49ers Owner Jed York Texted Undercover Officer Prior To His Arrest

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York used an alias when he sent text messages over two days to a woman he believed to be a prostitute before he was arrested in a sting operation in Ohio, according to a police incident report obtained Tuesday. The report from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force had more than two pages redacted but provided more details about what led to York's arrest and ultimately to him pleading no contest Monday to two misdemeanors. York initially responded to an advertisement placed by police on a known prostitution website on Saturday, according to the report, sending two messages that went unanswered and saying his name was "Joe" and that he wanted to visit the woman. York texted again Sunday morning and said he wanted to see the woman. He said he was staying nearby and asked for her address. He asked how much the woman charged and was told it was $160 for "full service sexual activity," the report said. York took a rental car to a mobile home park in East Palestine, Ohio, where he was given a fictitious lot number. He texted when he arrived at the mobile home park. He was then directed back to the main road, where he was stopped by marked police units. Police found York had $160 that was seized and they sent a text to his phone to determine it was the same one used to arrange the meeting. He was booked into jail and was released after posting a $5,000 bond. York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, but prosecutors amended that to disorderly conduct. He pleaded no contest Monday to that charge and to possessing criminal tools for using his phone to respond to the ad. He was sentenced to one day in jail for both offenses to be served concurrently and was credited with one day served when he pleaded no contest. He also was fined $1,150. The $160 that was seized from him was given to the human trafficking task force as part of the plea. York also completed an online course. York has been in Ohio, where he grew up near Youngstown, for most of the summer. He had filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, in May, according to court records. The NFL issued a statement saying the league is aware of the arrest and will review it under the personal conduct policy. Owners are subject to possible fines or suspensions for violating the policy. The team said that the "legal matter" had been resolved and that it would have no additional comment. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that he has talked to York the past two days and doesn't believe the arrest will have any impact on the team. "Obviously, it’s a very tough situation," Shanahan said. "The views for the organization going forward are the same as usual. There won’t be any difference in that. But I know it’s extremely fresh. I think it’s a very, very personal situation. I got a lot of respect for Jed. I got lot of respect for Danielle. The family does mean a lot to me. With it being this personal, I’m trying as hard as I can to keep it that way." Shanahan said he doesn't expect any change in York's involvement with the team, saying he has always allowed Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to make the football decisions. Shanahan said he doesn't feel the need to address the situation with his players. Star linebacker Fred Warner said the players were aware of it but that he didn't believe it would be a distraction. "We all have social media, so we see things," he said. "But at the same time, I got a lot of love, a lot respect for Jed, and don’t feel the need to comment on the situation. I think the team is kind of the same way. It really wasn’t a conversation being had in the locker room. Of course, yeah, you notice it, but at the time, we were so hyper-focused in this building of trying to prepare for Week 1. A lot of guys are on the bubble trying to make the team. So we’re just trying to get better as a football team and that's a personal situation, and letting it stay personal with him." Reporting By The Associated Press.

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Best NFL Betting Sites: Top Sportsbook Apps (2026)

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. We’ve assembled a list of the seven best NFL betting sites to target during the offseason and ahead of the upcoming season. This guide is built to help you find the right NFL sportsbook for your approach — whether you prioritize early draft odds, competitive futures pricing, strong promotional incentives, deep prop menus or a streamlined mobile app. Compare our top picks and choose the platform that aligns with how you like to bet. With offseason storylines driving movement across draft position markets, win totals and long-term futures, sportsbook selection matters more than ever. Having the right NFL betting app can give you an edge year-round, from early offseason betting through kickoff and the Super Bowl. Best NFL Betting Sites & Mobile Apps  - Sportsbook Reviews Here’s a quick overview of our top picks for NFL betting sites and apps and what each platform does best: BetMGM Sportsbook - Best Overall NFL Betting Site Overview:BetMGM is nicknamed "King of Sportsbooks" and backs it up by offering one of the widest selections of NFL betting markets. One area where BetMGM stands out is its unmatched range of player props, offering bets on niche season-wide and single-game player stats. Pros: Cons: BetMGM NFL Betting Features & Promotions: BetMGM NFL Sign-up Bonus: Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn't Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’ Available States:AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:BetMGM is our top recommended NFL sportsbook app thanks to its deep market selection, innovative features like the Edit My Bet tool, and boosted odds for big games. The variety of props lets you play exactly how you want to. FanDuel Sportsbook – Best NFL Betting Mobile App Overview: The FanDuel app is one of the easiest-to-use platforms. It is optimized for NFL betting and has easy navigation between game lines, props, and parlay options. It is the gold standard for U.S. Sportsbooks. Fast, reliable, well-designed. Biometric login (Face ID / Touch ID), dark mode and geolocation tools for legal state access. Pros: Cons: FanDuel NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Current FanDuel Promo Offer for New Users: Bet $5 Get $350 in Bet Reset Tokens for 7 Days Available States:AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY + DC & PR Why We Recommend it:This is the easiest app to use as a new bettor. It couldn't be simpler to use its interface, including learning how to place bets directly from your phone. The access to same-game parlays on the app is quick, and everything you would need is easy to find. bet365 – Best NFL Odds & Early Payout Overview: bet365 is a global heavyweight known for sharp pricing and outstanding in-play options. For NFL bettors, its Early Payout stands out: straight moneyline bets are settled as winners if your team goes 17 points ahead at any time. Pros: Cons: bet365 NFL Betting Features & Promotions: bet365 NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets (win or lose) Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. Available States:AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KA, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA Why We Recommend it:If you value sharp NFL odds and a safety buffer against blown leads, bet365’s pricing and Early Payout are hard to beat. DraftKings – Best NFL Sportsbook Promotions Overview:DraftKings pairs a deep NFL menu with fast pricing and one of the most aggressive new-user packages during football season. For 2026, new customers get $200 in bonus bets instantly after a $5 wager. Pros: Cons: DraftKings NFL Betting Features & Promotions: DraftKings NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly Available States:AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY or WV Why We Recommend it:If you want quick bonus value and football-centric perks, DraftKings’ NFL promo stack is one of the strongest this season. Caesars – Best NFL Betting Rewards Program Overview:Caesars combines a clean NFL menu with Caesars Rewards tier credits on eligible wagers. The current welcome focuses on profit boosts that double your winnings on many small tickets right after you join. Pros: Cons: Caesars NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Caesars NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code 'FOXDYW' Available States:AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:If you like spreading value across multiple NFL bets and earning hotel/entertainment rewards, Caesars delivers on both. Fanatics Sportsbook – Most Unique Loyalty Rewards Overview:Fanatics leans into FanCash, letting you convert rewards into bonus bets or merchandise. During football season, the book features repeated no-sweat style protections that refund losses in FanCash. Pros: Cons: Fanatics NFL Betting Features & Promotions: Fanatics NFL Sign-up Bonus: Bet $20, Get $350 Bonus Bets Available States:AZ, CO, CT, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY Why We Recommend it:If you want repeated protection and flexible rewards you can recycle into bets or gear, Fanatics’ FanCash model is uniquely valuable. theScore Bet – Best New NFL Betting Site Overview:theScore Bet offers a clean, content-driven sportsbook experience built directly into theScore app, making it especially appealing for users who already follow live scores, stats, and news. Its streamlined interface and integrated media experience create a seamless transition from consuming sports content to placing NFL bets. Pros: Cons: theScore Bet NFL Betting Features & Promotions: theScore Bet NFL Welcome Bonus: Bet & Get $1,000 Bet Reset Available States:AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV Why We Recommend it:theScore Bet stands out for its seamless integration with sports content, making it one of the easiest platforms to use for NFL betting. If you already use theScore app to follow games, it offers one of the most natural and frictionless betting experiences available. NFL Betting App User Reviews NFL Live-Betting Apps Live betting lets you place wagers after kickoff, with odds that update in real time based on the score, clock, drives, and injuries. You’ll see changing lines for moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, and drive or quarter markets. Football’s stop-start rhythm creates frequent pricing pauses, so sportsbooks can refresh odds between plays, drives, and quarters. That gives bettors many decision points throughout the game. Live-betting essentially allows you to double down, hedge bets and capitalize on slow starts. Best Sportsbooks for Live Betting NFL Sportsbook Welcome Bonuses A welcome bonus is a new-customer offer that gives you extra value when you open an account and place an initial wager. Sportsbooks use these bonuses to attract first-time users, help you try the app with lower risk, and encourage you to explore more markets. Below we'll go into the two most common types: "Bet & Get" and "First-Bet Safety Net" bonuses. NFL Bet & Get Bonus In this offer, you make a low-bar qualifying bet, then receive bonus bets regardless of outcome. It’s great if you want instant value without risking a big first wager. Use a quick-settling market to unlock the offer fast, then deploy the bonus bets on lines you actually like—totals, player props, or a small underdog flyer. Remember, a bonus-bet stake usually isn’t returned, only the winnings. For example, let's say you place a $5 qualifying wager on the Eagles moneyline for Week 1. Win or lose, you’re credited $200 in bonus bets (often split into four $50 tokens). If you then use one $50 bonus bet on the Cowboys +120 and it wins, you profit $60 (the $50 bonus stake isn’t returned). Repeat with the remaining tokens before they expire to maximize value. FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365 all offer this type bonus. NFL First-Bet Safety Net Bonus In this offer, you take one swing. If it wins, great—you keep the profit and the promo is done. If it loses, you get bonus bets back. This can be useful for a plus-money side or a bigger confidence play. Let's say you place your first cash wager for $250 on the 49ers -2.5 (-110). If it loses, you’re refunded $250 in bonus bets (often split into five $50 tokens) that expire in about a week; if it wins, there’s no refund and the promo ends. Say you then use one $50 bonus bet on the Ravens +120 and it wins—you profit $60 (the $50 bonus stake isn’t returned). BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, and bet365 all offer this bonus. Popular NFL Betting Markets Here are the most popular NFL betting markets you’ll see every week, from simple picks to deeper player angles. Use this quick overview to decide when to play spreads, moneylines, totals, props, same-game parlays, and futures. Moneyline & Point Spreads A moneyline is a bet on which team wins the game outright. Favorites show negative odds (e.g., -170 means risk $170 to win $100), while underdogs show positive odds (e.g., +150 means risk $100 to win $150). A point spread adds a margin the favorite must cover. The favorite is listed with a minus number (e.g., -3.5), and the underdog with a plus number (e.g., +3.5). If the Dolphins are -3.5 vs. the Jets, Miami must win by 4 or more to cover; the Jets cover by winning outright or losing by 3 or fewer. These are the two most popular NFL bets, and odds are shown in American format (like -110 on spreads and totals). Prices move throughout the week based on injuries, weather, lineup news, and betting trends, so timing your wager can matter. Totals (Over/Under) A total (Over/Under) is a bet on the combined points scored by both teams. Sportsbooks set a number, and you choose Over (more than that total) or Under (less than that total). Example: "Over/Under 47.5" means Over wins at 48+ points, Under wins at 47 or fewer. Totals move with factors like offensive and defensive form, pace of play, quarterback and key injuries, weather for outdoor games (wind, rain, extreme cold), matchups in the trenches, and coaching tendencies. Player Props Player props are bets on individual player outcomes rather than the final score. In the NFL, common examples include anytime touchdown scorer (will a player score a TD), quarterback passing yards Over/Under (e.g., Over 259.5), and receptions for a receiver or tight end (e.g., Over 5.5 catches). Same-Game Parlays (SGPs) A same-game parlay (SGP) lets you combine multiple bets from one NFL matchup into a single ticket. They’re appealing because you can personalize a game script and chase higher payouts than a single bet. For example, an Eagles vs. Cowboys SGP might include Eagles moneyline + Jalen Hurts Over 1.5 passing TDs + A.J. Brown 70+ receiving yards; the parlay wins only if all legs hit. Odds are calculated by combining each leg’s price, so payouts climb quickly. Risk also rises with every added leg, since the probability of winning drops as you stack more outcomes. Futures Futures are bets placed on long-term outcomes that settle later in the season. Popular NFL futures include Super Bowl winner, AFC/NFC champions, and season awards like MVP, Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Odds move all year as teams perform, injuries occur, and markets react. Payouts are made only when the market concludes (for example, after the Super Bowl or when an award is officially announced). NFL Betting Sites & Apps FAQ (2026) What is the best NFL betting site in 2026? The best NFL betting site depends on how you like to bet. BetMGM stands out for overall market depth and player props, FanDuel is the easiest app to use, bet365 offers some of the sharpest odds with Early Payouts, and DraftKings delivers the most aggressive NFL promotions. Which sportsbook has the best Super Bowl betting odds? Sportsbooks like bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings are known for competitive Super Bowl odds, especially on spreads, totals, and alternate lines. Odds can vary by sportsbook, so comparing lines before placing your bet can help you get the best price. Are NFL betting apps legal in the United States? Yes, NFL betting apps are legal in many U.S. states where online sports betting has been regulated. Availability depends on your location, and you must be physically present in a legal state and meet the minimum age requirement (usually 21). What is the best NFL betting app for beginners? FanDuel is often the best choice for beginners thanks to its clean layout, simple betslip, and easy access to spreads, totals, props, and same-game parlays. Caesars is another good option for new bettors who want a straightforward app with fewer distractions. Which sportsbook is best for NFL same-game parlays? DraftKings and FanDuel are the leaders for NFL same-game parlays. DraftKings’ SGP+ allows you to combine bets across multiple games, while FanDuel offers fast, intuitive SGP building directly from game pages. What is an NFL Bet & Get bonus? An NFL Bet & Get bonus lets you place a small qualifying wager (often $5 or $10), then receive bonus bets regardless of whether that bet wins or loses. The bonus bets can be used on future wagers, but typically only the winnings are withdrawable. What is a first-bet safety net or bet insurance? A first-bet safety net refunds your wager with bonus bets if your first bet loses. If the bet wins, you keep the profit and the promotion ends. This type of bonus is common at BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics. Which sportsbook is best for live NFL betting? bet365 is widely considered the best sportsbook for live NFL betting due to fast odds updates, deep in-play markets, and Early Payouts. FanDuel and DraftKings also offer strong live betting hubs with frequent cash-out options. Can I bet on Super Bowl player props and novelty bets? Yes. Major sportsbooks offer extensive Super Bowl player props, including passing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and anytime TD scorers. Many also post novelty bets closer to kickoff, such as halftime performance or game-related specials, depending on state rules. Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here.

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Bengals Star Receiver Ja'Marr Chase Exits Practice With Apparent Knee Injury

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase reportedly exited practice Tuesday after suffering an apparent knee injury during team drills. Chase held his knee and received attention from athletic trainers on the field after going down during a play. After practice ended, Chase spoke to reporters, "It's just a freak accident. Stuff like this happens all the time. It's football. Some things are out of my control, and that was one situation that I couldn't control, but I can control now," Chase said. "If I had a game tomorrow, I'd play." Chase told ESPN 1530 Cincinnati he's "fine" and the injury was a minor "hyperextension." According to multiple reporters in attendance, Chase walked off the field under his own power. He continued to stretch his leg on the sideline and was later seen walking without assistance. Chase did not require a cart or further medical treatment on the field. The Bengals have not provided an official update regarding the injury. Losing Chase for any duration would present a challenge for the Bengals offense, as his connection with quarterback Joe Burrow has formed the core of the passing game since Chase was drafted in 2021. Behind Chase, the Bengals wide receiver depth chart includes Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Colbie Young, Mitch Tinsley and Charlie Jones. An extended absence for Chase would also increase defensive pressure on Higgins, who would likely see more double coverage as the top target and running back Chase Brown, another key contributor on offense. While Iosivas has stepped into a complementary role in recent seasons, the Cincinnati passing game relies primarily on Chase and Higgins to generate the majority of its production. The Bengals open their season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 13.

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TE Dae’Quan Wright Reunited With Lane Kiffin At LSU Following Court Injunction

After a stop in the NFL, former Mississippi tight end Dae’Quan Wright could be heading to LSU thanks to a court order that is creating havoc throughout college sports by allowing Wright and others an unexpected fifth year of eligibility. Wright’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told The Associated Press on Monday that the tight end had been waived by the Cleveland Browns and, if he clears waivers, will join Lane Kiffin’s roster at No. 11 LSU. If he joins the Tigers, Wright would be the first known player to return to college after playing in the NFL. He may not be the last. At a news conference Monday, Kiffin declined to discuss any specific players, but he did say of the players in the lawsuit: "They’re available to recruit. So, ourselves, like many places around the country, are recruiting them." Not doing so, Kiffin said, could lead to a situation where "we may end up playing against them." Wright signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie following the draft. After Philly released him on Aug. 11, the Browns signed him. Wright didn’t play in Cleveland’s two preseason games. Wright played two seasons for Kiffin at Ole Miss. Last year, he caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns for the Rebels. Wright was among a group of players who sued in a Louisiana court, saying a new NCAA rule granting five years of eligibility to most athletes should apply to him and others who were not "grandfathered" into the rule, which did not include those who graduated high school in 2022. In a statement released Monday evening, the Southeastern Conference said it firmly opposes professional athletes returning to play college sports. "College athletes, not professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference," the statement said. "Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition. Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant competitive equity concerns and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes." The SEC concluded its statement by calling on Congress to pass a bill regulating college sports. Wright and two others who played for Kiffin at Ole Miss — former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams — were among those granted a temporary restraining order last week. Former LSU and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jack Pyburn also was among the plaintiffs. The players can regain their college eligibility if they terminate their pro contracts and repay any pro earnings. Pyburn’s deal with the Bucs guaranteed him $115,000, including a $15,000 signing bonus. "I’m just trying to maximize myself as a player and as a person and play my best football, wherever that is," Pyburn told The Athletic last week. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31 in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The SEC has its own rule barring transfers inside the conference beyond a designated window in January. Commissioner Greg Sankey sent the schools a reminder about that rule earlier this month, though there’s no certainty on how it would play into Wright’s move to LSU in the wake of the court order. The judge in Louisiana allowed for the fifth year and also ordered the football transfer portal, normally open only in January, to reopen for a week for the players in the lawsuit. "In my opinion, knowing the information, it’s really wrong to be critical of these kids," said Kiffin, whose move from Ole Miss to LSU last season also created tension between the SEC schools. "They were granted a fifth year by a judge, saying they were wronged by the NCAA. … It’s simply that a judge decided they should have a fifth year, like everyone moving forward will have." Kiffin suggested that the current recruiting by colleges of NFL rookies is a "totally unique circumstance that came about because of the five-for-five (ruling), and players feeling like they should have known about it before, and because of all the cases around the country. I don’t think we’ll have this (situation) again." Other coaches, though, have been less supportive. "I think there’s a lot of negatives that are involved around this," Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. "Once you go to the NFL, to me, you’re in the NFL. You don’t get the opportunity to come back." Added Florida coach Jon Sumrall: "What I really struggle with is the rules are changing so daily based upon a court ruling, or what happens in a court in Colorado, or a court here, a court in Louisiana. We need to have some continuity and some consistency across the board." Tennessee coach Josh Heupel also made his feelings known Monday when asked to compare the two-game suspension given to Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter over a $427 plane ticket for a trip to an NFL training facility during the pre-draft process before he returned to college. "You guys certainly have a clear picture of how I feel about that entire situation to begin with, even before some of the madness that is college football and rosters," Heupel said. Reporting by the Associated Press.

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Browns Making Another QB Error? 7 Takeaways From Week 2 Of The Preseason

Two weeks of preseason games are in the books, and we're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This past week's slate of preseason games, plus joint practices, brought us more glimpses of what we could expect to see in the regular season. But it brought some drama, too. Deshaun Watson was named the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback on Monday after making pointed remarks to the team's fans following his lackluster performance on Saturday. There's also an unusual storyline developing with players who might wind up playing college football in the next couple of weeks. So, with only one more preseason week to go, here are our takeaways from the latest slate of preseason games. 1. Deshaun Watson Didn’t Deserve The Starting Job In Cleveland. He Got It Anyway. Ralph Vacchiano: Deshaun Watson showed everyone on Saturday why he shouldn’t be the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, with a terrible on-field performance and an even worse one off the field. Then, Todd Monken gave him the job anyway. Maybe that’s a sign that the new Browns coach had nothing but bad options in his quarterback competition, but his choice still couldn’t have been any worse. He went with a 30-year-old who’ll surely be an ex-Brown next season over a somewhat promising young quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. And he did it two days after Watson was terrible in a preseason game against the Bills (5 of 12 for 36 yards and an interception) and then showed an incredible lack of self-awareness (and an abundance of immaturity) when he whined about being booed. "I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do with the performance," Watson said. "It’s a little more personal than that. So, I think that’s a disrespectful thing." OK, that’s a little rich and a lot outrageous, coming from the man who got the biggest fully-guaranteed contract in NFL history from the Browns in 2022 (five years, $230 million) even though he hadn’t played in two years and was accused of sexual misconduct by 27 women. He then rewarded that startling generosity by only being healthy enough to play in 19 games over the last four seasons — and not particularly well, either. Even without that bad moment, though, Monken still made the wrong choice. The coach had been leaning this way, multiple team sources told me, in part because the Browns’ early schedule is overloaded with road games (their first two and six of their first nine), and Monken thought Watson’s veteran presence would help his young team. But Watson’s play didn’t warrant that faith. He was just 16 of 27 for 162 yards and an interception in two preseason games. His passer rating of 61.0 was even a notch below Sanders’ 65.2. So while it’s true that there was no good option here, it’s also true that really is no upside to Watson, who is understandably reviled by what seems to be a majority of the Browns’ fan base. Starting Sanders at least would’ve given them hope that he can get better, something to look forward to other than the QB-rich 2027 draft. Instead, Monken latched on to the anchor that has been scraping the Browns along rock bottom for the last five years. Sanders will surely get a shot later this season. But as usual in Cleveland, any hope for the future is delayed. 2. Yes, The Pipeline To The Pros Goes Both Ways Greg Auman: The most backwards trend of the NFL preseason? Marginal players testing the waters of playing in NFL preseason games and  … going back to college. It seems impossible, but these days, if you can get a judge to rule the right way, traditional lines of amateurism and eligibility can disappear. The NCAA’s shift to a five-year eligibility model wasn’t intended to be backdated for athletes who had exhausted their window – and signed a pro contract, gotten paid and even played for NFL teams. But that’s really happening, leaving general managers to wonder if they’ll lose players off their roster to the allure of NIL money from colleges. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright, an undrafted rookie with the Browns, put his name in the transfer portal. Cleveland has since waived him, setting him up to play for LSU this fall. "Man, ain’t this s--- crazy?" Browns coach Todd Monken said. "I mean, I don’t even know what to say … I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago. Now I know. I didn’t call him back, guess I should have." Speaking of LSU, consider Tampa Bay Buccaneers undrafted rookie linebacker Jack Pyburn, who had two sacks in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener. He’s also one of the players granted a temporary restraining order that could allow him to return to college football. He played at LSU last year, and that sets up the man-bites-dog possibility of an NFL player leaving early for college. The fall semester at LSU started on Monday, and NFL rosters will be cut from 90 players to 53 by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. It’s unlikely the Bucs will keep Pyburn for their 53, but he has (had?) a good shot at their practice squad. That pays $247,500 for a full season, and Pyburn could make three or four times that much on the Van Wilder go-back-to-college route. Pyburn said after Saturday’s preseason game that his agents had told the Bucs that college was a potential "backup plan," but when pressed as to what he might decide if choosing between an NFL practice squad and going back to college, he was noncommittal. "Ultimately, that’s a decision I’m going to have to make with my family, talk to my agents and see what’s the best business decision and what’s the best option for me and my future career," he said. Yes, it’s NFL "respect my decision" season. Players would have to repay their NFL employers to regain college eligibility. Pyburn got a $15,000 bonus and $100,000 in guaranteed salary, but it’s possible that college NIL payments could also be covered by "offset" language standard in such contracts, normally intended so if NFL Team B pays a player to be on their practice squad, that subtracts from the money NFL Team A was on the hook for by their guarantee. The league will have to sort out the ramifications. Can a player already passed over once in the draft get another shot, like baseball players do? This was already happening with basketball and G League players showing up on college rosters, but for NFL teams, it’s made roster-building even more complicated by the idea that players can make more money playing football at a lower level. 3. Stetson Bennett Commands Offense, Cements Role As Rams' Backup QB Eric D. Williams: With Jimmy Garoppolo no longer on the roster, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay’s search for someone to fill that void, should reigning MVP Matthew Stafford suffer an injury during the regular season, appears to be over. In the battle between Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett, the Alabama product cracked the door open with a sparkling performance in a Week 1 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. But Bennett may have closed the door by playing well in a 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. The Georgia product finished with two rushing touchdowns in the first half, leading the Rams to scoring drives on four of his five possessions. Bennett finished 19 of 31 for 181 yards, with no touchdown passes and no interceptions for a 77.5 passer rating. Ty Simpson also played solidly, finishing 8 of 12 for 73 yards in the second half. Simpson led the offense on one scoring drive. However, Bennett impressed McVay by the way he led the offense, with quarterbacks coach and associated offensive coordinator Dave Ragone calling the plays – although he didn’t like Bennett reaching for the pylon with the ball on his first rushing touchdown. "I loved the fact that he used his legs," McVay said. "We’ll learn from reaching the ball into the end zone, even though I challenged that and we were successful. We don’t want to leave ourselves susceptible to losing the ball out of the end zone where it goes for a touchback. "But he did a great job. I thought he got an opportunity to really showcase a lot of his skills." 4. Daniel Jones Primed To Pick Up From Where He Left Off Last Season Ben Arthur: Watching the Indianapolis Colts quarterback at Wednesday’s joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons, it was impossible for me to tell that he tore his Achilles just eight months ago. Everything you want your passer to do — drop back, scramble, throw on the move, evade pressure — Jones looked normal in doing so. Oh, and he was carving up the Falcons’ secondary as well. With Indianapolis’ rushing attack struggling, Jones was near perfect in the pass game, targeting various receivers. We still need to see Jones move and perform in games. But all the early signs suggest that he can pick up from last season, when he was playing the best ball of his career before a broken leg slowed him down and the Achilles injury ended his season. "I think with any major rehab process, you're always kind of progressing and getting back and getting used to doing everything, building up the reps on it, building up just your conditioning level," Jones said Wednesday. "I feel really good and there's nothing I don't feel good doing." The Colts’ pass-catching situation around Jones is a bit shaky at the moment, given star tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (offseason ankle surgery) are currently sidelined. But when they return, they’ll add to a group that features one of the league’s best slot receivers in Josh Downs and recent signee Keenan Allen, who’s been a dominant force on third down. That’s a cast of receivers Jones can find success with. "I think it could be really special, to be honest," Colts coach Shane Steichen said of the pass-catching group. "Alec (Pierce) obviously is a hell of a football player, which you guys know. [Josh] Downs, Tyler [Warren], and then adding Keenan [Allen] to the fold. I think we can do a lot with those guys and move bodies around and find matchups." 5. Let’s Have A Conversation About Chiefs Breakout Rookie WR Cyrus Allen Henry McKenna: If you’ve been following training camp for Kansas City, you’ve heard of Allen. If you’re the type who combs X for potential breakout stars in fantasy football, you’ve heard of Allen. If you’re obsessed with NFL rookies and the draft, you’ve heard of Allen. His training camp highlights have been crazy. And Andy Reid didn’t slow the hype’s momentum. "He's done a nice job," Reid said of Allen. "The quarterback trusts him." This was the first week of training camp. Allen was a sixth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech. It felt like a big proclamation, particularly given that Rashee Rice has a history of missing time due to injuries and suspensions and Xavier Worthy has failed to live up to his first-round hype. Since then, Allen has played well — steadily doing what he could to move up the depth chart. That included scoring touchdowns with the first-team when paired with Patrick Mahomes. That also included beating first-round cornerback Mansoor Delane in 1-on-1s and team drills (7x7 and 11x11), per reporters on the scene. But here’s the truth for anyone expecting the second coming of Tyreek Hill. The folks at Arrowhead Pride broke it down with depth. But it’s likely — perhaps even overly optimistic — to project 60 for Allen. And only six receivers converted 60 targets into 500+ receiving yards in 2025. But before he wows in the box score, he’ll need to land in the WR3 spot. Given that he was playing behind Tyquan Thornton and Jaylen Royals in the second preseason game, Allen appears to be WR5. For what it’s worth, Hill had 83 targets, 61 catches, 593 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season. That would be a great year for Allen. So keep an eye on him. He’s a real playmaker. But let’s stay reasonable for a rookie in a Chiefs' offense that has a lot of mouths to feed. 6. De’Zhaun Stribling Shows Kyle Shanahan Knows How To Evaluate WRs Williams: NFL draft analysts were up in arms over the San Francisco 49ers taking Ole Miss product De’Zhaun Stribling in the second round, believing the organization had reached for a player that some consensus draft boards had going later in the draft. However, through two weeks of preseason play, Stribling has acquitted himself nicely. Stribling is tied for the league lead with 11 catches for 109 yards, with a long of 32 yards. He finished with four catches for 46 yards in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers this week. I had a chance to watch Stribling in a joint practice at the Chargers’ facility. At 6-2 and 210 pounds, Stribling is an easy mover with suction-cup hands that can make contested catches in congested areas. Along with that, Stribling has the potential for explosive playmaking ability to do something after the catch, a key attribute in Shanahan’s offense. With Ricky Pearsall out for the year and Brandon Ayiuk no longer on the roster, Stribling should find a significant role in San Francisco’s offense this season. "I love how he handles himself," Shanahan said about Stribling. "He takes coaching well and never seems to take anything personally. He’s been a real fun guy to coach so far." 7. Bills’ Thin WR Corps May Be More Of A Problem Than Ever Vacchiano: One great NFL mystery of this generation will surely be why the Buffalo Bills, with arguably the best quarterback in the league in Josh Allen, keep failing to surround him with top-end receivers. And once again, heading towards a season they hope will end in a Super Bowl, that failure is being exposed. Though they are getting a solid performance this summer from D.J. Moore, the veteran "No. 1" wideout they acquired from the Chicago Bears, the rest of the corps is falling apart. Keon Coleman, their second-best receiver last season (38 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns), is nursing a concerning sprained toe. Khalil Shakir, last season’s top wideout (72 receptions for 719 yards and four touchdowns), missed the joint practices and preseason game against the Browns last week with an undisclosed injury. And rookie Skyler Bell, their fourth-round pick, has missed two weeks with a groin injury. That leaves Allen right now with Moore, who cost the Bills a second-round pick in March, Joshua Palmer (22 receptions for 303 yards and zero touchdowns) last season, and … not much else. That, of course, is not how the Bills see it. One team source told me their belief is that Allen can win with almost anyone around him, and that he can take what looks like a below-average group and make them much better. They are also convinced that Moore, at age 29, can reverse his steep, two-year decline simply by playing with an elite quarterback. It’s a gamble, of course, because otherwise all the pieces are in place in Buffalo: A powerful running game led by James Cook, a top offensive line, a top-10 defense that gets a boost from the addition of edge rusher Bradley Chubb. And of course, the brilliance of Allen will always give them a shot. Still, it’s hard not to imagine what this team would look like with just one elite receiver by Allen’s side. It would make their path to Buffalo’s first Super Bowl in 33 years look a lot easier than it currently is.

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Mike McCarthy Admits Steelers, CB Joey Porter Jr. Remain At 'Impasse' Over New Deal

Mike McCarthy wants the chance to work with Joey Porter Jr. When McCarthy gets that chance is anyone's guess, the Pittsburgh Steelers coach included. McCarthy said Monday that the club and the fourth-year cornerback are at an impasse as the two sides try to work out a new deal. The Steelers placed Porter on the physically unable to perform list when training camp opened with what the team described as a back issue that flared up during a mobility test. It seems Porter's back problems are just part of the reason he has yet to take the practice field with the season opener against Atlanta less than three weeks away. "I learned this in my early years as a head coach, you have to separate the business from the football," McCarthy said. "Sometimes it’s easier than others." Porter is in the final season of the four-year deal he signed after the Steelers selected him with the first pick of the second round in 2023. While Pittsburgh has locked up other members of that draft class — including outside linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington — Porter's status seems a little more uncertain. The 26-year-old is coming off his best season as a pro, and he said during minicamp in June that he long felt he's one of the top players at his position and that he believes he will be paid that way. The top of the cornerback market has been particularly hot of late, with Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon agreeing to a massive new deal and New England’s Christian Gonzalez getting offered one in recent weeks. Though Porter, who has three interceptions across three seasons, might not be in that neighborhood yet, he also might not be far off. Though he has deep ties to Pittsburgh — he grew up in the city while his father, Joey Porter Sr., played and then later coached for the Steelers — he didn't rush to sign his rookie deal in 2023, waiting until the eve of training camp to do it. Porter essentially "held in" during minicamp, participating in individual drills but staying out of full 11-on-11 work, a not uncommon tactic by players seeking new contracts. McCarthy described the situation as a challenge, in part because the entirety of Pittsburgh's defensive staff is in its first season. "Every one of us has a contract," McCarthy said. "The organization, they have beliefs and so forth. So that's where we are." While Porter remains out, veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey and rookie first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor returned to practice on Monday. Ramsey has been on the PUP list since the start of camp because of a knee injury sustained during minicamp in June. The eight-time Pro Bowler said the defense is still getting up to speed and it's important for the entire secondary to be available when the Falcons visit on Sept. 13. "They need to pay Joey Porter," Ramsey said. Iheanachor, taken 21st overall in the draft, hadn't practiced since hurting his upper body on Aug. 6. McCarthy didn't rule out Iheanachor making an appearance when Pittsburgh wraps up the preseason on Thursday night in Buffalo. "We got two padded practices (this week), so it’ll be a really good indication of how much he’ll be able to play personally," McCarthy said. "We'll see how it goes." Reporting by the Associated Press.

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Which NFL Teams Have The Best Skill Position Players? Ranking All 32 Groups ...

Nothing is more important in the NFL than the quarterback. But even the best quarterbacks need the right help. That’s why the best and smartest teams in the NFL understand that they have to surround their quarterbacks with as many quality skill players as they can — reliable receivers who can turn any throw into a big gain, big tight ends who can make the tough catches in traffic, and explosive running backs who can keep the ball moving on the ground. So, which NFL teams have the best skill players this season? We ranked all 32 groups across the league. De’Von Achane is one of the best, fastest and most dangerous running backs in the NFL. Dolphins fans might want to stop reading right there, though, because even though new coach Jeff Hafley refuses to admit this team is rebuilding, one look at the skill position group (or lack thereof) shows the truth. After trading away Jaylen Waddle, their best receiver might be … Tutu Atwell? Jalen Tolbert? Take your pick between those two. Malik Washington could be a good third receiver, but might be forced into a larger role. Miami did draft two receivers in the third round — Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas — so maybe they can do something. TE Greg Dulcich produced a 26-335-1 stat line over 10 games last season, so maybe he can give the Dolphins average production. But if they want to win any games this season, they better put the ball in Achane’s hands … a lot. It’s easy to see why the Raiders don’t want to throw rookie QB Fernando Mendoza in right away, because they haven’t exactly surrounded him with a stellar cast. TE Brock Bowers is really good, assuming he’s over the knee issues that cost him five games last season. But other than that? RB Ashton Jeanty has loads of potential, but he was also a pretty huge disappointment as a rookie and now might be dealing with an ankle injury to begin the season. And the receiving corps is a huge problem. Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor and Jack Bech are the top three options, but they’d all be No. 3 receivers with almost any other team. Right now, Bowers is the centerpiece — and really the only piece — of whatever new coach Klint Kubiak is trying to do there. For a growing team that’s a few years away from contending, they’re in a good spot. They have loaded up on young, talented and promising skill players. They got a small look at a better future last season with the emergence of RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin. And they have since added first-round WR KC Concepcion and second-round WR Denzel Boston. Add in enigmatic veteran wideout Jerry Jeudy and there’s a lot of talent — albeit mostly raw — for whomever is behind center. But the Browns' plan is really more about the future because all of these players — except for Jeudy — are short on production but long on potential. That’s better for winning games down the line than right now. Nico Collins is a No. 1 receiver. But beyond that, the Texans are short on promise. They used Day 2 picks on Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in 2025, with the former being their initial hope to take a big leap this season, but he's now out for the year with a torn ACL. That leaves Noel, who needs to somehow become a viable No. 2, since there’s no way to know if WR Tank Dell has anything to offer after missing all of last season with a devastating knee injury. The Texans do have a good, solid tight end in Dalton Schultz. And the trade for running back David Montgomery gives them a potentially decent backfield between him and Woody Marks. But it still looks like an offense that will lean heavily on Collins, which means it’s a team that will have to be led by its defense again. Carolina struck gold with Tetairoa McMillan, the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Beyond him, there is at least some hope for more. WR Xavier Legette was disappointing as a rookie, but he was their 2024 first-round pick. And WR Jalen Coker had a late-season surge last year.  But the Panthers are lacking at tight end, and while they do have the underrated Chuba Hubbard at running back, they lost their leading rusher (Rico Dowdle) in free agency. Maybe Jonathan Brooks, their 2024 second-round pick, will finally emerge. Beyond T-Mac, this is a skill group that has a ton of growing to do. If Garrett Wilson were almost anywhere else, he’d probably be considered one of the 10 best wide receivers in the league. And running back Breece Hall is a good player who can be one of the most explosive backs in the league when he gets in the open field. If this list graded only the top two skill players, the Jets would be much higher. But even the Jets have no idea what else they have. They have big hopes for two first-round picks — WR Omar Cooper and TE Kenyon Sadiq — to add some juice to their offense. They also have what Wilson called a "ticking time bomb" in WR Adonai Mitchell, a former second-round pick with the Colts whom the Jets acquired in a trade last year. But right now, all the excitement is about hopes and potential only. And the Jets have a long history of that not amounting to much. Their skill group looked barren until early August when they signed 32-year-old WR Stefon Diggs. He may not be what he once was, but he was still a pretty good No. 1 receiver for the Patriots last season. And the Commanders sure could use that kind of help, because the only other dangerous weapon they have is the underrated Terry McLaurin, who is coming off an injury-filled season and is about to turn 31. Beyond him, there is only speculation. WRs Luke McCaffrey and Treylon Burks have been huge disappointments. The Commanders think they found a gem in TE Chig Okonkowo, but he has big shoes to fill left by Zach Ertz. Washington liked Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but he’s a part-time back who’ll be splitting carries with newcomer Rachaad White, another part-time back. And good luck identifying the No. 3 WR on this team. The Commanders desperately need Diggs and McLaurin to defy Father Time. QB Cam Ward had nothing to work with as a rookie, and the Titans did a good job of trying to fix that in the offseason. Their big move was drafting WR Carnell Tate, who could be the next in a long line of Ohio State wideouts to star in the NFL. They also added WR Wan’Dale Robinson, a 5-8 dynamo coming off his best season (and a weapon that new OC Brian Daboll knows how to use). If veteran WR Calvin Ridley is healthy, Ward won’t have any excuses. They also have a solid, if unspectacular, RB duo in Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. This crew isn't enough to win games for the Titans, but it should keep the chains moving. This is a group that underachieved last season behind a crumbling offensive line that has the potential for a huge turnaround under new OC Mike McDaniel. It will be led by WR Ladd McConkey, who finished strong after a slow start last year, and RB Omarion Hampton, if he can shake off an injury-filled rookie season. Leading wideout Keenan Allen is gone, though, which means McDaniel needs to finally be the one to get more out of 2023 first-round receiver Quentin Johnston. There are other intriguing pieces, such as TE Oronde Gadsden and second-year WR Tre Harris. But McDaniel will have to get the top pieces going in the right direction first. If the Giants are sure that both WR Malik Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo will be ready for the start of the season, this group could be ranked higher. But Nabers is still in the process of returning from a torn ACL and Skattebo is dealing with an ankle injury, so while the early reports are encouraging, the longer-term prospects are at least a little murky. Nabers is the real key because he’s far and away the Giants’ most dangerous weapon. They’ll piece together the rest of the receiving corps with Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin and rookie Malachi Fields, and maybe what’s left of Odell Beckham Jr. New York is also hoping for a leap from TE Isaiah Likely, a John Harbaugh transport from Baltimore who often thrived in limited action behind Mark Andrews. Liam Coen is so good at running an offense that it’s almost a given that the Jaguars will be more than the sum of their parts. Still, those parts have some work to do. WR Brian Thomas had a terrible season to follow up on his stellar rookie campaign. WR Parker Washington was good in his place, but miscast as a No. 1. Jacksonville did get strong production from WR Jakobi Meyers after a midseason trade, but it remains to be seen if he can sustain that. The real question, though, is at RB where the Jags let Travis Etienne walk after an 1,100-yard season. Coen has a lot of faith in Bhayshul Tuten and newcomer Chris Rodriguez, who has a history with Coen from their time together at the University of Kentucky. Coen thinks he has the pieces for an offensive juggernaut. But that might depend on how well Thomas rebounds. James Cook is a phenomenal RB and one of the best ground weapons in football. So that’s great. But nothing else about Josh Allen’s weapons comes close to matching that level. As always, his WR group is lacking. The Bills brought in DJ Moore, who is 29 and in decline. Beyond him, their best hope is Khalil Shakir, who is a decent No. 2 receiver. Buffalo does have a nice TE duo in Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, who combined for decent numbers last season (75-988-9). But it remains one of the NFL’s great mysteries why the club has ignored saddling its MVP-caliber QB with a better No. 1 receiver since trading Stefon Diggs after the 2023 season. Without that elite go-to guy, this team's firepower is all about Allen and Cook. Maybe that’s enough. But the Bills sure could have made their lives easier. WR Emeka Egbuka looked to be a lock for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award before a late-season fade cost him the vote. It didn’t help that injuries to most of the rest of the offense put too much of a burden on his young shoulders. The Bucs have high hopes that he’ll be back on track quickly this season, though it’s a little concerning that he already has a toe injury and coach Todd Bowles’ has cast doubt on his availability for Week 1. Egbuka's health is obviously important, but he also could use a healthier group around him. The Bucs have a good group of skill players with WRs Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan, and RB Bucky Irving could again be a good lead back (with new addition Kenneth Gainwell as his handcuff). But none of them were healthy last season. They all still have to prove that they’re fully back. The outlook for the Saints looked a lot rosier before the news that rookie Jordyn Tyson, who some scouts thought was the most explosive WR in the NFL draft, could be out until October with a hamstring injury — something he frequently dealt with in college, too. That’s a significant blow to a young, improving team that coach Kellen Moore is building around young QB Tyler Shough. The second-year starter does still have a true No. 1 WR in Chris Olave. He also already has a vastly underrated tight end in Juwan Johnson. And newly signed RB Travis Etienne, who ran for 1,000 yards in three of his first four NFL seasons, gives the Saints a reason to move on from aging and injured Alvin Kamara. It’s still a promising group, but it sure would look better with Tyson. Without him, New Orleans will be hoping Devaughn Vele, a fourth receiver at best, can step into a much bigger role. The trade for WR Jaylen Waddle provided a huge boost to a really good team that was remarkably lacking in reliable weapons. With Waddle and Courtland Sutton, the Broncos have the potential for a really good top two at the WR position, and Tony Franklin could be one of the best third receivers in the league. The problem is things thin out after that. J.K. Dobbins is a good RB when healthy, but he’s never healthy. RB R.J. Harvey scored 12 touchdowns but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry as he struggled in situations as a lead back. Denver got nothing out of the TE position, where Evan Engram is in an obvious decline. If the RBs stay healthy and improve, the Broncos will have more than enough weapons for a Super Bowl run. But that might be a big "if." Their big hope for a dangerous skill group is that Rashee Rice stays out of trouble and stays healthy, in which case he could become an elite WR. Xavier Worthy has the speed to be dangerous, too, though he’s been underwhelming as a pro. Last year, in fact, TE Travis Kelce was still Kansas City's most dangerous weapon, despite being 36 and in obvious decline. He’s still useful, but a far cry from what he once was. The big boost for the Chiefs, though, should come on the ground after signing Kenneth Walker III in free agency, giving Andy Reid the kind of workhorse back that his aging core probably needs. Since QB Lamar Jackson doesn’t count as a skill player, this is really a two-man group. And it’s led by 32-year-old Derrick Henry, who remains one of the toughest, best and most durable RBs in the league. Eventually, he’ll start to decline, but that hasn’t happened yet. The Ravens also have a dangerous No. 1 WR in Zay Flowers. But beyond that? Not much. TE Mark Andrews is getting old and coming off his worst season. He also lost his sidekick in Isaiah Likely, who departed for the Giants. And former first-round pick Rashod Bateman is a study in unrealized potential. Baltimore has waited five years for him to develop into more than a decent third receiver being forced to play the No. 2 spot. They have surrounded 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers with some intriguing pieces for his theoretical NFL swan song. DK Metcalf hasn’t played like an elite receiver in recent years, but he’s still dangerous and capable of big plays. Adding Michael Pittman and drafting Germie Bernard in the second round gives the Steelers depth they didn’t have last year. And they have decent TEs in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, whom they should find a way to use more. Their most interesting new piece, though, is RB Rico Dowdle, a Mike McCarthy favorite from his days in Dallas. Pittsburgh didn’t have much of a running game last year, but there’s potential with a Dowdle-Jaylen Warren tandem. There were times last season when the Seahawks offense was a two-man show, with WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba and RB Kenneth Walker III. JSN is still there, and he’s good enough on his own. But Walker left and backup Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL. That could put a lot of pressure on first-round pick Jadarian Price, who was a backup himself at Notre Dame. Settle's other WRs are the aging, declining Cooper Kupp and Rashid Shaheed, who is better as a kick returner. And A.J. Barner is a very low-impact TE. That likely means that JSN is often going to be a one-man show for the defending champs, especially early in the season. Justin Jefferson is coming off his worst season as a pro, and he still put up pretty good numbers despite some terrible QB play. That shows you he remains in the running as the best WR in the league once the Vikings’ QB situation gets sorted out. And he’s flanked by Jordan Addison and newcomer Jauan Jennings, which means double-teaming JJ isn’t necessarily an easy choice. TE T.J. Hockenson hasn’t been the same since his 2023 knee injury, but better QB play could also help him return to form. The real issue with this team is RB, though. Aaron Jones is 31 and injury prone and Jordan Mason is one-dimensional. Together, they form little more than one average back. There is potential for greatness in this group, but that’s always the case and it’s often unrealized. No doubt, Josh Jacobs is one of the toughest backs in the league, when healthy. Tucker Kraft was one of the NFL’s best tight ends before tearing his ACL last season. The Packers also have a potential No. 1 WR in Christian Watson, when he’s healthy, and former first-round pick Matthew Golden. And Jayden Reed could be a strong No. 2 or 3 if he’s over his foot injury. All of them have injury concerns, not to mention unfulfilled potential. So the ranking is probably lower than they’d like, but the ceiling is definitely high. This group of skill players is top-heavy, but it’s a pretty impressive top. It’s hard to find a better RB than Jonathan Taylor. TE Tyler Warren was one of the NFL’s best rookies last year. And WR Alec Pierce is one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league. The problem is he’s Indy's No. 1 receiver now, and it’s unclear if he can carry that load. He’s got a strong No. 2 in Josh Downs, but the Colts don’t go deeper than that. They were better before they traded away WR Michael Pittman. Still, the trio of Taylor, Warren and Pierce is a pretty good place to start. If the Cards can ever find a quarterback, their path to respectability might be pretty short, because that QB will be surrounded by an array of talented weapons. WR Marvin Harrison may be an underachiever so far, but he’s only 23 and was the No. 4 overall pick just two years ago. Michael Wilson has put up good numbers for a No. 1 WR while waiting for Harrison to develop. And Trey McBride is the best and most productive receiving TE in the league. Now Arizona boasts a RB room with a potential star in rookie Jeremiyah Love, former starter James Conner and solid backup Tyler Allgeier. That’s a lot, if only the quarterback position wasn't such a black hole. It feels like this was years in the making, but the Falcons finally saw their Big 3 come together last season. Bijan Robinson continued to show he’s the best RB in football. WR Drake London was on his way to a second straight elite season before missing four games with a knee injury. And Kyle Pitts, in his fifth season, finally had his breakout year at TE. The Falocons are pretty thin beyond those three, though. Their next two WRs are Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson and Brian Robinson is the backup running back. That leading trio is so strong, though, that it can carry Atlanta a long way in the NFL’s weakest division. There are age and injury issues, to be sure, but let's start with this: The 49ers will line up three skill position players headed toward the Hall of Fame: RB Christian McCaffrey, TE George Kittle and WR Mike Evans. And that’s before you get to another trio of wideout additions: second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling, free-agent signee Christian Kirk and the returning Deebo Samuel. On talent alone, the Niners deserve a higher spot in these rankings. But the age and injury concerns are real. Evans is already nursing a quad injury, Kirk is already nursing a calf injury, and WR Ricky Pearsall, a former first-round pick who missed half of last season with a knee injury, is already lost for this season. The depth is there, but only if they can keep it. Not many teams can trade away a No. 1 receiver (A.J. Brown) and still have one on the roster (DeVonta Smith), but that’s exactly why the Eagles felt comfortable making that trade. They also added Dontayvion Wicks and Hollywood Brown this offseason and drafted Makai Lemon in the first round to make sure the position was still a strength. Of course, they’ve got lots of strength beyond that. Saquon Barkley is coming off a down year, but he remains one of the NFL’s best and most elusive running backs. And when Dallas Goedert is healthy, he’s a dangerous and reliable tight end that gives Jalen Hurts one of the best underneath options in the league. This group was better and deeper with Brown, to be sure. But it’s still fantastic without him. It takes a little speculation to rank the Bears this high. But with coach Ben Johnson directing things, every player here has a chance to be explosive. The way Luther Burden III played down the stretch last year, the Bears may have two No. 1s with him and Rome Odunze. Colston Loveland was one of the NFL’s most dangerous tight ends from November on. And the power duo at running back of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai gave Chicago one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks last season. Those are five near-elite weapons — or players st least capable of playing at an elite level. That’s more than enough to give defensive coordinators nightmares all season long. Let’s face it: If the Patriots had this group of skill position players last season, they might be the reigning Super Bowl champs right now. But they saw what was missing around their near-MVP QB, so they went out and added an elite No. 1 receiver in A.J. Brown and a pretty good No. 2 in Romeo Doubs. They already had an outstanding running back duo in TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, and a reliable tight end in Hunter Henry. The Pats even have good No. 3 receivers (Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte) who should be productive in a reduced role this year. QB Drake Maye couldn’t ask for much more as he chases the MVP award and Super Bowl championship that he narrowly missed last year. Their 1-2-3 can match up with anyone in the NFL. Ja’Marr Chase is the NFL’s most talented receiver. And, with QB Joe Burrow healthy, Tee Higgins is going to put up No. 1 receiver numbers, too. Chase Brown has also proven to be one of the best all-purpose backs in the league over the past two seasons. That’s a Big 3 that few teams can match. It’s after that where things drop off a bit. The Bengals are OK with Andrei Iosivas as their third receiver, but tight end is a wasteland (Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki). Chase, Higgins and Brown are so good, though, that it may not really matter what other weapons the Bengals have. Dallas had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, and it went way beyond QB Dak Prescott. He’s got two of the best, most explosive receivers in the NFL (CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens) — maybe the best duo outside of Cincinnati and the L.A. Rams. He also has an impressive array of No. 3 receivers that have been pretty productive, led by Ryan Flournoy and Kavontae Turpin. And while TE Jake Ferguson isn’t explosive, he’s proven to be remarkably reliable. Javonte Williams even finally gave the Cowboys the running game they’ve needed the past few years, proving he can handle an increased workload. So all the pieces are in place. There are no excuses for this team to not be an offensive juggernaut again. Amon-Ra St. Brown might be the most unheralded elite receiver in the league. Few can match his numbers the past four years. And Jameson Williams (17.2 yards per catch) is one of the best deep threats in the league. The Lions also long had the best 1-2 RB punch, and there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off now as Isiah Pacheco replaces David Montgomery as Jahmyr Gibbs’ sidekick. Detroit could easily be No. 1 on this list if TE Sam LaPorta bounces back with a healthy season and if third receiver Isaac TeSlaa builds off his strong finish to last year. Those are two "ifs" worth watching this summer. But even if everything doesn’t work out perfectly, this offense should still be explosive. Puka Nacua has been as productive as any receiver in football the past three years, when he’s been healthy. And while Davante Adams is 33 and not what he used to be, he’s still dangerous and became a touchdown machine down the stretch last season. The Rams are also backed by the 1-2 punch of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, which last season accounted for almost 2,000 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns. Things thin out a little behind them, especially at receiver. But L.A. is deceptively good at tight end, where the trio of Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen combined for 92-897-14 last season — elite numbers for that spot. If 38-year-old QB Matthew Stafford is healthy, he has everything he needs for one last Super Bowl run.

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