The 2026 NFL season kicks off on Wednesday night as defending champion Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots, broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL from 1:20 am on Thursday. As the league heads toward Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles, several major narratives are shaping the campaign.
The Los Angeles Rams have gone all-in, acquiring defensive giant Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns and cornerback Trent McDuffie from Kansas City. Aaron Donald also ended his retirement to pair with Garrett, forming a formidable defensive line alongside Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske. Led by MVP Matthew Stafford and featuring top receiver Puka Nacua and a strong rushing attack, the Rams aim to surpass their NFC Championship Game appearance last season.
In Baltimore, the Ravens hired former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle after parting ways with John Harbaugh. The duo will work to maximize quarterback Lamar Jackson’s prime, supported by Derrick Henry and a defense anchored by Kyle Hamilton and the newly added Trey Hendrickson. Despite a playoff-less 2025, the Ravens possess high potential.
The Los Angeles Chargers have appointed Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator to unlock Justin Herbert’s potential. Herbert, who has yet to secure a playoff victory, faces questions about his postseason performance. The Chargers’ success hinges on the health of offensive linemen Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, the emergence of rookie Akheem Mesidor, and the continued contributions of Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles have moved on from wide receiver AJ Brown and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who was fired following a disappointing 2025 season marked by locker room tension and a first-round playoff exit. Former Packers quarterback coach Sean Mannion takes over, expecting DeVonta Smith and Hollywood Brown to lead an offense that also features Saquon Barkley. The defense, still under Vic Fangio, remains a strength.
The Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after a season-ending ACL injury to Patrick Mahomes. Now healthy, Mahomes looks to return to form alongside Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, who faces a prove-it year. The Chiefs bolstered their roster by adding Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III and reinstating Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow insists this is his final chance to win a championship. After three consecutive playoff misses, Cincinnati has addressed defensive weaknesses by trading for Dexter Lawrence and adding edge rusher Boye Mafe, hoping to balance the team’s explosive offense led by Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks aim to defend their Super Bowl title under head coach Mike Macdonald. Despite losing Kenneth Walker, the team retains a talent-rich roster and relies on Sam Darnold’s leadership and a defense considered among the league’s best.
I still can’t believe the Chiefs missed the playoffs. Mahomes returning healthy should fix that, but it feels like everyone else caught up.
Garrett and Donald back on the same team? That Rams defense is genuinely terrifying now. Super Bowl 61 is going to be wild.