Tag: Week 1

Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

NFL Week 1 lines: Seahawks, Rams listed as favorites for 2026 openers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Seattle Seahawks opened as minor favorites for their season-opening Super Bowl LX rematch against the New England Patriots upon the release of the full schedule for the 2026 NFL season Thursday evening.

The Seahawks, who beat the Patriots 29-13 to win their second championship on Feb. 8, open the season against New England on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Seattle as 3.5- to 4.5-point favorites.

That kicks off a hectic opening week that will see the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers face off in Melbourne, Australia, the Giants and Cowboys square off on “Sunday Night Football” and more.

Here is a full list of odds for Week 1 of the 2026 season (all money lines from DraftKings):

Wednesday, Sept. 9

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks
8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, Lumen Field, Seattle
Odds: Seahawks -3.5 (DraftKings); -4.5 (FanDuel)
Money line: Seahawks -192; Patriots +160
Total: 44.5 points (DraftKings); 45.5 points (FanDuel)

Thursday, Sept. 10

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams
8:35 p.m. ET on Netflix, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
Odds: Rams -2.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Rams -155; Seahawks +130
Total: 48.5 points (DraftKings); 49.5 (FanDuel)

Sunday, Sept. 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
1 p.m. ET on Fox, Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati
Odds: Bengals -3.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Bengals -198; Buccaneers +164
Total: 50.5 points (DraftKings); 51.5 points (FanDuel)

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
1 p.m. ET on CBS, EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville
Odds: Jaguars -7 (DraftKings); -7.5 (FanDuel)
Money line: Jaguars -285; Browns +230
Total: 39.5 points (FanDuel); 40.5 points (DraftKings)

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
1 p.m. ET on CBS, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Odds: Ravens -3.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Ravens -185; Colts +154
Total: 49.5 points (DraftKings and FanDuel)

New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
1 p.m. ET on Fox, Ford Field, Detroit
Odds: Lions -7 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Lions -325; Saints +260
Total: 48.5 points (DraftKings and FanDuel)

Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
1 p.m. ET on Fox, Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
Odds: Steelers -2.5 (FanDuel); -3 (DraftKings)
Money line: Steelers -175; Falcons +145
Total: 41.5 points (FanDuel); 42.5 points (DraftKings)

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
1 p.m. ET on CBS, Nissan Stadium, Nashville
Odds: Titans -2.5 (FanDuel); -3 (DraftKings)
Money line: Titans -170; Jets +142
Total: 38.5 points (FanDuel); 39.5 points (DraftKings)

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
1 p.m. ET on CBS, NRG Stadium, Houston
Odds: Bills -1.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Bills -112; Texans -108
Total: 44.5 points (FanDuel); 45.5 points (DraftKings)

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers
1 p.m. ET on Fox, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Odds: Bears -2.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Bears -135; Panthers +114
Total: 44.5 points (DraftKings); 45.5 points (FanDuel)

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
Odds: Packers -1.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Packers -125; Vikings +105
Total: 44.5 points (DraftKings); 46.5 points (FanDuel)

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
4:25 p.m. ET on Fox, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Odds: Raiders -3 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Raiders -180; Dolphins +150
Total: 40.5 points (FanDuel); 41.5 points (DraftKings)

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
4:25 p.m. ET on Fox, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Odds: Eagles -4.5 (FanDuel); -5.5 (DraftKings)
Money line: Eagles -238; Commanders +195
Total: 46.5 points (DraftKings); 47.5 points (FanDuel)

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers
4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.
Odds: Chargers -9.5 (FanDuel); -11.5 (DraftKings)
Money line: Chargers -625; Cardinals +455
Total: 45.5 points (DraftKings); 46.5 points (FanDuel)

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
Odds: Cowboys -2.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Cowboys -130; Giants +110
Total: 48.5 points (DraftKings and FanDuel)

Monday, Sept. 14

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Odds: Chiefs -2.5 (DraftKings and FanDuel)
Money line: Chiefs -155; Broncos +130
Total: 42.5 points (DraftKings); 43.5 points (FanDuel)

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) greets Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) on the field after the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Cowboys, Giants open ’26 season on Sunday Night Football

Posted on | by Field Level Media

John Harbaugh gets a shot at a statement in his first regular-season game as head coach of the New York Giants.

The NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys and Giants are set to square off in Week 1 in primetime on Sept. 13, the eighth time in 15 seasons they open the regular season in a head-to-head matchup.

The “Sunday Night Football” game will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., where the Giants defeated the Cowboys for the first time since 2020 last season.

The NFL is releasing the full 2026 schedule on Thursday. Giants-Cowboys is among marquee games confirmed ahead of the release date.

Dallas dominated the series with the Giants in recent years by sweeping both regular-season matchups four consecutive years before New York took a game (34-17) from the Cowboys last season. The Cowboys earned a split with a 40-37 overtime win which was sent to OT by Brandon Aubrey’s 64-yard field goal.

Harbaugh was hired as head coach of the Giants after being fired by the Ravens.

The Giants’ last win at Dallas was in 2016.

–Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks for an open teammate, Sunday, September 7, 2025, in East Rutherford.

NFL roundup: Aaron Rodgers’ 4 TDs lead Steelers past Jets

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Chris Boswell kicked a career-long 60-yard field goal with 1:03 remaining for the seventh and final lead change as the Pittsburgh Steelers edged the New York Jets 34-32 in Sunday’s opener in East Rutherford, N.J.

The franchise-record boot made for a winning Steelers debut for Aaron Rodgers, who passed for 244 yards and four touchdowns while playing against his former teammates. Calvin Austin, Ben Skowronek, Jonnu Smith and Jaylen Warren caught the touchdown passes that pushed Rodgers’ career total to 507 — one behind Brett Favre for fourth on the NFL’s all-time list.

Justin Fields rushed for two touchdowns and passed for one in his Jets debut. Fields, who played for the Steelers last year, completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and added 48 on the ground. His 1-yard bootleg gave the Jets a 32-31 edge with 7:01 to play.

Garrett Wilson caught seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, Braelon Allen rushed for a score and Breece Hall had 145 scrimmage yards (107 rushing, 38 receiving).

Buccaneers 23, Falcons 20

Baker Mayfield found rookie Emeka Egbuka for a go-ahead 25-yard touchdown pass with 59 seconds left to propel visiting Tampa Bay over Atlanta.

Mayfield completed 17 of 32 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns while Egbuka had four catches for 67 yards and two scores to lead the Buccaneers to a season-opening win.

Michael Penix Jr. threw for 298 yards and a touchdown and Bijan Robinson had 100 receiving yards and a score in the loss. The Falcons had a chance to force overtime, but Younghoe Koo’s 44-yard field-goal attempt drifted right with two seconds to go.

Bengals 17, Browns 16

Joe Burrow was held to 113 yards passing, but two key Joe Flacco interceptions helped Cincinnati hold on for its first season-opening win in four years, over host Cleveland.

Burrow was just 14 of 23 for 113 yards and a touchdown while Flacco finished 31-of-45 for 290 yards with one touchdown and the pair of interceptions in an AFC North clash that the Browns had chances to win.

Evan McPherson had what would be the game-winning points with a 35-yard field goal with 2:48 to play in the third quarter. The kick was set up by a Jordan Battle interception that the safety returned to the Cleveland 29. Neither team scored the rest of the way.

Raiders 20, Patriots 13

New quarterback Geno Smith threw for 362 yards, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty scored the go-ahead touchdown, and visiting Las Vegas gave new coach Pete Carroll a win in his first game, stopping New England.

Smith completed 24 of 34 passes with a touchdown and an interception. Jeanty had just 38 yards on 19 carries, but one of them was a 3-yard run with 9:39 left in the third quarter that put the Raiders ahead for good.

Drake Maye hit 30 of 46 attempts for 287 yards with a touchdown and an interception, but it wasn’t enough to give Mike Vrabel a win in his first game as New England’s coach. Wasted in the loss were 2 1/2 sacks from Harold Landry and 103 receiving yards from Kayshon Boutte.

Colts 33, Dolphins 8

Daniel Jones threw one touchdown pass and ran for two more in his team debut to lead host Indianapolis to a comfortable victory over Miami.

Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards. Receiver Michael Pittman led all Colts receivers with six catches for 80 yards and rookie tight end Tyler Warren had a stellar debut with seven catches for 76 yards. Jonathan Taylor ran for 71 yards on 18 carries for a Colts team which ran 70 plays on offense as opposed to Miami’s 46.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was responsible for three giveaways, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble on a strip sack. Tagovailoa completed 14 of 23 passes for 114 yards and finished with a 51.7 passer rating.

Cardinals 20, Saints 13

Kyler Murray threw two touchdown passes and visiting Arizona beat New Orleans, spoiling Kellen Moore’s debut as an NFL head coach.

Murray threw for just 163 yards while completing 21 of 29, but his scoring passes to Marvin Harrison Jr. (1 yard) and James Conner (4 yards) made the difference for the Cardinals.

Spencer Rattler finished 27 of 46 for 214 yards with no touchdowns for the Saints. Alvin Kamara rushed for 45 yards and a score.

Commanders 21, Giants 6

Jayden Daniels passed for 233 yards, rushed for 68 more and threw for one touchdown as Washington opened its season with a win over visiting New York.

Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel caught seven passes for 77 yards and ran for a 19-yard touchdown in his Washington debut. Daniels completed 19 of 30 passes, and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt had 82 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries as Washington ran for 220 yards.

In his first game for the Giants, Russell Wilson was 17 of 37 passing for 168 yards and led the Giants with 44 rushing yards. Malik Nabers had five catches for 71 yards.

Jaguars 26, Panthers 10

Jacksonville scored on four of its five first-half possessions to win head coach Liam Coen’s debut versus visiting Carolina.

Linebacker Foye Oluokun racked up 10 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble as the Jaguars kept the Panthers out of the end zone until 4:47 remained. Trevor Lawrence hit 19 of 31 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception while Travis Etienne Jr. rushed for 143 yards.

The Panthers’ Bryce Young completed 18 of 35 for 154 yards and one score, but he tossed two interceptions and lost a fumble. Chuba Hubbard rushed for 57 yards and caught three passes for 32 yards and one score. First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan had five receptions for 68 yards.

49ers 17, Seahawks 13

Backup tight end Jake Tonges caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy with 1:34 remaining to help San Francisco rally to defeat host Seattle.

The Seahawks drove to San Francisco’s 9-yard line in the final minute before defensive end Nick Bosa pushed tackle Abraham Lucas into quarterback Sam Darnold, forcing a fumble. Bosa recovered the ball to clinch the victory. Darnold, making his first start for the Seahawks after being signed as a free agent in the offseason, was 16 of 23 for 150 yards.

Tonges, filling in for the injured George Kittle, made his first three career receptions on the deciding drive. On the last, Purdy scrambled and threw a jump ball into the back-right corner of the end zone, where Tonges took the ball away from cornerback Riq Woolen. Purdy, who signed a $265 million extension in the offseason, completed 26 of 35 passes for 277 yards with two TDs and two interceptions.

Packers 27, Lions 13

Jordan Love threw two touchdown passes and host Green Bay kept Detroit’s potent offense out of the end zone until the final minute Sunday in a season opener between teams expected to challenge for the NFC North title.

Love completed 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards, spreading the ball to 10 different receivers. His two first-half touchdowns paced the Packers to a 17-3 halftime lead. Green Bay star edge rusher Micah Parsons recorded his first sack late in the fourth quarter after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with Dallas in late August.

Lions QB Jared Goff completed 31 of 39 passes for 225 yards with one interception and a 13-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa with 55 seconds left.

Rams 14, Texans 9

Matthew Stafford passed for 245 yards and a touchdown, and a stifling defensive performance propelled Los Angeles to a victory over visiting Houston.

Puka Nacua led the Rams offensively with 10 catches for 130 yards. Kyren Williams had 18 carries for 66 yards and a score on the ground. The Rams sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud three times and forced two turnovers, one to seal the win with less than two minutes to play.

Stroud passed for 188 yards and was intercepted once as the Rams collectively kept top receiver Nico Collins (three receptions, 25 yards) in check. Running back Nick Chubb led the Texans with 13 carries for 60 yards.

Broncos 20, Titans 12

Bo Nix threw for a touchdown, J.K. Dobbins ran for a score and the Denver defense made life miserable for rookie quarterback Cam Ward in a season-opening win over visiting Tennessee.

The Broncos overcame four turnovers, including two picks and a fumble by Nix, thanks to 133 rushing yards from rookie RJ Harvey (70) and Dobbins (63), whose fourth-quarter score provided some insurance.

Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL draft, completed only 12 of 28 passes for 112 yards while absorbing six sacks. All of the Titans’ scoring came on a quartet of field goals from Joey Slye.

–Field Level Media

Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) talks to Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell after the game quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Defenses center stage in MNF test of Bears, Vikings prized QBs

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Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores never met a blitz package he didn’t like, the type of hyper-aggressive approach prone to leaving a young quarterback rattled.

Like-minded Dennis Allen begins his first season calling the shots for the Chicago Bears’ defense on Monday night and undoubtedly reminded his veteran starters there’s fresh meat on the menu as Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy makes his first career start — in primetime at historic Soldier Field.

In the final game of Week 1, Ben Johnson will make his debut as head coach of the Bears and has the pelts on the wall to break any ties between defensive masterminds. Johnson ran up 30 or more points in each of his past four gridiron chess matches with Flores during a record-setting run of success as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.

A one-man offensive think tank, Johnson anticipates many new looks and imaginative disguises from Flores and the Vikings to test second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who will be playing behind an offensive line with three new starters. Johnson said he’s been studying Flores for years, dating to the former Miami Dolphins head coach’s training as defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

It was in that setting at the knee of Bill Belichick where Flores built an ever-adapting scheme that thrived on not showing the same looks.

“He does that as a coordinator. You don’t really know what you’re going to get,” Johnson said of Flores. “You have to adjust in the middle of the game. Our guys have to be open-minded and be willing to understand that we’re going to get hit in the teeth a couple times. It’s the nature of doing business with this crew. They have some really good players. They’re really well-coached. They’re really ball-conscious, they’re going after the ball all the time.”

Minnesota tied for the NFL lead with 33 takeaways in 2024 and ranked fifth in points allowed per game. To address one consistent shortfall, the Vikings added two veteran defensive tackles, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, who can also wreak havoc on passing downs.

Williams, drafted nine spots ahead of McCarthy as the No. 1 selection in the 2024 draft, should be better protected in his second season. He never looked like a rookie facing the Flores defense in two starts against Minnesota last season, throwing three TD passes with zero interceptions with a passer rating of 96.7.

The Vikings didn’t have to show their entire hand to Williams in last season’s win at Chicago. The Bears erased an 11-point deficit before Minnesota pulled out the 30-27 overtime victory behind quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold exited for Seattle in free agency, clearing the QB1 role for McCarthy, who is recovered from the two right knee surgeries that cost him his rookie season.

A top injury concern for the Bears is left cornerback Jaylon Johnson. He said this week he’s hopeful for a return from an offseason groin injury that kept him off the field the entire preseason. With or without Johnson, McCarthy figures to find All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson early and often. Jefferson was held to two receptions at Chicago in 2024 and the Vikings won’t have Jordan Addison (suspension). Veteran Adam Thielen has just started working with McCarthy, reacquired by Minnesota after teams broke training camp.

McCarthy, 22, grew up in the Chicago area and the first game he attended was a 34-31 Vikings win at Soldier Field in 2007. How quickly he grows up as an NFL quarterback is likely to determine whether the Vikings can approach the 14-3 record they produced last season.

“I just try to be completely present. At the end of the day, there’s going to be anxious, excitement and a lot of adrenaline,” McCarthy said. “I know I’m going to be amped up. At the end of the day, I know (coaches) will put me in a great position and my teammates around me will do everything they can to make sure we are successful every play.”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who played the QB position in the NFL, met extensively with Williams prior to the 2024 draft. He said he remains a fan, and didn’t mind telling Williams as much. He pulled the Bears’ passer aside on the field postgame last year to share his admiration, praising Williams’ performance and competitiveness.

“I’ve known Caleb for a long time. I think the world of him,” O’Connell said. “He just continues to get better and better. You can see it when he starts creating off-schedule and that athleticism. We had him dead to rights a couple of times and he gets out and makes huge plays. It’s going to be a challenge. … I look forward to competing against him because he’s going to be a really good player.”

Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who was an offensive lineman in the NFL, restocked the offensive line with trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. He also signed pricey free-agent center Drew Dalman and continued to pump assets into building an arsenal of playmakers around Williams. After drafting Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze in the top 10 of the 2024 draft, the Bears used the No. 10 pick in April to select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and added dynamic Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III in the second round.

Described as a meticulous teacher, Johnson told Williams all the parts will fit together. The plan is simple: focus energy on fundamentals and build from there.

“(My own) knowledge of football and NFL football has grown even just sitting in some of the meetings this year and even going through our first game week and just understanding things I may not have understood last year,” Williams said. “Whether that’s defenses, whether it’s offenses, I think I’ve taken a step there. I have to keep taking those steps throughout this year and many years from now. But Ben, he’s been great for me. He’s pushed me. Like I’ve said many times, he’s a teacher and he will be persistent until you get it.”

–Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles past Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) bring the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Chiefs trek to Brazil with eye on extending dominance of Chargers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Bold is the theme on defense for the Kansas City Chiefs as the 2025 season begins in a rare Week 1 setting — and with a division rival waiting — as Friday night lights and the NFL come to South America.

The Chiefs beat Jim Harbaugh and the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers twice last season on the way to 15 wins and the top seed in the conference, falling short in a three-peat bid with a Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in February.

This week, the Chiefs begin a march they hope ends with another shot at the Lombardi Trophy on foreign soil in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Being a first-time visitor to the country, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones views Week 1 as a celebration of Kansas City’s success — and a big test. Primarily of the Chiefs’ readiness, but also of Jones’ tourist acumen. He said he’s bringing two TVs — a new LG model that can be checked — and a serious appetite with fingers crossed he’s permitted to sample plenty of the culinary options.

“I think it’s sweet we get to play internationally first game of the season,” Jones said. “That’s a challenge for us as a team. Division rivalry. We also get a chance to test where we’re at.”

If Jones is fixated on feijoada, then the Chargers would be glad to serve a Week 1 upset and end a seven-game losing streak to the Chiefs.

The Chargers featured one of the NFL’s best defenses last year in Harbaugh’s first season as their head coach, then invested in multiple running backs in the offseason to further his preferred old-school approach.

After signing Najee Harris in free agency, the Chargers used a first-round pick to select Omarion Hampton. Known for his speed, Hampton wowed Harbaugh with his vision and ability to pick through traffic in the preseason. Harris missed training camp and preseason due to a July 4 eye injury, but Harbaugh said Monday there is a “possibility” he will be ready to play Friday.

Harbaugh has zero concerns with his backfield in general. He said he believes Justin Herbert’s biggest weakness lies in coaches and teammates failing to reach the quarterback’s level.

“Everything he does — conditioning, everything — it’s too easy (for him). You have to try to pull him back,” Harbaugh said. “It’s clear and obvious, all of us have to pick it up to get on his level.”

Herbert had 23 touchdowns and three interceptions in his first season under Harbaugh. The Chiefs surrendered two total TD passes and sacked him five times in their two 2024 meetings.

Five weeks after reporting to training camp, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he can sense energy on the rise for a “quote-unquote real game.”

Spagnuolo gave new cornerback Kristian Fulton, a free-agent addition from the Chargers who practiced daily against Ladd McConkey last year, the floor at the first defensive meeting of the week to stress the importance of knowing McConkey’s whereabouts and how he impacts the Los Angeles game plan.

“The first slide I put up last week said, ‘All 22 need to be aware of where 15 is,’” Spagnuolo said of placing McConkey on the top of the scouting report this week. “I asked the guys if (they) knew what we mean. It meant all 22 eyeballs. Every one of them, the D-line included, need to know where he is. We feel that strongly. That’s going to be a major, major focus.”

McConkey had 1,346 yards and 91 receptions between the regular season and playoffs last season to set team records. He’ll be Herbert’s lead target even with Keenan Allen back in the fold after one season in Chicago. Allen owns the Chargers’ franchise marks with 904 receptions and 10,530 yards in the uniform.

With Rashee Rice suspended for six weeks by the NFL, the pecking order at wide receiver is not as clear for the Chiefs. Xavier Worthy, a first-round pick in 2024, developed into the No. 1 option for Patrick Mahomes in 2024 with the speed to get deep. Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and rookie fourth-round pick Jalen Royals are the other options for Kansas City, along with tight end Travis Kelce. Reid said Brown (foot, ankle) was able to “do everything” in practice on Tuesday while Royals (knee) remained out.

No NFL team has matched Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ level in the past decade. Kansas City has won nine AFC West titles in a row and played in the Super Bowl five of the past six seasons. Their 19-17 win over the Chargers on Dec. 8 clinched the division title last season.

In 12 career games against the Chargers, Mahomes has 3,270 passing yards and 27 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He’s only thrown more TD passes against one opponent: the Raiders (33). His last loss to the Chargers came in 2021: A 30-24 defeat with three TDs and two interceptions.

“We have a lot of motivation going into this season,” said Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis. “Prove some people right — prove some people wrong. Fired up and super excited to get this thing started and prove what we got and prove what we are made of.”

–Field Level Media

Fox commentator Terry Bradshaw (L) interviews Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (R) during the championship trophy presentation after the Eagles' game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

YouTube TV, Fox standoff impacts NFL home market broadcasts, not Sunday Ticket

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If you purchased a Sunday Ticket NFL package for all out-of-market games before learning of the tenuous contract negotiations between Fox and YouTube TV, you can exhale.

The NFL issued a statement on Tuesday reassuring customers who have purchased the popular out-of-market streaming package that the standoff between Fox and YouTube won’t impact their viewing options on Sundays.

YouTube TV customers, however, remain in limbo when it comes to games carried by local affiliates, including college football games.

The contract between YouTube TV and Fox expires on Wednesday and could create a seismic impact on the weekend’s college football slate. Fox Sports is broadcasting the headline college football game of the weekend in Columbus pitting No. 1 Texas and defending national champion Ohio State. The Buckeyes are No. 3 in the preseason Top 25.

Week 1 of the regular season in the NFL begins next week. The first games carried by Fox in the regular season begin at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 7.

Those games are: Tampa Bay at Atlanta, Cincinnati at Cleveland, Miami at Indianapolis, Carolina at Jacksonville, N.Y. Giants at Washington. The late-game slots on Fox feature these 4:05 p.m. ET games: Tennessee at Denver, San Francisco at Seattle.

However, that doesn’t mean home market NFL game will be available for YouTube TV subscribers if Fox is the carrier and contract negotiations between the network and carrier remain ongoing. For NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers, only out of market games are guaranteed.

“The games in the NFL Sunday Ticket package on YouTube and YouTube TV only include out-of-market Sunday afternoon regular-season NFL games. NFL Sunday Ticket subscribers will continue to have access to all out-of-market games (both CBS and FOX). Games in the local market are not available within NFL Sunday Ticket and would be impacted on YouTubeTV if the potential dispute is not resolved by the start of Week 1,” the league statement to NBC Sports read Tuesday.

–Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rolls out in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

NFL Week 1 lines: Eagles, Chiefs open season as favorites

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The opening week of the 2025 regular season features spotlight games in Philadelphia, Sao Paulo, Buffalo and Chicago, and oddsmakers generally leaned toward the home teams with the early lines released Wednesday.

The Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles are a seven-point favorite over the Dallas Cowboys in the 2025 Kickoff Game, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are road favorites against the New York Jets in the only game with a point total under 40 in Week 1.

Here’s a full rundown of 2025 odds (courtesy of FanDuel) for all games scheduled Sept. 4-8:

Thursday, Sept. 4

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5)

8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Money line: Eagles -330, Cowboys +265

Total: 46.5 points

Friday, Sept. 5

Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers

8 p.m. ET on YouTube, Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo

Money line: Chiefs -142, Chargers +120

Total: 44.5 points

Sunday, Sept. 7

New York Giants at Washington Commanders (-7)

1 p.m. ET, Northwest Stadium, Landover, Md.

Money line: Commanders -350, Giants +280

Total: 45.5 points

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-1.5) at Atlanta Falcons

1 p.m. ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Money line: Buccaneers -126, Falcons +108

Total: 48.5 points

Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5)

1 p.m. ET, EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville

Money line: Jaguars -144, Panthers +122

Total: 46.5 points

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts (-1)

1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

Money line: Dolphins -104, Colts -116

Total: 45.5 points

Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots (-2)

1 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

Money line: Patriots -156, Raiders +132

Total: 43.5 points

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at New York Jets

1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

Money line: Steelers -156, Jets +132

Total: 39.5 points

Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5) at Cleveland Browns

1 p.m. ET, Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland

Money line: Bengals -240, Browns +198

Total: 45.5 points

Arizona Cardinals (-4.5) at New Orleans Saints

1 p.m. ET, Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

Money line: Cardinals -200, Saints +168

Total: 41.5 points

San Francisco 49ers (-1.5) at Seattle Seahawks

4:05 p.m. ET, Lumen Field, Seattle

Money line: 49ers -124, Seahawks +106

Total: 45.5 points

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-7)

4:05 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver

Money line: Broncos -350, Titans +280

Total: 41.5 points

Detroit Lions (-1.5) at Green Bay Packers

4:25 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis.

Money line: Lions -122, Packers +104

Total: 49.5 points

Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams (-2.5)

4:25 p.m. ET, Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.

Money line: Rams -146, Texans +124

Total: 46.5 points

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (-1.5)

8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.

Money line: Bills -122, Ravens +104

Total: 51.5 points

Monday, Sept. 8

Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) at Chicago Bears

8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC, Soldier Field, Chicago

Money line: Vikings -110, Bears -106

Total: 45.5 points

–Field Level Media

Dec 19, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

YouTube will stream Week 1 NFL Brazil game for free

Posted on | by Field Level Media

YouTube will stream the NFL’s Week 1 game in Brazil to a worldwide audience for free, the NFL announced on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to play at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on Friday, Sept. 5. Their opponent has been rumored to be the Kansas City Chiefs, but the NFL is not releasing its full schedule until Wednesday night.

This will mark the first exclusive NFL game to be streamed live and for free in its entirety on YouTube and YouTube TV.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with YouTube to bring this year’s Brazil game to a worldwide audience,” said Hans Schroeder, the NFL’s executive vice president of media distribution. “YouTube and YouTube TV have been incredible partners of the NFL for several years and boast an immense global reach, and we look forward to Week 1 in Sao Paulo.”

The NFL played its first game in Brazil to help kick off the 2024 season, with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the Green Bay Packers 34-29 in Sao Paulo on Sept. 6.

YouTube and YouTube TV have been the home of NFL Sunday Ticket since the start of the 2023 season. The NFL’s official YouTube channel has more than 14 million subscribers.

“Last year, people spent over 350 million hours watching official NFL content on YouTube, so it’s both fitting and thrilling to continue to build our relationship with our partners at the NFL,” said Mary Ellen Coe, chief business officer for YouTube.

“Streaming the Friday night game to fans for free around the world will mark YouTube’s first time as a live NFL broadcaster — and we’ll do it in a way that only YouTube can, with an interactive viewing experience and creators right at the center of the experience.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) celebrates after winning the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Showdown between LSU, Clemson highlights Week 1 coverage on ABC

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A likely top-10 matchup highlights the opening week of prime-time Saturday college football coverage on ABC this season, as LSU will visit Clemson in South Carolina on Aug. 30.

The matchup will feature two highly touted quarterbacks in Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik, respectively.

The battle of the Tigers takes center stage at 7:30 p.m. ET, with ABC’s other Saturday coverage during Week 1 featuring Syracuse against Tennessee in Atlanta (noon ET) followed by Alabama at Florida State at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The next day, Notre Dame will take on Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., at 7:30 p.m. ET, which will follow Virginia Tech against South Carolina in Atlanta on 3 p.m. ET. Bill Belichick’s anticipated North Carolina debut will air on ABC on Labor Day, with the Tar Heels hosting TCU in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Opening week will kick off on Thursday, Aug. 28, with a doubleheader consisting of Boise State at South Florida (5:30 p.m. ET) and Nebraska versus Cincinnati (9 p.m. ET) in Kansas City, Mo.

What makes Aug. 30 a little more special is that ESPN announced that day’s edition of College GameDay will be the last for 89-year-old Lee Corso, leading many to believe that the show will broadcast from Florida State, where Corso played from 1953-57.

The full broadcast lineups for the first three weeks at each major network are expected to be announced on May 29.

–Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) hands the ball off as coach Jim Harbaugh watches during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers begin Jim Harbaugh era, welcome Raiders to L.A.

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Last season was good enough the Raiders asked Antonio Pierce to stay after the Los Angeles Chargers went to surprising means to secure Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach.

Pierce, the interim for the final two months last season, faces Harbaugh and the Chargers in the regular-season opener Sunday in a game each team hopes to use as a statement.

Pierce put his staff on the “Beat L.A.” assignment more than two weeks ago due to the unique situation of facing a team for the first time with a coach imported from the college ranks and myriad changes to the existing schemes.

“Just to keep pounding away on film and go back as far as we can. And you don’t want to chase ghosts, right? You don’t go back and look at the 2011 season with Harbaugh, but maybe you do,” Pierce said. “And those two gentlemen have been around each other, him and (offensive coordinator) Greg Roman. So, with any little tidbits we can do, we have a pretty good staff upstairs that does a great job of breaking down film. And then, listen, at the day, you have to make the adjustments, and the players have to be able to adapt to it.”

The Chargers enter the Harbaugh coaching era with franchise quarterback Justin Herbert returning as the centerpiece of the offense, after he recovered from recent plantar fasciitis issues. The cast of characters around him? There are changes everywhere.

Gone are offensive veterans like wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running back Austin Ekeler. Wide receiver Joshua Palmer is Herbert’s go-to guy now, while 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey look to make their mark. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards take over at running back.

Wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (hip), was the only Chargers player missing from practice Wednesday, while cornerback Tarheeb Still (hip) was limited.

Known for his quirks — already using birth, airplane takeoff and first-day-of school metaphors — Harbaugh simply wants the Chargers to focus on the basics.

“Just want to keep building,” Harbaugh said. “Just the idea of seeing if we can be better today than we were yesterday, better tomorrow than we were today. Just that so-simple-it-might-just-work approach. Keeping guys healthy, continuing to get bigger and stronger.”

Never one to show his hand — or his depth chart — Harbaugh gave away very little in the preseason. Fresh off a national championship at Michigan, he returns to the NFL after he guided the San Francisco 49ers to a 44-19-1 record and one Super Bowl berth from 2011-14. He accepted the offer, reportedly $16 million per year on a five-year deal valued at $80 million.

The Chargers will put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with a pair of elite edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Bosa has struggled with injuries and broke his left hand just a month ago but is set to play Sunday. Mack enters off a 17-sack season, fourth best in the league.

“If anything, it was time off the body, less stress on my legs and let some things heal up,” Bosa said about missing nearly four weeks of practice time. “Now I’m feeling ready to go.”

The Raiders head into the opener with no playoff victories since playing in the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.

Pierce took over as head coach on an interim basis last season and guided the Raiders to a 5-4 finish. Pierce officially was anointed the position in the offseason and has named Gardner Minshew II as quarterback for the opener over Aidan O’Connell.

“Gardner gives us the best opportunity to get off to a fast start,” Pierce said.

Pierce said this game isn’t about him getting the job in Las Vegas or returning home to his Los Angeles roots this week.

“We’re trying to get our first divisional win against a really good opponent, who’s going to be motivated, well coached, physical, tough. I mean, we got to bring our hard hats,” he said.

The Raiders were one of seven teams in 2023 that averaged less than 300 yards per game at 289.5 and were 23rd with 19.5 points per game. On defense, a talented front four is led by defensive end Maxx Crosby (14.5 sacks in 2023).

Crosby is the player that Herbert is thinking about most when he breaks the huddle.

“We know how talented he is, we know how talented that team is. That defense really flies around, makes a lot of plays,” Herbert said of Crosby.

Under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, the Raiders will look to improve on an average of 90.7 rushing yards per game that was 30th in the NFL last season. With Josh Jacobs now with the Green Bay Packers, Zamir White takes over as the lead back (451 yards, one TD in 2023).

“I always say, Week 1, the opening week of the playoffs and the Super Bowl, those are different speeds of football and that shows up with the younger guys,” said Pierce. “Hopefully, we have prepped them in the way we prepare and practice.”

The Raiders were fully represented at Wednesday’s practice with tight end Brock Bowers (foot), linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (knee) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) all limited.

–Field Level Media