2026 NFL Odds: Which Teams Are Favored To Win Their Divisions?

Winning the division is the first step toward making a Super Bowl run, and every year, a handful of teams exceed expectations, while others fail to live up to the hype. In 2025, the Patriots, Steelers, Jaguars, Broncos, Eagles, Bears, Panthers and Seahawks won their respective divisions. Seven of those eight teams were new division winners. Only the Eagles repeated as division champions from the previous year. So who will repeat in 2026, or will a new group of division champions emerge? Let’s take a look at the odds to win all eight NFL divisions at DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 23. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. AFC East Buffalo Bills: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)New England Patriots: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)New York Jets: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)Miami Dolphins: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)What to know: Every year since 2008, either the Patriots or Bills have won the AFC East. Buffalo won the division five straight years from 2020-2024 before New England topped it in 2025. As the odds suggest, the AFC East should be a two-horse race once again. The Bills will be led by new head coach Joe Brady, and they also brought in DJ Moore and Bradley Chubb this offseason. Meanwhile, coming off a Super Bowl berth, the Pats will look to replicate their success from a season ago, bringing A.J. Brown into the fold. AFC North Baltimore Ravens: -112 (bet $10 to win $18.93 total)Cincinnati Bengals: +184 (bet $10 to win $28.40 total)Pittsburgh Steelers: +510 (bet $10 to win $61 total)Cleveland Browns: +2100 (bet $10 to win $220 total) What to know: In the last six seasons, the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals have all won the division two times. In 2025, both Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow missed a good portion of the season due to injuries. As a result, the Steelers gained ground, ultimately topping the division with a Week 18 win over the Ravens. With Jackson and Burrow expected to be fully healthy to start the season, the odds suggest the AFC North will be a battle between Baltimore and Cincinnati. AFC South Houston Texans: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)Jacksonville Jaguars: +245 (bet $10 to win $34.50 total)Indianapolis Colts: +380 (bet $10 to win $48 total)Tennessee Titans: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total) What to know: In the last four years, both the Jaguars and Texans have won the AFC South twice. In 2025, Liam Coen led Jacksonville to a 13-4 record and a division title in his first season with the team. However, after winning 12 of their last 14 games in 2025, the Texans are the favorites heading into 2026. AFC West Kansas City Chiefs: +160 (bet $10 to win $26 total)Los Angeles Chargers: +190 (bet $10 to win $29 total)Denver Broncos: +225 (bet $10 to win $32.50 total)Las Vegas Raiders: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total) What to know: After the Chiefs won the division nine straight years from 2016-2024, the Broncos emerged on top of the AFC West in 2025. However, with an 11-2 record in one-score games, coupled with Patrick Mahomes expected to be fully healthy by Week 1, the oddsboard expects Denver to level out in 2026. The Chiefs enter the season as the favorite to regain control of the AFC West, while the Chargers sit just behind them. Los Angeles is expected to return both All-Pro tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, after they missed most of last season. NFC East Philadelphia Eagles: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Dallas Cowboys: +235 (bet $10 to win $33.50 total)Washington Commanders: +460 (bet $10 to win $56 total)New York Giants: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total) What to know: The Eagles have topped the division in two consecutive seasons and in three of their last four. However, in 2026, the NFC East is presumed to be much tougher than it was a year ago. The Cowboys have drastically improved their defense, the Commanders will have Jayden Daniels fully healthy to start the season, and the Giants brought in Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh. NFC North Detroit Lions: +180 (bet $10 to win $28 total)Green Bay Packers: +215 (bet $10 to win $31.50 total)Chicago Bears: +305 (bet $10 to win $40.50 total)Minnesota Vikings: +510 (bet $10 to win $61 total) What to know: The NFC North is yet again expected to be one of the toughest divisions in football. In the last five seasons, each team has won the division at least once, and all four teams had a winning record last season. After winning the North in 2023 and 2024, the Lions had a down year in 2025. However, Vegas expects a big response from Detroit in 2026. Meanwhile, in Ben Johnson's first year with the franchise, Chicago went 11-6 and won the division a year ago. NFC South Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +164 (bet $10 to win $26.40 total)New Orleans Saints: +265 (bet $10 to win $36.50 total)Carolina Panthers: +310 (bet $10 to win $41 total)Atlanta Falcons: +425 (bet $10 to win $52.50 total) What To Know: After the Buccaneers won the division in four straight years from 2021-2024, the Panthers topped the NFC South in 2025 with an 8-9 record. It was Carolina's first division title since 2015. The oddsboard expects this race to be tight, with all four teams at +425 or less to win the South. NFC WEST Los Angeles Rams: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)Seattle Seahawks: +205 (bet $10 to win $30.50 total)San Francisco 49ers: +305 (bet $10 to win $40.50 total)Arizona Cardinals: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total) What To Know: Outside the Cardinals, the NFC West had arguably the three best teams in football a season ago, and the odds reflect a similar outcome in 2026. The Seahawks, Rams and 49ers all won 12 games in 2025, and Seattle and Los Angeles met in the NFC Championship. Since 2016, the Seahawks have won the division three times, the Rams have won it four times and the 49ers have been on top three times. The Cardinals have not won the NFC West since 2015.

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Fernando Mendoza Signs $57.27M Rookie Contract With Las Vegas Raiders

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the top overall pick in this year's draft, signed a four-year, $57.27 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday. The Raiders hold a fifth-year option. Mendoza was the last of the Raiders' 10 draft picks to sign. "I’m excited to get this thing signed," Mendoza said on the team's social media post. "I’m excited to be a part of the silver and black. Can’t wait." He ran the third-team offense in organized team activities and minicamp, but is expected to take on a larger role in training camp, which begins Wednesday. Veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a free-agent contract worth $20 million guaranteed, enters camp as the No. 1 quarterback. How long Cousins hangs on to that spot will be the main storyline in camp and perhaps into the season. Mendoza hopes to translate the success he experienced in his final season of college football in which he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship. Also, star pass rusher Maxx Crosby said on his podcast "The Rush" that he would join the rookies for their training camp. Crosby has been working his way back from knee surgery. Reporting by The Associated Press.

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2026 NFL Win Totals: Over/Unders For All 32 Squads

The 2026 NFL season is just over a month and a half away, which means sportsbooks have posted regular-season win totals for all 32 teams. While blockbuster free-agent signings and NFL Draft decisions often drive movement in the market, strength of schedule is once again expected to play a major role in shaping the betting landscape this fall. According to FOX Sports' projected schedule difficulty, the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers have the toughest schedules in the league. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints have the easiest road ahead. The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks led the league with 14 wins last year, but oddsmakers aren't buying a sequel. Meanwhile, after acquiring the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, the Los Angeles Rams win total has surged. So which teams are projected to win the most games this year? And which teams might fall short of their expected win totals? Let’s dive into the win totals at DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 23. 2026-27 NFL Regular-Season Over/Under Win Totals Arizona Cardinals Over 3.5: -136 (bet $10 to win $17.35 total)Under 3.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total) What to know: The Cardinals won just three games in 2025 and lost their final nine games of the season. Arizona drafted RB Jeremiyah Love as an explosive weapon who could help improve the offense, but the defense remains a major concern. Combined with the NFL’s fourth-hardest schedule, it’s no surprise their win total is set very low. Atlanta Falcons Over 6.5: -146 (bet $10 to win $16.85 total)Under 6.5: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total) What to know: The Falcons won eight games in 2025 and closed the season on a four-game winning streak. Despite that momentum, Atlanta enters 2026 with a relatively low win total under new head coach Kevin Stefanski and with Tua Tagovailoa currently favored to start at quarterback. Baltimore Ravens Over 11.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 11.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: The Ravens won only eight games in 2025, but much of that was due to Lamar Jackson missing four games while also dealing with injuries for most of the season. After parting ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, Baltimore hired Jesse Minter as its new head coach and made a major splash in free agency by signing Trey Hendrickson. Buffalo Bills Over 10.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)Under 10.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total) What to know: The Bills have gone over their win total of 10.5 in each of the last six seasons. After firing Sean McDermott this offseason, Buffalo promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach while also trading for DJ Moore and signing Bradley Chubb. Carolina Panthers Over 7.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)Under 7.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total) What to know: The Panthers won the NFC South last season with just eight wins. Coming off its first playoff appearance since 2017, Carolina significantly upgraded its defense with the additions of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. Chicago Bears Over 9.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)Under 9.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total) What to know: The Bears won 11 games and the NFC North in Ben Johnson's first season in Chicago, but they are set to face the NFL’s toughest schedule in 2026. That, combined with several key defensive departures and the unexpected retirement of center Drew Dalman, has lowered their win total entering the season. Cincinnati Bengals Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: The Bengals won just six games in 2025, but that was largely because Joe Burrow missed nine games while they also fielded one of the worst defenses in the NFL. However, Cincinnati made several major additions this offseason, including Dexter Lawrence II and Boye Mafe, among other moves. Combining the roster additions with the third-easiest schedule in the league, the Bengals are expected to take a major step forward in 2026. Cleveland Browns Over 5.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)Under 5.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total) What to know: The Browns won five games in 2025 and finished last in the AFC North. However, Cleveland made several major changes this offseason, including hiring Todd Monken and upgrading an offensive line that struggled throughout last year. The Browns are also expected to have one of the league’s most intriguing quarterback competitions, choosing between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green. Dallas Cowboys Over 9.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 9.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: The Cowboys won seven games last season, mostly because they had one of the NFL’s worst defenses. However, their offense remained elite, ranking fifth in the league with 27.7 points per game. Dallas addressed its biggest weakness this offseason by trading for Rashan Gary and drafting Caleb Downs, two additions that could dramatically improve the defense. Combined with an easier schedule, those moves are a major reason why the Cowboys are projected for a higher win total in 2026. Denver Broncos Over 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)Under 9.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total) What to know: The Broncos were one of three teams that led the NFL with 14 wins last season. However, they also recorded 11 one-possession victories during the regular season, which tied an NFL record. The big question entering 2026 is whether Denver can replicate that same success in close games. Their win total signals they will take a step back despite acquiring Jaylen Waddle via trade. Detroit Lions Over 10.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)Under 10.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total) What to know: After winning 15 games in 2024, the Lions took a major step back in 2025, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. However, because Detroit finished last in the NFC North, it will face the sixth-easiest schedule in 2026, which is a major reason why the team's win total is so high. Green Bay Packers Over 9.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)Under 9.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total) What to know: Despite their recent success, the Packers have only gone over this win total twice in the past five seasons, including last year when they had just nine wins and lost their final five games. Even with the third-hardest schedule in 2026, Green Bay still has high expectations from Vegas. Houston Texans Over 9.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)Under 9.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total) What to know: Houston has won at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons, including 12 wins in 2025. After starting last season 0-3, the Texans won 12 of their final 14 games, including a nine-game winning streak to close out the regular season before losing to the Patriots in the divisional round. Indianapolis Colts Over 7.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)Under 7.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total) What to know: The Colts’ 2025 season was the complete opposite of the Texans'. Indianapolis started 7-1 and held the No. 1 seed in the AFC after Week 8. However, it then lost eight of its final nine games, including a seven-game losing streak to end the season. That collapse included a four-game stretch without starting quarterback Daniel Jones due to injury. Jones is expected to remain the starter in 2026 after signing a two-year, $88 million contract extension. Jacksonville Jaguars Over 8.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)Under 8.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total) What to know: After winning just four games in 2024, the Jaguars completed an incredible turnaround in 2025 with 13 wins and an AFC South title in Liam Coen’s first season as head coach. However, Jacksonville did suffer a few notable free-agent losses, including Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Lloyd, which could help explain the team’s lower projected win total entering 2026. Kansas City Chiefs Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: The Chiefs recorded their lowest win total since 2012 with just six wins, largely due to a brutal 1-9 record in one-score games. While Kansas City remained in playoff contention for most of the season, Patrick Mahomes’ ACL injury caused him to miss the final three games and effectively ended the team’s playoff hopes. With Mahomes expected to return by Week 1, Vegas expects the Chiefs to bounce back to championship-level contention in 2026. Las Vegas Raiders Over 5.5: -145 (bet $10 to win $16.90 total)Under 5.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total) What to know: After finishing with the worst record in the NFL last year with just three wins, the Raiders finally have hope after drafting Fernando Mendoza. After spending $281.5 million on the very first day of free agency alone, Las Vegas should be much improved in 2026 even if it decides to go with Kirk Cousins at quarterback to start the season. Los Angeles Chargers Over 9.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)Under 9.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total) What to know: The Chargers won 11 games in 2025 despite losing both All-Pro tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, for most of the season. Both are expected to return in 2026, and Los Angeles also added Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. Even with those major boosts, the Chargers’ win total is somehow lower entering the season. Los Angeles Rams Over 11.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)Under 10.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.59 total) What to know: The Rams won 12 games last season, and if not for a few bad breaks and costly mistakes in their losses to Seattle, it could have been Los Angeles hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. The Rams' biggest weakness, the secondary, was addressed this offseason with the addition of Trent McDuffie via trade. And now, after trading for the best defensive player in football in Myles Garrett, the Rams do not have a weakness. They are currently the current Super Bowl favorite at +550. Miami Dolphins Over 4.5: +122 (bet $10 to win $22.20 total)Under 4.5: -146 (bet $10 to win $16.85 total) What to know: The Dolphins have the second-lowest projected win total entering 2026. Miami will look completely different this season following the departures of Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa, as they were major sellers this offseason, trading away both Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick while also releasing Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb. Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis are now set to lead a new era in Miami. Minnesota Vikings Over 8.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)Under 8.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total) What to know: The Vikings won nine games last season after letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency, but one positive was how they finished, winning their final five games. Minnesota also signed Kyler Murray to a veteran minimum contract to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback job in 2026. New England Patriots Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: The Patriots are coming off a 14-win season that ended with a Super Bowl appearance, but they also faced one of the easiest schedules in the NFL in 2025. New England now has the sixth-toughest schedule entering 2026, which is a major reason why Vegas is projecting a drop in wins. However, the Patriots did go out and trade for A.J. Brown, which should be a huge boost for Drake Maye. New Orleans Saints Over 7.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)Under 7.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total) What to know: The Saints won only six games last season, but they went 5-4 in games started by Tyler Shough and just 1-7 in all other contests. With Shough expected to enter 2026 as the full-time starter, New Orleans’ win total has increased, especially with the team also facing the second-easiest schedule in the NFL. New York Giants Over 7.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)Under 7.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total) What to know: After winning a combined 13 games over the last three seasons, the Giants are officially in a new era in New York under John Harbaugh. The Giants improved this offseason with an impressive draft class that included Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa, who are set to join a young core featuring Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers. The future looks bright for New York. New York Jets Over 5.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)Under 5.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total) What to know: The first year of the Aaron Glenn era in New York did not go as planned, as the Jets won just three games. However, after signing Geno Smith, adding several key defensive free agents and bringing in a solid draft class featuring offensive weapons Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr., Vegas expects at least some improvement in 2026. Philadelphia Eagles Over 10.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 10.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total) What to know: The Eagles have gone over this win total in each of the last four seasons. However, after starting 8-2 last year, Philadelphia lost five of its final eight games, including a wild-card playoff loss to the 49ers. The Eagles had a strong offseason, adding Riq Woolen and Dontayvion Wicks while also drafting Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers to ease the loss of A.J. Brown. Their offense, under new OC Sean Mannion, is expected to play a major role in determining their success in 2026. Pittsburgh Steelers Over 8.5: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)Under 8.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total) What to know: In Mike Tomlin’s 20 seasons with the Steelers, Pittsburgh never had a losing season, and the team had won more than 8.5 games in every year since 2019. However, Tomlin is now gone, and Mike McCarthy has taken over as head coach. McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers will reunite from their days in Green Bay alongside several new offensive weapons. San Francisco 49ers Over 9.5: -146 (bet $10 to win $16.85 total)Under 9.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total) What to know: The 49ers remarkably won 12 games in 2025 despite dealing with a plethora of injuries to several key players. Brock Purdy missed eight games, while Fred Warner and Nick Bosa both suffered season-ending injuries. George Kittle and Talanoa Hufanga also missed a significant portion of the season. Even after overcoming those injuries and exceeding expectations, San Francisco’s projected win total has dropped entering 2026. Seattle Seahawks Over 10.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)Under 10.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total) What to know: The Super Bowl champions won 14 regular-season games last season in a historic year. However, losing several key contributors, including Boye Mafe, Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen, has significantly dropped Seattle's 2026 win total. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Over 8.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)Under 8.5: -136 (bet $10 to win $17.35 total) What to know: After starting last season 6-2, Tampa Bay lost seven of its final nine games and missed the playoffs. Vegas is expecting a similar type of season from the Buccaneers in 2026. Tennessee Titans Over 6.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)Under 6.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total) What to know: In Cam Ward’s first NFL season, the Titans won just three games. However, Tennessee made several major changes this offseason, including hiring Robert Saleh as head coach and Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator. The Titans also signed John Franklin-Myers to a big contract and drafted wide receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall pick. With those additions, Tennessee appears poised to improve in 2026. Washington Commanders Over 7.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)Under 7.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total) What to know: After a dream season in 2024 in which the Commanders won 12 games and reached the NFC Championship Game, Washington took a major step back in 2025, winning just five games. However, Jayden Daniels missed seven games, and the Commanders went just 2-5 without him.

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NFL Training Camps Kick Off With 10 New Head Coaches And Unsettled QB Battles

The countdown is over. NFL training camp has arrived. Every team is 0-0 so there's hope in each city that this season ends with a championship parade. Bryce Young and the defending NFC South champion Carolina Panthers report Wednesday. So do the Arizona Cardinals, led by rookie head coach Mike LaFleur. The teams will meet in the Hall of Fame Game that kicks off the preseason on Aug. 6. The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots open camp on Friday. They’ll face off in a Super Bowl rematch that opens the regular season on Sept. 9. Many teams have plenty of questions to answer before Week 1. It’s a long road to Los Angeles, which hosts Super Bowl 61 on Feb. 14. Valentine’s Day will be the latest date the game will have been played. That just means more football. Ten teams have new coaches. Some have new quarterbacks. A few superstars have changed teams. Training Camp Starts The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers report to camp on Saturday, making it six teams in before the end of this week. The NFC West rivals will play the first regular-season game in Australia on Sept. 10. The remaining 26 teams are due in next Tuesday. The Head Coaches In New Places John Harbaugh joined the New York Giants after he was fired by Baltimore following 18 seasons. He has Jaxson Dart and some talented players to build around. Two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski took over in Atlanta after six seasons in Cleveland. He inherits a team that has plenty of playmakers on offense, including All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. They have to figure whether Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. will be the quarterback. Robert Saleh is the new man in charge in Tennessee. The Titans are coming off consecutive 3-14 seasons but Saleh already has a franchise QB in Cam Ward and he brought in Brian Daboll to develop him and run the offense. Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers are reunited in Pittsburgh. They won a Super Bowl together in Green Bay and aim to get the Steelers at least their first playoff win since January 2017. The other six new head coaches are first-timers. LaFleur has a tough task in Arizona. Klint Kubiak helped Sam Darnold win a Super Bowl in Seattle and hopes to rebuild the Las Vegas Raiders. Jeff Hafley went from running Green Bay’s defense to leading the Miami Dolphins. Joe Brady replaced Sean McDermott in Buffalo after the Bills kept falling short in the playoffs. Todd Monken replaced Stefanski in Cleveland and Jesse Minter is Baltimore’s new coach. The Quarterback Carousel Turns Again Tagovailoa has a chance to revive his career with Stefanski in Atlanta after a disappointing end in Miami. Kyler Murray left Arizona for Minnesota, where the Vikings hope he can stay healthy and regain his Pro Bowl form. Kirk Cousins is the stopgap for the Raiders, who drafted Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Malik Willis parlayed three solid starts in two seasons with the Packers into a $67.5 million contract with the Dolphins that includes $45 million fully guaranteed. Geno Smith returned to the Jets. Justin Fields is the new backup for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. Kenny Pickett is Carolina’s new No. 2, veteran Andy Dalton joined Philadelphia to play behind Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew went to the Cardinals. Quarterback Competitions In Several Cities Tagovailoa and Penix will compete in Atlanta. Cousins is expected to start in Las Vegas but Mendoza could end up starting sooner than later. Murray has to beat out J.J. McCarthy, who was the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2024. The most interesting battle will be for the Browns’ starting job. Deshaun Watson is back after missing 2025 to compete with Shedeur Sanders. The Other Top Storylines Will Baker Mayfield get a contract extension from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Mayfield is in the final season of a three-year, $100 million deal. He's expected to get around $55 million per season and another three-year deal makes sense. Will Aaron Donald come out of retirement to join two-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in Los Angeles? The Rams acquired the five-time All-Pro from the Browns and bolstered their secondary by adding cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is 35 and hasn't played since retiring after the 2023 season. Joint Practices More teams choose to use practices against other opponents to prepare their quarterbacks and key starters for the regular season instead of preseason games. Only the Lions, Chiefs, Broncos and Steelers are not participating in any joint sessions. When Are The Roster Cuts? Teams can carry a maximum of 90 players throughout training camp and for all of their preseason games. Rosters must be trimmed to 53 by 6 p.m. EDT on Aug. 30. Reporting by the Associated Press.

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2026 NFL Odds: Which Division Loser Can Go Worst To First?

Hope springs eternal with each new NFL season. Translation: Could a team that had a lackluster 2025 turn it all around in 2026? Here's a look at the odds for which teams will turn it around in division this season, at DraftKings Sportsbook as of July 21. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Any team to go from worst to first in division Yes: -210 (bet $10 to win $14.76 total)No: +170 (bet $10 to win $27 total) Here's what to know regarding each last-place division finisher last season: Jets (3-14 overall, 0-6 AFC East): New York was one of five teams that finished with the worst record in football last season. It picked what many believed to be the best pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas Tech's David Bailey. Why? Well, the Jets had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season (26), along with the fewest hurries (31) and fewest pressures (87) of any team. On top of that, they finished the season with zero interceptions, likely due to their inability to pressure the opposing quarterback. Browns (5-12 overall, 2-4 AFC North): Who will the Browns start at QB next season? All signs point toward Deshaun Watson reentering the fray, after missing all of 2025 due to injury and having played just 19 games in four years with the Cleveland franchise. If he is the starter, can he somehow return to the Pro Bowl form he found in Houston? His return to under center, should he win the job over Shedeur Sanders, will be a major storyline this NFL season. Titans (3-14 overall, 0-6 AFC South): One of the five teams that finished with the league's worst record, the Titans and their fans will look for last year's No. 1 pick, Cam Ward, to have a breakout season in his sophomore campaign. They gave him some reinforcements at wide receiver, taking Ohio State's Carnell Tate with the fourth pick. Ward started 17 games last season, tossing 15 touchdowns and seven picks. He only completed 59.8% of his passes and was the most-sacked QB in the league (55). Raiders (3-14 overall, 1-5 AFC West): Another squad that finished with just three wins, the Raiders landed Indiana's Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, will Mendoza even start to begin the season? Las Vegas signed veteran signal-caller Kirk Cousins to a two-year deal, and all reports are that he will start under center, while Mendoza is brought along slowly. What will Raiders fans make of that? Las Vegas had the second-most interceptions thrown last season (19), along with the fewest rushing yards (1,317) and fewest rushing touchdowns (5). In other words, that offense needs help in multiple areas. Giants (4-13 overall, 2-4 NFC East): The Giants finished just a single loss behind Washington in the division last season, and this year, they are officially turning over their program to new head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh spent the last 18 seasons as head coach of the Ravens, making 12 playoff appearances and winning Super Bowl XLVII. This past season was only the third time he finished below .500 as a head coach, but he and the Ravens still decided it was time for a change. His new QB, Jaxson Dart, went 4-8 in 12 starts last season, throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Lions (9-8 overall, 2-4 NFC North): The shocker of the bunch. After going a combined 27-7 in 2023 and 2024, which included back-to-back NFC North titles, Detroit finished last in the division in 2025. The Lions didn't get off to a bad start, going 5-2 in the first seven weeks, before losing six of their last 10. Saints (6-11 overall, 3-3 NFC South): Although a non-factor last season, the Saints weren't that bad of a team. All four teams in the NFC South finished 3-3 in the division, and New Orleans won four of its last five games. Now, two of those wins came against Tennessee and the Jets, but the other two were against Tampa Bay and Carolina, the two teams that finished atop the NFC South. QB Tyler Shough went 5-4 in nine starts as a rookie and completed 67.6% of his passes. Cardinals (3-14 overall, 0-6 NFC West): Last season almost wasn't fair to Arizona, considering it shared a division with 14-3 Seattle, the 12-5 L.A. Rams and 12-5 San Francisco. All three of those teams made the playoffs, the Seahawks and Rams faced off in the NFC title game, and Seattle eventually won the Super Bowl. In short, there had to be a bad team in this division. However, things don't seem to be looking up for the Cardinals, who will likely enter this season with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew or Carson Beck starting under center, after they released longtime starter and former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray back in March. Arizona picked Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love fourth overall, as it looks to rebuild its offense going forward.

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2026 NFL Uniforms: New York Jets Wearing White Helmets For Home Opener

The only constant in life is change, and in the NFL, that can mean a million different things. One of those changes could be a team's appearance, and we've already seen multiple teams announce new jerseys for next season. Here are the teams that have released a new uniform and/or rebranded their entire look for the 2026 NFL season: New York Jets The New York Jets have declared a whiteout. Gang Green will be wearing a white helmet with a base white jersey and pants in its 2026 home opener against the Green Bay Packers. On that note, the Jets have asked their fans to dress the part in a whiteout. Baltimore Ravens Baltimore released "The Next Flight" uniform collection on Apr. 16. This collection features two new helmets. The first one is "The Darkness Helmet," which has black talon stripes and a two-toned front-facing Ravens logo with red eyes, and the other is the "Purple Rising" helmet, which features a front-facing team logo and can be worn with multiple uniforms. Every team jersey has "Midnight Purple" in the numbers, a color-theme which can be seen on various parts of the attire, and the collar of the uniform is also designed to be a raven spreading its wings, with the claws of said bird being in place of stripes down the pants. Meanwhile, the gold drop shadow has been removed from the perimeter of the numbers in favor of the midnight purple stroke, which is also the theme of the shield patches. Plus, the team's white jerseys now say "Baltimore" under the collar, instead of "Ravens." Los Angeles Rams Add the Rams to the list! Los Angeles dropped its new look for the 2026 season on Apr. 16. The Rams' chest tag has been removed, 3D bumper logos were added to their helmets and a modern horn sleeve has been added to their pants. They also have the option to wear white pants, while the white "LA" in their logo is now yellow. The bold font of the team's jersey is more refined. "As we look ahead to the next decade of Rams football in LA, this refresh is about sharpening what already defines us," Rams Chief Marketing Officer Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick said in a statement. "It's a modern refinement—elevating our identity with clarity and purpose while carrying our history forward, and matching the toughness, precision and competitiveness of our team." The Rams will reveal two alternate jerseys later this year and have removed the primary gray "Bone" look from the rotation. Washington Commanders The Commanders are set to have a new look for the upcoming season. They unveiled a fully redesigned uniform set, blending elements of the franchise’s past with a bold, modern identity.  The updated look, according to the team, signals a new era, pairing refreshed aesthetics with a nod to the team’s longstanding tradition. The Commanders will retain their burgundy home and white away uniforms, although those jerseys received an updated look to help blend in the old era with the new. They also introduced a new "Hail Raiser" alternate set. The all-black look is paired with a matching black helmet, featuring a Spear W logo decal on both sides. Owner Josh Harris told reporters at the owners meeting in March that the team was focusing on the vision behind the redesign and how it connects to the franchise’s identity moving forward. "The priority is honoring our past and then looking to the future; updating but not forgetting about our heritage, who we are and honoring that," Harris said. "And we have a bunch of things up our sleeves. I don't want to ruin the surprise, but we're going to continue to embrace our past, but then update it. And so, stay tuned." Atlanta Falcons Atlanta announced on Apr. 2 that it's rolling out a new base uniform. The home look features a black helmet with a red uniform and white numbers and pants, whereas the road appearance features a black helmet with a white uniform, red numbers and the option for either black or white pants. The Falcons will break out throwback red helmets on occasion. "While the uniforms are the most visible elements of our brand, it's just one piece of where our brand shows up," Falcons Chief Marketing Officer Shannon Joyner said in an interview with the team's website. "Our brand shows up in a variety of spaces from uniforms, to what you see in terms of buildings and the stadium, all the different fan gear, all the different places where our brand shows up — through that lens, and through thoughtful research, analysis and consideration, our brand is in a really strong spot, and we have had a lot of positive growth of our brand since we switched to our current design set with the bird logo in the early 2000s, so we wanted to continue to invest in that." Tennessee Titans On Mar. 12, Tennessee revealed a new look that pays homage to its Houston Oilers' roots. The Titans' home look features a blue jersey and white pants, while the road look features a white jersey and the option for either light blue or white pants. Meanwhile, "TITANS" is stitched across the chest for the home jersey, while "TENNESSEE" is stitched across the chest for the road jersey. "We wanted to come up with something that took the best parts of all of that and bring it together in a way that makes sense," Titans President and Chief Executive Officer Burke Nihill said in an interview with the team's website. "I feel like we're building on the legacy of what got us here, and we're doing it in a way that is going to set the course of this organization for decades to come in a pretty special way."

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Sound Smart: 4 Offseason Observations Ahead Of NFL Training Camp

I can already smell the freshly cut grass. I can hear the players' barks, grunts and screams of excitement. I can feel the August sun. Training camp is almost here. Which means football season is almost here. And, man, what an offseason it has been. So before we look ahead to the 2026 season, let's make sure we take stock of the offseason, which will inform what comes next. I've been on paternity leave, and I can't wait to hit on a few controversies and blockbuster trades. There's nothing better. This is "Sound Smart," where I try to spin forward, dive deeper and think outside the box. If I do my job, you’ll have a better understanding of what really happened during the NFL offseason. When it comes to Jalen Hurts, there might not be a quarterback who says less but who is discussed more. Hurts is actually the personification of a handful of clichés about football players. For example: He lets his play do the talking. Here’s another one: All he wants to do is win. That’s the personified cliché that interested me most as the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 season wound down. Ironically, in a league that values winning above all else, Hurts' obsession with winning is what makes him polarizing. His at-times unorthodox playing style makes for a nontraditional path to victory. It's also possible that distinctive playing style is what led star receiver A.J. Brown to leave Philly. But Hurts does win — quite often. He has won 69.5% of his games as a starter, ninth-best all time (among QBs with at least 70 starts). It’s just a hair below Peyton Manning (70.2%) and it’s better than Aaron Rodgers' mark (63.6%). You’d think that’s the type of statistic that implies greatness. But you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who'd call Hurts "elite." There’s the crowd that doesn’t think wins are a quarterback stat. To some degree, I’m with them. Football is a team game. When a team loses, the blame unfairly falls on the quarterback. And when a team wins, the praise overwhelmingly lands on the QB. Roughly five years ago, it felt like wins were an overly common metric to measure a QB’s success. And yes, again, that was unfair. But there are exceptions to the rule. Hurts might just be one of them. "I think it's convenient," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told me in April when I asked about how to assess Hurts’ winning percentage. "It's convenient to say that wins matter for this particular player. And then sometimes we forget about that [and say wins don’t matter]. I think wins for a quarterback is huge. And I think what you've seen with Jalen is he's won every different way we've asked him to, and I think that's what I admire about him." Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the perfect example of a player whose wins are a clear reflection of his success. During the Chiefs' incredible Super Bowl run, five title games in six seasons, Mahomes was widely considered the best QB in the NFL, even when his statistics were average at best. Because he was winning. The longer he did it, the more those wins became a part of his legacy. And yet the same isn't true of Hurts. In my conversation with Sirianni, I bought up Tom Brady, who spent most of his early career with the New England Patriots dealing with criticism that he was a game manager and a system quarterback — even after winning three Super Bowls. At many different points in his career, Brady sacrificed his individual statistics for team success. When the Patriots lost, it made the criticism of Brady even louder. That must sound familiar to the Eagles. "That's what I'm saying," Sirianni told me. "What’s bizarre is like, we look at these stats and put a player's worth on it. Like, ‘Oh, he threw for a lot of touchdowns.’ Well, you know what? When we get down in the red zone to win the game, we run it, and when we get real close, the quarterback sneaks it in. So maybe he doesn't have as many touchdown passes. And that affects your passing efficiency [and passer rating]. "What does that matter when you're scoring the touchdown? That’s the ultimate goal there, and I'm really thankful to have a quarterback that's like that." Now, of course, Brady has seven Super Bowl wins and Mahomes has three. Hurts has one. And maybe those numbers — alone — explain why he gets different treatment, despite having a similar mentality to Brady and Mahomes. Hurts has dealt with plenty of criticism following the team’s defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round of last season's playoffs. Infamously, we now know Hurts asked his coaches to let him run four-verts on the team’s final offensive play from scrimmage, where he threw an incompletion. He called his shot, which included a play that is as simple as plays come, and it didn’t work. He took the blame publicly. "They played a cover-four structure," Hurts told reporters, saying that was the expected coverage. "I just didn’t make the play. I own it. I own it all." But the Eagles’ struggles led to the trade of their star receiver, Brown. The Eagles also fired offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Philly’s issues have also triggered speculation that maybe the Eagles could move on from Hurts — not this offseason but perhaps in 2027, particularly following an ESPN report in April that the QB is not always receptive to coaching. I, for one, thought the anecdotes in the story showed Hurts’ strong-willed leadership style, the type that generates respect for Rodgers. In this case of comparison, Rodgers has one Super Bowl victory, just like Hurts. The key difference is that Rodgers' physical tools in his prime (particularly as a thrower) were undeniable. Hurts' arm can't compare to Rodgers. One year after Hurts’ Super Bowl win and Super Bowl MVP, he is among the league’s most polarizing quarterbacks. Pull up the lowlights and you’ll see a QB who struggles to optimize an offense with some of the league’s best skill players. Pull up the highlights and you’ll see a guy who just finds a way while blending his rare mobility and throwing abilities. "He'll do whatever he needs to do," Sirianni told me. "Every quarterback wants to throw it, but there's times where he knows that the best thing for us to win the game is to hand it off or to run it. And that's what you admire about him, because all he really cares about at the end of the day is getting the win. And I love that about him." Sirianni added: "When your best players play that way and live that way, that sets the table for the entire football team." When I asked Sirianni for examples of Hurts’ will to win, he picked neither the highest highs nor the lowest lows. He picked a pair of games I didn’t expect. First, he brought up Philadelphia's 38-7 win over the New York Giants in the divisional round of the 2022 playoffs, when Hurts was 16-of-24 for 154 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 34 yards and another touchdown. Even if you look at the advanced statistics, you won’t come away marveling at what Hurts did. The Giants blitzed on 53.8% of his dropbacks, and he managed the game and avoided mistakes. But this was a game Sirianni brought up to exemplify Hurts’ winning mindset. He quietly played his role in a massive blowout that set off a run to the Super Bowl (where the Eagles lost to the Chiefs). Then, Sirianni brought up another playoff game — this time from 2024 during Philadelphia's Super Bowl-winning run. Hurts was 13-of-21 for 131 yards and two touchdowns with 36 rushing yards. Again, ho-hum. But the Eagles beat the Green Bay Packers 22-10 in the wild-card round. "We didn't throw for a bunch of yards. We didn't play great on offense," Sirianni told me. "All Jalen wanted to do is win that game and move on. And we ended up doing the most ultimate thing [by winning the Super Bowl]. And so he's a stud. I can't say enough good things about it." The Eagles are not necessarily rebuilding this year, but without Brown, they might not be the same juggernaut. Hurts will have to do more, and with his sixth offensive coordinator in his seventh NFL season. Hurts will have to contribute in bigger — and perhaps unorthodox — ways. And you can bet that the success of his season will be measured one way — above all others. It’ll be the Eagles’ win total. Hurts' win total. That's all that matters to him. And you're kidding yourself if you don't admit it's what really matters. I haven't yet seen the "Dream Team" expression bopping around. And even though it's something of a curse, it's also fairly accurate when looking at what the Rams have assembled. These are The Avengers. Iron Man: Matthew StaffordBlack Panther: Myles GarrettCaptain America: Kyren WilliamsFalcon: Blake CorumDoctor Strange: Sean McVaySpider-Man: Puka NacuaVision: Davante AdamsThor: Alaric JacksonLoki: Trent McDuffieWar Machine: Kevin Dotson Now, I know you're wondering … who's The Hulk? Or maybe you already know: Aaron Donald. This team was a play away from making the Super Bowl last year. And so L.A. responded by adding two of the league's most outstanding players: record-setting edge rusher Garrett and All-Pro cornerback McDuffie. They might just add their third in Donald, one of the best defensive linemen ever. He was spotted working out at the Rams' facility after the team added Garrett. Donald reportedly wanted to do a trial run on his body after two seasons in retirement. If (and maybe when) Donald returns, the Rams could quickly form the most unblockable defensive line since the turn of the millennium. Because nose tackle Poona Ford might not be a household name, but he was the team's top-rated defensive player in 2026, per PFF. He's incredibly reliable despite his humble stats: 47 tackles and two sacks. It has long been a curse to throw around "Dream Team." And I wouldn't dare. But … also … how could you not?! It has stuck with me that, in the A.J. Brown trade, the Eagles received a 2028 first-round pick. When they make that selection, the country will be talking about the next presidential election. We’ll be about ready to watch the L.A. Olympics. And NASA will have sent someone back to the moon for the first time since the 1970s. In other words, that feels a long way away. When the teams began seriously talking about the deal at the NFL Combine in February, the pick was three drafts away. So not only did the Eagles decide they were OK with bypassing the 2026 pick (in large part because of the financial incentives for waiting until June 1 to split up Brown’s salary cap hit), but Philly also accepted that it wouldn’t get a 2027 first-rounder either. Nominally, the compensation looked like a win for the Eagles: a first-rounder. But it’s not so clear-cut, given how long they’ll have to wait to get paid (so to speak). Yes, they’ll also got a 2027 fifth-rounder, but if Eagles GM Howie Roseman converts that pick into a starter, then it’ll be his best fifth-round selection … ever. It’s not an area of the draft where Roseman has thrived. The point is, this deal looked typical on paper: an (aging) star receiver for a first-rounder. But I think it’s much more unusual than you’d think. In fact, I can’t think of a deal over the past few years that (effectively) deferred payment quite like this one. "We’ve always been in the mindset a pick is a pick — a first-round pick is a first-round pick. Doesn’t matter. Teams are still going to be playing football in 2028," Roseman said last month after the trade. "I know there’s a lot of attention on the 2027 draft, but at the same time, looking at the ‘28 draft, I feel confident that that’s going to be a good draft as well, and that we’ll be in position to really improve our football team." That helps explain, at least partially, why the Patriots were happy to defer payment — and give up that 2028 pick. This year, they’re all-in on the core they’ve built around Mike Vrabel. In free agency, New England snagged receiver Romeo Doubs, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones and safety Kevin Byard to serve as starters. The Patriots have actually upgraded their Super Bowl roster, which suffered only a few key departures, like receiver Stefon Diggs, DT Khyris Tonga, edge K’Lavon Chaisson — most of whom the team promptly replaced. Next year’s draft class is about as hyped as draft classes get, loaded with elite quarterback and receiver prospects. (Yes, the Patriots already have their quarterback. But if five quarterbacks go before the Patriots make their pick, that means the prospect that slides to them is that much better.) New England was smart to hold onto that selection. The Patriots want to stack their roster as they build around Drake Maye. But they also want to build a young core, which was sorely lacking following the departures of coaches Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo. "We have to win. That's our job, is to win," Vrabel said following the trade when asked about the first-round pick — and whether his team is in win-now mode. This deal is a major investment in the Patriots now. It’s also more of a coup for New England than people realize. It’s possible that Brown isn’t on the Eagles in 2028 when the team makes the Patriots’ first-round selection. But that won’t necessarily mean that the Patriots didn’t win the trade. What happened here? The NFL players ranked their peers this offseason, and Jackson fell from No. 2 to 69th in the "NFL 100" rankings. So far, Jackson hasn't responded, not on X nor in a press conference setting. But it's pretty safe to assume that he saw it, in part because he doesn't live under a rock and in part because he reposted the news that Zay Flowers landed at 71st in the same ranking. It's just that Jackson couldn't have possibly expected to land just two spots away. It's one thing for a player to get criticism from the media. It's another to see this level of disrespect from his fellow players. It's possible that Jackson's athleticism is fading. It's possible that his body is breaking down. No doubt, he struggled to play through injuries last year. But I don't see what the players are seeing. I don't see him landing at this spot in 2026. Lamar is going to be a top 10 QB — and perhaps even a top 10 player overall.

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