NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: September 11, 2026, 6:12 AM ET

LeShon Johnson Sentenced

Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison Thursday for operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma, closing a case that had shadowed the one-time Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants ball carrier for years.

Tua Injures Oblique in Practice

Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained an oblique injury during Thursday's practice and was listed as a limited participant, with backup Cooper Rush taking the first-team reps in his absence. The timing is brutal for Atlanta, which opens its season in days and now must prepare two quarterbacks for live action.

Nabers: The Call Is Mine

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers said Thursday that the team is leaving the decision on whether he plays Sunday night against the Cowboys entirely up to him, an unusual arrangement that puts the final say in the hands of the player rather than the training staff.

Hall Ready for Titans

Jets running back Breece Hall, who strained his groin on Aug. 17, proclaimed himself ready to face the Titans on Sunday at Nissan Stadium and joked that his time off amounted to a "good vacation." New York's ground game depends heavily on his availability.

Jacobs Pleads No Contest

Packers running back Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property at a court hearing in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Thursday. The resolution avoids a trial, though league discipline could still follow.

Mahomes Set for Opener

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he expects to play with no limitations when he returns from torn knee ligaments in Kansas City's Monday night game against the Broncos. His full-go status transforms the AFC West picture immediately.

Darnold's Hip: Good News, Week 2 Absence

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said quarterback Sam Darnold received "really good news" regarding his hip injury, but sources indicated the starter is still expected to miss next week's game. Seattle is reviewing imaging after Darnold was ruled out of the season opener against the Patriots following a hit on the opening drive.

Seahawks Edge Patriots 13-10

In a Super Bowl LX rematch, Seattle kicked off the NFL season with a 13-10 win behind backup Drew Lock after Darnold went down. The victory came at a cost, but the defense held New England out of the end zone late to seal it.

Maye Owns Three Picks

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye called his three-interception performance "unacceptable" in the 13-10 loss to the Seahawks, admitting he "lost patience and it cost us." The young passer's decision-making under pressure is now the central story of New England's week.

Patriots Lose A.J. Brown

Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown, who left Wednesday night's loss to Seattle because of an injury, is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. That diagnosis typically carries a multi-week absence.

Raiders' Bowers Has Knee Procedure

Raiders tight end Brock Bowers underwent a meniscus trim Tuesday in Dallas and is expected to miss "a game or two," league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Las Vegas loses its most reliable receiving threat for the opening stretch.

49ers Get Kittle, Bosa Back

The 49ers will welcome back George Kittle and Nick Bosa from significant injuries for their Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Melbourne, with both off the injury report and cleared to play. San Francisco enters the international showcase at close to full strength.

Melbourne Debut: The True Story

The NFL's latest and farthest international venture lands in Melbourne, Australia this week, and the behind-the-scenes account of how the 49ers and Rams were selected — including the admission that "we did not select the 49ers at all" — reveals just how improvised the league's global expansion has been.

A Dream for Australian Fans

The 49ers are the most popular NFL team in Australia, with many supporters watching since the Montana-Rice dynasty, making this week's visit a genuine homecoming for a fan base that has followed the team from 15,000 kilometers away.

Watson Cited for Speeding

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 traffic case adds another off-field headline to a turbulent Cleveland tenure.

Watson's Downfield Accuracy

Whether the veteran passer can regain dominance over his downfield accuracy will help determine his role in 2026, as that particular skill has eroded and now shapes Cleveland's long-term quarterback planning.

Rodgers Unsure on Lambeau Return

Aaron Rodgers said an invite from the Packers for him to return to Lambeau Field in a nonplaying capacity — or his acceptance if one were extended — might not be a sure thing, leaving one of the franchise's most complicated legacies unresolved.

Brady's Bills Bring Energy

The highly caffeinated 36-year-old Joe Brady is the youngest head coach in the NFL while he oversees a contending Buffalo team, bringing a blend of caffeine and confidence that players say has reshaped the building.

Harbaugh Takes Over Giants

Harbaugh comes to New York as the Giants' fifth head coach in the past 10 years, arriving with a different set of expectations and a mandate to stabilize a franchise that has cycled through leadership repeatedly.

Playoff Predictions and Picks

Which teams from last season's playoffs will return — and which will miss out? Barnwell's forecast projects eight returning teams and six newcomers, plus a Super Bowl pick. Meanwhile, our analysts and reporters made their predictions for the 2026 season, naming favorites for the Super Bowl and the MVP award, and we asked NFL execs and scouts to pick MVP, Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year and breakout candidates.

Awards Odds and Week 1 Props

Who are the favorites to win seasonlong honors? Here are the odds for MVP, Rookie of the Year and more. Mike Clay reveals his top Week 1 anytime touchdown scorers, featuring Jahmyr Gibbs, Omarion Hampton and others.

Fantasy Watch and Rule Changes

What to expect in Week 1 from Jaxson Dart and six others, including D'Andre Swift, Quinshon Judkins, Kenneth Gainwell, Tetairoa McMillan, Rashee Rice and Juwan Johnson. Elsewhere, here is everything fans need to know about NFL rules and points of emphasis for the 2025 season, covering red flags, kickoffs and more.

Skattebo and Stadium Fare

First it was Cody Bellinger, then Patrick Mahomes and Lewis Hamilton. Is Giants running back Cam Skattebo the next athlete to receive the Jonas Brothers blessing? And the latest NFL season has no shortage of unique concession items debuting across stadiums, from tush push taters to Who Dey sausage.