with the Commanders still determining whether Aiyuk, Diggs or a rookie will start opposite Terry McLaurin.