Author: Eternity Lab

The NFL is a league built on parity and the idea that, in any given season, any team can rise from the bottom of the standings and compete for a championship. The 2025 season proved this concept, with the Patriots going from AFC East bottom-feeder to Super Bowl participant.

As we head into the 2026 season, every team’s fanbase is asking the same question: Why not us?

It’s a nice thought. But here, in reality, stories like last year’s Pats come along maybe once or twice a decade. Typically, we can whittle down the true Super Bowl contenders with reasonable accuracy before the season even begins. And that’s what I’ll be doing here. I’ve considered the title cases for all 32 teams and narrowed them down to a group of seven that can realistically win a Lombardi Trophy next February.

So let’s look at what makes these teams title contenders before examining the group of fringe contenders who just missed the cut, along with why they were left out.

One of these seven teams will win the Super Bowl:

1.

The Rams were one unlucky two-point conversion away from earning home-field advantage in the playoffs, which may have been enough to get Sean McVay’s team to the Super Bowl. 

It would have been easy – and maybe even sensible – for the Rams to just run it back and hope for better luck. Instead, they traded for Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, added a lockdown cornerback in Trent McDuffie, and then lured Aaron Donald out of retirement.

They were already one of the favorites to hoist the Lombardi trophy before those additions. Now, they’re the clear favorites. They check all the boxes you look for in a title contender:

• A trustworthy head coach … check.
• Top-shelf quarterback play … check.
• A sturdy running game … check.
• Receivers who get open consistently … check.
• A dominant defensive line … check.
• A reliable secondary … also a check.

Myles Garrett’s addition played a big part in Aaron Donald coming out of retirement. (Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

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The acquisition of Garrett commanded a lot of the offseason attention, but adding McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the cornerback room could be the moves that propel L.A. over the championship hump. The Rams secondary could be pushed around and picked on last season. That’s not happening with two physical corners like McDuffie and Watson on the field. Even if opposing quarterbacks can stay upright long enough to get a pass off with Garrett and Donald collapsing the pocket, finding open receivers will be a challenge.

More concerns exist on the offensive side of the ball, where an injury to Davante Adams or Puka Nacua could leave the team lacking in big-play ability. The offensive line is thin, as well, and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford needs all the protection he can get now that he’s entering his age-38 season.

Still, this is the NFL’s most talented roster that’s led by one of the NFL’s best coaches in Sean McVay. This is a Super Bowl-or-bust season for Los Angeles.

2.

The defending champs took a few hits in the offseason, losing running back Kenneth Walker and a handful of second-tier starters along the defense. Other than that, this is largely the same team that won a title in February, and they’d be the title favorites once again if not for L.A.’s busy offseason.

One thing we can bank on: Head coach Mike MacDonald will have his defense playing at an elite level once again. The defensive line has been the key to the unit’s success, and all of its key pieces return in 2026. The Seahawks are light at cornerback but will play with three safeties more often than not, so that’s more of a minor concern than it would be for other teams. There’s no reason to expect any falloff from this bunch. 

If safety/slot defender Nick Emmanwori, an All-Rookie selection a year ago, makes the leap and plays at an All-Pro level, the Seahawks’ defense may even improve over last season.

There are some offensive concerns with coordinator Klint Kubiak becoming the Raiders’ head coach. MacDonald went outside the building to find his replacement but went back to Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree to poach 49ers assistant Brian Fleury. Big plays powered the Seahawks’ offense – and offset some of quarterback Sam Darnold’s turnover issues – so his primary task will be keeping Seattle’s explosive play rate up. 

If the first-time offensive coordinator can do that and help Darnold cut down on the turnovers, Seattle will be just as formidable as the loaded Rams.

Whether Seattle can repeat as Super Bowl champion may hinge on Sam Darnold’s performance in 2026. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

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3.

The Ravens have not been a well-coached team the past two seasons. If new head coach Jesse Minter can clean up penalties and coverage busts on defense, it will go a long way. And if new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who comes over from Ben Johnson’s staff in Chicago, can get Lamar Jackson back to his MVP form, Baltimore can regain its place among the AFC’s contenders after last year’s disappointment.

The defense will almost certainly be better. Minter, one of the sharpest defensive minds in the sport, got top-10 results out of a Chargers’ defense with far less talent than what he’ll be working with in Baltimore. The pass rush gets two major boosts with Nnamdi Madibuike returning from injury and Trey Hendrickson joining from the rival Bengals. 

Depth is a concern, but if this unit is healthy and Minter lives up to the hype, this will be a championship-level defense.

The Ravens are hoping rookie head coach Jesse Minter can turn them back into contenders. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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Jackson’s play will determine if the offense can keep up. The two-time MVP battled injuries throughout 2026 and didn’t play his best ball when he was on the field. Jackson took far too many sacks last season, but he says he wasn’t as eager to leave the pocket last season because of the injuries and vowed to run more now that he’s healthy. That should help the two-time MVP get his groove back and elevate this offense back into the top-10. 

4.

The 2025 Chiefs showed us that rostering an elite quarterback isn’t enough to keep a team in title contention. So, while it feels like Josh Allen is capable of carrying the Bills to a Super Bowl, only one or two things have to go wrong for them to experience their own season from hell.

Buffalo has just enough quality around Allen to make this shortlist of contenders.  The offensive line, which powered one of the league’s best run games a season ago, lost left guard David Edwards to free agency, but everybody else is back. Running back James Cook is primed for another monster season, and the receiving corps added the perimeter threat it so desperately needed with the trade for D.J. Moore. No more relying on Keon Coleman for downfield targets.

The Bills’ offense won’t change much, but with Sean McDermott out as head coach, Buffalo’s defense is getting a makeover. First-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has been a favorite among football nerds for years thanks to his work in the college ranks. McDermott ran a structurally sound defense, but smart quarterbacks had no trouble picking it apart. Leonhard’s scheme will give them more to think about. 

5.

Denver’s Super Bowl aspirations still hinge on quarterback Bo Nix. A fractured ankle robbed him of a chance to prove he could lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl, but he’ll get another crack at it with another strong roster. 

Denver did lose a stout run defender in John Franklin-Myers and starting safety P.J. Locke, but the defense is stacked, and the front office used the money saved from those departures to add some firepower to the passing game in the form of receiver Jaylen Waddle. Everything is in place for a Super Bowl run … if the quarterback play is sufficient.

Whether the Broncos can break through to the Super Bowl under head coach Sean Payton will come down to the play of QB Bo Nix (above). (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

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There will be a new voice in Nix’s ear this season, with head coach Sean Payton relinquishing play-calling duties to Davis Webb. The first-time offensive coordinator is just three years into his coaching career and has never called plays in a game that counts. It’s impossible to know how he’ll handle the monumental task; but even if he falters, having a Hall of Fame play-caller as a “break glass in case of emergency” option lowers the concern.  

6.

If you’re wondering how the Eagles managed to win 11 games and another NFC East title while the offense was imploding on and off the field, just look to the other side of the ball. Philadelphia’s defense finished as a top-three unit for a second year in a row and carried the team back to the playoffs.

The ceiling could be even higher in 2026. The Eagles patched up the biggest hole in their defense by adding cornerback Riq Woolen to play opposite of star Quinyon Mitchell. Philly’s pass defense was solid last season but struggled to get off the field on third down. Coordinator Vic Fangio prefers man coverage in third-and-medium situations, but with Adoree Jackson or Kelee Ringo getting torched, it wasn’t an effective strategy. While Woolen isn’t an elite cover corner by any means, he is a ball-hawk who can create turnovers if teams repeatedly try him. 

A secondary is as strong as its weakest link, and Philly’s weakest link will be sturdier this season.

Cornerback Riq Woolen won the Super Bowl last season and then joined a perennial contender in Philadelphia. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

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On the defensive line, the Eagles are banking on development from young players like Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. to make up for their numerous offseason losses. They also added veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who comes over after a down season in Minnesota. If Philadelphia can get just average pass rush production from its defensive ends, this could be the NFL’s best defense, which will keep the defending NFC East champs in contention even if the offensive issues persist. 

7.

The Texans are included here solely out of respect for Demeco Ryans’ defense, which would have been good enough to drag Houston’s frustrating offense through the AFC playoffs if not for C.J. Stroud picking the worst time to play his worst-ever game. The Texans quarterback averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and threw four interceptions in the season-ending loss to the Patriots. Three of those picks were thrown over a nine-play stretch that staked New England to a double-digit lead that felt insurmountable based on how the Houston offense was playing.

So, why should we expect a different outcome next January? 

For starters, Stroud is a much better quarterback than he showed last postseason. He may not be the franchise savior he appeared to be after his rookie season, but he’s capable of producing top-10 play for long stretches. With a truly elite defense, that’s good enough to make a run.

Houston also improved its offensive line, which has been the root cause of its problems over the past few seasons. And with Stroud entering his second season in coordinator Nick Caley’s offense, there should be fewer growing pains for the offense early on. 

If this offense can be just mediocre, the Texans should run up another double-digit season. If Stroud can avoid another postseason stinker, the ceiling is much higher.

These teams could sneak into the Super Bowl — but they aren’t winning it.

New England Patriots

The Patriots have a better roster than they did a year ago, and new WR1 A.J. Brown is a perfect match for Drake Maye’s game. But the defense is due for regression against a tougher slate of quarterbacks than in 2025, and the offensive line remains a work in progress. 

Cincinnati Bengals

This offense has the potential to reach some serious highs, but we’ve been saying that for years now, and Joe Burrow and Co. have yet to produce a truly elite season. While the defense has improved, it still looks like a mediocre group at best. 

Detroit Lions

The Lions still haven’t filled the Graham Glasgow-sized hole in the middle of its offensive line and are banking on a Dolphins castoff or a rookie to hold down the fort at right tackle with Penei Sewell swinging over to the left side. Detroit needs its offensive line to return to elite status to get this team back on track for title contention. I’m not sure it can.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are an organization on the rise, but they’re still another strong offseason – and another leap from Trevor Lawrence – away from being a true title threat. If the defense avoids regression and Lawrence finds consistency, they’re capable of a deep postseason run. Even then, it’s difficult to imagine them going toe-to-toe with the NFL’s top contenders.

San Francisco 49ers

The roster is old and already injured. If this were Madden, and we could turn off injuries, the 49ers would have enough talent to challenge Seattle and Los Angeles in the NFC West. But we can’t, and they probably won’t.

Chicago Bears

Even Ben Johnson knows that the regression gods are out to get Chicago this season after riding last year’s devil magic to a divisional title and an impressive playoff run. The Bears are headed in the right direction, but progress isn’t linear, and the division will be tougher, with Detroit and Minnesota likely to improve.

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes is coming off a late-season ACL tear, and the Chiefs made no meaningful improvements to the roster outside of adding running back Kenneth Walker. It will be another uphill climb just to make the playoffs. If not for Mahomes, they’d be nowhere near this list.

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INDIANAPOLIS — So often we hear players and teams quickly push aside talk of any success they had the previous season. They’re almost allergic to it. It’s seen as complacency and a distraction to the current year’s objectives. 

Not for Daniel Jones, though. The Colts quarterback would rather remember the high level the Indianapolis offense played at early last season — a dominant unit leading the way to an 8-2 record. That, of course, was before a fractured fibula in late November slowed him down and a torn Achilles ended his season in early December. 

“It wouldn’t be smart for us to completely disregard everything last year,” Jones told me.  

And that’s not just a message to his 2026 Colts. It’s one for anyone who doubts the 2026 Colts. 

Through eight weeks in 2025, the Colts averaged a league-high 33.8 points per game, which for a full season would’ve ranked 15th in NFL history, according to FOX Sports Research. Through 10 weeks, Indianapolis led the league in yards, expected points added per play, success rate and DVOA before collapsing in the final seven weeks of the season. 

Why can’t they replicate their borderline historic offense from the start of last season? I think the Indianapolis offense could be just as good in 2026. 

It starts, of course, with Jones’ health. A torn Achilles is one of the most difficult injuries to come back from in the NFL. It can take players more than a season to get back to playing at peak efficiency. 

But the Daniel Jones I saw at Colts training camp didn’t look like he was coming off a major injury. He threw with precision during joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons. He looked fine dropping back and navigating a pass rush in the pocket. He ran or scrambled when he needed to — a critical ability for any quarterback, but especially for a mobile one like Jones. 

His true test won’t come until the regular season, from stacking full games together, but he has looked as good as you can possibly imagine eight months removed from a torn Achilles. 

“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 last month. “I feel really good and there’s nothing I don’t feel good doing.”

With a healthy Jones, we should get to see a continued blossoming of his partnership with Colts coach Shane Steichen, the offensive playcaller. 

Last season, they’d meet constantly — late at night and on plane rides home from road games. When discussing opponents, they’d land on the same play call to beat certain coverages. Star running back Jonathan Taylor has said they’re wired the same. 

In November, I asked Colts backup quarterback Riley Leonard what it’s like to watch Jones and Steichen in the meeting room together. 

“You hear a bunch of words you’ve never heard before,” Leonard told me. “[Steichen will] be like … ‘Hey Dan, you remember in 2019 when the Jets were playing the Dolphins, and they ran this over route versus man and he converted?’ … and he’ll just be like, ‘Oh yeah, they were running this.’ It’s just crazy.”

“They understand coverages and watch so much film to where it’s like, ‘Hey, versus Cover 3, when they do this and they bring this pressure, this guy’s doing this. We can beat it with that,’” he continued. “They can just visualize that in their head. They got like photographic memories.”

According to teammates, Daniel Jones and Colts coach Shane Steichen are a perfect pairing. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

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Then on the field, the healthy version of Jones we’ve seen in Indianapolis has been a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback. 

A big reason why, he says, is Steichen’s system. 

“[We] both want to be prepared for every situation,” Jones told me. “Want to talk through things. Want to have answers when we need them in the game. Want it to be something that’s discussed and planned and communicated. But I think we also both have the understanding that football is not a perfect game, and what’s practical, what’s realistic. What you’re able to execute is part of the consideration too, and I think there’s a healthy balance there. I’ve learned a lot from the way Shane sees the game.”

The 29-year-old QB has learned from what he’s endured the past several years, too. 

Jones never lived up to the expectations of being the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft, despite receiving a four-year, $160 million contract from the New York Giants in March 2023, months after helping the franchise win its first playoff game since Super Bowl XLVI in 2012. His time in East Rutherford came to an unceremonious end just over 20 months after signing the big contract, when he was benched and requested to be released. 

Jones passed for a career-high 3,205 yards and ran for another 708 with the Giants in 2022, when he led the team to the playoffs. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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Jones spent the end of the ‘24 season with the Minnesota Vikings — first on the practice squad, then as the emergency QB3 — before signing a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts as a free agent to compete with Anthony Richardson Sr., whom Jones beat out for the starting job last summer.  

Based on his hot start last season, Jones signed a two-year, $88 million extension with Indianapolis in March. He says he’s grateful for the faith that the Colts have shown in him. 

“I think I’ve learned a lot and seen different ways to do it,” Jones told me. “[It was] helpful to have the experience in Minnesota and see how they did things. Learn from Kevin [O’Connell], from Sam [Darnold], from all the great coaches there. And then coming here with kind of a fresh start. So I think you’re constantly learning and growing, seeing different ways to do it, picking up things you can add to your game.”

After his release from the Giants, Jones spent the end of the 2024 season in Minnesota, learning from Sam Darnold and coach Kevin O’Connell. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

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He’s drawn from the criticism, too.  

“It’s something I’ve had practice dealing with, you know?” Jones told me, cracking a smile. “Even just back to when I was drafted. So I think that’s part of it in the NFL for a lot of people. I don’t think I’m unique in that, and just something you learn to understand. And you got to do the job, prepare to play well. What really matters is the belief, the faith you have in your teammates and the people in the building and making sure we all have each other’s backs.” 

Heading into the 2026 season, the Colts’ faith in their offense is sky-high. 

After the mid-August signing of veteran wideout Keenan Allen, the NFL’s top third-down receiver last season, Steichen said the pass-catching cast around Jones could be “really special.” (Allen is expected to play week one despite being arrested for a DUI last week.) 

Indianapolis’ leading receiver in three of the past five seasons, Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the Colts return one of the NFL’s top deep threats in Alec Pierce, who was activated last week after left ankle surgery in March. Second-year pro Tyler Warren is already one of the league’s top tight ends. Josh Downs is a standout at slot receiver. Then there’s Taylor, one of the best running backs in football. 

“The offense is very versatile,” Jones told me. “A lot of different components to it. I think we’re able to run the ball well. I think we’re good in the RPO game. We’re good throwing it quick. We can throw the ball down the field. I think we’re versatile that way.

“We’re confident, yeah,” he continued. “I think we’re confident in what we can be as a group and what we’re capable of. But we know that a lot of work went into that [start] last year. We’ve got to do the same thing this year.”  

With a healthy Daniel Jones, they can. 

NFL Related Stories

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Enzo Fernández is about to make a one-way trip across England.

Manchester City has reached a deal with Chelsea to sign the 25-year-old midfielder, The Athletic reported on Tuesday morning. Fernández has reportedly been given permission by Chelsea to undergo a medical, with his transfer costing Manchester City €125 million ($169 million) — which ties the Premier League transfer record that’s also held by Alexander Isak (Newcastle United to Liverpool in 2025).

Fernández originally joined Chelsea in January 2023 on a €106.8 million transfer fee ($125 million) from Benfica.

Fernández recently commenced his fifth season with Chelsea. Last season (2025-26), he logged a career-high 10 goals and four assists. He previously played one season with Benfica in Primeira Liga (2022-23), which was preceded by three seasons with River Plate in Liga Argentina (2018-19, 2021 and 2022).

Meanwhile, Fernández just wrapped up playing for Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, knocking through two scores over seven contests in the tournament. Fernández also played for Argentina in its 2022 World Cup triumph. On the Argentina front, superstar striker Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team on Monday.

Both Manchester City and Chelsea are 2-0-0 in the 2026-27 Premier League season. Man. City will host Chelsea on Dec. 12 and play them on the road on April 24.

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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.

New Chalkboard promo code FOX unlocks a 100% deposit match up to $100, plus a free square. After signing up and entering the bonus code, make a deposit of $1 or more (deposit $100 to maximize the match), and your matched bonus will be credited once processed.

Chalkboard is a pick ’em-style DFS app where you make player prop picks (Higher/Lower), stack multiple legs into one entry, and track results live in the app. With a straightforward deposit match and a bonus “free square” on top, Chalkboard promo code FOX gives new users a clean way to start playing without needing a huge bankroll.

Current Chalkboard Promo Code FOX: Get a 100% Deposit Match Up to $100 + Free Square (September 2026)

Chalkboard Promo Code FOX Terms & Conditions

• Offer valid for new Chalkboard users who correctly enter promo code FOX during account creation.
• Minimum deposit of $10 required to qualify for the promotion.
• Promotion may only be used one (1) time per user; only one deposit match is permitted.
• Chalkboard provides a 100% deposit match up to $100 on the qualifying deposit.
• To keep the matched bonus, users must play through both the deposit amount and the matched amount one (1) time by entering contests.
• Playthrough must be completed within 90 days of the initial qualifying deposit.
• Any portion of the deposit match not played through within 90 days may be removed from the account.

How to Sign Up and Claim the Chalkboard Promo Code

1. Click any “Claim Now” button on this page to open Chalkboard.
2. Download the Chalkboard app on iOS or Android.
3. Create your account and enter promo code FOX during sign-up.
4. Complete account verification (as required).
5. Deposit $10 or more (deposit $100 to receive the full match).
6. Once credited, use your cash and matched bonus funds to enter pick’em contests.
7. Complete the 1X playthrough on both deposit and bonus funds within 90 days to unlock withdrawals.

Chalkboard Promos for Existing Users

Chalkboard offers rotating promotions for existing users, with most rewards delivered through in-app packs and limited-time incentives tied to major sports seasons. Chalkboard also has a refer-a-friend promotion where you can get $10 after your friend makes their first deposit. 

Chalkboard promotions for existing users change frequently and may vary by state, but you can typically expect the following types of promos:

Chalkboard Fantasy Sign-Up Bonus vs Other DFS Apps

How Does the Chalkboard Fantasy Sports Welcome Bonus Compare to the Competition?

Chalkboard’s welcome bonus is refreshingly simple: deposit $10 or more, enter promo code FOX at sign-up, and get a 100% match up to $100 plus a free square to help with your first entry. There’s no confusing bet-and-get math or layered requirements — you deposit, Chalkboard matches it, and you use the funds in contests.

This clear format stacks up well when you look at how other DFS apps handle new-user offers. For example, Sleeper also offers a 100% deposit match up to $100 but doesn’t typically sweeten it with a free square or bonus perk. Betr mixes free bonus funds with a deposit match (often rewarding users with some free play plus a match), while Underdog tends to lean into “bet $X, get $Y” style promos that hinge on first-entry results. Dabble still appeals to players looking for a no-deposit bonus, but its max value is lower.

Chalkboard’s offer isn’t the biggest number in the DFS landscape, but it’s one of the easiest to understand and activate. With a modest $10 minimum deposit, it gives new users real value without demands for huge first deposits. For players who want a clean, no-nonsense start to pick’em fantasy sports, it sits comfortably alongside the competition.

Chalkboard Legal States

• Alaska
• California
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Washington, D.C.
• Wisconsin

Chalkboard Picks Review 2025

Chalkboard has carved out a strong position in the DFS pick’em space by focusing on clean gameplay, quick entry creation, and a rewards system built around Promo Packs rather than traditional bonus cash. The app is designed to make building Higher/Lower entries fast and intuitive, while still offering enough depth to keep experienced players engaged.

In addition to its core pick’em contests, Chalkboard offers a social sportsbook-like experience that lets users build shared or virtual slips and engage with friends on plays, blending traditional DFS with a community-oriented betting feel. This hybrid approach gives Chalkboard a broader appeal, especially for players who enjoy both contest-style play and social interaction around picks.

Chalkboard emphasizes ease of use, with a smooth mobile experience, live entry tracking, and rotating promotional mechanics that reward ongoing play. Combined with the 100% deposit match up to $100 plus a free square using promo code FOX, Chalkboard gives new users a simple, low-friction entry point into pick’em fantasy sports.

Overall, Chalkboard delivers a clean, modern DFS experience for players who want quick pick’em contests without the complexity of traditional fantasy formats.

Chalkboard User Experience & Interface

Chalkboard offers a streamlined, mobile-first interface built around fast pick’em gameplay. The app keeps clutter to a minimum, allowing users to build entries and track results without unnecessary steps.

• Navigation: A simple tab layout makes it easy to move between Picks, Wallet, Promo Packs, and account settings.
• Gameplay: Higher/Lower picks are added quickly with smooth scrolling and responsive tap controls, making it easy to stack multiple legs into a single entry.
• Performance: The app performs reliably during peak sports windows, with real-time updates and live tracking as games progress.
• Visual Design: Modern and clean, with an emphasis on readability and speed rather than flashy visuals.

Overall, Chalkboard’s interface is approachable for beginners while still efficient for frequent players.

Chalkboard App User Reviews

Chalkboard generally receives positive feedback for being easy to use and quick to learn, especially among players new to pick’em DFS.

What Users Praise

• Clean, easy-to-navigate layout
• Fast slip-building and live tracking
• Simple pick’em mechanics that are beginner-friendly
• Reward packs and promo cards that add extra value

What Users Want More Of

• More consistency around support and account-related issues
• Clearer visibility into promo timing and pack rewards
• Expanded market depth depending on state availability

Chalkboard Contest Variety & Market Depth

Chalkboard focuses on fast, engaging pick’em-style contests with a growing roster of markets and optional social features that broaden how users can play.

Pick’em Entries

Users build entries by selecting whether each player will finish Higher or Lower than projected stats. You can stack multiple picks into one entry to increase your potential payout, making entries simple for beginners but flexible enough for experienced players.

Shared & Social Plays

In addition to traditional pick’em contests, Chalkboard offers social or shared slip features where players can create picks, challenge friends, and compare results — giving the experience a social sportsbook feel that blends competition with community.

Promo Pack Integration

Promo Pack cards like Free Entry, Boost, Payout Boost, and other reward cards can be applied to eligible entries, allowing users to boost value, protect slips, or enter contests without using cash balance when the right card is available.

Chalkboard’s emphasis is on accessible gameplay mechanics, letting players jump into contests without learning complex DFS formats like salary caps or drafts, while still offering enough variety and social interaction to keep users engaged.

Chalkboard Deposit & Withdrawal Methods

Deposits

• PayPal accounts (linked and verified)
• Venmo accounts (linked and verified)
• U.S. bank accounts via online banking/ACH
• Debit & credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

Most deposits are credited instantly, though your bank or payment provider may take 1–3 business days to fully clear.

Withdrawals

Before you can withdraw funds, you need to meet the promo’s playthrough requirement by using both your deposit and matched bonus funds in at least one contest. Once that’s done:

• PayPal (linked account)
• Venmo (linked account)
• U.S. bank transfer (ACH)

Before withdrawing, users must enter contests using both their deposit and matched bonus funds at least once (1X playthrough). Chalkboard separates cash and promo balances in the Wallet so users can clearly see when funds become eligible for withdrawal.

Chalkboard Social Sports Betting

In addition to its pick’em fantasy contests, Chalkboard also offers a social sportsbook experience that lets users build and share picks, follow other players, and engage with betting content in a more community-driven way. Instead of traditional sportsbook wagering, the focus is on interaction — creating slips, comparing plays, and seeing how picks perform in real time.

The social sportsbook side of Chalkboard is designed to complement its DFS offerings rather than replace them. Users can explore trending picks, join shared entries, and interact with friends or other players around specific games and player props. This gives Chalkboard a hybrid feel, blending fantasy sports mechanics with the social elements of a sportsbook.

For players who enjoy discussing picks, tracking shared action, and engaging with betting content beyond just submitting entries, Chalkboard’s social sportsbook adds an extra layer of engagement that many DFS apps don’t offer.

Chalkboard Fantasy Pros & Cons

Chalkboard has established itself as a clean, accessible pick’em fantasy sports app, combining simple gameplay with a unique rewards system and social features. Here’s how Chalkboard stacks up overall:

Pros

• Strong welcome offer: 100% deposit match up to $100 plus a free square with promo code FOX.
• Beginner-friendly interface: Clean, modern design makes building pick’em entries fast and intuitive.
• Quick gameplay experience: Smooth scrolling, responsive controls, and live entry tracking during games.
• Straightforward pick’em format: No drafts or salary caps — just Higher/Lower player prop entries.
• Promo Packs rewards system: Ongoing packs and cards (free entries, boosts, deposit match cards) add value beyond the welcome bonus.
• Social Sports Picks feature: Community-driven picks and shared slips give Chalkboard a social sportsbook feel.

Cons

• Playthrough required: Both deposit and matched bonus funds must be used in contests before withdrawals.
• ⏳ Bonus timing can vary: Deposit match may take time to be credited after the initial deposit.
• State-dependent availability: Contest types, markets, and features vary by location.
• Pick’em-focused: Limited appeal for players looking for traditional DFS formats or full sportsbook wagering.

Chalkboard Promo Code FOX FAQ

What is the current Chalkboard promo code?

The current Chalkboard promo code FOX unlocks a 100% deposit match up to $100, plus a free square for new users.

What states is Chalkboard legal in​?

Chalkboard is available in the following states and jurisdictions:

Alaska, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska (19+), New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, D.C., Wisconsin.

Is Chalkboard legit?

Yes — Chalkboard is a legitimate fantasy sports platform that operates under applicable DFS and sweepstakes-style gaming laws, depending on location. It uses account verification, geolocation, and clearly defined contest rules, and separates real-money fantasy contests from its Social Sports Picks experience where required by state regulations.

How Fast Are Chalkboard Withdrawals?

Most Chalkboard withdrawals are processed within a few business days after eligibility requirements are met.

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A teaser bet is a type of wager where you can adjust, or “tease,” the point spread or total in your favor across multiple games. The trade-off is that because you’re making the odds easier for yourself, the payout is smaller than a standard parlay.

Teasers are in theory a type of parlay, as they involve multiple outcomes— the standard definition of a parlay wager. All legs must win for the bet to cash in both types of wagers. But again, the key difference is that a teaser will have an adjusted and smaller payout due to the flexibility provided in shifting the line or total, while a standard parlay poses a higher risk but bigger reward (due to original lines and totals being used).

How Teaser Bets in Sports Betting Work

Let’s go over how a teaser bet works step-by-step:

A teaser bet is built much like a parlay, but you get to move the lines in your favor. Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Select your legs: choose two or more games you want to combine; teasers are most common in football and basketball.

2. Adjust the lines: this is where the “tease” comes in:

• Football: usually 6, 6.5, or 7 points; for example, if you do a six-point teaser on the spread, a team with a spread of -7 would move down to -1.
• Basketball: usually 4, 4.5, or 5 points; for example, if you do a four-point teaser on the total, an Over/Under of 210 would move up to 215 if you like the Under.

3. Understand the trade-off: the more points you add in your favor, the lower the payout. Sportsbooks price teasers differently from regular parlays since you’re mit by shifting the lines in your favor.

4. Mix and match: most books let you combine point spreads and totals in the same teaser, giving you flexibility.

5. Know the rules: teaser rules vary by sportsbook. If one leg pushes (lands exactly on the adjusted number), some books treat it as a loss, while others simply drop that leg and recalculate the odds. Always check the house rules before betting.

There are also reverse teasers (often called “pleasers”) where you move the line against yourself for a higher payout. These are riskier and we’ll cover them later on.

Teaser Betting Examples

Now that we’ve covered how a teaser bet works, let’s get into some specific examples.  

NFL Teaser Bet Example

A two-team, 6-point teaser lets you combine a spread and an Over/Under on the same ticket. Say the Ravens are listed at -7 against the Browns, and the total in a different game, Packers vs. Bears, is set at 46.5. With a 6-point teaser, you could move the Ravens line down to -1 and shift the total up to 52.5 if you like the under.

By teasing both numbers, you’ve made each leg easier to hit: the Ravens now only need to win by two or more, and the Packers–Bears game has extra cushion for an under. But because you’ve adjusted the lines in your favor, the sportsbook lowers the payout compared to a standard two-leg parlay.

NBA Teaser Bet Example

A two-team, 4-point teaser in the NBA combines a spread and a total. Imagine the Warriors are -8 against the Lakers, and in another game the total between the Heat and Celtics is 212.5. With a 4-point teaser, you could bring the Warriors line down to -4 and move the total up to 216.5 if you like the under.

Just like in the NFL example above, hese adjustments give you a better shot at cashing: Golden State now only needs to win by five or more, and you’ve added extra room on the under in a low-scoring matchup. Again, because the lines are shifted in your favor, the sportsbook trims the payout. It’s less lucrative, but the friendlier lines give bettors more confidence in tricky spreads and totals.

Teaser Payout Charts and Odds

The payout on a teaser depends on a few key factors.

Number of legs: the more games you add, the higher the potential payout, but also the more risk. Just like every parlay, every leg has to win for the ticket to cash.

Points teased: moving the spread or total further in your favor lowers the payout. For this reason, most two-team teasers are priced around -120, instead of a plus-money value like most parlay bets. 

Sport: teaser adjustments differ by sport. Football teasers typically come in 6, 6.5, or 7 points. Basketball teasers are smaller, usually 4, 4.5, or 5 points, since the scoring margins tend to be tighter.

Most sportsbooks publish a teaser payout chart in their help section or betting rules. A common example is that a standard two-team, 6-point football teaser pays around -110, while adding more legs or choosing fewer points teased can shift those odds significantly. Always check your sportsbook’s specific chart before locking in a teaser.

NFL Teaser Payout Chart

Using the chart below, let’s say you place a three-team, 6-point teaser for $100. That would mean odds of +160 for this wager. If all three legs hit, you’d profit $160 on top of your $100 bet (total return of $260).

Legs	6 Points	6.5 Points	7 Points
2	-110	-120	-130
3	+160	+150	+140
4	+260	+240	+200
5	+400	+350	+320
6	+600	+500	+450

NBA Teaser Payout Chart

Suppose you place a four-team, 4-point teaser for $100. Using the chart below, a four-leg teaser at 4 points pays +260. That means if all four legs hit after the adjustment, you’d profit $260 on a $100 bet (total return of $360).

Legs	4 Points	4.5 Points	5 Points
2	-110	-120	-130
3	+160	+150	+140
4	+260	+240	+200
5	+400	+350	+320
6	+600	+500	+450

Best Sportsbooks for Teaser Betting

As with most wagers, the interface of a sportsbook matters a lot when you’re adjusting multiple lines. FanDuel and DraftKings stand out for teaser betting.

FanDuel’s betslip is intuitive, as you can select spreads or totals across multiple games, then toggle the teaser option to see the adjusted lines and odds instantly. It’s quick, clear, and minimizes mistakes, which is exactly what you want when juggling multiple legs.

DraftKings goes a step further by offering a dedicated “Teaser” tab in the betslip. Instead of piecing everything together manually, you can head straight to that tab, pick your legs, and adjust the points for each bet. Having the teaser builder built right in makes the process smoother and more beginner-friendly.

Other books like Caesars, Fanatics and bet365 also support teasers and offer great experiences as well. 

What are Reverse Teasers (Pleasers)?

A reverse teaser, often called a pleaser, works like a teaser’s “evil twin.” Instead of moving the line in your favor for a safer bet and smaller payout, you move the line against yourself to make the bet harder to hit—but with a much bigger payout if you’re right.

For example, say the Ravens are -7 against the Browns. In a standard 6-point teaser, you could move them down to -1. In a 6-point reverse teaser, you’d move them the other way to -13. If the Ravens win by 14 or more, your bet cashes—and at much higher odds than a normal spread or teaser.

“Pleasers” are high-risk, high-reward bets and are typically only for bettors who want to swing for a bigger payday by taking on extra difficulty.

Are Teaser Bets Worth It?

Teasers can add value and entertainment, but they’re not a guaranteed edge. Recreational bettors enjoy them for the flexibility, while sharp bettors often stick to NFL two-leg teasers that cross key numbers (3- a field goal, and 7- a TD) for the best value.

The danger comes with adding too many legs, as the odds look tempting but drastically increases risk. Stick to smaller teasers, know your sportsbook’s rules on pushes, and treat them as a strategic tool, not a shortcut to easy wins.

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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New York Giants fans, get the Odell Beckham Jr. jersey out of the closet.

Beckham will wear No. 13, which he wore in his first stint with the franchise from 2014-18, for the Giants this season, the team announced on Tuesday afternoon.

The 33-year-old wide receiver wore No. 3 over the summer, but he had to pick a different number for the regular season, as second-year linebacker Abdul Carter, whom New York selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Penn State, changed his number to No. 3 prior to Beckham signing a one-year deal with the Giants in June. For Beckham to wear No. 13, fourth-year receiver Jalin Hyatt had to give up the number, which he had worn his entire NFL career (2023-25).

Beckham was one of just five wide receivers to make New York’s initial 53-man roster. Appearing in each of the Giants’ three preseason games, Beckham logged seven receptions for 76 yards.

While he played just five seasons with the Giants, who drafted the wide receiver with the No. 12 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of LSU, the first time around, Beckham is second in franchise history with 5,476 receiving yards and fourth with both 390 receptions and 44 receiving touchdowns over 59 regular-season games. Beckham was a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons with the team, averaging 96 receptions for 1,374 yards and 11.7 touchdowns per year from 2014-16.

Making the Giants’ roster is a double reunion for Beckham, who played for new head coach John Harbaugh on the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.

The Giants open the 2026 regular season at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13.

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Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney’s thoughts on the LSU Tigers trying to add players who were in NFL training camps to their roster are simple.

“It’s kind of embarrassing. Honestly, it’s embarrassing that’s where we are,” Swinney said in a press conference on Tuesday morning about LSU and any school attempting to add former college players to their roster. “I don’t blame the kids, but people trying to take advantage of the system. It’s embarrassing, but we’ve been there for a while. …

“No pun intended, but we’re just going to stay in our lane.”

Two weeks ago, a Louisiana judge granted temporary restraining orders and a fifth year of college eligibility to 16 players who graduated from high school in 2022. On that note, LSU added a handful of individuals who previously played for Kiffin on the Ole Miss Rebels, including tight end Dae’Quan Wright, defensive tackle Zxavian Thomas and safety Wydatt Williams. This promptly led to the Big Ten and SEC each banning players who have appeared on an NFL or professional football roster from playing in their respective conferences.

All that said, there’s a hearing in Baton Rogue, Louisiana on Thursday regarding the SEC banning players who have appeared on pro rosters from appearing on a conference roster (e.g., LSU), according to Yahoo Sports. Earlier in the week, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian called adding a player with pro experience of any kid to a college roster “morally wrong.” Fortunately for college football fans alike, LSU hosts Texas on Nov. 14.

And, of course, Clemson opens its 2026 season on the road against LSU on Saturday night in what’s Kiffin’s first game as the Tigers’ new head coach following six seasons coaching SEC-rival Ole Miss (2020-25).

College Football Related Stories

Senior quarterback Christopher Vizzina will get the Week 1 starting nod for Clemson, beating out freshman Tait Reynolds, among others, for the job. Vizzina has spent his entire collegiate career at Clemson (2023-25) and will succeed three-year starter Cade Klubnik, who was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and will be the team’s backup signal-caller. 

LSU defeated Clemson on the road to open the 2025 season; the Tigers fired head coach Brian Kelly after beginning the season 5-3. Meanwhile, Clemson is coming off a 7-6 season after opening the year as the No. 4 ranked team in the country. It marked the fewest games that Clemson has won since going 6-7 in 2010, Swinney’s third season as the Tigers’ head coach.

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Twenty-eight years after Sammy Sosa beat Mark McGwire in a National League MVP race for the ages, the Cubs’ all-time home run leader offered some prophetic words of encouragement for Chicago’s newest MVP contender.

As part of the Cubs’ 150th anniversary celebration, Sosa and other members of the franchise’s all-time roster were in attendance Saturday at Wrigley Field as they watched Pete Crow-Armstrong launch three home runs against the Reds. It was the latest statement in a season full of them for the phenom center fielder, who has leapfrogged Shohei Ohtani as the heavy MVP favorite. 

“Sammy did say I was going to hit three today,” Crow-Armstrong said afterward. “Sammy Sosa told me I was going to hit three, and I hit three, so put that on the record.” 

Crow-Armstrong is a player built for the spotlight. Even on a weekend devoted to the greatest Cubs of all time, it was PCA who again took center stage. 

As an encore, he added two more blasts on Sunday, giving him five home runs on the weekend and 38 on the season, a total that trails only Kyle Schwarber for the most in MLB. Crow-Armstrong also joined Sosa, Alfonso Soriano, Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson as the only players in franchise history with at least 14 home runs in a calendar month.

Crow-Armstrong, MLB’s leader in wins above replacement, has catalyzed his team with leadoff blasts — he has nine this year, trailing only Soriano for the most in a season in franchise history — and dazzled with walk-off winners. He has astounded with highlight-reel defensive plays, leading all outfielders in outs above average, and amazed with his speed, ranking second in MLB in both steals (32) and triples (seven). He has also hit for the cycle, among his many accomplishments this season. 

But it’s his consistency as a complete offensive force that might have him winning MVP over Ohtani, something no player has done since Aaron Judge’s 62-homer season in 2022.

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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Even a couple of months ago, the thought that anyone could push Ohtani for the award seemed far-fetched, if not outright impossible. 

Ohtani seemed to have his eye on winning his first ever Cy Young Award in his return as a full-time two-way player this year. When he puts his mind to something, it tends to happen. At the end of May, Ohtani was pitching himself into the conversation with a 0.82 ERA through nine starts.

But his performance began to suffer after he started dealing with knee pain in early June. By the end of the month, his ERA had doubled. 

Still, even as his Cy Young chances started to fade, it was hard to imagine anyone standing in the way of him winning a fifth MVP award. On July 3, Ohtani had a 1.79 ERA as a pitcher and a .927 OPS as a hitter.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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But he has not pitched since that date, due to left knee discomfort that required an injection over the All-Star break and a recurring right bicep problem. The lingering issues have not stopped him from being a mainstay in the Dodger lineup, but they continue to prevent his return to the mound. 

They also opened a door for another MVP contender. 

“If you guys want to talk about all this back and forth, I really should go get in the lab and start pitching,” Crow-Armstrong quipped a few weeks ago.

He probably won’t have to resort to that, the way he is hitting so dependably now.

The Cubs’ star outfielder demonstrated his upside last season in an All-Star and Gold Glove campaign while finishing ninth in NL MVP voting. But his production ebbed and flowed. He had an .888 OPS in May, a .771 OPS in June and a .984 OPS in July before falling off a cliff last August (.446). He slashed just .216/.262/.372 in the second half of 2025. 

The peaks and valleys were part of the package for a young player still adjusting to the big-league game. He chased too often (only four qualified players swung at a higher rate of pitches out of the zone), reached base too seldomly (he had the fifth-lowest walk rate and on-base percentage in MLB) and struggled too much against southpaws (.595 OPS) to sustain his success. 

This year, he looks like a different force altogether, not unlike the superstar jump Bobby Witt Jr. took from his age 23 to 24 season. After a slow start to the year, Crow-Armstrong has produced an OPS over 1.000 over each of his last three months. Even beyond the consistent production, there are underlying reasons to believe this steady uptick can endure.

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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He has become a much more selective hitter, lowering his swing rate by more than 10% and his chase rate by more than 7% from last season. Those are both the largest drops among all qualified hitters this year. His walk rate, meanwhile, has swelled from 4.5% last year to 11.5% this year, the biggest jump in MLB, and it’s not at the expense of driving the baseball. 

In fact, he’s swinging harder and mashing the ball better than ever before. Crow-Armstrong raised his hard-hit rate from 41.6% last year to 48.8% this season, the second-highest jump in the sport behind only Bryson Stott. 

It took some physical adjustments to get here, some more obvious than others. Most notably, Crow-Armstrong has dropped his hands lower before getting into his load. He has also moved farther back in the box and closer to the plate, especially against lefties, while narrowing the distance between his feet in his stance.

(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

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It all seems to be working, allowing him to cover pitches better on the outer edge while still being able to turn on pitches and get to his pull-side power. His OPS against lefties has jumped nearly 400 points from last year to this year (.978). By wRC+, he went from the seventh-worst hitter against lefties last year to the seventh-best this year. 

The end result is an all-around force capable of pushing Ohtani for the league’s greatest individual honor. Crow-Armstrong leads MLB in fielding run value, Statcast’s metric for capturing a player’s defensive performance. He also leads the NL in batting run value and is tied for fifth in MLB in baserunning run value, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in myriad ways. 

The only thing he doesn’t do is pitch, but neither does Ohtani at the moment as the Dodger superstar’s MVP case hits a lull.

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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Ohtani was expected to be back on the mound Sunday or Tuesday to begin his build-up toward October, but his knee and biceps issues haven’t fully subsided. It’s now unclear when he’ll return to the mound. 

“I don’t think he’s 100%,” Roberts told reporters this weekend. 

Ohtani’s offensive performance has also declined since he started ramping his throwing program back up. 

After a weeks-long break from throwing, Ohtani threw his first bullpen session on Aug. 14. In the 15 games before that date, he had a 1.119 OPS. Over the 15 games since that date, he has a .716 OPS. 

Meanwhile, Crow-Armstrong’s push for MVP is full steam ahead. His achievements seem to get more spectacular by the day. On Saturday, two of his three home runs came off left-hander Andrew Abbott. On Sunday, his leadoff homer came off All-Star Chase Burns. His 14 home runs in August were the most by any player 24 or younger in a calendar month since Ken Griffey Jr. in May 1994.

Crow-Armstrong has already become the first player in franchise history to record back-to-back 30-homer, 30-stolen base seasons. He’s now just two homers and eight steals short of a 40-40 season, a feat that has only been accomplished six times in MLB history — most recently during Ohtani’s 50-50 campaign in 2024 — and never by a Cubs player. 

While Ohtani’s having another incredible year and doing something no other player can (.909 OPS as a hitter, 1.79 ERA as a pitcher), what Crow-Armstrong is accomplishing in Chicago could be historic. The club’s all-time leader in fWAR for a single season is Rogers Hornsby (11.0), a total that’s not out of reach for Crow-Armstrong (9.3) if he can keep this pace up. 

Of course, one month remains to sort everything out. Maybe Ohtani, focusing solely on hitting, goes on a tear. Maybe he returns to the mound and reminds everyone why the value he provides as a two-way titan can’t be matched. 

As of this moment, though, Crow-Armstrong holds the edge in nearly every offensive category (Ohtani has a slight lead in OBP) as well as WAR and stolen bases while also bringing elite defense at a premium position every day. 

And if he does become the first Cubs player to take home MVP honors since Kris Bryant in 2016, we might look back at this past weekend as the defining moment, when Crow-Armstrong put on a show for the ages while Ohtani’s return to the mound was put on hold. 

Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on X at @RowanKavner.

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Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke has agreed to buy the Los Angeles Angels from Arte Moreno, expanding his sports holding company into Major League Baseball.

The transaction is through Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, and Arsenal. Kroenke also owns the Rams and developed SoFi Stadium and the surrounding Hollywood Park site in Inglewood.

Beyond the franchise acquisition, Kroenke reportedly intends to build a 2.5 billion dollar venue to replace Angel Stadium, according to Forbes. The venue opened in 1966 and has seen two major refurbishments.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to approval by Major League Baseball. Financial terms were not publicly disclosed, though the sale was reportedly “more than the $3.9 billion sale price for the Padres.” according to the LA Times.

“The Angels Organization is pleased to announce this transaction with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment,” owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “The Moreno Family has been honored to steward the Angels for 23 years and we believe with KSE’s experience and success they are the best next owner for the franchise. The Angels Organization looks forward to continuing its commitment to the fans, our employees, the players and our business partners.”

“The Angels are a storied franchise anchored in a great market,” KSE owner and chairman Stan Kroenke said in a statement. “We look forward to an exciting future with the Angels organization.”

Kroenke-affiliated entities own the Los Angeles Rams and developed SoFi Stadium along with the 300-acre Hollywood Park district in Inglewood. KSE also owns the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rapids, and Arsenal.

Moreno became Major League Baseball’s first Latino owner when he purchased the team following its 2002 World Series championship. The team won five American League West titles between 2004 and 2009, but later endured an 11-season playoff drought through 2026.

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Let’s get weird. Let’s get spicy. Let’s get bold.

Could this be the year that running backs go off like it’s 1990? Could this finally be the year that the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys stop messing around? Could the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in rebuild mode?

Yes, yes and yes. At least that’s what I think.

I have some bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season. Twelve of them. Let’s talk ball.

1.

There’s just not a lot of buzz around the Chiefs that makes me feel optimistic. The one really positive preseason storyline — rookie receiver Cyrus Allen — has totally died out. The fifth-round pick played deep into the team’s final preseason game, perhaps indicating he’s not as impressive as the hype made him out to be. The team wants more from him. And offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy made it clear that the team needs a whole lot more from WR1 Rashee Rice. 

Wide receiver Cyrus Allen, a fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati, was a preseason darling for the Chiefs before his storyline faded. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)

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Patrick Mahomes will probably play Week 1 despite returning (quickly) from his ACL injury, but it remains to be seen whether his offensive line has improved substantially. And that’ll also dictate whether running back Kenneth Walker III will be as explosive as the Chiefs paid the Super Bowl MVP big money to be. Walker has never been a bell cow, but more than that, he’s never really had to run behind a bad offensive line. That concerns me.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City defense will be without cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, safety Bryan Cook and linebacker Leo Chenal. McDuffie was traded to the Rams and the others left in free agency.

I’ll always fear the Chiefs, because of Mahomes and Andy Reid. But logically, this team can’t possibly make the playoffs, can it?

2.

They invested in their defense by trading for three-time Pro Bowl tackle Dexter Lawrence and signing DT Jonathan Allen, edge Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook in free agency. And in a way, that was the Bengals investing in Joe Burrow — because he’s gotten killed trying to keep breakneck pace with his putrid defense (after years of getting killed behind his crappy offensive line).

Now, it feels like the Bengals have finally turned a corner. They kept Burrow’s weapons on offense. They’ve built a half-decent offensive line. And simultaneously, they’ve invested in defensive playmakers.

It seems like Cincinnati might be excellent this year. It seems like Cincinnati can legitimately contend for a Super Bowl for the first time since … well, since the Bengals made the Super Bowl.

3.

The Patriots have heavily favored Brown during training camp practices. Quarterback Drake Maye has a connection with Brown that typically takes years to develop. And this Patriots passing game feels like it’s on the verge of doing remarkable things.

Brown will be at the center of all of it. He got tired of not getting the ball in Philly. The Patriots will make up for it in spades. Maye is going to feed Brown early and often. The three-time All-Pro is 29 and has a knee issue that might impact his explosiveness down the line, which is all the more reason to get him to the top of the receptions category in 2026.

4.

This passing total would put him into contention to lead the league. And it would make him the first Chicago Bears quarterback to top 4,000 passing yards. Ever. 

I’m not sure that Williams is going to be the total package in 2026. I’m not sure we’ll see his playing style align perfectly with coach Ben Johnson’s scheme at all times. But the QB’s completion percentage will rise above 60%, and that, in itself, will generate more yards. 

Then I think young receivers Luther Burden and Rome Odunze will continue their upward growth, with both players taking major leaps forward this year. Second-year pro Colston Loveland will be a total menace in Johnson’s tight-end-friendly offense. 

Caleb Williams (18), Colston Loveland (84) and Cole Kmet are ready to dial it up in coach Ben Johnson’s tight-end-friendly offense. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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There are a few ways all this could go wrong. And one of the most obvious questions is left tackle, where the Bears were hesitant to name a starter. There’s also the matter of the youngsters on offense; fans and media members are prone to assume they’ll get better, but that doesn’t always happen.

Johnson, however, is what makes everything feel reassuring. If he keeps this offense steady, the Bears will see Caleb’s stats go crazy — and Chicago will make the playoffs again.

5.

This one is an easy pick. The Lions struggled last year while dealing with playcalling issues — and, frankly, some bad luck. But they’ve returned their core while addressing some issues, whether it’s right tackle (with rookie Blake Miller) or secondary (safety Chuck Clark and Christian Izien). Even offensive coordinator Drew Petzing is a compelling candidate in his new gig after putting up video-game numbers with the Cardinals’ offense. 

The Lions are angry and hungry. And they’re simply way, way too talented to stay in the basement of the NFC North.

6.

It’s interesting to see a Jalen Hurts replica starting to appear in the NFC South. Shough is sort of Hurts’ reincarnation, via the voodoo of coach Kellen Moore, who used to be the Eagles’ OC. 

Because Shough looked like he was rapidly ascending at the back end of his rookie season — and because the Saints added first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson (out with a hamstring injury to start the season) — I think he can jump into the top 10 in passing stats.

It’s totally doable. Baker Mayfield was the 10th-best passer in 2025 with 3,693 yards. In 2023, Hurts threw for 3,858 yards under Moore.

The NFC South is winnable, as usual. And I think the New Orleans rebuild starts to go exponential this season, in large part because I believe in the way Moore and Shough are clicking.

7.

This team is going to be bad. Like, tremendously terrible. On Monday, the Dolphins claimed seven players off waivers — effectively wiping away 13% of their current roster (players who actually attended their training camp) to bring in new guys who have never worked in the Miami system.

Think about that for a second. They’d prefer to school up those seven players with just 10 days until the season-opener — rather than keep working with the guys who have spent their entire offseason with the team. 

That reflects extremely poorly on the talent that is and was in Miami. (This shouldn’t come as much of a shock either. The joint practices were bloodbaths, with the Dolphins getting dominated by the Giants and Commanders.)

So they’re in a race with the Browns — to the bottom of the NFL.

8.

This might sound really crazy, but hear me out. The Rams have a mind-bogglingly large number of sack artists. Edge Myles Garrett is the obvious candidate to lead the team — and the league — in sacks. But before last season, when he set the record with 23, he’d had two consecutive seasons of 14 sacks. 

I think it’s possible that’s where he lands in 2025. It might even land lower, given that Rams edge Byron Young had 12 sacks last year. If teams are double-teaming Garrett, which would be reasonable, then that could open up things for Donald. He’s fresh after two seasons in retirement. He’s probably going to play in a pass-rushing-specific role.

It’s reasonable to think he could get 14 sacks this year. And if that’s the case, he could also lead a deep group of L.A. sack artists.

9.

Here’s my list: Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, James Cook, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor and either Christian McCaffrey, De’Von Achane or Javonte Williams.

Last year, it was just Cook, Henry and Taylor.

But given how much we’ve seen teams invest in their running backs — with new contracts for Robinson, Gibbs, Achane and Cook — I think they’re going to do what they can to help them succeed. Barkley will be back to being an offensive centerpiece for the Eagles in 2026. And don’t count out second-year Cowboys back Williams, who will likely be the uncontested RB1 on what I expect to be the NFL’s most explosive offense.

10.

I really liked Eagles first-round receiver Makai Lemon to win OROY, but a lingering hamstring issue sidelined him for most of camp, so I’m concerned about how immediately he’ll produce. 

Price, the final pick of the first round, will split touches with George Holani in Seattle’s backfield to start the year because Zach Charbonnet will miss at least the first four games after tearing his ACL in January. And though Charbonnet (and Holani) will probably steal touchdowns, Price is likely to rack up major yardage totals. That should be enough for him to edge any of the receivers and/or No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, whom the Raiders insist they plan to sit behind veteran QB Kirk Cousins this season.

11.

The Raiders will spend this season playing from behind, but I sense that the aborted trade of Crosby to Baltimore in March shifted something in his brain. He seems to have a newfound fire. He might even get traded again before the deadline. 

With ample opportunities and increased intensity, Crosby should be able to tee off on quarterbacks and land at the top of the leaderboard for sacks.

12.

I want to go absolutely nuts and pick the Cowboys for a Super Bowl. But I’m apprehensive about doing that, given how little we know about this defense. We know that Jerry Jones did what he implied he was going to do. He split up the money that he was going to give to Micah Parsons and completely rebuilt the appalling unit using some of the picks he got by trading Parsons.

But I’m not certain that the rebuild on that side of the ball is complete.

I am certain, however, that the Dallas offense is going to be incredible again. And if the defense is even middling, the Cowboys will probably feel some pressure to put up points and yardage totals. It’s going to be fun to watch. They’re going to make the playoffs. And when that happens, Prescott’s numbers and win totals will put him in the MVP race.

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