College basketball Christmas gifts for 10 men’s teams in need

Sports news Men's College Basketball December 24, 2025

‘Tis the season of giving, so this year we’ve picked 10 needy men’s college basketball teams to receive a Christmas boost before they head into the thick of conference play.

Now you might be saying “hey, these are all power conference programs, the teams that really need gifts are at the mid-major and low-major levels.“ You’re right, but that’s not the true Christmas spirit. Santa, for whatever reason, always seems to be more generous to the kids that don’t really need a boost in the toy department. We are simply following his lead.

Also, don’t tell us how to Christmas.

Kansas: A healthy Darryn Peterson

This is without question the easiest gift on the list.

Peterson, a likely top three pick in next June’s NBA Draft, has scarcely seen the floor the Jayhawks so far this season because of a hamstring injury and cramping issues. Peterson has seen action in just four games this season, but has been spectacular when available. He’s averaging 19.3 ppg on 52.3 percent shooting from the field.

With Peterson, Kansas could be a legitimate threat to win the Big 12. Without him, they’re a good, not great team with little to no chance of making a Final Four or winning the national championship.

Take this however you want: A new player with the ultimate clutch gene, a head coach who takes over specifically when the Blue Devils have a 12+ point lead and there’s less than eight minutes to play, better free-throw shooting, literally Mariano Rivera. The fact of the matter is that Duke now has an established issue under Jon Scheyer when it comes to blowing big leads in big games.

It happened most famously in last season’s Final Four loss to Houston, and it happened most recently in last Saturday’s loss to Texas Tech. Duke led the Red Raiders by 17 points with 16:31 to play, and by 11 points with 6:29 to play. They lost by 1.

Purdue: An athletic defender

No one doubts that Purdue has the offense necessary to win the program’s first national championship. While the Boilermakers improved defensively with the offseason additions of Oscar Cluff and Daniel Jacobsen, there are still some concerns about the team’s tenaciousness on that end of the court. There are also concerns about their ability to handle the most athletic teams in the country come March.

It feels like Matt Painter is an NBA caliber athlete away from having everything you need to cut down the nets on the first Monday of April.

Kentucky: A 100% Jayden Quaintance for the second half

Big Blue Nation finally got a glimpse of what its team could look like with a completely healthy roster when Kentucky smacked St. John’s 78-66 last weekend in Atlanta.

The game marked the Wildcat debut of big man Jayden Quaintance, who spent the first seven weeks of the season still working his way back from the torn ACL that cut his freshman season at Arizona State short.

Quaintance looked very much like the lottery pick he’s projected to be, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. His toughness and seemingly endless motor also seemed to rub-off on his teammates, who had been accused of looking lethargic at various points early in the season.

If Quaintance can stay healthy and continue to evolve after the calendar flips to 2026, Kentucky has a legitimate chance to live up to its preseason expectations.

Missouri: That Memory-Eraser Thing from Men in Black

Losing to a rival just before Christmas is rough.

Losing to a rival by 43 just before Christmas is enough to ruin even the most jolly Tigers’ holiday.

I would also just delete this tweet.

St. John’s: A point guard

The Johnnies have been one of the most disappointing teams in college basketball so far, owning a 7-4 record and no wins over teams that seem like locks to make the NCAA Tournament.

The biggest issue for Rick Pitino’s team through the season’s first two months has been point guard play. Dylan Darling and Oziyah Sellers have both struggled mightily at the position, and while Ian Jackson has shown signs of improvement, Pitino has repeatedly noted that the North Carolina transfer is not a true point guard.

Following St. John’s loss to Kentucky over the weekend, Pitino talked at length about the team’s lack of a point guard and ultimately blamed himself and his staff for not securing one during the offseason.

“I think you can see that (UK point guard) Jaland Lowe, him coming in — we don’t have somebody coming in like him,” Pitino said. “That’s our fault as a staff for not having a big time point guard that makes people better.

“We don’t have it, so we’ve got to make sure the other guys can bring it up, do the job. That’s our fault in recruiting. We lost out on four different big-time point guards that we went after, and we’ve got to make the best of a situation by collectively other people handling the ball and bringing it up.”

With two freshman starters and four freshmen featured heavily in his rotation, this is not your typical Kelvin Sampson team at Houston.

The talent level of these freshmen isn’t up for debate, but their ability to fully grasp Sampson’s multi-layered defensive philosophy certainly is. There’s a reason why Sampson has typically employed the “get old, stay old” tactic of roster construction up until this point.

Sampson has done everything in his career but win a national championship. He has the talent to do it this season, but he might not have the experience.

Arizona: A second outside shooter

Can you win a national championship in 2026 getting 80 percent of your scoring from inside the three-point line? Arizona is going to try.

The Wildcats currently rank 358th out of 364 Division-I teams in three-point attempts. Freshman Brayden Burries drilled five threes against Alabama a couple weeks ago, but ‘Zona doesn’t really have anyone else who can consistently knock down the outside shot. A second lethal perimeter threat would give Tommy Lloyd a few more options offensively come March.

Nebraska: At least one NCAA Tournament win

Nebrasketball is famously the only power conference program in college basketball that has never won a game in the NCAA Tournament. That might be three months away from changing.

The Cornhuskers are off to the best start in school history at 12-0, and own resume-building victories over Oklahoma, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Creighton and Illinois.

A handful of Husker fans are already saying that if it doesn’t happen this year, they’ll be convinced it never will. It’s hard to blame them.

It’d be nice to give them a guarantee going into the New Year.

Michigan: Some festive socks

Look, you’re beating everyone by like 50 right now. You don’t need anything else.

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Italy Takes Aim at Ultra-Fast Fashion With New Levy

No More Hype Cycles: 2026 Forces DApps to Compete on Utility

We are so close to football being back, and Lord do we need it.

If you’re on Twitter right now, you’re probably seeing every person you’ve ever interacted with launching verbal spears at strangers if they dare say this quarterback is better than that quarterback, which all ends with a Ravens fan showing you a photo of his crime board that proclaims Joe Burrow is actually the Zodiac killer. I’d tell you what’s hidden away in every Bo Nix truther’s secret room, but it’s X-rated and we don’t need to go into detail there.

We’re all rabid at this point and need games on our screen. But fear not, my fellow sickos – the Hall of Fame Game is exactly three weeks away at the time of writing, with training camps opening up in one week’s time. Until then, though, how about one more long-form piece for everyone to get angry about?

With this season concluding with the 61st Super Bowl, I compiled a running list of 61 predictions for the 2026 NFL season and beyond. From game results, to notable trades and signings, to a coaching carousel after the campaign is done, take a peek into my crystal ball as I tell the tale of the 2026 NFL season.

1. WR Stefon Diggs signs with Dallas Cowboys

I know everyone is metaphorically stuffing Diggs in a box, taping him up, and FedEx-ing him to the Washington Commanders’ facility in Landover, but it’s another NFC East team that we should keep an eye on. Outside of stars CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Dallas has zero depth at receiver. Ryan Flournoy, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kavontae Turpin are the names behind the terrific duo – that simply won’t cut it. Signing Diggs as a chess piece who can move around both on the perimeter and the slot, just like Lamb and Pickens can do, would give the Cowboys the best trio of pass-catchers in the NFL.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield do not get extension done

This leaves Mayfield to play out the final year of his deal and become a free agent in 2027. Keep that in mind for later.

3. Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy to Ravens

The writing is on the wall for J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings won 14 games with Sam Darnold, didn’t bring him back, and then watched him win a Super Bowl while they limped to a 9-8 record. McCarthy completed less than 60 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He gets dealt to Baltimore and Jesse Minter, who won a National Championship with McCarthy at Michigan as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator.

4. Rams defeat 49ers in blowout fashion in Week 1

The Rams are playing with venom drooling out of their mouths in Week 1. Myles Garrett has one of the best debuts with a new team in NFL history, sacking Brock Purdy three times and forcing an interception that is returned for a touchdown by fellow new Ram Trent McDuffie. Matthew Stafford throws four touchdowns, a pair each for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as the Rams run away on the opening Thursday of the season by the score of 38-20.

5. Deshaun Watson is Browns Week 1 starter

This Browns quarterback room may be the worst in NFL history. Having to choose between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is like choosing between a long, torturous death or a torturous, long death. Todd Monken chooses Watson to be the Week 1 starter against the Jaguars, which ends in a 24-16 loss to Jacksonville.

6. Jayden Daniels lights up the Eagles in Week 1

The Commanders begin their season on the road in Philadelphia in the late-afternoon window on Fox, and man doesn’t that just feel right? Few things make me feel as nostalgic as the NFC East getting America’s Game of the Week. I feel like it’s 2007 again, and I’m sitting with my dad in the living room with a lovely view of the tree in our yard as the bright colored leaves fall off one-by-one with the smell of cinnamon in the air while Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb squared off.

Memories of yesteryear aside, Jayden Daniels enters this season with a point to prove after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, and he makes a statement in Week 1. The LSU product throws for 284 yards, three passing touchdowns, and adds 64 yards with a rushing score on the ground as Washington defeats Philadelphia 34-27.

7. Chiefs defeat Broncos to close Week 1

I’ll give props to my good friend Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated for proclaiming that the most important game of the season for both Kansas City and Denver is the first one. If the Chiefs win, they’re in the driver’s seat with a very easy first half schedule. Following Week 1, their schedule from Weeks 2-6 is as follows:

Week 2: vs. Colts
Week 3: at Dolphins
Week 4: at Raiders
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: vs. Chargers

It’s very likely, and even probable that the Chiefs are 4-1 after the first six weeks if they defeat Denver in Week 1, which gives them an early command of the division. Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes remind everyone that they are still the big dog in the AFC and defeat the Broncos 23-20 on a last second Harrison Butker field goal.

8. Eagles start season 0-2

After the back-and-forth shootout with the Commanders in which they fall short, the Eagles travel to Tennessee to face the Titans. In terms of survivor pools, many pick the Eagles with such hubris, but are stunned to see that Robert Saleh’s defense does what it did to Hurts in the divisional round this past January. Hurts struggles, throwing a pair of interceptions, including the game-sealing pick to Kevin Winston Jr which locks up a 20-17 win for Tennessee, putting the Eagles in an early 0-2 hole.

9. Mike Evans hauls in three touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Dolphins

Playing the Dolphins after the Rams is the equivalent of cage-fighting a newborn baby after boxing Mike Tyson. After an 18-point loss to the Rams to begin their season, the 49ers bounce back with a Mike Evans masterclass, catching eight passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns en route to San Francisco defeating Miami 31-13.

10. Lions score 40 points in consecutive weeks

The Lions are 2-1 entering Week 4, defeating the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively, with loss to the Buffalo Bills sandwiched in between. They then have a two-game road-trip, facing the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. In front of a national audience on Sunday Night Football, Jahmyr Gibbs goes off for three total touchdowns while Jared Goff goes for 303 yards and four scores, defeating the Panthers 41-17. The next week against Arizona, Goff and rising playmaker Isaac TeSlaa hook up for seven receptions, 88 yards, and two scores while the defense forces three takeaways in a 40-9 public execution.

11. Patriots start season 1-3

The Patriots begin their season by playing four playoff teams from a year ago in their first four games. They open the season in Seattle against the Seahawks in a Super Bowl LX rematch. They then host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 – a game they lost last season after turning the ball over five times. They hit the road again for Weeks 3 and 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, respectively. Super Bowl hangovers are a very real thing, especially when three of your first four games are away from home with a cross-country trip thrown in. Now, luckily for them, they play the Raiders and Jets in Weeks 5 and 6, but New England will come out of the gate slow, losing to Seattle, Jacksonville, and Buffalo with their lone win in the first month coming against Pittsburgh.

12. Joe Burrow has two five-TD pass performances in first five weeks

The Bengals finally get off to a hot start, starting with a shootout with Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Burrow throws a pair of touchdowns to Ja’Marr Chase, one to Tee Higgins and one to Chase Brown, dueling with Mayfield who throws three touchdowns of his own in the first three quarters. A fifth Burrow touchdown to Andrei Iosivas seals a 38-27 win over Tampa Bay. In Week 5, Burrow carves up another Florida team as the Bengals blow out the Miami Dolphins 44-16.

13. Myles Garrett has massive night vs. Giants in Week 2

On the Week 2 edition of Monday Night Football, the Rams host the Giants in what ends up being the second consecutive colossal Myles Garrett performance to begin his tenure as a Ram. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year sacks Jaxson Dart three times and earns a half sack on another takedown. And just to poke fun at the offseason activities of the Giants’ quarterback, several Rams players are seen wearing blue hats with the phrase “Make America Garrett Again.”

14. Bills open new Highmark Stadium with a bang

After falling to the Texans 24-23 in Week 1, the Bills go nuclear on the Detroit Lions to kickoff Week 2 on Thursday Night Football. Josh Allen throws three touchdowns, James Cook runs for two, and Buffalo puts a beating on the Lions 38-24.

15. Shedeur Sanders takes over as Browns starter in Week 5 vs. Jets

Deshaun Watson starts the first four games of the year for the Browns, going 1-3 in the process with the only win coming against the Panthers. The offense is terrible, though, as is Watson, to the surprise of no one. He’s thrown three touchdowns to six interceptions after a Thursday night loss to the Steelers by the score of 19-10 – a game so boring, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit start talking about how great the Atlanta Braves were in the 1990s by the second quarter. With a mini-bye week, Todd Monken makes the switch ahead of Cleveland’s matchup with the Jets.

16. Fernando Mendoza makes first start in Week 8 vs. Jets

The No. 1 overall pick takes over midway through the year after a 1-6 start for the Raiders.

17. Sean Payton takes back play calling duties from Davis Webb

After a 3-5 start is capped off with a second loss to the Chiefs, Sean Payton can’t help himself and strips offensive coordinator Davis Webb of being the play-caller, taking back that responsibility for himself.

18. Cardinals trade S Budda Baker to Lions

After dismantling the Cardinals, the Lions go into their bye week and make a big addition, trading for the Cardinals’ star safety to help shore up a secondary that needs help.

19. Chiefs trade for Cardinals WR Michael Wilson

After sweeping the Broncos, the Chiefs are 6-1 and looking to add another offensive weapon to put them over the top in the AFC. They send a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Wilson, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2025.

20. Justin Jefferson trade rumors begin

After a 3-5 start, culminating with a Monday night loss to the Bills the night before the trade deadline, there are loud whispers that Justin Jefferson may want out of Minnesota. The trade deadline comes and goes without him being moved, but the narrative for the remainder of the season is if this will be the last year of Jefferson in a Vikings uniform.

21. Aaron Donald returns to Rams

Donald returns to the Rams after Thanksgiving to make a push at another championship, making his season debut in Week 13 against the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.

22. Josh Allen has seven TD performance vs Dolphins

I’m sorry, Dolphins fans. Really, I am. If it makes you feel better, I really like Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis and think both will be studs. But Allen has owned the Dolphins throughout his career. He has two 400-yard games and six 300-yard games against Miami in his career. In Week 11, coming off a four total-touchdown performance in a win over the Jets, Allen throws for five touchdowns and rushes for two more as the Bills bury Miami 52-16.

23. Packers end Bears’ playoff hopes on Christmas Day

One year after the Bears overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to shock the Packers twice in the span of three weeks, Green Bay returns the favor to Chicago. Entering the game at 7-7, the Bears can’t afford another loss if they want to remain alive in the NFC playoff race. With just over a minute to go in regulation and the game tied at 23, Jordan Love launches a moon ball to Christian Watson, who catches it, snaps away from a tackle, and runs into the end zone to lock up a 30-23 win, all but putting the dagger in the playoff hopes of the Bears.

24. Ravens season is ended by Steelers in Week 18 for second straight year

The Steelers have a wild card spot locked up, entering the final week of the season with a 10-6 record. Baltimore sits at 9-7 and need a win to get in. Aaron Rodgers throws a touchdown to Michael Pittman while Rico Dowdle rushes for another. With the game tied at 17, Rodgers leads a drive to the Ravens’ 31 yard-line, where Chris Boswell nails a 48-yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 20-17 lead with 1:43 to play. Lamar Jackson leads Baltimore to Pittsburgh’s 45, not quite within field goal range when the Steelers force a fourth-and-seven. Joey Porter Jr. locks down Zay Flowers, preventing a completion and securing a win for the Steelers, and yet another missed postseason for the Ravens.

25. Colts finish with top 10 draft pick

I like the coaching staff that Indianapolis has. Shane Steichen and Lou Anarumo are both terrific coaches, but the Colts don’t have the horses. Quarterback wise, even when Daniel Jones returns, they will be starting a bottom-third player at the position. Jonathan Taylor is terrific, but we’ve seen time and time again a great running back alone will not win games. Combined with the overpaying of Alec Pierce and the departure of several veterans on defense, I can’t find more than five or six wins for the Colts.

26. Giants finish last in NFC East again

Despite the addition of John Harbaugh, the Giants end up being the 2026 version of the Las Vegas Raiders – a team that hires a Super Bowl-winning head coach in hopes of taking a leap forward, but performs poorly. That’s not to say the Giants will finish with the No. 1 overall pick, but 6-11 or 7-10 is likely where they’ll fall.

27. Kenneth Walker becomes first 1,000-yard rusher of Patrick Mahomes era

Yeah, believe it or not, Patrick Mahomes has never had a 1,000-yard rusher. Isiah Pacheco came close in 2023 with 935 yards, but Walker will break the streak comfortably and top 1,300 yards in 2026.

28. Myles Garrett breaks sack record for second straight year

After recording 6.5 sacks in the first two weeks of the season, the Myles Garrett sack record watch becomes a focal point around the NFL for the second straight season. It doesn’t take him the full 17 games to achieve it this time around, though, as he gets to Baker Mayfield in Week 15 to get sack No. 24 on the year before finishing the season with 25.5 and winning his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award.

29. Joe Burrow throws 50+ touchdowns, wins MVP

Burrow stays healthy all season and goes on a tear, becoming the first quarterback since Patrick Mahomes in 2018 to throw 50 touchdowns in a season, getting that coveted No. 50 in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens.

30. League leader predictions

Instead of going one-by-one with each league-leader projection, we’ll combine a comprehensive top five for each major stat:

Joe Burrow: 4,505
Matthew Stafford: 4,387
Dak Prescott: 4,298
Drake Maye: 4,215
Trevor Lawrence: 4,187

Joe Burrow: 52
Matthew Stafford: 37
Dak Prescott: 33
Josh Allen: 32
Baker Mayfield: 31

Jahmyr Gibbs: 1,648
James Cook: 1,493
Bijan Robinson: 1,427
Derrick Henry: 1,372
De’Von Achane: 1,298

Kenneth Walker: 15
Jonathan Taylor: 14
James Cook: 13
Derrick Henry: 12
Javonte Williams: 12

Ja’Marr Chase: 128
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 124
Puka Nacua: 119
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 117
DeVonta Smith: 108

Ja’Marr Chase: 1,693
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1,604
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 1,586
Puka Nacua: 1,401
George Pickens: 1,375

Ja’Marr Chase: 20
George Pickens: 13
Puka Nacua: 12
Trey McBride: 12
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 11

Myles Garrett: 25.5
Will Anderson: 17.0
Danielle Hunter: 15.5
Abdul Carter: 14.5
Maxx Crosby: 14.0

Carson Schwesinger: 181
Sonny Styles: 175
Jack Campbell: 172
Jordyn Brooks: 169
Fred Warner: 147

Jalen Pitre: 6
Derek Stingley: 6
Xavier Watts: 5
Sonny Styles: 4
Nashon Wright: 4

31. Ja’Marr Chase wins Offensive Player of the Year

Chase has another massive season, putting up 128 catches for 1,693 yards and 20 touchdowns.

32. Jayden Daniels wins Comeback Player of the Year

Daniels reminds everyone that he is one of the best young quarterbacks in football, throwing 26 touchdowns and adding seven on the ground to just nine interceptions as he leads Washington back to the playoffs.

33. Carnell Tate wins Offensive Rookie of the Year

Tate immediately proves to be what the Titans needed for Cam Ward, catching 85 passes for 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns as he and Ward help push Tennessee into the postseason.

34. Sonny Styles wins Defensive Rookie of the Year

Styles is the key to Dan Quinn’s defense getting back on track. The Ohio State product will be a top five tackler in the NFL, as well as pick off four passes to help Washington’s defense improve from finishing 28th in success rate.

35. Brian Schottenheimer wins Coach of the Year

After two straight years of missing the postseason, Schottenheimer gets Dallas to 12 wins and earns the Coach of the Year award – the same award his father won in 2004.

36. Notable teams to miss playoffs

The Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, and Jaguars will miss the postseason in the AFC while the Seahawks, Bears, and 49ers are left out in the NFC.

Denver’s defense is terrific. However, they were 11-2 in one-score games – that will almost certainly revert to the mean. Additionally, Bo Nix got away with a lot of throws in 2025, ranking first in interception worthy passes, per FTN Fantasy. Additionally, among 45 quarterbacks with 150 snaps, Nix was 32nd in success rate, 30th in completion percentage over expected, and 30th in average air yards per attempt. With a tougher schedule and lacking a upper echelon quarterback, Denver takes a step back.

Every year, we’re told to watch out for the Chargers, and yet they haven’t won a playoff game since 2018. There are multiple teams with more explosive weapons, and their defense will regress without Jesse Minter.

Speaking of Minter, the Ravens’ offense is quietly just… mediocre? Lamar Jackson is obviously fantastic, but it would be wishful thinking at best to assume he’ll play close to the level we saw in 2024. Their pass-catchers are a bottom half of the league unit, and all of their top defenders outside of Kyle Hamilton are aging and their play is declining.

Jacksonville will be fun to watch offensively, and I have them as my first team out with a winning record. Defensively they will be more volatile, which will cost them in close games.

Seattle will be this year’s Lions. Losing Ben Johnson threw Detroit a bit out of whack offensively, as Dan Campbell took over play-calling midseason from John Morton. Similar to Jacksonville, they will be my first team out in the NFC – certainly not a bad team, just a down season after an extraterrestrial 2025.

Chicago’s defense should worry all Bears fans. They lost five key contributors, and were very reliant on takeaways in 2025. Combined with the roller coaster ride that is the Caleb Williams experience, Chicago finishes 9-8 and outside the playoff picture.

San Francisco’s core is just too old, and you can never bank on them being fully healthy. They overachieved in 2025 despite those injuries, but a lot of that had to do with Robert Saleh calling the defense. Without Saleh, any defensive shortcomings will severely hinder the 49ers.

37. Bengals win AFC North

Off the strength of Burrow’s 52 touchdown passes and a defense that improves enough to hold up its end of the bargain, Cincinnati wins 12 games and clinches the North for the first time since 2022.

Buffalo gets back to the top of the East, winning 11 games off the strength of Josh Allen’s 42 total touchdowns and a defense that finds its groove under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.

This one I say with hesitancy because we just don’t know what Houston will get from C.J. Stroud, but that defense has zero holes. They go 11-6 and win the South.

The Chiefs reclaim the division after a one-year hiatus, and end up as the only AFC West team to get into the postseason.

41. Steelers earn No. 5 seed in AFC

So many seem to be down on the Steelers despite winning 10 games in 2025 and their roster and coaching staff getting much better. They get to 11 wins in Year One under Mike McCarthy and clinch the top wild card spot.

42. Patriots clinch No. 6 seed in AFC

New England takes a bit of a step back in 2026, but that’s expected when you win 14 games the year before. They get to 10-7 and earn the second wild card spot in the AFC.

43. Titans steal No. 7 seed in AFC

Every year, there is at least one team that makes the postseason that no one sees coming – I’ll say this year’s team will be the Tennessee Titans. I love the offseason they’ve had. New head coach Robert Saleh will turn that defense around, and Brian Daboll has a proven track record of elevating quarterbacks. With additions like Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson, John Franklin Myers, Alontae Taylor, and Cor’Dale Flott, Tennessee’s roster is much better than what it was at this time last season. Cam Ward takes a big leap forward and leads the Titans to their first playoff appearance since 2021.

I’m going to bet on Dan Campbell the way he bets on his guys on fourth down more than any coach in the NFL. I like the hire of Drew Petzing at offensive coordinator, and Detroit’s offense will be more consistent than it was a year ago. I do, however, have plenty of worries about their defense. Their secondary has taken blow after blow over the last eight months. Brian Branch tore his Achilles in December and his return date is unknown. Terrion Arnold was released after being arrested on kidnapping charges. Kerby Joseph’s knee is maybe the most up in the air unknown in the NFL as it pertains to injuries – hence the prediction for Detroit to acquire Budda Baker. All that said, I’ll be optimistic about the Lions and have them rebound and win the division with a high-powered offense that outscores its problems.

I love the Cowboys in 2026. The offense will be one of the best and most explosive in the NFL, and their defense will be much better under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, along with a plethora of new faces. Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, Rashan Gary – this defense is going to look a lot different than it did in 2025 when it gave up the most explosive plays in the league. Dak Prescott finishes top five in MVP voting as Dallas wins 12 games to take the No. 2 seed.

Another team I’m very bullish on is the New Orleans Saints. The additions they’ve made this offseason should have their fans excited. Jordyn Tyson taken in the first round to complement Chris Olave, Travis Etienne coming off the best season of his career and now being paired with Alvin Kamara, David Edwards at guard, cornerback Martin Emerson on a cheap deal. This is a team that won four of its last five games in 2025, and Tyler Shough showed real progress in that stretch – they win a wide open division and host a playoff game for the first time since 2020.

Nothing groundbreaking here. The Rams essentially built their own version of the MonSTARS by trading for both Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett to add to a team that already featured Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. They’ll win 14 games and get the top seed in the NFC.

48. Eagles earn No. 5 seed in NFC

The pendulum on the Eagles has swung the other way for me. At the beginning of the offseason, I was proclaiming they’d win seven games and then blow everything up, firing Nick Sirianni and trading Jalen Hurts. I’ve swung back to a more favorable outcome for Philly, rebounding after the aforementioned 0-2 start by winning 11 games.

49. Packers earn No. 6 seed in NFC

The timetable for Micah Parsons’ return is unknown, but the Packers have a favorable first half schedule. While they have a trip to Los Angeles to play the Rams, as well as home games against the Bills and Texans, all of those games take place after their Week 11 bye week. They come out of the gate with away games against the Vikings and Jets, which should put them at 2-0. They then face the Falcons and Buccaneers. At worse, they are looking at a 3-1 start ahead of their first game against the Bears, which is at home. If Parsons could return for the Sunday night matchup with the Cowboys in Week 6 with Green Bay potentially at 4-1, that is the best case scenario. Even if it takes Parsons a bit longer to make it back, Green Bay’s magic number is six wins in their first 10 games ahead of the bye, which is very doable.

50. Commanders earn No. 7 seed in NFC

Off the strength of a rejuvenated and healthy Jayden Daniels, as well as a defense that is much improved with several new starters, Washington bounces back after a five-win 2025 campaign and gets back into the postseason in their first year back in their perfect classic uniforms.

51. Steelers upset Chiefs in wild card round

The Chiefs have the better quarterback, certainly, but the Steelers have the better roster 1-53. Even after the projected addition of Michael Wilson for Kansas City, Pittsburgh’s secondary is very deep and can contain the weapons Kansas City possesses. The lack of edge rushers for the Chiefs gives Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense time and comfortability to consistently move the ball and sneak out of Arrowhead with a 23-20 win on a Chris Boswell walk-off field goal, winning their first playoff game since the 2016 season.

52. Cowboys vs. Rams in NFC Championship Game

The Rams earn the No. 1 seed, while Dallas is No. 2 in the conference. The Cowboys get to the Conference Championship Game by defeating a pair of division opponents. They defeat Washington 31-23 in the wild card round before Christian Parker puts the Eagles’ offense in hell for 60 minutes en route to a 20-9 win in the divisional round. The Rams enjoy a first-round bye before defeating the Packers 34-27.

The two teams exchange offensive blows, but a Caleb Downs interception with less than two minutes to play seals the 34-30 win for the Cowboys to send them to their first Super Bowl in over 30 years.

53. Bengals vs. Bills in AFC Championship Game

I’ve picked the Bills get to the Super Bowl in each of the last three seasons, so maybe if I don’t pick them, they’ll actually do it. Allen and Burrow go blow-for-blow, with a Ja’Marr Chase touchdown being what seals the Bengals’ 35-30 win over Buffalo.

54. Cowboys defeat Bengals in Super Bowl LXI

Instead of a coin toss, the two teams do the Spider-Man pointing at each other meme, as these two squads are so similarly constructed. A star quarterback, two stud wide receivers, and a defense that needs them to outscore their shortcomings. Dak and Burrow put on respective offensive masterclasses, each throwing three touchdowns as the two teams enter the fourth quarter in a 24-24 tie. Prescott throws his fourth touchdown of the game to Jake Ferguson with 6:53 to play. On the ensuing drive, as Cincinnati is on the brink of a score of their own, a Burrow pass is tipped in the air and snagged by Caleb Downs. Two first downs later, the Cowboys have finally ended their championship drought with a 31-24 win.

55. Chargers fire Jim Harbaugh, promote Mike McDaniel

In the midst of the postseason, those who missed out on the playoffs get started with their offseason – some of whom make big changes. After missing the playoffs, extending the playoff winless streak for the Chargers to seven seasons – three of which were under the leadership of Harbaugh, Los Angeles somewhat surprisingly moves on from their head coach. While he led Los Angeles to two straight 11-win seasons, the Chargers have been terrible in playoff games. Missing the postseason all together leads the franchise to go with a younger, more forward-thinking mind in McDaniel at head coach.

56. Browns fire Todd Monken, hire Jim Harbaugh

Monken ends up being a one-and-done coach in Cleveland. It may not have happened that way if Harbaugh didn’t become available. The Harbaugh family is from Ohio, and John Harbaugh was reportedly tempted by the Browns’ job this past offseason due to those roots. Brother Jim ends up taking the job, as Cleveland desperately needs a big name who has proven to be a culture shifter and winner.

57. Panthers move on from Bryce Young

2025 will be where the Bryce Young Panthers peak. After a 5-12 season in 2026, the Panthers move on from the former No. 1 overall pick and get ready to go on a search for their next signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft.

58. Murmurs of Lamar Jackson leaving Baltimore get loud

After the Ravens come just shy of making the postseason in Year One of the Minter era, and for the second consecutive year, many wonder what the future holds for Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP will enter the final year of his current deal in 2027. Does Baltimore look elsewhere at quarterback options and ship Jackson away?

59. Buccaneers hire Mike Tomlin as head coach

Mike Tomlin goes back to where his NFL journey began and accepts the Buccaneers’ head coaching job. Tomlin was the Bucs’ defensive backs coach from 2001-05, winning a Super Bowl in the 2002 season. After Tampa moves on from Todd Bowles, they make a Sean Payton-esc trade with Pittsburgh, as they still hold Tomlin’s rights, sending a 2027 first-round pick and 2028 third-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for their new head coach.

60. Texans trade C.J. Stroud to Falcons

The Falcons have a really nice collection of talent on offense, with Bijan Robinson being who many believe is the top running back in the NFL, and Drake London is one of the game’s finest receivers. Unfortunately, they have yet to find a quarterback who they can lean on, and that will continue to be the case in 2026 with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. Atlanta trades for Stroud, who easily becomes the best quarterback Kevin Stefanski has had since Baker Mayfield. And speaking of Baker…

61. Baker Mayfield signs with Texans

Baker Mayfield is from Austin, which is about a two and a half hour drive from Houston. Despite a respectable 2026 season that sees Mayfield throw for 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, the Bucs miss the playoffs. He decides to return home to a team that needs an upgrade at quarterback after being eliminated in the divisional round for the fourth consecutive year despite having the league’s top defense.

While some may ask why the Texans would go this route, ask yourself what you would rather have – C.J. Stroud on an extension between $45-55 million per year or Baker Mayfield on a shorter-term deal for less money and additional first-round picks? I know which one I’d choose.

My crystal ball would never lie to you, and I hope you enjoyed the predictive journey we went on together. The real thing starts very soon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be taking an end of summer nap to rest my weary head in preparation for the months ahead. Happy football season to all.

#NFL #predictions #ahead #season">

61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season We are so close to football being back, and Lord do we need it.If you’re on Twitter right now, you’re probably seeing every person you’ve ever interacted with launching verbal spears at strangers if they dare say this quarterback is better than that quarterback, which all ends with a Ravens fan showing you a photo of his crime board that proclaims Joe Burrow is actually the Zodiac killer. I’d tell you what’s hidden away in every Bo Nix truther’s secret room, but it’s X-rated and we don’t need to go into detail there.We’re all rabid at this point and need games on our screen. But fear not, my fellow sickos – the Hall of Fame Game is exactly three weeks away at the time of writing, with training camps opening up in one week’s time. Until then, though, how about one more long-form piece for everyone to get angry about?With this season concluding with the 61st Super Bowl, I compiled a running list of 61 predictions for the 2026 NFL season and beyond. From game results, to notable trades and signings, to a coaching carousel after the campaign is done, take a peek into my crystal ball as I tell the tale of the 2026 NFL season.1. WR Stefon Diggs signs with Dallas CowboysI know everyone is metaphorically stuffing Diggs in a box, taping him up, and FedEx-ing him to the Washington Commanders’ facility in Landover, but it’s another NFC East team that we should keep an eye on. Outside of stars CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Dallas has zero depth at receiver. Ryan Flournoy, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kavontae Turpin are the names behind the terrific duo – that simply won’t cut it. Signing Diggs as a chess piece who can move around both on the perimeter and the slot, just like Lamb and Pickens can do, would give the Cowboys the best trio of pass-catchers in the NFL.2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield do not get extension doneThis leaves Mayfield to play out the final year of his deal and become a free agent in 2027. Keep that in mind for later.3. Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy to RavensThe writing is on the wall for J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings won 14 games with Sam Darnold, didn’t bring him back, and then watched him win a Super Bowl while they limped to a 9-8 record. McCarthy completed less than 60 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He gets dealt to Baltimore and Jesse Minter, who won a National Championship with McCarthy at Michigan as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator.4. Rams defeat 49ers in blowout fashion in Week 1The Rams are playing with venom drooling out of their mouths in Week 1. Myles Garrett has one of the best debuts with a new team in NFL history, sacking Brock Purdy three times and forcing an interception that is returned for a touchdown by fellow new Ram Trent McDuffie. Matthew Stafford throws four touchdowns, a pair each for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as the Rams run away on the opening Thursday of the season by the score of 38-20.5. Deshaun Watson is Browns Week 1 starterThis Browns quarterback room may be the worst in NFL history. Having to choose between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is like choosing between a long, torturous death or a torturous, long death. Todd Monken chooses Watson to be the Week 1 starter against the Jaguars, which ends in a 24-16 loss to Jacksonville.6. Jayden Daniels lights up the Eagles in Week 1The Commanders begin their season on the road in Philadelphia in the late-afternoon window on Fox, and man doesn’t that just feel right? Few things make me feel as nostalgic as the NFC East getting America’s Game of the Week. I feel like it’s 2007 again, and I’m sitting with my dad in the living room with a lovely view of the tree in our yard as the bright colored leaves fall off one-by-one with the smell of cinnamon in the air while Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb squared off.Memories of yesteryear aside, Jayden Daniels enters this season with a point to prove after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, and he makes a statement in Week 1. The LSU product throws for 284 yards, three passing touchdowns, and adds 64 yards with a rushing score on the ground as Washington defeats Philadelphia 34-27.7. Chiefs defeat Broncos to close Week 1I’ll give props to my good friend Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated for proclaiming that the most important game of the season for both Kansas City and Denver is the first one. If the Chiefs win, they’re in the driver’s seat with a very easy first half schedule. Following Week 1, their schedule from Weeks 2-6 is as follows:Week 2: vs. ColtsWeek 3: at DolphinsWeek 4: at RaidersWeek 5: BYEWeek 6: vs. ChargersIt’s very likely, and even probable that the Chiefs are 4-1 after the first six weeks if they defeat Denver in Week 1, which gives them an early command of the division. Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes remind everyone that they are still the big dog in the AFC and defeat the Broncos 23-20 on a last second Harrison Butker field goal.8. Eagles start season 0-2After the back-and-forth shootout with the Commanders in which they fall short, the Eagles travel to Tennessee to face the Titans. In terms of survivor pools, many pick the Eagles with such hubris, but are stunned to see that Robert Saleh’s defense does what it did to Hurts in the divisional round this past January. Hurts struggles, throwing a pair of interceptions, including the game-sealing pick to Kevin Winston Jr which locks up a 20-17 win for Tennessee, putting the Eagles in an early 0-2 hole.9. Mike Evans hauls in three touchdowns in Week 2 vs. DolphinsPlaying the Dolphins after the Rams is the equivalent of cage-fighting a newborn baby after boxing Mike Tyson. After an 18-point loss to the Rams to begin their season, the 49ers bounce back with a Mike Evans masterclass, catching eight passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns en route to San Francisco defeating Miami 31-13.10. Lions score 40 points in consecutive weeksThe Lions are 2-1 entering Week 4, defeating the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively, with loss to the Buffalo Bills sandwiched in between. They then have a two-game road-trip, facing the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. In front of a national audience on Sunday Night Football, Jahmyr Gibbs goes off for three total touchdowns while Jared Goff goes for 303 yards and four scores, defeating the Panthers 41-17. The next week against Arizona, Goff and rising playmaker Isaac TeSlaa hook up for seven receptions, 88 yards, and two scores while the defense forces three takeaways in a 40-9 public execution.11. Patriots start season 1-3The Patriots begin their season by playing four playoff teams from a year ago in their first four games. They open the season in Seattle against the Seahawks in a Super Bowl LX rematch. They then host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 – a game they lost last season after turning the ball over five times. They hit the road again for Weeks 3 and 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, respectively. Super Bowl hangovers are a very real thing, especially when three of your first four games are away from home with a cross-country trip thrown in. Now, luckily for them, they play the Raiders and Jets in Weeks 5 and 6, but New England will come out of the gate slow, losing to Seattle, Jacksonville, and Buffalo with their lone win in the first month coming against Pittsburgh.12. Joe Burrow has two five-TD pass performances in first five weeksThe Bengals finally get off to a hot start, starting with a shootout with Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Burrow throws a pair of touchdowns to Ja’Marr Chase, one to Tee Higgins and one to Chase Brown, dueling with Mayfield who throws three touchdowns of his own in the first three quarters. A fifth Burrow touchdown to Andrei Iosivas seals a 38-27 win over Tampa Bay. In Week 5, Burrow carves up another Florida team as the Bengals blow out the Miami Dolphins 44-16.13. Myles Garrett has massive night vs. Giants in Week 2On the Week 2 edition of Monday Night Football, the Rams host the Giants in what ends up being the second consecutive colossal Myles Garrett performance to begin his tenure as a Ram. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year sacks Jaxson Dart three times and earns a half sack on another takedown. And just to poke fun at the offseason activities of the Giants’ quarterback, several Rams players are seen wearing blue hats with the phrase “Make America Garrett Again.”14. Bills open new Highmark Stadium with a bangAfter falling to the Texans 24-23 in Week 1, the Bills go nuclear on the Detroit Lions to kickoff Week 2 on Thursday Night Football. Josh Allen throws three touchdowns, James Cook runs for two, and Buffalo puts a beating on the Lions 38-24.15. Shedeur Sanders takes over as Browns starter in Week 5 vs. JetsDeshaun Watson starts the first four games of the year for the Browns, going 1-3 in the process with the only win coming against the Panthers. The offense is terrible, though, as is Watson, to the surprise of no one. He’s thrown three touchdowns to six interceptions after a Thursday night loss to the Steelers by the score of 19-10 – a game so boring, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit start talking about how great the Atlanta Braves were in the 1990s by the second quarter. With a mini-bye week, Todd Monken makes the switch ahead of Cleveland’s matchup with the Jets.16. Fernando Mendoza makes first start in Week 8 vs. JetsThe No. 1 overall pick takes over midway through the year after a 1-6 start for the Raiders.17. Sean Payton takes back play calling duties from Davis WebbAfter a 3-5 start is capped off with a second loss to the Chiefs, Sean Payton can’t help himself and strips offensive coordinator Davis Webb of being the play-caller, taking back that responsibility for himself.18. Cardinals trade S Budda Baker to LionsAfter dismantling the Cardinals, the Lions go into their bye week and make a big addition, trading for the Cardinals’ star safety to help shore up a secondary that needs help.19. Chiefs trade for Cardinals WR Michael WilsonAfter sweeping the Broncos, the Chiefs are 6-1 and looking to add another offensive weapon to put them over the top in the AFC. They send a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Wilson, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2025.20. Justin Jefferson trade rumors beginAfter a 3-5 start, culminating with a Monday night loss to the Bills the night before the trade deadline, there are loud whispers that Justin Jefferson may want out of Minnesota. The trade deadline comes and goes without him being moved, but the narrative for the remainder of the season is if this will be the last year of Jefferson in a Vikings uniform.21. Aaron Donald returns to RamsDonald returns to the Rams after Thanksgiving to make a push at another championship, making his season debut in Week 13 against the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.22. Josh Allen has seven TD performance vs DolphinsI’m sorry, Dolphins fans. Really, I am. If it makes you feel better, I really like Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis and think both will be studs. But Allen has owned the Dolphins throughout his career. He has two 400-yard games and six 300-yard games against Miami in his career. In Week 11, coming off a four total-touchdown performance in a win over the Jets, Allen throws for five touchdowns and rushes for two more as the Bills bury Miami 52-16.23. Packers end Bears’ playoff hopes on Christmas DayOne year after the Bears overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to shock the Packers twice in the span of three weeks, Green Bay returns the favor to Chicago. Entering the game at 7-7, the Bears can’t afford another loss if they want to remain alive in the NFC playoff race. With just over a minute to go in regulation and the game tied at 23, Jordan Love launches a moon ball to Christian Watson, who catches it, snaps away from a tackle, and runs into the end zone to lock up a 30-23 win, all but putting the dagger in the playoff hopes of the Bears.24. Ravens season is ended by Steelers in Week 18 for second straight yearThe Steelers have a wild card spot locked up, entering the final week of the season with a 10-6 record. Baltimore sits at 9-7 and need a win to get in. Aaron Rodgers throws a touchdown to Michael Pittman while Rico Dowdle rushes for another. With the game tied at 17, Rodgers leads a drive to the Ravens’ 31 yard-line, where Chris Boswell nails a 48-yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 20-17 lead with 1:43 to play. Lamar Jackson leads Baltimore to Pittsburgh’s 45, not quite within field goal range when the Steelers force a fourth-and-seven. Joey Porter Jr. locks down Zay Flowers, preventing a completion and securing a win for the Steelers, and yet another missed postseason for the Ravens.25. Colts finish with top 10 draft pickI like the coaching staff that Indianapolis has. Shane Steichen and Lou Anarumo are both terrific coaches, but the Colts don’t have the horses. Quarterback wise, even when Daniel Jones returns, they will be starting a bottom-third player at the position. Jonathan Taylor is terrific, but we’ve seen time and time again a great running back alone will not win games. Combined with the overpaying of Alec Pierce and the departure of several veterans on defense, I can’t find more than five or six wins for the Colts.26. Giants finish last in NFC East againDespite the addition of John Harbaugh, the Giants end up being the 2026 version of the Las Vegas Raiders – a team that hires a Super Bowl-winning head coach in hopes of taking a leap forward, but performs poorly. That’s not to say the Giants will finish with the No. 1 overall pick, but 6-11 or 7-10 is likely where they’ll fall.27. Kenneth Walker becomes first 1,000-yard rusher of Patrick Mahomes eraYeah, believe it or not, Patrick Mahomes has never had a 1,000-yard rusher. Isiah Pacheco came close in 2023 with 935 yards, but Walker will break the streak comfortably and top 1,300 yards in 2026.28. Myles Garrett breaks sack record for second straight yearAfter recording 6.5 sacks in the first two weeks of the season, the Myles Garrett sack record watch becomes a focal point around the NFL for the second straight season. It doesn’t take him the full 17 games to achieve it this time around, though, as he gets to Baker Mayfield in Week 15 to get sack No. 24 on the year before finishing the season with 25.5 and winning his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award.29. Joe Burrow throws 50+ touchdowns, wins MVPBurrow stays healthy all season and goes on a tear, becoming the first quarterback since Patrick Mahomes in 2018 to throw 50 touchdowns in a season, getting that coveted No. 50 in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens.30. League leader predictionsInstead of going one-by-one with each league-leader projection, we’ll combine a comprehensive top five for each major stat:Joe Burrow: 4,505Matthew Stafford: 4,387Dak Prescott: 4,298Drake Maye: 4,215Trevor Lawrence: 4,187Joe Burrow: 52Matthew Stafford: 37Dak Prescott: 33Josh Allen: 32Baker Mayfield: 31Jahmyr Gibbs: 1,648James Cook: 1,493Bijan Robinson: 1,427Derrick Henry: 1,372De’Von Achane: 1,298Kenneth Walker: 15Jonathan Taylor: 14James Cook: 13Derrick Henry: 12Javonte Williams: 12Ja’Marr Chase: 128Amon-Ra St. Brown: 124Puka Nacua: 119Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 117DeVonta Smith: 108Ja’Marr Chase: 1,693Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1,604Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 1,586Puka Nacua: 1,401George Pickens: 1,375Ja’Marr Chase: 20George Pickens: 13Puka Nacua: 12Trey McBride: 12Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 11Myles Garrett: 25.5Will Anderson: 17.0Danielle Hunter: 15.5Abdul Carter: 14.5Maxx Crosby: 14.0Carson Schwesinger: 181Sonny Styles: 175Jack Campbell: 172Jordyn Brooks: 169Fred Warner: 147Jalen Pitre: 6Derek Stingley: 6Xavier Watts: 5Sonny Styles: 4Nashon Wright: 431. Ja’Marr Chase wins Offensive Player of the YearChase has another massive season, putting up 128 catches for 1,693 yards and 20 touchdowns.32. Jayden Daniels wins Comeback Player of the YearDaniels reminds everyone that he is one of the best young quarterbacks in football, throwing 26 touchdowns and adding seven on the ground to just nine interceptions as he leads Washington back to the playoffs.33. Carnell Tate wins Offensive Rookie of the YearTate immediately proves to be what the Titans needed for Cam Ward, catching 85 passes for 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns as he and Ward help push Tennessee into the postseason.34. Sonny Styles wins Defensive Rookie of the YearStyles is the key to Dan Quinn’s defense getting back on track. The Ohio State product will be a top five tackler in the NFL, as well as pick off four passes to help Washington’s defense improve from finishing 28th in success rate.35. Brian Schottenheimer wins Coach of the YearAfter two straight years of missing the postseason, Schottenheimer gets Dallas to 12 wins and earns the Coach of the Year award – the same award his father won in 2004.36. Notable teams to miss playoffsThe Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, and Jaguars will miss the postseason in the AFC while the Seahawks, Bears, and 49ers are left out in the NFC.Denver’s defense is terrific. However, they were 11-2 in one-score games – that will almost certainly revert to the mean. Additionally, Bo Nix got away with a lot of throws in 2025, ranking first in interception worthy passes, per FTN Fantasy. Additionally, among 45 quarterbacks with 150 snaps, Nix was 32nd in success rate, 30th in completion percentage over expected, and 30th in average air yards per attempt. With a tougher schedule and lacking a upper echelon quarterback, Denver takes a step back.Every year, we’re told to watch out for the Chargers, and yet they haven’t won a playoff game since 2018. There are multiple teams with more explosive weapons, and their defense will regress without Jesse Minter.Speaking of Minter, the Ravens’ offense is quietly just… mediocre? Lamar Jackson is obviously fantastic, but it would be wishful thinking at best to assume he’ll play close to the level we saw in 2024. Their pass-catchers are a bottom half of the league unit, and all of their top defenders outside of Kyle Hamilton are aging and their play is declining.Jacksonville will be fun to watch offensively, and I have them as my first team out with a winning record. Defensively they will be more volatile, which will cost them in close games.Seattle will be this year’s Lions. Losing Ben Johnson threw Detroit a bit out of whack offensively, as Dan Campbell took over play-calling midseason from John Morton. Similar to Jacksonville, they will be my first team out in the NFC – certainly not a bad team, just a down season after an extraterrestrial 2025.Chicago’s defense should worry all Bears fans. They lost five key contributors, and were very reliant on takeaways in 2025. Combined with the roller coaster ride that is the Caleb Williams experience, Chicago finishes 9-8 and outside the playoff picture.San Francisco’s core is just too old, and you can never bank on them being fully healthy. They overachieved in 2025 despite those injuries, but a lot of that had to do with Robert Saleh calling the defense. Without Saleh, any defensive shortcomings will severely hinder the 49ers.37. Bengals win AFC NorthOff the strength of Burrow’s 52 touchdown passes and a defense that improves enough to hold up its end of the bargain, Cincinnati wins 12 games and clinches the North for the first time since 2022.Buffalo gets back to the top of the East, winning 11 games off the strength of Josh Allen’s 42 total touchdowns and a defense that finds its groove under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.This one I say with hesitancy because we just don’t know what Houston will get from C.J. Stroud, but that defense has zero holes. They go 11-6 and win the South.The Chiefs reclaim the division after a one-year hiatus, and end up as the only AFC West team to get into the postseason.41. Steelers earn No. 5 seed in AFCSo many seem to be down on the Steelers despite winning 10 games in 2025 and their roster and coaching staff getting much better. They get to 11 wins in Year One under Mike McCarthy and clinch the top wild card spot.42. Patriots clinch No. 6 seed in AFCNew England takes a bit of a step back in 2026, but that’s expected when you win 14 games the year before. They get to 10-7 and earn the second wild card spot in the AFC.43. Titans steal No. 7 seed in AFCEvery year, there is at least one team that makes the postseason that no one sees coming – I’ll say this year’s team will be the Tennessee Titans. I love the offseason they’ve had. New head coach Robert Saleh will turn that defense around, and Brian Daboll has a proven track record of elevating quarterbacks. With additions like Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson, John Franklin Myers, Alontae Taylor, and Cor’Dale Flott, Tennessee’s roster is much better than what it was at this time last season. Cam Ward takes a big leap forward and leads the Titans to their first playoff appearance since 2021.I’m going to bet on Dan Campbell the way he bets on his guys on fourth down more than any coach in the NFL. I like the hire of Drew Petzing at offensive coordinator, and Detroit’s offense will be more consistent than it was a year ago. I do, however, have plenty of worries about their defense. Their secondary has taken blow after blow over the last eight months. Brian Branch tore his Achilles in December and his return date is unknown. Terrion Arnold was released after being arrested on kidnapping charges. Kerby Joseph’s knee is maybe the most up in the air unknown in the NFL as it pertains to injuries – hence the prediction for Detroit to acquire Budda Baker. All that said, I’ll be optimistic about the Lions and have them rebound and win the division with a high-powered offense that outscores its problems.I love the Cowboys in 2026. The offense will be one of the best and most explosive in the NFL, and their defense will be much better under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, along with a plethora of new faces. Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, Rashan Gary – this defense is going to look a lot different than it did in 2025 when it gave up the most explosive plays in the league. Dak Prescott finishes top five in MVP voting as Dallas wins 12 games to take the No. 2 seed.Another team I’m very bullish on is the New Orleans Saints. The additions they’ve made this offseason should have their fans excited. Jordyn Tyson taken in the first round to complement Chris Olave, Travis Etienne coming off the best season of his career and now being paired with Alvin Kamara, David Edwards at guard, cornerback Martin Emerson on a cheap deal. This is a team that won four of its last five games in 2025, and Tyler Shough showed real progress in that stretch – they win a wide open division and host a playoff game for the first time since 2020.Nothing groundbreaking here. The Rams essentially built their own version of the MonSTARS by trading for both Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett to add to a team that already featured Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. They’ll win 14 games and get the top seed in the NFC.48. Eagles earn No. 5 seed in NFCThe pendulum on the Eagles has swung the other way for me. At the beginning of the offseason, I was proclaiming they’d win seven games and then blow everything up, firing Nick Sirianni and trading Jalen Hurts. I’ve swung back to a more favorable outcome for Philly, rebounding after the aforementioned 0-2 start by winning 11 games.49. Packers earn No. 6 seed in NFCThe timetable for Micah Parsons’ return is unknown, but the Packers have a favorable first half schedule. While they have a trip to Los Angeles to play the Rams, as well as home games against the Bills and Texans, all of those games take place after their Week 11 bye week. They come out of the gate with away games against the Vikings and Jets, which should put them at 2-0. They then face the Falcons and Buccaneers. At worse, they are looking at a 3-1 start ahead of their first game against the Bears, which is at home. If Parsons could return for the Sunday night matchup with the Cowboys in Week 6 with Green Bay potentially at 4-1, that is the best case scenario. Even if it takes Parsons a bit longer to make it back, Green Bay’s magic number is six wins in their first 10 games ahead of the bye, which is very doable.50. Commanders earn No. 7 seed in NFCOff the strength of a rejuvenated and healthy Jayden Daniels, as well as a defense that is much improved with several new starters, Washington bounces back after a five-win 2025 campaign and gets back into the postseason in their first year back in their perfect classic uniforms.51. Steelers upset Chiefs in wild card roundThe Chiefs have the better quarterback, certainly, but the Steelers have the better roster 1-53. Even after the projected addition of Michael Wilson for Kansas City, Pittsburgh’s secondary is very deep and can contain the weapons Kansas City possesses. The lack of edge rushers for the Chiefs gives Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense time and comfortability to consistently move the ball and sneak out of Arrowhead with a 23-20 win on a Chris Boswell walk-off field goal, winning their first playoff game since the 2016 season.52. Cowboys vs. Rams in NFC Championship GameThe Rams earn the No. 1 seed, while Dallas is No. 2 in the conference. The Cowboys get to the Conference Championship Game by defeating a pair of division opponents. They defeat Washington 31-23 in the wild card round before Christian Parker puts the Eagles’ offense in hell for 60 minutes en route to a 20-9 win in the divisional round. The Rams enjoy a first-round bye before defeating the Packers 34-27.The two teams exchange offensive blows, but a Caleb Downs interception with less than two minutes to play seals the 34-30 win for the Cowboys to send them to their first Super Bowl in over 30 years.53. Bengals vs. Bills in AFC Championship GameI’ve picked the Bills get to the Super Bowl in each of the last three seasons, so maybe if I don’t pick them, they’ll actually do it. Allen and Burrow go blow-for-blow, with a Ja’Marr Chase touchdown being what seals the Bengals’ 35-30 win over Buffalo.54. Cowboys defeat Bengals in Super Bowl LXIInstead of a coin toss, the two teams do the Spider-Man pointing at each other meme, as these two squads are so similarly constructed. A star quarterback, two stud wide receivers, and a defense that needs them to outscore their shortcomings. Dak and Burrow put on respective offensive masterclasses, each throwing three touchdowns as the two teams enter the fourth quarter in a 24-24 tie. Prescott throws his fourth touchdown of the game to Jake Ferguson with 6:53 to play. On the ensuing drive, as Cincinnati is on the brink of a score of their own, a Burrow pass is tipped in the air and snagged by Caleb Downs. Two first downs later, the Cowboys have finally ended their championship drought with a 31-24 win.55. Chargers fire Jim Harbaugh, promote Mike McDanielIn the midst of the postseason, those who missed out on the playoffs get started with their offseason – some of whom make big changes. After missing the playoffs, extending the playoff winless streak for the Chargers to seven seasons – three of which were under the leadership of Harbaugh, Los Angeles somewhat surprisingly moves on from their head coach. While he led Los Angeles to two straight 11-win seasons, the Chargers have been terrible in playoff games. Missing the postseason all together leads the franchise to go with a younger, more forward-thinking mind in McDaniel at head coach.56. Browns fire Todd Monken, hire Jim HarbaughMonken ends up being a one-and-done coach in Cleveland. It may not have happened that way if Harbaugh didn’t become available. The Harbaugh family is from Ohio, and John Harbaugh was reportedly tempted by the Browns’ job this past offseason due to those roots. Brother Jim ends up taking the job, as Cleveland desperately needs a big name who has proven to be a culture shifter and winner.57. Panthers move on from Bryce Young2025 will be where the Bryce Young Panthers peak. After a 5-12 season in 2026, the Panthers move on from the former No. 1 overall pick and get ready to go on a search for their next signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft.58. Murmurs of Lamar Jackson leaving Baltimore get loudAfter the Ravens come just shy of making the postseason in Year One of the Minter era, and for the second consecutive year, many wonder what the future holds for Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP will enter the final year of his current deal in 2027. Does Baltimore look elsewhere at quarterback options and ship Jackson away?59. Buccaneers hire Mike Tomlin as head coachMike Tomlin goes back to where his NFL journey began and accepts the Buccaneers’ head coaching job. Tomlin was the Bucs’ defensive backs coach from 2001-05, winning a Super Bowl in the 2002 season. After Tampa moves on from Todd Bowles, they make a Sean Payton-esc trade with Pittsburgh, as they still hold Tomlin’s rights, sending a 2027 first-round pick and 2028 third-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for their new head coach.60. Texans trade C.J. Stroud to FalconsThe Falcons have a really nice collection of talent on offense, with Bijan Robinson being who many believe is the top running back in the NFL, and Drake London is one of the game’s finest receivers. Unfortunately, they have yet to find a quarterback who they can lean on, and that will continue to be the case in 2026 with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. Atlanta trades for Stroud, who easily becomes the best quarterback Kevin Stefanski has had since Baker Mayfield. And speaking of Baker…61. Baker Mayfield signs with TexansBaker Mayfield is from Austin, which is about a two and a half hour drive from Houston. Despite a respectable 2026 season that sees Mayfield throw for 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, the Bucs miss the playoffs. He decides to return home to a team that needs an upgrade at quarterback after being eliminated in the divisional round for the fourth consecutive year despite having the league’s top defense.While some may ask why the Texans would go this route, ask yourself what you would rather have – C.J. Stroud on an extension between -55 million per year or Baker Mayfield on a shorter-term deal for less money and additional first-round picks? I know which one I’d choose.My crystal ball would never lie to you, and I hope you enjoyed the predictive journey we went on together. The real thing starts very soon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be taking an end of summer nap to rest my weary head in preparation for the months ahead. Happy football season to all. #NFL #predictions #ahead #season

mwasimuddin125 0

We are so close to football being back, and Lord do we need it.
If you’re on Twitter right now, you’re probably seeing every person you’ve ever interacted with launching verbal spears at strangers if they dare say this quarterback is better than that quarterback, which all ends with a Ravens fan showing you a photo of his crime board that proclaims Joe Burrow is actually the Zodiac killer. I’d tell you what’s hidden away in every Bo Nix truther’s secret room, but it’s X-rated and we don’t need to go into detail there.
We’re all rabid at this point and need games on our screen. But fear not, my fellow sickos – the Hall of Fame Game is exactly three weeks away at the time of writing, with training camps opening up in one week’s time. Until then, though, how about one more long-form piece for everyone to get angry about?
With this season concluding with the 61st Super Bowl, I compiled a running list of 61 predictions for the 2026 NFL season and beyond. From game results, to notable trades and signings, to a coaching carousel after the campaign is done, take a peek into my crystal ball as I tell the tale of the 2026 NFL season.
1. WR Stefon Diggs signs with Dallas Cowboys
I know everyone is metaphorically stuffing Diggs in a box, taping him up, and FedEx-ing him to the Washington Commanders’ facility in Landover, but it’s another NFC East team that we should keep an eye on. Outside of stars CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Dallas has zero depth at receiver. Ryan Flournoy, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kavontae Turpin are the names behind the terrific duo – that simply won’t cut it. Signing Diggs as a chess piece who can move around both on the perimeter and the slot, just like Lamb and Pickens can do, would give the Cowboys the best trio of pass-catchers in the NFL.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield do not get extension done
This leaves Mayfield to play out the final year of his deal and become a free agent in 2027. Keep that in mind for later.
3. Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy to Ravens
The writing is on the wall for J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings won 14 games with Sam Darnold, didn’t bring him back, and then watched him win a Super Bowl while they limped to a 9-8 record. McCarthy completed less than 60 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He gets dealt to Baltimore and Jesse Minter, who won a National Championship with McCarthy at Michigan as the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator.
4. Rams defeat 49ers in blowout fashion in Week 1
The Rams are playing with venom drooling out of their mouths in Week 1. Myles Garrett has one of the best debuts with a new team in NFL history, sacking Brock Purdy three times and forcing an interception that is returned for a touchdown by fellow new Ram Trent McDuffie. Matthew Stafford throws four touchdowns, a pair each for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as the Rams run away on the opening Thursday of the season by the score of 38-20.
5. Deshaun Watson is Browns Week 1 starter
This Browns quarterback room may be the worst in NFL history. Having to choose between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is like choosing between a long, torturous death or a torturous, long death. Todd Monken chooses Watson to be the Week 1 starter against the Jaguars, which ends in a 24-16 loss to Jacksonville.
6. Jayden Daniels lights up the Eagles in Week 1
The Commanders begin their season on the road in Philadelphia in the late-afternoon window on Fox, and man doesn’t that just feel right? Few things make me feel as nostalgic as the NFC East getting America’s Game of the Week. I feel like it’s 2007 again, and I’m sitting with my dad in the living room with a lovely view of the tree in our yard as the bright colored leaves fall off one-by-one with the smell of cinnamon in the air while Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb squared off.
Memories of yesteryear aside, Jayden Daniels enters this season with a point to prove after an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, and he makes a statement in Week 1. The LSU product throws for 284 yards, three passing touchdowns, and adds 64 yards with a rushing score on the ground as Washington defeats Philadelphia 34-27.
7. Chiefs defeat Broncos to close Week 1
I’ll give props to my good friend Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated for proclaiming that the most important game of the season for both Kansas City and Denver is the first one. If the Chiefs win, they’re in the driver’s seat with a very easy first half schedule. Following Week 1, their schedule from Weeks 2-6 is as follows:
Week 2: vs. Colts
Week 3: at Dolphins
Week 4: at Raiders
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: vs. Chargers
It’s very likely, and even probable that the Chiefs are 4-1 after the first six weeks if they defeat Denver in Week 1, which gives them an early command of the division. Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes remind everyone that they are still the big dog in the AFC and defeat the Broncos 23-20 on a last second Harrison Butker field goal.
8. Eagles start season 0-2
After the back-and-forth shootout with the Commanders in which they fall short, the Eagles travel to Tennessee to face the Titans. In terms of survivor pools, many pick the Eagles with such hubris, but are stunned to see that Robert Saleh’s defense does what it did to Hurts in the divisional round this past January. Hurts struggles, throwing a pair of interceptions, including the game-sealing pick to Kevin Winston Jr which locks up a 20-17 win for Tennessee, putting the Eagles in an early 0-2 hole.
9. Mike Evans hauls in three touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Dolphins
Playing the Dolphins after the Rams is the equivalent of cage-fighting a newborn baby after boxing Mike Tyson. After an 18-point loss to the Rams to begin their season, the 49ers bounce back with a Mike Evans masterclass, catching eight passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns en route to San Francisco defeating Miami 31-13.
10. Lions score 40 points in consecutive weeks
The Lions are 2-1 entering Week 4, defeating the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively, with loss to the Buffalo Bills sandwiched in between. They then have a two-game road-trip, facing the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. In front of a national audience on Sunday Night Football, Jahmyr Gibbs goes off for three total touchdowns while Jared Goff goes for 303 yards and four scores, defeating the Panthers 41-17. The next week against Arizona, Goff and rising playmaker Isaac TeSlaa hook up for seven receptions, 88 yards, and two scores while the defense forces three takeaways in a 40-9 public execution.
11. Patriots start season 1-3
The Patriots begin their season by playing four playoff teams from a year ago in their first four games. They open the season in Seattle against the Seahawks in a Super Bowl LX rematch. They then host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 – a game they lost last season after turning the ball over five times. They hit the road again for Weeks 3 and 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, respectively. Super Bowl hangovers are a very real thing, especially when three of your first four games are away from home with a cross-country trip thrown in. Now, luckily for them, they play the Raiders and Jets in Weeks 5 and 6, but New England will come out of the gate slow, losing to Seattle, Jacksonville, and Buffalo with their lone win in the first month coming against Pittsburgh.
12. Joe Burrow has two five-TD pass performances in first five weeks
The Bengals finally get off to a hot start, starting with a shootout with Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Burrow throws a pair of touchdowns to Ja’Marr Chase, one to Tee Higgins and one to Chase Brown, dueling with Mayfield who throws three touchdowns of his own in the first three quarters. A fifth Burrow touchdown to Andrei Iosivas seals a 38-27 win over Tampa Bay. In Week 5, Burrow carves up another Florida team as the Bengals blow out the Miami Dolphins 44-16.
13. Myles Garrett has massive night vs. Giants in Week 2
On the Week 2 edition of Monday Night Football, the Rams host the Giants in what ends up being the second consecutive colossal Myles Garrett performance to begin his tenure as a Ram. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year sacks Jaxson Dart three times and earns a half sack on another takedown. And just to poke fun at the offseason activities of the Giants’ quarterback, several Rams players are seen wearing blue hats with the phrase “Make America Garrett Again.”
14. Bills open new Highmark Stadium with a bang
After falling to the Texans 24-23 in Week 1, the Bills go nuclear on the Detroit Lions to kickoff Week 2 on Thursday Night Football. Josh Allen throws three touchdowns, James Cook runs for two, and Buffalo puts a beating on the Lions 38-24.
15. Shedeur Sanders takes over as Browns starter in Week 5 vs. Jets
Deshaun Watson starts the first four games of the year for the Browns, going 1-3 in the process with the only win coming against the Panthers. The offense is terrible, though, as is Watson, to the surprise of no one. He’s thrown three touchdowns to six interceptions after a Thursday night loss to the Steelers by the score of 19-10 – a game so boring, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit start talking about how great the Atlanta Braves were in the 1990s by the second quarter. With a mini-bye week, Todd Monken makes the switch ahead of Cleveland’s matchup with the Jets.
16. Fernando Mendoza makes first start in Week 8 vs. Jets
The No. 1 overall pick takes over midway through the year after a 1-6 start for the Raiders.
17. Sean Payton takes back play calling duties from Davis Webb
After a 3-5 start is capped off with a second loss to the Chiefs, Sean Payton can’t help himself and strips offensive coordinator Davis Webb of being the play-caller, taking back that responsibility for himself.
18. Cardinals trade S Budda Baker to Lions
After dismantling the Cardinals, the Lions go into their bye week and make a big addition, trading for the Cardinals’ star safety to help shore up a secondary that needs help.
19. Chiefs trade for Cardinals WR Michael Wilson
After sweeping the Broncos, the Chiefs are 6-1 and looking to add another offensive weapon to put them over the top in the AFC. They send a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Wilson, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2025.
20. Justin Jefferson trade rumors begin
After a 3-5 start, culminating with a Monday night loss to the Bills the night before the trade deadline, there are loud whispers that Justin Jefferson may want out of Minnesota. The trade deadline comes and goes without him being moved, but the narrative for the remainder of the season is if this will be the last year of Jefferson in a Vikings uniform.
21. Aaron Donald returns to Rams
Donald returns to the Rams after Thanksgiving to make a push at another championship, making his season debut in Week 13 against the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.
22. Josh Allen has seven TD performance vs Dolphins
I’m sorry, Dolphins fans. Really, I am. If it makes you feel better, I really like Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis and think both will be studs. But Allen has owned the Dolphins throughout his career. He has two 400-yard games and six 300-yard games against Miami in his career. In Week 11, coming off a four total-touchdown performance in a win over the Jets, Allen throws for five touchdowns and rushes for two more as the Bills bury Miami 52-16.
23. Packers end Bears’ playoff hopes on Christmas Day
One year after the Bears overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to shock the Packers twice in the span of three weeks, Green Bay returns the favor to Chicago. Entering the game at 7-7, the Bears can’t afford another loss if they want to remain alive in the NFC playoff race. With just over a minute to go in regulation and the game tied at 23, Jordan Love launches a moon ball to Christian Watson, who catches it, snaps away from a tackle, and runs into the end zone to lock up a 30-23 win, all but putting the dagger in the playoff hopes of the Bears.
24. Ravens season is ended by Steelers in Week 18 for second straight year
The Steelers have a wild card spot locked up, entering the final week of the season with a 10-6 record. Baltimore sits at 9-7 and need a win to get in. Aaron Rodgers throws a touchdown to Michael Pittman while Rico Dowdle rushes for another. With the game tied at 17, Rodgers leads a drive to the Ravens’ 31 yard-line, where Chris Boswell nails a 48-yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 20-17 lead with 1:43 to play. Lamar Jackson leads Baltimore to Pittsburgh’s 45, not quite within field goal range when the Steelers force a fourth-and-seven. Joey Porter Jr. locks down Zay Flowers, preventing a completion and securing a win for the Steelers, and yet another missed postseason for the Ravens.
25. Colts finish with top 10 draft pick
I like the coaching staff that Indianapolis has. Shane Steichen and Lou Anarumo are both terrific coaches, but the Colts don’t have the horses. Quarterback wise, even when Daniel Jones returns, they will be starting a bottom-third player at the position. Jonathan Taylor is terrific, but we’ve seen time and time again a great running back alone will not win games. Combined with the overpaying of Alec Pierce and the departure of several veterans on defense, I can’t find more than five or six wins for the Colts.
26. Giants finish last in NFC East again
Despite the addition of John Harbaugh, the Giants end up being the 2026 version of the Las Vegas Raiders – a team that hires a Super Bowl-winning head coach in hopes of taking a leap forward, but performs poorly. That’s not to say the Giants will finish with the No. 1 overall pick, but 6-11 or 7-10 is likely where they’ll fall.
27. Kenneth Walker becomes first 1,000-yard rusher of Patrick Mahomes era
Yeah, believe it or not, Patrick Mahomes has never had a 1,000-yard rusher. Isiah Pacheco came close in 2023 with 935 yards, but Walker will break the streak comfortably and top 1,300 yards in 2026.
28. Myles Garrett breaks sack record for second straight year
After recording 6.5 sacks in the first two weeks of the season, the Myles Garrett sack record watch becomes a focal point around the NFL for the second straight season. It doesn’t take him the full 17 games to achieve it this time around, though, as he gets to Baker Mayfield in Week 15 to get sack No. 24 on the year before finishing the season with 25.5 and winning his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award.
29. Joe Burrow throws 50+ touchdowns, wins MVP
Burrow stays healthy all season and goes on a tear, becoming the first quarterback since Patrick Mahomes in 2018 to throw 50 touchdowns in a season, getting that coveted No. 50 in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens.
30. League leader predictions
Instead of going one-by-one with each league-leader projection, we’ll combine a comprehensive top five for each major stat:
Joe Burrow: 4,505
Matthew Stafford: 4,387
Dak Prescott: 4,298
Drake Maye: 4,215
Trevor Lawrence: 4,187
Joe Burrow: 52
Matthew Stafford: 37
Dak Prescott: 33
Josh Allen: 32
Baker Mayfield: 31
Jahmyr Gibbs: 1,648
James Cook: 1,493
Bijan Robinson: 1,427
Derrick Henry: 1,372
De’Von Achane: 1,298
Kenneth Walker: 15
Jonathan Taylor: 14
James Cook: 13
Derrick Henry: 12
Javonte Williams: 12
Ja’Marr Chase: 128
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 124
Puka Nacua: 119
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 117
DeVonta Smith: 108
Ja’Marr Chase: 1,693
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1,604
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 1,586
Puka Nacua: 1,401
George Pickens: 1,375
Ja’Marr Chase: 20
George Pickens: 13
Puka Nacua: 12
Trey McBride: 12
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 11
Myles Garrett: 25.5
Will Anderson: 17.0
Danielle Hunter: 15.5
Abdul Carter: 14.5
Maxx Crosby: 14.0
Carson Schwesinger: 181
Sonny Styles: 175
Jack Campbell: 172
Jordyn Brooks: 169
Fred Warner: 147
Jalen Pitre: 6
Derek Stingley: 6
Xavier Watts: 5
Sonny Styles: 4
Nashon Wright: 4
31. Ja’Marr Chase wins Offensive Player of the Year
Chase has another massive season, putting up 128 catches for 1,693 yards and 20 touchdowns.
32. Jayden Daniels wins Comeback Player of the Year
Daniels reminds everyone that he is one of the best young quarterbacks in football, throwing 26 touchdowns and adding seven on the ground to just nine interceptions as he leads Washington back to the playoffs.
33. Carnell Tate wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
Tate immediately proves to be what the Titans needed for Cam Ward, catching 85 passes for 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns as he and Ward help push Tennessee into the postseason.
34. Sonny Styles wins Defensive Rookie of the Year
Styles is the key to Dan Quinn’s defense getting back on track. The Ohio State product will be a top five tackler in the NFL, as well as pick off four passes to help Washington’s defense improve from finishing 28th in success rate.
35. Brian Schottenheimer wins Coach of the Year
After two straight years of missing the postseason, Schottenheimer gets Dallas to 12 wins and earns the Coach of the Year award – the same award his father won in 2004.
36. Notable teams to miss playoffs
The Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, and Jaguars will miss the postseason in the AFC while the Seahawks, Bears, and 49ers are left out in the NFC.
Denver’s defense is terrific. However, they were 11-2 in one-score games – that will almost certainly revert to the mean. Additionally, Bo Nix got away with a lot of throws in 2025, ranking first in interception worthy passes, per FTN Fantasy. Additionally, among 45 quarterbacks with 150 snaps, Nix was 32nd in success rate, 30th in completion percentage over expected, and 30th in average air yards per attempt. With a tougher schedule and lacking a upper echelon quarterback, Denver takes a step back.
Every year, we’re told to watch out for the Chargers, and yet they haven’t won a playoff game since 2018. There are multiple teams with more explosive weapons, and their defense will regress without Jesse Minter.
Speaking of Minter, the Ravens’ offense is quietly just… mediocre? Lamar Jackson is obviously fantastic, but it would be wishful thinking at best to assume he’ll play close to the level we saw in 2024. Their pass-catchers are a bottom half of the league unit, and all of their top defenders outside of Kyle Hamilton are aging and their play is declining.
Jacksonville will be fun to watch offensively, and I have them as my first team out with a winning record. Defensively they will be more volatile, which will cost them in close games.
Seattle will be this year’s Lions. Losing Ben Johnson threw Detroit a bit out of whack offensively, as Dan Campbell took over play-calling midseason from John Morton. Similar to Jacksonville, they will be my first team out in the NFC – certainly not a bad team, just a down season after an extraterrestrial 2025.
Chicago’s defense should worry all Bears fans. They lost five key contributors, and were very reliant on takeaways in 2025. Combined with the roller coaster ride that is the Caleb Williams experience, Chicago finishes 9-8 and outside the playoff picture.
San Francisco’s core is just too old, and you can never bank on them being fully healthy. They overachieved in 2025 despite those injuries, but a lot of that had to do with Robert Saleh calling the defense. Without Saleh, any defensive shortcomings will severely hinder the 49ers.
37. Bengals win AFC North
Off the strength of Burrow’s 52 touchdown passes and a defense that improves enough to hold up its end of the bargain, Cincinnati wins 12 games and clinches the North for the first time since 2022.
Buffalo gets back to the top of the East, winning 11 games off the strength of Josh Allen’s 42 total touchdowns and a defense that finds its groove under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
This one I say with hesitancy because we just don’t know what Houston will get from C.J. Stroud, but that defense has zero holes. They go 11-6 and win the South.
The Chiefs reclaim the division after a one-year hiatus, and end up as the only AFC West team to get into the postseason.
41. Steelers earn No. 5 seed in AFC
So many seem to be down on the Steelers despite winning 10 games in 2025 and their roster and coaching staff getting much better. They get to 11 wins in Year One under Mike McCarthy and clinch the top wild card spot.
42. Patriots clinch No. 6 seed in AFC
New England takes a bit of a step back in 2026, but that’s expected when you win 14 games the year before. They get to 10-7 and earn the second wild card spot in the AFC.
43. Titans steal No. 7 seed in AFC
Every year, there is at least one team that makes the postseason that no one sees coming – I’ll say this year’s team will be the Tennessee Titans. I love the offseason they’ve had. New head coach Robert Saleh will turn that defense around, and Brian Daboll has a proven track record of elevating quarterbacks. With additions like Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson, John Franklin Myers, Alontae Taylor, and Cor’Dale Flott, Tennessee’s roster is much better than what it was at this time last season. Cam Ward takes a big leap forward and leads the Titans to their first playoff appearance since 2021.
I’m going to bet on Dan Campbell the way he bets on his guys on fourth down more than any coach in the NFL. I like the hire of Drew Petzing at offensive coordinator, and Detroit’s offense will be more consistent than it was a year ago. I do, however, have plenty of worries about their defense. Their secondary has taken blow after blow over the last eight months. Brian Branch tore his Achilles in December and his return date is unknown. Terrion Arnold was released after being arrested on kidnapping charges. Kerby Joseph’s knee is maybe the most up in the air unknown in the NFL as it pertains to injuries – hence the prediction for Detroit to acquire Budda Baker. All that said, I’ll be optimistic about the Lions and have them rebound and win the division with a high-powered offense that outscores its problems.
I love the Cowboys in 2026. The offense will be one of the best and most explosive in the NFL, and their defense will be much better under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, along with a plethora of new faces. Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, Rashan Gary – this defense is going to look a lot different than it did in 2025 when it gave up the most explosive plays in the league. Dak Prescott finishes top five in MVP voting as Dallas wins 12 games to take the No. 2 seed.
Another team I’m very bullish on is the New Orleans Saints. The additions they’ve made this offseason should have their fans excited. Jordyn Tyson taken in the first round to complement Chris Olave, Travis Etienne coming off the best season of his career and now being paired with Alvin Kamara, David Edwards at guard, cornerback Martin Emerson on a cheap deal. This is a team that won four of its last five games in 2025, and Tyler Shough showed real progress in that stretch – they win a wide open division and host a playoff game for the first time since 2020.
Nothing groundbreaking here. The Rams essentially built their own version of the MonSTARS by trading for both Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett to add to a team that already featured Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. They’ll win 14 games and get the top seed in the NFC.
48. Eagles earn No. 5 seed in NFC
The pendulum on the Eagles has swung the other way for me. At the beginning of the offseason, I was proclaiming they’d win seven games and then blow everything up, firing Nick Sirianni and trading Jalen Hurts. I’ve swung back to a more favorable outcome for Philly, rebounding after the aforementioned 0-2 start by winning 11 games.
49. Packers earn No. 6 seed in NFC
The timetable for Micah Parsons’ return is unknown, but the Packers have a favorable first half schedule. While they have a trip to Los Angeles to play the Rams, as well as home games against the Bills and Texans, all of those games take place after their Week 11 bye week. They come out of the gate with away games against the Vikings and Jets, which should put them at 2-0. They then face the Falcons and Buccaneers. At worse, they are looking at a 3-1 start ahead of their first game against the Bears, which is at home. If Parsons could return for the Sunday night matchup with the Cowboys in Week 6 with Green Bay potentially at 4-1, that is the best case scenario. Even if it takes Parsons a bit longer to make it back, Green Bay’s magic number is six wins in their first 10 games ahead of the bye, which is very doable.
50. Commanders earn No. 7 seed in NFC
Off the strength of a rejuvenated and healthy Jayden Daniels, as well as a defense that is much improved with several new starters, Washington bounces back after a five-win 2025 campaign and gets back into the postseason in their first year back in their perfect classic uniforms.
51. Steelers upset Chiefs in wild card round
The Chiefs have the better quarterback, certainly, but the Steelers have the better roster 1-53. Even after the projected addition of Michael Wilson for Kansas City, Pittsburgh’s secondary is very deep and can contain the weapons Kansas City possesses. The lack of edge rushers for the Chiefs gives Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense time and comfortability to consistently move the ball and sneak out of Arrowhead with a 23-20 win on a Chris Boswell walk-off field goal, winning their first playoff game since the 2016 season.
52. Cowboys vs. Rams in NFC Championship Game
The Rams earn the No. 1 seed, while Dallas is No. 2 in the conference. The Cowboys get to the Conference Championship Game by defeating a pair of division opponents. They defeat Washington 31-23 in the wild card round before Christian Parker puts the Eagles’ offense in hell for 60 minutes en route to a 20-9 win in the divisional round. The Rams enjoy a first-round bye before defeating the Packers 34-27.
The two teams exchange offensive blows, but a Caleb Downs interception with less than two minutes to play seals the 34-30 win for the Cowboys to send them to their first Super Bowl in over 30 years.
53. Bengals vs. Bills in AFC Championship Game
I’ve picked the Bills get to the Super Bowl in each of the last three seasons, so maybe if I don’t pick them, they’ll actually do it. Allen and Burrow go blow-for-blow, with a Ja’Marr Chase touchdown being what seals the Bengals’ 35-30 win over Buffalo.
54. Cowboys defeat Bengals in Super Bowl LXI
Instead of a coin toss, the two teams do the Spider-Man pointing at each other meme, as these two squads are so similarly constructed. A star quarterback, two stud wide receivers, and a defense that needs them to outscore their shortcomings. Dak and Burrow put on respective offensive masterclasses, each throwing three touchdowns as the two teams enter the fourth quarter in a 24-24 tie. Prescott throws his fourth touchdown of the game to Jake Ferguson with 6:53 to play. On the ensuing drive, as Cincinnati is on the brink of a score of their own, a Burrow pass is tipped in the air and snagged by Caleb Downs. Two first downs later, the Cowboys have finally ended their championship drought with a 31-24 win.
55. Chargers fire Jim Harbaugh, promote Mike McDaniel
In the midst of the postseason, those who missed out on the playoffs get started with their offseason – some of whom make big changes. After missing the playoffs, extending the playoff winless streak for the Chargers to seven seasons – three of which were under the leadership of Harbaugh, Los Angeles somewhat surprisingly moves on from their head coach. While he led Los Angeles to two straight 11-win seasons, the Chargers have been terrible in playoff games. Missing the postseason all together leads the franchise to go with a younger, more forward-thinking mind in McDaniel at head coach.
56. Browns fire Todd Monken, hire Jim Harbaugh
Monken ends up being a one-and-done coach in Cleveland. It may not have happened that way if Harbaugh didn’t become available. The Harbaugh family is from Ohio, and John Harbaugh was reportedly tempted by the Browns’ job this past offseason due to those roots. Brother Jim ends up taking the job, as Cleveland desperately needs a big name who has proven to be a culture shifter and winner.
57. Panthers move on from Bryce Young
2025 will be where the Bryce Young Panthers peak. After a 5-12 season in 2026, the Panthers move on from the former No. 1 overall pick and get ready to go on a search for their next signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft.
58. Murmurs of Lamar Jackson leaving Baltimore get loud
After the Ravens come just shy of making the postseason in Year One of the Minter era, and for the second consecutive year, many wonder what the future holds for Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP will enter the final year of his current deal in 2027. Does Baltimore look elsewhere at quarterback options and ship Jackson away?
59. Buccaneers hire Mike Tomlin as head coach
Mike Tomlin goes back to where his NFL journey began and accepts the Buccaneers’ head coaching job. Tomlin was the Bucs’ defensive backs coach from 2001-05, winning a Super Bowl in the 2002 season. After Tampa moves on from Todd Bowles, they make a Sean Payton-esc trade with Pittsburgh, as they still hold Tomlin’s rights, sending a 2027 first-round pick and 2028 third-round pick to the Steelers in exchange for their new head coach.
60. Texans trade C.J. Stroud to Falcons
The Falcons have a really nice collection of talent on offense, with Bijan Robinson being who many believe is the top running back in the NFL, and Drake London is one of the game’s finest receivers. Unfortunately, they have yet to find a quarterback who they can lean on, and that will continue to be the case in 2026 with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. Atlanta trades for Stroud, who easily becomes the best quarterback Kevin Stefanski has had since Baker Mayfield. And speaking of Baker…
61. Baker Mayfield signs with Texans
Baker Mayfield is from Austin, which is about a two and a half hour drive from Houston. Despite a respectable 2026 season that sees Mayfield throw for 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, the Bucs miss the playoffs. He decides to return home to a team that needs an upgrade at quarterback after being eliminated in the divisional round for the fourth consecutive year despite having the league’s top defense.
While some may ask why the Texans would go this route, ask yourself what you would rather have – C.J. Stroud on an extension between $45-55 million per year or Baker Mayfield on a shorter-term deal for less money and additional first-round picks? I know which one I’d choose.
My crystal ball would never lie to you, and I hope you enjoyed the predictive journey we went on together. The real thing starts very soon. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be taking an end of summer nap to rest my weary head in preparation for the months ahead. Happy football season to all.

#NFL #predictions #ahead #season">61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season

We are so close to football being back, and Lord do we need it.

1. WR Stefon Diggs signs with Dallas Cowboys

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield do not get extension done

This leaves Mayfield to play out the final year of his deal and become a free agent in 2027. Keep that in mind for later.

3. Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy to Ravens

4. Rams defeat 49ers in blowout fashion in Week 1

5. Deshaun Watson is Browns Week 1 starter

6. Jayden Daniels lights up the Eagles in Week 1

7. Chiefs defeat Broncos to close Week 1

Week 2: vs. Colts
Week 3: at Dolphins
Week 4: at Raiders
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: vs. Chargers

8. Eagles start season 0-2

9. Mike Evans hauls in three touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Dolphins

10. Lions score 40 points in consecutive weeks

11. Patriots start season 1-3

12. Joe Burrow has two five-TD pass performances in first five weeks

13. Myles Garrett has massive night vs. Giants in Week 2

14. Bills open new Highmark Stadium with a bang

15. Shedeur Sanders takes over as Browns starter in Week 5 vs. Jets

16. Fernando Mendoza makes first start in Week 8 vs. Jets

The No. 1 overall pick takes over midway through the year after a 1-6 start for the Raiders.

17. Sean Payton takes back play calling duties from Davis Webb

18. Cardinals trade S Budda Baker to Lions

After dismantling the Cardinals, the Lions go into their bye week and make a big addition, trading for the Cardinals’ star safety to help shore up a secondary that needs help.

19. Chiefs trade for Cardinals WR Michael Wilson

20. Justin Jefferson trade rumors begin

21. Aaron Donald returns to Rams

Donald returns to the Rams after Thanksgiving to make a push at another championship, making his season debut in Week 13 against the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.

22. Josh Allen has seven TD performance vs Dolphins

23. Packers end Bears’ playoff hopes on Christmas Day

24. Ravens season is ended by Steelers in Week 18 for second straight year

25. Colts finish with top 10 draft pick

26. Giants finish last in NFC East again

27. Kenneth Walker becomes first 1,000-yard rusher of Patrick Mahomes era

Yeah, believe it or not, Patrick Mahomes has never had a 1,000-yard rusher. Isiah Pacheco came close in 2023 with 935 yards, but Walker will break the streak comfortably and top 1,300 yards in 2026.

28. Myles Garrett breaks sack record for second straight year

29. Joe Burrow throws 50+ touchdowns, wins MVP

30. League leader predictions

Instead of going one-by-one with each league-leader projection, we’ll combine a comprehensive top five for each major stat:

Joe Burrow: 4,505
Matthew Stafford: 4,387
Dak Prescott: 4,298
Drake Maye: 4,215
Trevor Lawrence: 4,187

Joe Burrow: 52
Matthew Stafford: 37
Dak Prescott: 33
Josh Allen: 32
Baker Mayfield: 31

Jahmyr Gibbs: 1,648
James Cook: 1,493
Bijan Robinson: 1,427
Derrick Henry: 1,372
De’Von Achane: 1,298

Kenneth Walker: 15
Jonathan Taylor: 14
James Cook: 13
Derrick Henry: 12
Javonte Williams: 12

Ja’Marr Chase: 128
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 124
Puka Nacua: 119
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 117
DeVonta Smith: 108

Ja’Marr Chase: 1,693
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 1,604
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 1,586
Puka Nacua: 1,401
George Pickens: 1,375

Ja’Marr Chase: 20
George Pickens: 13
Puka Nacua: 12
Trey McBride: 12
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 11

Myles Garrett: 25.5
Will Anderson: 17.0
Danielle Hunter: 15.5
Abdul Carter: 14.5
Maxx Crosby: 14.0

Carson Schwesinger: 181
Sonny Styles: 175
Jack Campbell: 172
Jordyn Brooks: 169
Fred Warner: 147

Jalen Pitre: 6
Derek Stingley: 6
Xavier Watts: 5
Sonny Styles: 4
Nashon Wright: 4

31. Ja’Marr Chase wins Offensive Player of the Year

Chase has another massive season, putting up 128 catches for 1,693 yards and 20 touchdowns.

32. Jayden Daniels wins Comeback Player of the Year

33. Carnell Tate wins Offensive Rookie of the Year

Tate immediately proves to be what the Titans needed for Cam Ward, catching 85 passes for 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns as he and Ward help push Tennessee into the postseason.

34. Sonny Styles wins Defensive Rookie of the Year

35. Brian Schottenheimer wins Coach of the Year

After two straight years of missing the postseason, Schottenheimer gets Dallas to 12 wins and earns the Coach of the Year award – the same award his father won in 2004.

36. Notable teams to miss playoffs

The Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, and Jaguars will miss the postseason in the AFC while the Seahawks, Bears, and 49ers are left out in the NFC.

Jacksonville will be fun to watch offensively, and I have them as my first team out with a winning record. Defensively they will be more volatile, which will cost them in close games.

37. Bengals win AFC North

Off the strength of Burrow’s 52 touchdown passes and a defense that improves enough to hold up its end of the bargain, Cincinnati wins 12 games and clinches the North for the first time since 2022.

Buffalo gets back to the top of the East, winning 11 games off the strength of Josh Allen’s 42 total touchdowns and a defense that finds its groove under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.

This one I say with hesitancy because we just don’t know what Houston will get from C.J. Stroud, but that defense has zero holes. They go 11-6 and win the South.

The Chiefs reclaim the division after a one-year hiatus, and end up as the only AFC West team to get into the postseason.

41. Steelers earn No. 5 seed in AFC

42. Patriots clinch No. 6 seed in AFC

New England takes a bit of a step back in 2026, but that’s expected when you win 14 games the year before. They get to 10-7 and earn the second wild card spot in the AFC.

43. Titans steal No. 7 seed in AFC

48. Eagles earn No. 5 seed in NFC

49. Packers earn No. 6 seed in NFC

50. Commanders earn No. 7 seed in NFC

51. Steelers upset Chiefs in wild card round

52. Cowboys vs. Rams in NFC Championship Game

The two teams exchange offensive blows, but a Caleb Downs interception with less than two minutes to play seals the 34-30 win for the Cowboys to send them to their first Super Bowl in over 30 years.

53. Bengals vs. Bills in AFC Championship Game

54. Cowboys defeat Bengals in Super Bowl LXI

55. Chargers fire Jim Harbaugh, promote Mike McDaniel

56. Browns fire Todd Monken, hire Jim Harbaugh

57. Panthers move on from Bryce Young

58. Murmurs of Lamar Jackson leaving Baltimore get loud

59. Buccaneers hire Mike Tomlin as head coach

60. Texans trade C.J. Stroud to Falcons

61. Baker Mayfield signs with Texans

#NFL #predictions #ahead #season

At just 16-years-old, para-cyclist Lisha Singh will be India’s youngest athlete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Lisha will

Lisha, who will be India’s sole representative in the cycling event, will also become the second youngest sportsperson to represent India at the Games, after Anahat Singh, who made her debut in the womens singles squash event in the 2022 edition at just 14-years-old.

On the other end of the age spectrum, Dinesh Kumar, taking part in the lawn bowls event, will be India’s oldest athlete at the Games at 49-years-old.

Dinesh was part of the four member contingent that won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Published on Jul 22, 2026

#CWG #youngest #oldest #Indians #participating #Games">

CWG 2026: Who are the youngest and oldest Indians participating in the Games? At just 16-years-old, para-cyclist Lisha Singh will be India’s youngest athlete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Lisha willLisha, who will be India’s sole representative in the cycling event, will also become the second youngest sportsperson to represent India at the Games, after Anahat Singh, who made her debut in the womens singles squash event in the 2022 edition at just 14-years-old.On the other end of the age spectrum, Dinesh Kumar, taking part in the lawn bowls event, will be India’s oldest athlete at the Games at 49-years-old.Dinesh was part of the four member contingent that won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.Published on Jul 22, 2026 #CWG #youngest #oldest #Indians #participating #Games

mwasimuddin125 0

At just 16-years-old, para-cyclist Lisha Singh will be India’s youngest athlete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Lisha will
Lisha, who will be India’s sole representative in the cycling event, will also become the second youngest sportsperson to represent India at the Games, after Anahat Singh, who made her debut in the womens singles squash event in the 2022 edition at just 14-years-old.
On the other end of the age spectrum, Dinesh Kumar, taking part in the lawn bowls event, will be India’s oldest athlete at the Games at 49-years-old.
Dinesh was part of the four member contingent that won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Published on Jul 22, 2026

#CWG #youngest #oldest #Indians #participating #Games">CWG 2026: Who are the youngest and oldest Indians participating in the Games?

At just 16-years-old, para-cyclist Lisha Singh will be India’s youngest athlete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Lisha will

On the other end of the age spectrum, Dinesh Kumar, taking part in the lawn bowls event, will be India’s oldest athlete at the Games at 49-years-old.

Dinesh was part of the four member contingent that won the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Published on Jul 22, 2026

#CWG #youngest #oldest #Indians #participating #Games

Deadspin | Lynx easing in Napheesa Collier for season debut vs. Storm Jul 20, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) dribbles the ball while guarded by Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images For the second time this week, the Minnesota Lynx will face the Storm in Seattle on Wednesday in the final game for both teams before the WNBA’s All-Star break. The Lynx (21-6) defeated the Storm (6-22) on Monday night behind a herculean effort from rookie point guard Olivia Miles. The No. 2 overall draft pick tallied 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the 105-102 victory. Miles became just the fifth player in WNBA history to record such a stat line in a game and joined Candace Parker as the only rookie to do it. On the season, Miles is averaging 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 50.1% from the floor. She ranks eighth in the league in scoring and seventh in assists. The Lynx also have enjoyed recent standout performances from veteran guard Kayla McBride, who was named WNBA Player of the Week after averaging 27 points per game over her last three outings, all wins for Minnesota. The Lynx have needed great scoring performances from Miles and McBride because, while they’ve won six straight games, they’ve allowed 90 points or more in three of their last four. “It’s special when you can walk away with a win and be like, ‘We have so many things to get better at,'” Miles said. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve added: “Our three perimeter players have been special all season. Right now, we’re needing them to have these prolific efforts in order for us to win a game because our defense is nowhere to be found.” Help is on the way. Napheesa Collier, the two-time MVP runner-up and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, will be on a minutes restriction when she makes her season debut on Wednesday, per Reeve. Collier had offseason surgery on both her ankles after tearing ligaments in her left ankle during a playoff game last September. “I’m going to be mindful of how many minutes she plays, but she hates the idea of a minutes restriction, so just don’t tell her,” Reeve told reporters. “… We still have a couple more steps to go before we see the Phee we know her to be.” The Storm are riding a five-game losing streak and have lost seven of their last eight games. Still, their young core of Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam and Flau’jae Johnson — all first-round picks over the last two drafts — have continued to shine. Johnson had 26 points against the Lynx on Monday, while Malonga is averaging 16.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. “Actually, our youth is our strength. We have a lot of energy, and we never stop,” Malonga recently told Slam Magazine. “I really can’t wait to keep developing this chemistry with the two of them because I think that’s a real big three right there.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lynx #easing #Napheesa #Collier #season #debut #Storm

#Deadspin #Lynx #easing #Napheesa #Collier #season #debut #Storm">

mwasimuddin125 0

Jul 20, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) dribbles the ball while guarded by Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

For the second time this week, the Minnesota Lynx will face the Storm in Seattle on Wednesday in the final game for both teams before the WNBA’s All-Star break.

The Lynx (21-6) defeated the Storm (6-22) on Monday night behind a herculean effort from rookie point guard Olivia Miles. The No. 2 overall draft pick tallied 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the 105-102 victory. Miles became just the fifth player in WNBA history to record such a stat line in a game and joined Candace Parker as the only rookie to do it.

On the season, Miles is averaging 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 50.1% from the floor. She ranks eighth in the league in scoring and seventh in assists.

The Lynx also have enjoyed recent standout performances from veteran guard Kayla McBride, who was named WNBA Player of the Week after averaging 27 points per game over her last three outings, all wins for Minnesota.

The Lynx have needed great scoring performances from Miles and McBride because, while they’ve won six straight games, they’ve allowed 90 points or more in three of their last four.

“It’s special when you can walk away with a win and be like, ‘We have so many things to get better at,'” Miles said.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve added: “Our three perimeter players have been special all season. Right now, we’re needing them to have these prolific efforts in order for us to win a game because our defense is nowhere to be found.”

Help is on the way. Napheesa Collier, the two-time MVP runner-up and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, will be on a minutes restriction when she makes her season debut on Wednesday, per Reeve. Collier had offseason surgery on both her ankles after tearing ligaments in her left ankle during a playoff game last September.

“I’m going to be mindful of how many minutes she plays, but she hates the idea of a minutes restriction, so just don’t tell her,” Reeve told reporters.

“… We still have a couple more steps to go before we see the Phee we know her to be.”

The Storm are riding a five-game losing streak and have lost seven of their last eight games.

Still, their young core of Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam and Flau’jae Johnson — all first-round picks over the last two drafts — have continued to shine. Johnson had 26 points against the Lynx on Monday, while Malonga is averaging 16.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

“Actually, our youth is our strength. We have a lot of energy, and we never stop,” Malonga recently told Slam Magazine. “I really can’t wait to keep developing this chemistry with the two of them because I think that’s a real big three right there.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lynx #easing #Napheesa #Collier #season #debut #Storm">Deadspin | Lynx easing in Napheesa Collier for season debut vs. Storm

Jul 20, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) dribbles the ball while guarded by Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

For the second time this week, the Minnesota Lynx will face the Storm in Seattle on Wednesday in the final game for both teams before the WNBA’s All-Star break.

The Lynx (21-6) defeated the Storm (6-22) on Monday night behind a herculean effort from rookie point guard Olivia Miles. The No. 2 overall draft pick tallied 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the 105-102 victory. Miles became just the fifth player in WNBA history to record such a stat line in a game and joined Candace Parker as the only rookie to do it.

On the season, Miles is averaging 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 50.1% from the floor. She ranks eighth in the league in scoring and seventh in assists.

The Lynx also have enjoyed recent standout performances from veteran guard Kayla McBride, who was named WNBA Player of the Week after averaging 27 points per game over her last three outings, all wins for Minnesota.

The Lynx have needed great scoring performances from Miles and McBride because, while they’ve won six straight games, they’ve allowed 90 points or more in three of their last four.

“It’s special when you can walk away with a win and be like, ‘We have so many things to get better at,'” Miles said.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve added: “Our three perimeter players have been special all season. Right now, we’re needing them to have these prolific efforts in order for us to win a game because our defense is nowhere to be found.”

Help is on the way. Napheesa Collier, the two-time MVP runner-up and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, will be on a minutes restriction when she makes her season debut on Wednesday, per Reeve. Collier had offseason surgery on both her ankles after tearing ligaments in her left ankle during a playoff game last September.

“I’m going to be mindful of how many minutes she plays, but she hates the idea of a minutes restriction, so just don’t tell her,” Reeve told reporters.

“… We still have a couple more steps to go before we see the Phee we know her to be.”

The Storm are riding a five-game losing streak and have lost seven of their last eight games.

Still, their young core of Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam and Flau’jae Johnson — all first-round picks over the last two drafts — have continued to shine. Johnson had 26 points against the Lynx on Monday, while Malonga is averaging 16.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

“Actually, our youth is our strength. We have a lot of energy, and we never stop,” Malonga recently told Slam Magazine. “I really can’t wait to keep developing this chemistry with the two of them because I think that’s a real big three right there.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lynx #easing #Napheesa #Collier #season #debut #Storm

Kansas: A healthy Darryn Peterson

Purdue: An athletic defender

Kentucky: A 100% Jayden Quaintance for the second half

Missouri: That Memory-Eraser Thing from Men in Black

St. John’s: A point guard

Arizona: A second outside shooter

Nebraska: At least one NCAA Tournament win

Michigan: Some festive socks

Italy Takes Aim at Ultra-Fast Fashion With New Levy

No More Hype Cycles: 2026 Forces DApps to Compete on Utility

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1. WR Stefon Diggs signs with Dallas Cowboys

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield do not get extension done

3. Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy to Ravens

4. Rams defeat 49ers in blowout fashion in Week 1

5. Deshaun Watson is Browns Week 1 starter

6. Jayden Daniels lights up the Eagles in Week 1

7. Chiefs defeat Broncos to close Week 1

8. Eagles start season 0-2

9. Mike Evans hauls in three touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Dolphins

10. Lions score 40 points in consecutive weeks

11. Patriots start season 1-3

12. Joe Burrow has two five-TD pass performances in first five weeks

13. Myles Garrett has massive night vs. Giants in Week 2

14. Bills open new Highmark Stadium with a bang

15. Shedeur Sanders takes over as Browns starter in Week 5 vs. Jets

16. Fernando Mendoza makes first start in Week 8 vs. Jets

17. Sean Payton takes back play calling duties from Davis Webb

18. Cardinals trade S Budda Baker to Lions

19. Chiefs trade for Cardinals WR Michael Wilson

20. Justin Jefferson trade rumors begin

21. Aaron Donald returns to Rams

22. Josh Allen has seven TD performance vs Dolphins

23. Packers end Bears’ playoff hopes on Christmas Day

24. Ravens season is ended by Steelers in Week 18 for second straight year

25. Colts finish with top 10 draft pick

26. Giants finish last in NFC East again

27. Kenneth Walker becomes first 1,000-yard rusher of Patrick Mahomes era

28. Myles Garrett breaks sack record for second straight year

29. Joe Burrow throws 50+ touchdowns, wins MVP

30. League leader predictions

31. Ja’Marr Chase wins Offensive Player of the Year

32. Jayden Daniels wins Comeback Player of the Year

33. Carnell Tate wins Offensive Rookie of the Year

34. Sonny Styles wins Defensive Rookie of the Year

35. Brian Schottenheimer wins Coach of the Year

36. Notable teams to miss playoffs

37. Bengals win AFC North

41. Steelers earn No. 5 seed in AFC

42. Patriots clinch No. 6 seed in AFC

43. Titans steal No. 7 seed in AFC

48. Eagles earn No. 5 seed in NFC

49. Packers earn No. 6 seed in NFC

50. Commanders earn No. 7 seed in NFC

51. Steelers upset Chiefs in wild card round

52. Cowboys vs. Rams in NFC Championship Game

53. Bengals vs. Bills in AFC Championship Game

54. Cowboys defeat Bengals in Super Bowl LXI

55. Chargers fire Jim Harbaugh, promote Mike McDaniel

56. Browns fire Todd Monken, hire Jim Harbaugh

57. Panthers move on from Bryce Young

58. Murmurs of Lamar Jackson leaving Baltimore get loud

59. Buccaneers hire Mike Tomlin as head coach

60. Texans trade C.J. Stroud to Falcons

61. Baker Mayfield signs with Texans

1. WR Stefon Diggs signs with Dallas Cowboys

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield do not get extension done

3. Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy to Ravens

4. Rams defeat 49ers in blowout fashion in Week 1

5. Deshaun Watson is Browns Week 1 starter

6. Jayden Daniels lights up the Eagles in Week 1

7. Chiefs defeat Broncos to close Week 1

8. Eagles start season 0-2

9. Mike Evans hauls in three touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Dolphins

10. Lions score 40 points in consecutive weeks

11. Patriots start season 1-3

12. Joe Burrow has two five-TD pass performances in first five weeks

13. Myles Garrett has massive night vs. Giants in Week 2

14. Bills open new Highmark Stadium with a bang

15. Shedeur Sanders takes over as Browns starter in Week 5 vs. Jets