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Deadspin | Kraken close out disappointing season while Avs prep for playoffs  Mar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.  Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas.  Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason.  “The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.”  The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.  The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup.  “I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night.   Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.  Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver.  In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.  The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.  Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason.  “We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffs

Deadspin | Kraken close out disappointing season while Avs prep for playoffs
Deadspin | Kraken close out disappointing season while Avs prep for playoffs  Mar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.  Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas.  Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason.  “The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.”  The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.  The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup.  “I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night.   Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.  Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver.  In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.  The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.  Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason.  “We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffsMar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.

Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas.

Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason.

“The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.”

The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.

The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup.


“I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night.

Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.

Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver.

In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.

The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason.

“We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffs

Mar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.

Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas.

Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason.

“The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.”

The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.

The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup.

“I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night.

Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.

Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver.

In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.

The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason.

“We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffs

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MI vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Why is Rohit Sharma not playing for Mumbai Indians? <div id="content-body-70869595" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Rohit Sharma will miss Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday, April 16.</p><p>Rohit misses the match with a hamstring injury that forced him to retire hurt in Mumbai Indians’ last outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday.</p><p>“The medical staff is assessing him… An official update will be given when available,” said MI batter Naman Dhir in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.</p><p>Rohit reportedly underwent scans after the game and had skipped training on Monday.</p><p>His place at the top of the order is expected to be taken by Quinton de Kock.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #PBKS #IPL #Rohit #Sharma #playing #Mumbai #Indians

The 2026 NFL regular season is finally here.

Now we can talk about it.

Sure, the next few hours will be dominated by breakdowns of all the schedule release videos put together by the various teams, but let’s look ahead to the first week of the season. What games should you watch, and what games are you not even putting on the quadbox?

This will be a game of NFL football.

Yes, there is the Robert Saleh revenge factor, but even that does not move the needle too much.

This could be Kirk Cousins versus Malik Willis. Or it could be Fernando Mendoza versus Malik Willis. Either way, this is a game to keep tabs on using your phone.

Tua Tagovailoa versus Aaron Rodgers?

Michael Penix Jr. versus Drew Allar?

Yeah, we’re just not sure this should be high on your list of priorities in Week 1.

Who asked for this, besides perhaps Seattle fans?

We … just saw this game. It did not go well. After crossing the 50-yard line on their opening possession, the Patriots did not see Seahawks’ territory until their first drive of the fourth quarter. The highlight of the night was, unless you are a Seahawks fan, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.

Sure, having a non-conference game in this slot makes sense, for playoff tiebreakers and things like that. But, we just saw this game and we’re not sure anyone wants to see it again anytime soon. Particularly on opening night.

12. Cardinals at Chargers

It will be fun to see Jeremiyah Love’s debut, but this could turn ugly quickly.

NFC East games in primetime slots will continue until morale improves.

Yes, this is John Harbaugh’s first game with the Giants, and yes since it is an island game we know you will be watching. But on a list like this, we do not feel compelled to bump this game up much higher.

10. Buccaneers at Bengals

The Bengals have hopes of a return to the postseason, provided they can get a year of completely healthy. The Buccaneers are hoping to bounce back after a collapse in the second half of 2025.

Still, we’re in something of “wait and see” mode when it comes to both teams. Given the rest of the early Sunday slate, there are some games on the schedule we are more excited about.

We are putting this game right in the middle for one simple reason.

We do not know who will be under center for each team.

Both Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix are coming back from injuries suffered late in the season. If both starting quarterback are back for Week 1, then this game easily moves up this list. But if we are talking about a Justin Fields versus Jarrett Stidham matchup, then this game could just as easily slide down this list.

So it stays in the middle for now. Check with us in August.

We absolutely loved what the Browns did in the draft.

We were not fans of what the Jaguars did.

But that is why they play the games, right?

Honestly, the reason this game is so high is this: Sonny Styles.

The dynamic linebacker making his debut against Jalen Hurts and this offense? That is going to be a blast to watch.

Add in the return of Jayden Daniels, and the fact that this game is in the late afternoon Sunday slate (against games such as Cardinals at Chargers and Dolphins at Raiders) and you have a game you’ll want to be watching.

The Saints could be a sneaky good team this year, and we look at Detroit as one of the teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 yet should make a return to the postseason in 2026.

Because of that, this is a game we’re going to be keeping an eye on.

This game is an exciting, early-season test for both teams. Will Daniel Jones be back, allowing the Colts to return to what they showed during the first half of 2026? How will the Ravens fare in new head coach Jesse Minter’s debut? A Week 1 tonesetter for two teams with playoff aspirations.

Who will be under center for Minnesota when this game kicks off?

The folks at Startnine.win have a thought.

But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.

Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?

Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.

Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.

Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?

This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.

Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.

And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?

Yeah, this is the game of the week.

#NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst">Every NFL Week 1 game on 2026 schedule, ranked from worst to best  The 2026 NFL regular season is finally here.Now we can talk about it.Sure, the next few hours will be dominated by breakdowns of all the schedule release videos put together by the various teams, but let’s look ahead to the first week of the season. What games should you watch, and what games are you not even putting on the quadbox?This will be a game of NFL football.Yes, there is the Robert Saleh revenge factor, but even that does not move the needle too much.This could be Kirk Cousins versus Malik Willis. Or it could be Fernando Mendoza versus Malik Willis. Either way, this is a game to keep tabs on using your phone.Tua Tagovailoa versus Aaron Rodgers?Michael Penix Jr. versus Drew Allar?Yeah, we’re just not sure this should be high on your list of priorities in Week 1.Who asked for this, besides perhaps Seattle fans?We … just saw this game. It did not go well. After crossing the 50-yard line on their opening possession, the Patriots did not see Seahawks’ territory until their first drive of the fourth quarter. The highlight of the night was, unless you are a Seahawks fan, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.Sure, having a non-conference game in this slot makes sense, for playoff tiebreakers and things like that. But, we just saw this game and we’re not sure anyone wants to see it again anytime soon. Particularly on opening night.12. Cardinals at ChargersIt will be fun to see Jeremiyah Love’s debut, but this could turn ugly quickly.NFC East games in primetime slots will continue until morale improves.Yes, this is John Harbaugh’s first game with the Giants, and yes since it is an island game we know you will be watching. But on a list like this, we do not feel compelled to bump this game up much higher.10. Buccaneers at BengalsThe Bengals have hopes of a return to the postseason, provided they can get a year of completely healthy. The Buccaneers are hoping to bounce back after a collapse in the second half of 2025.Still, we’re in something of “wait and see” mode when it comes to both teams. Given the rest of the early Sunday slate, there are some games on the schedule we are more excited about.We are putting this game right in the middle for one simple reason.We do not know who will be under center for each team.Both Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix are coming back from injuries suffered late in the season. If both starting quarterback are back for Week 1, then this game easily moves up this list. But if we are talking about a Justin Fields versus Jarrett Stidham matchup, then this game could just as easily slide down this list.So it stays in the middle for now. Check with us in August.We absolutely loved what the Browns did in the draft.We were not fans of what the Jaguars did.But that is why they play the games, right?Honestly, the reason this game is so high is this: Sonny Styles.The dynamic linebacker making his debut against Jalen Hurts and this offense? That is going to be a blast to watch.Add in the return of Jayden Daniels, and the fact that this game is in the late afternoon Sunday slate (against games such as Cardinals at Chargers and Dolphins at Raiders) and you have a game you’ll want to be watching.The Saints could be a sneaky good team this year, and we look at Detroit as one of the teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 yet should make a return to the postseason in 2026.Because of that, this is a game we’re going to be keeping an eye on.This game is an exciting, early-season test for both teams. Will Daniel Jones be back, allowing the Colts to return to what they showed during the first half of 2026? How will the Ravens fare in new head coach Jesse Minter’s debut? A Week 1 tonesetter for two teams with playoff aspirations.Who will be under center for Minnesota when this game kicks off?The folks at Startnine.win have a thought.But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?Yeah, this is the game of the week.  #NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst

Startnine.win have a thought.

But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.

Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?

Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.

Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.

Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?

This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.

Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.

And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?

Yeah, this is the game of the week.

#NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst">Every NFL Week 1 game on 2026 schedule, ranked from worst to best

The 2026 NFL regular season is finally here.

Now we can talk about it.

Sure, the next few hours will be dominated by breakdowns of all the schedule release videos put together by the various teams, but let’s look ahead to the first week of the season. What games should you watch, and what games are you not even putting on the quadbox?

This will be a game of NFL football.

Yes, there is the Robert Saleh revenge factor, but even that does not move the needle too much.

This could be Kirk Cousins versus Malik Willis. Or it could be Fernando Mendoza versus Malik Willis. Either way, this is a game to keep tabs on using your phone.

Tua Tagovailoa versus Aaron Rodgers?

Michael Penix Jr. versus Drew Allar?

Yeah, we’re just not sure this should be high on your list of priorities in Week 1.

Who asked for this, besides perhaps Seattle fans?

We … just saw this game. It did not go well. After crossing the 50-yard line on their opening possession, the Patriots did not see Seahawks’ territory until their first drive of the fourth quarter. The highlight of the night was, unless you are a Seahawks fan, Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.

Sure, having a non-conference game in this slot makes sense, for playoff tiebreakers and things like that. But, we just saw this game and we’re not sure anyone wants to see it again anytime soon. Particularly on opening night.

12. Cardinals at Chargers

It will be fun to see Jeremiyah Love’s debut, but this could turn ugly quickly.

NFC East games in primetime slots will continue until morale improves.

Yes, this is John Harbaugh’s first game with the Giants, and yes since it is an island game we know you will be watching. But on a list like this, we do not feel compelled to bump this game up much higher.

10. Buccaneers at Bengals

The Bengals have hopes of a return to the postseason, provided they can get a year of completely healthy. The Buccaneers are hoping to bounce back after a collapse in the second half of 2025.

Still, we’re in something of “wait and see” mode when it comes to both teams. Given the rest of the early Sunday slate, there are some games on the schedule we are more excited about.

We are putting this game right in the middle for one simple reason.

We do not know who will be under center for each team.

Both Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix are coming back from injuries suffered late in the season. If both starting quarterback are back for Week 1, then this game easily moves up this list. But if we are talking about a Justin Fields versus Jarrett Stidham matchup, then this game could just as easily slide down this list.

So it stays in the middle for now. Check with us in August.

We absolutely loved what the Browns did in the draft.

We were not fans of what the Jaguars did.

But that is why they play the games, right?

Honestly, the reason this game is so high is this: Sonny Styles.

The dynamic linebacker making his debut against Jalen Hurts and this offense? That is going to be a blast to watch.

Add in the return of Jayden Daniels, and the fact that this game is in the late afternoon Sunday slate (against games such as Cardinals at Chargers and Dolphins at Raiders) and you have a game you’ll want to be watching.

The Saints could be a sneaky good team this year, and we look at Detroit as one of the teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 yet should make a return to the postseason in 2026.

Because of that, this is a game we’re going to be keeping an eye on.

This game is an exciting, early-season test for both teams. Will Daniel Jones be back, allowing the Colts to return to what they showed during the first half of 2026? How will the Ravens fare in new head coach Jesse Minter’s debut? A Week 1 tonesetter for two teams with playoff aspirations.

Who will be under center for Minnesota when this game kicks off?

The folks at Startnine.win have a thought.

But beyond J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray, the bigger question here is Jordan Love versus Brian Flores. How Love and the Green Bay offense handle what Flores throws at them will be worth watching.

Is it wrong that we are very excited about this game?

Yes, we are talking about two playoff teams from a year ago. But that’s not all. If the Bears are going to make the leap from “playoff team” to true contender, they need to win games like this on the road. If the Panthers are going to make the leap from “team that squeaked into the playoffs” to “true playoff contender,” they need to win games like this at home. Plus, it is the first meeting between Bryce Young and Caleb Williams, and we are excited to see what this Carolina defense looks like after what they have added this offseason.

Plus, you have two young offensive minds in Ben Johnson and Dave Canales.

Two AFC playoff teams from a year ago, each with aspirations of making a deep playoff run. And both teams have massive questions to answer. Was Joe Brady the right hire for Buffalo? Did the Bills put enough around Josh Allen? Have the Texans done enough along the offensive line? Can C.J. Stroud rebound from a tough end to 2025?

This will be a fun one, and a sneaky potential AFC Championship Game preview.

Two playoff teams from 2025. Two of the game’s brightest offensive minds squaring off. A big division rivalry to begin the year.

And the first NFL regular season game in Australia?

Yeah, this is the game of the week.

#NFL #Week #game #schedule #ranked #worst

Two-time champion France named its 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, starting on June 11 in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Didier Deschamps, who will step down from his role as the French head coach after this World Cup, has made no surprises with his picks.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will likely skipper the team which boasts the current Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele.

The squad boasts plenty of experience while also having past World Cup winners in Mbappe, Dembele, N’Golo Kante and Lucas Hernandez.

Antoine Griezmann, who retired from the national team after the Euro 2024, will not be reversing his decision to be part of the squad, , while Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has been dropped.

France is in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway and will begin its campaign against Senegal on June 16.

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SQUAD FOR FRANCE

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba

Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Theo Hernandez

Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery

Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram, Maghnes Akliouche

Published on May 15, 2026

#France #squad #FIFA #World #Cup #Full #list #Mbappe #Griezmann">France squad for FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list; Mbappe in, No Griezmann  Two-time champion France named its 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, starting on June 11 in the USA, Mexico and Canada.Didier Deschamps, who will step down from his role as the French head coach after this World Cup, has made no surprises with his picks.Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will likely skipper the team which boasts the current Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele.The squad boasts plenty of experience while also having past World Cup winners in Mbappe, Dembele, N’Golo Kante and Lucas Hernandez.Antoine Griezmann, who retired from the national team after the Euro 2024, will not be reversing his decision to be part of the squad, , while Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has been dropped.France is in Group I with Senegal, Iraq and Norway and will begin its campaign against Senegal on June 16.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SQUAD FOR FRANCE
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Brice Samba
Defenders: Lucas Digne, Malo Gusto, Lucas Hernandez, Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Theo Hernandez
Midfielders: N’Golo Kanté, Manu Koné, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Marcus Thuram, Maghnes Akliouche
Published on May 15, 2026  #France #squad #FIFA #World #Cup #Full #list #Mbappe #Griezmann

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