What I’m hearing on the Broncos' panic level, a mild-mannered Baker Mayfield, Joey Porter Jr.
Plus, the Bengals learned a lesson in a Week 1 win, and the Steelers' limited options with Joey Porter Jr.
NFL
19th September 2026
No. 13 Texas Tech escapes with 28-26 win over No. 22 Houston when Cougars' 2-point conversion try fails
John E. Moore III via Getty ImagesNo. 13 Texas Tech escaped an upset by No. 22 Houston with a 28-26 win in its Big 12 opener at Lubbock, Texas on Friday night.
FBI says 35 more victims allegedly scammed by fake 49ers player Daejon Love
FBI agent Doug Olson said more alleged victims are still coming forward and called on the public to show them compassion.
Aaron Donald says he plans to make 2026 debut in Rams' MNF game vs. Giants
It looks like Aaron Donald's two-year retirement is officially ending on Monday.
Rams' Aaron Donald plans to make season debut on 'Monday Night Football' vs. Giants
Donald would be taking the field in an NFL game for the first time in more than two years.
Azeez Al-Shaair on NFL fine for tribute to slain Palestinian girl: 'What’s a life worth?'
Al-Shaair was fined $11,941 after writing “Hind Rajab" on eye black he wore during Houston's Week 1 game vs. the Buffalo Bills.
Texans WR Nico Collins ruled out with hamstring injury for Week 2 game vs. Bengals
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been ruled out with a hamstring injury for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Vikings QB Kyler Murray ruled out for Week 2 matchup vs. Bears while in concussion protocol
The Minnesota Vikings will be without Kyler Murray in Week 2, with the starting quarterback officially ruled out of Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Bears due to a concussion.Murray suffered the injury on Sunday after taking a scary hit in the Vikings' win over the Green Bay Packers.
Brock Bowers returns to Raiders practice for first time since knee surgery, but is 'doubtful' for Sunday
Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Brock Bowers appears to be making steps toward his return. The third-year tight end, who has been out after undergoing minor knee surgery, joined the Raiders for practice on Friday in his first appearance on the field since the procedure.
Ben Johnson vs. Brian Flores: The 'mental war' behind Sunday's chess match in Vikings-Bears
Bears QB Caleb Williams did not talk this week like a man coming off a 59-point performance. Facing Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Williams said — borrowing a phrase from his head coach — is a "mental war.
QB Cooper Rush will start Falcons' Week 2 game vs. Panthers; Michael Penix Jr. out
Tua Tagovailoa is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.
Cooper Rush to start again at QB for Falcons in Week 2 vs. Panthers; Michael Penix Jr. out, Tua Tagovailoa doubtful
Cooper Rush will start under center again for the Atlanta Falcons this week versus the Carolina Panthers, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Friday.Michael Penix Jr.
Cooper Rush reportedly expected to start again at QB for Falcons in Week 2 vs. Panthers, as Michael Penix Jr. ruled out
Cooper Rush is expected to get the starting nod under center again for the Atlanta Falcons this week versus the Carolina Panthers, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday.Mike Garafolo, also of NFL Network, noted that Michael Penix Jr.
Everything to know for betting NFL Week 2, odds: Sharp action, public betting splits and big bets
Week 2 of the NFL season is already underway, and it's time to get those bets in for the weekend's matchups.
18th September 2026
Sean McVay hopes Rams never play in Australia 'ever again'
It would make Sean McVay very happy if the Los Angeles Rams avoided playing in Australia again while he is head coach.The Rams' much-talked-abouttrip Down Under ended in a 27-7 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers last week. It was a game to forget for McVay.
At 32, Derrick Henry is still outrunning NFL history: ‘His game transcends time’
Henry, now in his 11th season, has shown no signs of slowing down as he continues to climb the NFL's all-time rushing list.
NFL schedule: Week 2 is a lie detector. These 5 games could reveal what’s real
Which NFL teams' Week 1 performances can be trusted? These five Week 2 games are worth watching to find out.
How college football made a beeline for Wembley - and intends to stay there
College American football is hoping to build on the rise of the NFL in the UK - the first Union Jack Classic is set for Wembley this weekend.
Josh Allen looked unstoppable in 5-TD performance vs. Lions. How good is Buffalo's offense?
Josh Allen put on a show in Buffalo’s new home. What did we learn about the Bills’ offense and the Lions’ defensive problems?.
Lions' defense could be their fatal flaw again
The Lions have a problem on defense, and it's becoming one their high-powered offense can't overcome.The Bills stormed out to a 21-point first-half lead and held off the Lions, 41-31, on Thursday night.
Bills wideout DJ Moore's shoulder injury vs. Lions reportedly not considered serious
The Buffalo Bills had a brilliant first half of offense in their Highmark Stadium debut. With one unfortunate blemish in Buffalo's resounding 41-31 victory against the Detroit Lions.
Bills wideout DJ Moore ruled out for second half with shoulder injury vs. Lions
The Buffalo Bills had a brilliant first half of offense in their Highmark Stadium debut. With one unfortunate blemish in Buffalo’s resounding 41-31 victory against the Detroit Lions.
Believe the hype: Giants' bully ball, Ben Johnson's offense and 4 others who aren't going away this NFL season
Week 1 is firmly behind us, but the reactions (and overreactions) are still reverberating as we approach Week 2. And what's more fun than to act like Disco Stu pointing at a graph of disco sales going up forever and extrapolate the first showings of NFL teams in this young 2026 season?I highlighted a half-dozen units and players that made a strong first step in Week 1, and explain why we need to keep eyeballs on them throughout the season.
Josh Allen fittingly scores the first touchdown in Bills' brand-new Highmark Stadium
There was no chance that Josh Allen wasn't going to score the first touchdown in the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium. The Bills got the ball first in their inaugural game in Buffalo's new $2.2 billion stadium and Allen and his offense went right to work. They marched downfield.
Pro Football Hall of Fame reveals revamped selection committee: Here's who made the cut
The Hall also revealed the 2027 selection committee and scrapped the market-based selector process for candidates in that market.
Josh Allen on an MVP mission as his 5 TDs help Bills destroy Lions 41-31 in first game at new Highmark Stadium
Matthew Stafford won NFL MVP last season, but few questioned Josh Allen's standing as the top quarterback in the league. Allen had settled into an elite level that few players have reached. And then, to start the 2026 season, Allen had a surprise for everyone.
Josh Allen on an MVP mission as his 5 TDs help Bills destroy Lions 41-31 in first game at new Highmark Stadium
Matthew Stafford won NFL MVP last season, but few questioned Josh Allen's standing as the top quarterback in the league. Allen had settled into an elite level that few players have reached. And then, to start the 2026 season, Allen had a surprise for everyone.
Joey Porter Jr. listed with back issue again a day after Steelers changed his designation to 'non-injury/conditioning'
The Pittsburgh Steelers changed Joey Porter Jr.'s injury report designation to "non-injury/conditioning" on Wednesday. Before Steelers practice on Thursday, head coach Mike McCarthy was asked if that update meant the cornerback's lingering back injury was resolved.
Joey Porter Jr. leaves practice with member of Steelers' medical staff
Porter missed the Week 1 game against the Falcons with what he and the team have described as the ongoing ramp-up from a back injury.
Bills-Lions Thursday Night Football odds, betting: 1 bettor has $1 million wager on Lions
The Detroit Lions take on the Buffalo Bills in the opening of Buffalo's new Highmark Stadium on Thursday Night Football, and the Lions come in as significant underdogs.
Bill Belichick learned the hard way: 'The Patriot Way' doesn't work in college football
For nearly a quarter of a century, Bill Belichick's New England Patriots had a reputation for being the most buttoned-up organization in the NFL. Maybe all of sports.
As Cowboys' defense is reminded NFL 'isn't a fairy tale,' DC Christian Parker holds himself accountable first
As Christian Parker stood before the Cowboys' defense this week, Dallas' first-year defensive coordinator cycled through his unit's errors.Parker showed his players where they lost leverage and he showed them when their eyes were focused toward the wrong place.
Cowboys DC Christian Parker responds to clip of emotional rookie: 'This isn't a fairy tale'
First-year defensive coordinator Christian Parker knew when he took the job that the Dallas Cowboys spotlight would be bright.Coaching the Cowboys presents a chance to show his and his defenders' talents often on a national stage.
NFL Week 2 preview & bold predictions: Giants' one big advantage, can Jaguars offense keep rolling?
Subscribe to Football 301 with Nate TiceApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeNate Tice & Matt Harmon preview the top matchups of Week 2 of the NFL season.
Lions-Bills the best Thursday of the season? Plus: Seattle's secret sauce
Bills-Lions prep, why Klint Kubiak is great for his most talented weapons and inside Seattle's relentless pursuit of edges.
NFL projected scores Week 2: Model predicts point spreads and totals for every game
Austin Mock's NFL projection model predicts point differentials and totals for every Week 2 game.
NFL's Guardian Cap usage in Week 1 in line with 2025 average
Chris Olave and Charvarius Ward were among those who started wearing them in Week 1.
Week 2 NFL picks against the spread, predictions for every game: Cowboys try to rebound vs. Commanders
If you didn't know it, you'd have never thought the Dallas Cowboys defense made a single change over the offseason. Dallas looked as bad as ever on defense in the opener. The communication issues that plagued them last season hadn't gone away.
17th September 2026
NFL Thursday Night Football preview: Bills open their new stadium with a great matchup vs. Lions
The Buffalo Bills have been around since 1960 and they have played in only two home stadiums. War Memorial Stadium was their home through the 1972 season, but the team quickly outgrew it.
Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor is surging — and could be the 2028 NFL Draft's star QB
Taylor’s Mississippi State team faces a test against South Carolina this Saturday.
Nico Collins in danger of missing Week 2 after injuring his hamstring at practice
The Houston Texans will need to put some points on the board if the team hopes to topple the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. But that task took an unexpected turn Wednesday as Houston's star wideout Nico Collins injured his hamstring in practice.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Sept. 17, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Detroit Lions vs Buffalo Bills: How to watch Thursday Night Football tonight
This week's Thursday Night Football matchup will be the first regular season game played at the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York; the Buffalo Bills picked up a win on the road against the Houston Texans in Week 1 and now they'll see how their home turf treats them when they host the Detroit Lions in Week 2. The Lions also had a successful first week, narrowly winning against the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime.
Thursday Night Football: How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills game tonight
This week's Thursday Night Football matchup will be the first regular season game played at the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York; the Buffalo Bills picked up a win on the road against the Houston Texans in Week 1 and now they'll see how their home turf treats them when they host the Detroit Lions in Week 2. The Lions also had a successful first week, narrowly winning against the New Orleans Saints 31-30 in overtime.
Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks are ‘chasing edges.’ What does that really look like?
“Chasing edges” the way Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald intends requires investment into a unique blend of people, processes and technology.
2027 NFL Draft: 12 seniors who could sneak into the top 15
At least one senior has been selected in the top 15 of every NFL Draft to date.
What last 4 Brian Flores-Ben Johnson matchups tell us about Vikings-Bears Week 2 clash
Minnesota's defensive mastermind and Chicago's offensive maestro will once again be looking for an edge in an NFC North showdown.
NFL offenses exploded in Week 1, but which performances are sustainable?
After a record-tying scoring spree, what should we expect next from teams like the Bills, Bears, Chiefs, Vikings and Ravens?.
Shirtless Joe Brady is 'a true player's coach,' and his upbeat Bills are feeling the vibe
Brady took a minimalist approach the night before the Bills’ opener, but the first-year coach has his players' attention.
NFL staff predictions for Week 2: Vikings-Bears, Raiders-Chargers, Jags-Broncos and more
We've had just one week of NFL action, but there is already a general consensus forming for most Week 2 games. Who are the dissenters?.
For the Buffalo Bills, ‘O Canada’ is business — and something bigger
The Bills’ Canadian anthem salute is rooted in business and decades of cross-border fandom. In this political moment, it means more.
NFL Week 2 picks: Why I’m betting against the teams everyone thinks will bounce back
The Rams, Packers, Cowboys, Broncos and others disappointed in Week 1. Don't be so sure they'll bounce back in Week 2.
Could Geno Smith help the Jets break decade-long trend to go 2-0? A human skeleton could help explain the turnaround
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Geno Smith remembers the skeleton.Not the proverbial skeletons of past seasons buried, the New York Jets' back-again quarterback remarkably void of negativity or defiance about his winding NFL journey, offensive coordinator Frank Reich says.
Bill Belichick says speculation about Jordon Hudson's significant involvement with UNC football was 'ridiculous'
Bill Belichick is again saying that girlfriend Jordon Hudson has had no role with North Carolina's football program.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft pledges $2 million donation after Macklemore outcry
Macklemore challenged Kraft to match his $1 million donation to Palestinian causes, though Kraft said Sheeran contacted him first.
Emmitt Smith believes Derrick Henry can surpass him as NFL's all-time leading rusher
Derrick Henry is stiff-arming Father Time. The Baltimore Ravens running back's age-32 season began with him stacking three touchdowns, along with 144 rushing yards, in a Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts.He's a Heisman Trophy winner and a national champion, plus a five-time Pro Bowler.
Lions vs. Bills 'Thursday Night Football' betting odds, picks and predictions: Best bets, player props
New digs. New season. New Super Bowl dreams.
Rob Gronkowski says he wasn't consulted, but doesn't care that Romeo Doubs is wearing his former No. 87 with Patriots
To people paying attention, Rob Gronkowski is the greatest tight end in NFL history. He didn't play enough seasons to pile up the stats of some of the other greats.
Lions will be without 2 O-line starters vs. Bills; D.J. Reed is questionable
Rookie right tackle Blake Miller and left guard Christian Mahogany won't play at Buffalo on Thursday.
Ravens place rookie WR Ja'Kobi Lane on injured reserve with wrist injury
Lane, whom Baltimore selected in the third round of this year's draft, was one of the stars of Ravens training camp.
Bengals' Joe Burrow dealing with back tightness, expects to play vs. Texans
The quarterback said his back started to feel sore after Sunday's win over the Buccaneers.
NFL declares Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who were at center of LSU controversy, ineligible for 2026 season
It seems Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright won't be playing football anywhere in 2026 — at least not in the NFL or NCAA. The NFL sent a memo to teams Wednesday declaring Harris and Wright ineligible to visit, try out or sign with an NFL team during the 2026 season.
Bengals' Joe Burrow says he's dealing with back tightness, 'normal game day soreness' but will play in Week 2
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has proven to be an MVP-caliber talent, but only in the seasons in which he's been able to stay on the field. Over his career, Burrow has missed significant time with knee, wrist and foot injuries.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold out vs. Cardinals with glute injury, Drew Lock to start
Lock will make his first start since the end of the 2024 season, while Jalen Milroe will be the backup.
Vikings place Jordan Mason on injured reserve with fractured thumb
The Minnesota Vikings have placed running back Jordan Mason on injured reserve with a fractured thumb. Head coach Kevin O'Connell announced the news to reporters on Wednesday. He characterized the fracture as "small" and said that the injury has been "fixed.
With De'Zhaun Stribling out 10 weeks, 49ers must adapt their passing game
San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver De'Zhaun Stribling has landed on injured reserve, and the news on his left ankle injury he suffered in the Niners' Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Australia is worse than initially feared.
Falcons still haven't decided on Week 2 QB, won't rule out undrafted rookie Jack Strand
Late in the season, you'll find some NFL teams pondering truly desperate options at quarterback. Over a long season, injuries happen. Teams aren't prepared to lose two or three quarterbacks and have a good option left.
Why the Jared Goff incomplete pass call against the Saints was correct
What's the difference between an incomplete pass and a fumble?.
Why the Rams wanted Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson
New Los Angeles Rams cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson join Andscape senior NFL writer Jason Reid to discuss their reunion in Los Angeles after their championship years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Deshaun Watson says media is fueling high expectations for him ahead of Week 2 start
After a lengthy offseason quarterback battle, the Cleveland Browns opted to start Deshaun Watson in Week 1. It went exactly the way everyone expected. Watson turned the ball over twice and was sacked five times in the Browns' 34-10 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling had surgery, out several weeks; TE Jake Tonges out for season
The first pick of the second round in April's NFL Draft, Stribling had a terrific training camp and preseason.
Eating grass, turkey legs and milk showers: Sport’s strangest winning rituals
From full-fat dairy to cutting nets and tattoos, here’s how sportspeople savour winning moments.
NFL fines Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair for displaying name of Palestinian girl on eye black
The league issued Al-Shaair a similar fine in January for a message in his eye black that read “stop the genocide.”.
How an American-style challenge system could be the antidote for soccer's VAR controversy
In the quest to correct what's "clear and obvious," VAR is often the subject of post-match debate. A tweak to the system would do wonders.
NFL Survivor contest picks, predictions, advice, strategy: My favorite Week 2 selections
For weeks leading up to Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked like they might be the slick play in Survivor contests, as a 3.5-point favorite over the Falcons.
NFL survivor pool picks Week 2: Cutting through Week 1 noise for safe and risky teams
A lot of survivor entries busted after the Chargers lost to the Cardinals. Here's who our experts think you should pick and avoid in Week 2.
Aaron Rodgers presents Steelers coach Mike McCarthy with game ball after coach's first win with franchise
When Mike McCarthy split with the Green Bay Packers, there were plenty of questions about his relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two were reportedly at odds during McCarthy's final few years with the franchise, ultimately contributing to his exit after the 2018 season.
Joe Buck agrees to new ESPN deal worth in excess of $100 million: Sources
The deal will keep Buck in the ESPN "Monday Night Football" booth into the new decade, including another Super Bowl for the network in 2031.
16th September 2026
As Jadarian Price replaces the Super Bowl MVP, he’ll always draw on his mother’s strength
A shocking diagnosis 10 years ago shaped Price's path to the NFL, where he'll face former college teammate Jeremiyah Love on Sunday.
What Jordan Love, Josh Allen and the Dallas Cowboys told us in Week 1
Flores got the best of Green Bay's QB in Week 1. Plus, Allen carved up the Texans, and the Giants exploited a Dallas defensive weakness.
Patrick Mahomes is back to flexing. That's bad news for Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow
Mahomes' injury last season opened the door for Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. That door might be closed now.
Klint Kubiak and the growth of the NFL's most overlooked coaching tree
The Kubiak boys didn't appreciate the finer points of their father's profession at first. The teaching pulled them back in.
Which are the best and worst NFL offseason additions after one week?
There's plenty of football to be played, but it's not too early to look at the initial returns on big free-agent and trade acquisitions.
Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair fined for writing 'Hind Rajab' on eye black in loss to Bills to honor killed Palestinian girl
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined more than $11,000 for an unauthorized message written on his eye black in their 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Attorneys for victim in Josh Jacobs battery case file motion to seal evidence
The sealing of evidence could prevent the NFL from reviewing video of the May 23 incident at the Packers running back's home.
4 overreactions from Week 1 that might stick this season: Woes for Cowboys, Broncos and Patriots, and joy for future Bears fireworks
Many will tell you not to overreact on a result from Week 1 's NFL action. Small sample size. It's just one game.
Examining 5 teams that could be trade candidates for Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. are beyond the posturing stage. Trade talk is already in the air, and neither side appears to be trying to waft it away.
Andy Reid says ESPN's Chris Berman sent him the 90-year-old play that cemented Chiefs' Week 1 blowout of Broncos
Kenneth Walker estimated that the film the Kansas City Chiefs watched to prepare for the play that ultimately delivered him his second touchdown and the Denver Broncos a final blow in a 31-10 "Monday Night Football" victory comes from the year 1900.It actually dates back to 1936, according to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who shared postgame that longtime ESPN sportscaster Chris "Boomer" Berman sent it to him.
Early Week 2 NFL bets to make right now: 3 totals that I like
The biggest takeaway for me after Week 1 in the NFL was the record high scoring. There were a combined 791 total points scored, the most for Week 1 since the NFL-AFL merger in 1966. I don't think that is a random occurrence.
NFL best bets Week 2: Leaning into unders, including Colts-Chiefs
Austin Mock's best bets are back for the 2026 NFL season. He has three unders and one over on his betting card for Week 2.
John Harbaugh has already given the Giants something they haven't had in years — hope
NEW YORK — On the ride from the Meadowlands back into Manhattan, hours after the Giants had just decimated the Cowboys on national television, I heard an unfamiliar note in the radio host's voice as he discussed the Giants: pride.
NFL Week 1 red flags vs. green flags: biggest causes for concern & optimism feat. Sheil Kapadia
Subscribe to Football 301 with Nate TiceApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeNate Tice is joined by Sheil Kapadia to break down the most encouraging and concerning signs from NFL Week 1. Nate & Sheil start off with their takeaways from a dominant Kansas City Chiefs win over the Denver Broncos on Monday night, including optimism around the Chiefs run game with Kenneth Walker III and some real concerns about Bo Nix & the Denver offense going forward.
Super Bowl odds: Rams still favored while Bears, Giants, Steelers jump up the board
Preseason favorites losing Week 1 is more common than you think. Here's what history says about Los Angeles' championship chances.
NFL Week 2 betting: 5 biggest storylines, including the Panthers looking for first win as favorite in years
Favorites have the slight edge to start the NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs' 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos gave favorites a 9-7 edge against the spread in Week 1. Underdogs still did OK, with four straight up wins including a big upset by the Cardinals.
NFL MVP odds risers and fallers: Can Caleb Williams unseat favorite Josh Allen?
Josh Allen is still the betting favorite to win NFL MVP, but Caleb Williams had a big Week 1 to move up in the odds.
What are the odds? NFL's opening week delivers historic stat
This was excerpted fromYahoo Sports AM, our daily newsletter that keeps you up to date on all things sports. Sign up here to get it every weekday morning.
Pro sports leagues, players' unions ask regulators to ban bettors who harass athletes
The NFL, MLB, MLS, NBA, NHL and their players’ unions asked for regulations banning bettors who harass and threaten athletes and staff.
15th September 2026
Sean Payton 'never heard' about Drew Brees' comeback attempt with Broncos in playoffs
“I just know that I was the odd man out,” Payton said Monday night. “I never heard anything about it.".
NFL Panic Meter: Cam Ward had a disastrous performance to start his second season
Cam Ward was bad as a rookie. In most measures, he was worse than J.J. McCarthy last season. Nobody paid it much mind.
The Chiefs appear fully back, plus Kraft's run-in with Macklemore
The Pulse Newsletter ???? | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! I’m glad we mostly agree on backward passes.
