Category: Sport

• Ryan S. Clark

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  Ryan S. Clark

  ESPN NHL reporter

  Ryan S. Clark is an NHL reporter for ESPN.

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• Kristen Shilton

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  Kristen Shilton

  ESPN NHL reporter

  Kristen Shilton is a national NHL reporter for ESPN.

  , 

• Greg Wyshynski

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  Greg Wyshynski

  Senior NHL writer

  Greg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.

Multiple Authors

Mar 3, 2026, 07:00 AM ET

The NHL trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET on Friday.

Though several blockbusters have already happened — including Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild and Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings — there are some big names still reportedly available to contenders.

So, who will get traded next?

ESPN reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski devised logical trades that could happen before the deadline and benefit all teams involved, keeping salary cap implications in mind.

Let’s start with a deal that would have seemed improbable in the preseason:

Edmonton Oilers get:
G Sergei Bobrovsky

Florida Panthers get:
G Connor Ingram, F Isaac Howard

Why it works: If you can’t beat them, acquire them!

Editor’s Picks

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This transaction would require some serious soul-searching by Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman and Florida GM Bill Zito. For Bowman, it would mean acknowledging that his previous plan to fix the team’s goaltending — acquiring Tristan Jarry from the Penguins — still puts the team’s postseason fortunes at risk. For Zito, it would mean that this Aleksander Barkov-less season is a write-off, and that Bobrovsky, who turns 38 in September, accumulated too much wear and tear during the past three seasons to get a multiyear contract.

The Oilers know they have a three-year window before Connor McDavid becomes an unrestricted free agent. Chances must be taken. Bobrovsky has been pretty bad in the regular season, but that’s not unusual for him. It’s his evolution into Playoff Bob every April that makes him intriguing for Edmonton. The Oilers have witnessed it first-hand for two straight Stanley Cup Finals.

The money could work with full 50% retention by the Panthers and Ingram (with an expiring contract) being shipped out. The acquisition of Connor Murphy on Monday complicates things — putting Mattias Janmark on long-term injured reserve was part of my Bobrovsky gambit, and they did so to make that trade with Chicago — so some other parts would have to move. The Oilers don’t want to give up Howard, but is there a player with the game and swagger who better fits the Panthers’ aesthetic?

Yes, Edmonton needed another defenseman and could use a third-line center. None of that matters if the Oilers don’t have someone who can stop the puck in the playoffs, and that’s what Bobrovsky does. — Wyshynski

Minnesota Wild get:
C Vincent Trocheck

New York Rangers get:
2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick, D Carson Lambos and F Charlie Stramel

Why it works: Trading for one of the proven top-six centers at the deadline isn’t a question of need but rather what it will take to complete the deal and if it makes sense for the acquiring franchise. Wild GM Bill Guerin and his front office are facing that decision ahead of the deadline.

Trocheck is practically the perfect deadline addition for the Wild. As a two-way center, he fits within their defensive structure, and he can do what’s required in the offensive zone to score and set up others. He can be trusted to play in every situation, and on any special teams unit.

Above all, he gives the Wild someone who has experience playing against top-line centers — a skill that could prove useful in the daunting Western Conference playoff bracket. Trocheck told reporters Monday that there are teams in the West that are on his no-trade list, and The Athletic reported that the Wild are not on that list.

In this trade, the Rangers get two prospects, Lambos and Stramel, and they could play as soon as this spring, or possibly at some point next season. The Rangers, who have two first-round picks this year, would have multiple firsts in 2027 if they completed this deal.

The Wild weathered the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, and that has allowed Guerin and his staff to explore more options — but that comes with a few caveats. Are the Wild comfortable parting with two more prospects and a first-round pick when they’ve already moved on from Zeev Buium, Marat Khusnutdinov, Liam Ohgren and Marco Rossi within the past year? And though they have $11.4 million in deadline cap space, per PuckPedia, are they also comfortable having what would be an eighth player with more than three years remaining on their current deal worth more than $5 million annually?

If Guerin and his front office are comfortable saying yes to those questions, this deal makes a lot of sense. — Clark

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0:24

Vincent Trocheck’s lone shootout goal wins it for Rangers

Vincent Trocheck fires in a goal for the Rangers to win it in the shootout vs. Penguins.

Colorado Avalanche get:
C Ryan O’Reilly, 2027 sixth-round pick

Nashville Predators get:
2027 first-round pick, 2026 fourth-round pick (from Carolina) and F Nikita Prishchepov

Why it works: Colorado must strike now. The Avalanche have not advanced past the second round in a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. This is Colorado’s best team in the past four years, and the Avalanche have an excellent chance of making another championship run. Colorado already has a one-two punch down the middle with Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson. What the Avalanche need is someone like O’Reilly to round out their center depth with scoring touch, physicality and, of course, winning experience (O’Reilly was part of St. Louis’ Cup victory in 2019).

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O’Reilly is also having a terrific season. The 35-year-old leads the Predators with 21 goals and 57 points in 59 games while playing over 20 minutes per contest. If the Avalanche can draw that kind of production out of their third-line center, it will make their offensive attack enviably formidable.

But O’Reilly does not want to be traded. His family is happy in Nashville, and he’d like to stay put. But O’Reilly has no trade protection in his contract, which carries a $4.5 million annual cap hit through next season, although there is a sense that Predators GM Barry Trotz would bring a trade proposal to O’Reilly before making anything official.

With that in mind, Colorado would have to give up quite a bit to land O’Reilly. The Avalanche don’t have a first-round pick in 2026 — that went to the New York Islanders in Colorado’s acquisition of Nelson at last year’s deadline. The Avalanche’s win-now mentality makes giving up next year’s top selection a calculated risk. It would be worth it, though, if O’Reilly puts them over the top.

The deal would also include Prishchepov, a 22-year-old center Colorado selected in the seventh round of the 2024 draft. He has played 10 NHL games, and his inclusion is a sweetener for Nashville, which is headed for a rebuilding phase. — Shilton

Carolina Hurricanes get:
C Robert Thomas

St. Louis Blues get:
2026 first-round pick (from DAL), C Jesperi Kotkaniemi, D Alexander Nikishin, F Ryan Suzuki

Why it works: It’s clear that St. Louis and Thomas could benefit from a clean break. Carolina would be an ideal trade partner.

The Hurricanes have had no problem making the postseason, but it’s their lack of playoff scoring that has repeatedly derailed Carolina’s recent opportunities to reach a Stanley Cup Final. The Hurricanes haven’t hesitated to take a big swing before — such as acquiring Jake Guentzel two seasons ago, landing Mikko Rantanen last season (before trading him again), and making a play for Mitch Marner last year, too.

Adding Thomas would give Carolina a 20-plus goal scorer to anchor one of its top two lines who can also be an asset on the power play. Thomas, 26, has five years remaining on his deal with an $8.125 million annual cap hit. The Hurricanes would be getting some of the best years of Thomas’ career.

The return is significant, and it has to be. The Hurricanes would be trading the first-round pick they received when they dealt Rantanen to Dallas. Sending it off to bring in another potential superstar center seems right, somehow. Koktaniemi hasn’t panned out into being the consistent scoring center Carolina hoped for, but he is still productive and could slide into the Blues’ lineup while providing good depth in a second- or third-line role. Nikishin is a burly defender who can contribute offensively, with seven goals and 22 points in 58 games this season. Carolina wouldn’t part with Nikishin easily, but he could swiftly elevate the Blues’ defense corps.

Suzuki. Carolina’s first-round draft choice in 2019, is a 24-year-old center who has played in only two NHL games, but has been excellent in the American Hockey League (he has 10 goals and 39 points in 47 games for the Chicago Wolves this season). St. Louis could give him an NHL spot soon. In Carolina, he hasn’t broken through because of its depth up front.

Blues GM Doug Armstrong might not get a perfect trade return for Thomas. A deal with Carolina makes sense for his club in the short and long term. — Shilton

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0:33

Robert Thomas scores goal vs. Wild

Robert Thomas tallies goal vs. Wild

Boston Bruins get:
C Robert Thomas, D Justin Faulk

St. Louis Blues get:
C Dean Letourneau, D Mason Lohrei, C Casey Mittelstadt, F Michael Eyssimont, 2027 first-round pick (unprotected)

Why it works: I’ve long felt that the Bruins were keeping their No. 1 center spot open in the hopes that either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl could have filled it before both re-signed with the Oilers. But top-line centers in their prime don’t often become available, which is why it’s noteworthy that the Blues are listening to trade offers for Thomas. The Bruins could pull off that kind of blockbuster because they have a deep well of assets. But why stop at Thomas?

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The Bruins have been one of the teams mentioned to have interest in Faulk, who has 32 points in 60 games and is averaging 22:30 of ice time. Faulk, 33, has another year left on his contract at a $6.5 million annual cap hit, and the Blues have the retention slots to keep 50% of his contract to make this trade happen. It’ll cost the Bruins even more, but it could be worth it to slot Faulk behind Charlie McAvoy on the right-side defensive depth chart.

The Blues will, of course, not retain salary for Robert Thomas, who is signed through 2030-31 at an AAV of $8.125 million. To make the money work, the Bruins likely have to send back Mittelstadt ($5.75 million, signed through 2026-27) and Eyssimont ($1.45 million, signed through 2026-27) to go along with Lohrei ($3.2 million AAV, RFA after 2026-27), a player the Blues might want.

But if the Blues are going to move Thomas, they will move him for future assets. Boston won’t move 2025 first-round pick James Hagens. Letourneau is a 20-year-old center for Boston College who is 6-foot-7 and has scored at more than a point-per-game pace this season.

Toss in an unprotected first, and that’s a hefty price to pay. But it’s a deal that helps Boston in the short term as a playoff team, and the long term with Thomas at the top of its center depth chart. — Wyshynski

Anaheim Ducks get:
D Dougie Hamilton

New Jersey Devils get:
D Drew Helleson, 2027 second-round pick (from ANA), 2027 second-round pick (from DET)

Why it works: This one would work for both teams now and in the future.

The Ducks don’t need to make a trade, given what the group has accomplished this season. But getting Hamilton would fit their philosophy of adding veterans and blending them with a roster filled with young players to create a team that has a chance to be one of the NHL’s next long-term factors.

Hamilton would bolster the right side of the Ducks’ defense that already has Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba. Hamilton’s arrival would also help the Ducks pair their younger defensemen, such as Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger, with a veteran.

Gudas and Trouba are both unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, while Hamilton still has two years left on his contract worth $9 million annually. Hamilton would provide the Ducks cost certainty entering what will likely be an expensive offseason, with Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mintyukov and Zellweger set to be restricted free agents. LaCombe’s contract extension begins in 2026-27, bumping his salary from $925,000 to $9 million annually.

The Devils moving off Hamilton’s salary would be a bonus for a team that is facing cap challenges going into the deadline. But it’s possible that the Ducks — or any team that’s interested in Hamilton — could use that as a bargaining chip, provided they have the cap space. That’s what makes assessing a potential return complicated.

It’s possible that Helleson, who will make $1.1 million next season, along with the draft capital, could push this trade through. — Clark

The best pipeline of the UFC for talent is back because “Dana White's Contender series” returned on August 12 for August 9th. American Welterweight Ty Miller received the first contract in the season after his unanimous victory against Jimmy Drago. White then showed his appreciation for Khamzat Chimaev's Russian teammate Baysangur Susurkaev, who said White said the show when he excluded Murtaza Talha into the liver in the first round with a malignant kick.

Selection of the publisher

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Susurkaev immediately put his UFC contract to work and only booked a place in UFC 319: Chimaev against Dricus du Plessis Undercard in Chicago just four days later. Susurkaev rode with the hype wave until his first victory, a second round naked throttle filing by debutantian Eric Nolan.

In week 2, four out of five fights ended early with four knockouts. The other, a unanimous decision by Jose Delano about Manuel Exposito in the main event, was an exciting three-round matter in which both fighters fought against the last bell. All five winners left the UFC APEX with UFC contracts.

How to watch the fights

See “Dana White's Contender Series” on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+: Get ESPN+ here.

FightCenter offers statistics and analyzes for every UFC and “DWCS” card.

“Dana White's Contender Series” Season 9 -Matchups and Results:

Week 1 results

Middleweight: Ilianan Bouafia Def. Neemias Santana from Dud
Welterweight: Ty Miller Def. Jimmy Drago from UD
Middle weight: Baysangur Susurkaev Def. Murthaz Talha from TKO1
Springweight: Radley da Silva Def. George Mangos from UD
Medium weight: Yuri Panferov Def. Christopher Ewert of UD

Miller and Susurkaev received UFC contracts.

Week 2 results

Spring weight: Jose Delano Def. Manuel Exposito from UD
Middle weight: Cam Rowston Def. Brandon Holmes from TKO1
Herrenroam: Lou Louis Scott. The SaudiMar of TKO3
Heavyweight: Josh Hokit Def. Guilherme Uriel from TKO2
Springweight: Ramiro Jimenez Def. Tommy Cuozzi from TKO1

Jimenez, Hokit, Scott, Rowston and Delano received UFC contracts

Week 3 matchups

Light heavyweight: Vitor Costa against Ryan Gandra
Springweight: Damon Wilson against Marico Barbosa
Light heavyweight: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev against Alik Lorenz
Light weight: Cristian Perez against Manoel Sousa
Heavyweight: Elisha Ellison vs. Brando Perikic

Week 4 matchups

Welterweight: Jack Congdon against Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani
Middle weight: Theo Haig against Cezary Oleksiejczuk
Light weight: almond Nallo against Samuel Silva
Men's fly weight: a Tuan Ho against Frank Silva
Springweight: Tommy McMillen against David Mgoyan

Week 5 matchups

Heavyweight: Guilherme Pat against Anthony Guarascio
Springweight: Cam Teague against Lerryan Douglas
Light heavyweight: Felipe Franco against Ivan Gnizditskiy
Light: Chasing Blair against Samuel Sanches
Women's flying weight: Shanelle Dyer against Carol Foro

Week 6 Matchups

TBA

Week 7 Matchups

TBA

Week 8 matchups

TBA

Week 9 Matchups

TBA

Week 10 matchups

TBA

• Bill ConnellyAug 18, 2025, 07:15 AM ET

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  Bill Connelly is a writer for ESPN. He covers college football, soccer and tennis. He has been at ESPN since 2019.

The 1990 college football season kicked off with chaos off the field and a sense of familiarity on it. Miami and Notre Dame had gone a combined 22-1 against the rest of the nation in 1989, and the Hurricanes’ 27-10 win over the Irish on Nov. 25 had basically decided the national title. In 1990, they predictably began the season ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively; Florida State, the only team to beat either in 1989, began the year ranked fourth, and the others in the preseason top 10 had all finished the previous season 12th or better. Though each year produces its own upstarts, the sport’s balance of power seemed crystal clear heading into the 1990s.

Off the field, everything was as blurry as could be. With Penn State’s impending move to the Big Ten, the first major run of conference realignment was underway, and people were envisioning a world that might feature as few as three superconferences. Sports Illustrated’s Austin Murphy wrote about a possible Super SEC (with Florida State, Miami, South Carolina and the SWC’s Arkansas, Texas and Texas A&M) and a Pac-14 with Colorado, BYU, San Diego State and Utah. It began to seem as if anything were possible regarding the future of the sport.

Those vibes unexpectedly made their way onto the field. The season started with a wild 31-31 tie between No. 5 Colorado and No. 8 Tennessee — the Vols scored 21 points in the final eight minutes to erase a two-score deficit — and the temperature never went down. Miami lost to BYU in Week 2, Colorado suffered a second blemish the next week, and the upsets came so hot-and-heavy that Virginia found itself No. 1 for the first time by mid-October. By the end of the year, 18 teams had appeared in the AP top five, the most ever. Colorado ended up splitting the national title with Georgia Tech even though the Yellow Jackets hadn’t entered the polls until October and the Buffaloes had suffered the aforementioned multiple blemishes. Colorado had also famously benefited from the sport’s most famous clipping penalty and, of course, a fifth down.

(Charles Johnson didn’t score on fifth down either. The Missouri grad in me is obligated to endlessly remind you of this.)

The Buffaloes and Yellow Jackets didn’t play each other for the title, of course, because in 1990 we were still letting poll voters and half-informed and self-interested bowl officials decide who had a shot at a ring. Georgia Tech had to play No. 18 Nebraska in the Citrus Bowl because the Sugar Bowl had locked up Virginia in early November, right before the Cavaliers fell apart following a loss to … Georgia Tech. The Orange Bowl, having already landed Colorado, could have selected Tech for a 1-versus-2 battle but decided to go with big brand Notre Dame instead. Television ratings were more important than merit, after all.

Thirty-five years later, on the first Friday night of the season, Colorado and Georgia Tech will meet for the first time. That Sunday, Miami and Notre Dame will face off as well. The sport is facing unprecedented change off the field — so much so that I wrote a book about it — but any 1990 vibes we can channel on the field are welcome because in these parts we love chaos. College football is at its best when (again, on the field) it makes the least possible sense.

Messy seasons take on lives of their own, but really, college football’s superpower is that it’s far too big to contain. There are always messes, and there is always a close game on, a funky offense to watch and small-school madness to follow. Each year I create a road map for getting the most out of the season. Here’s how to enjoy yourself to the fullest this fall.

Watch the big games (duh)

Sometimes you have to search for the fun, and other times it’s staring you in the face. The spectacle of a big game is one of college football’s best draws. Here are three games from each week that feature (A) the highest combined projected SP+ ratings from the two teams and (B) a projected scoring margin (per SP+) of less than 10 points. (Games between teams in the preseason AP Top 25 are in bold.)

Week 1: Texas at Ohio State, LSU at Clemson, Notre Dame at Miami (Sunday)

Week 2: Michigan at Oklahoma, Baylor at SMU, Iowa at Iowa State

Week 3: Georgia at Tennessee, Texas A&M at Notre Dame, Florida at LSU

Week 4: Florida at Miami, Michigan at Nebraska, Auburn at Oklahoma

Week 5: Alabama at Georgia, Oregon at Penn State, LSU at Ole Miss

Week 6: Texas at Florida, Miami at Florida State, Kansas State at Baylor

Week 7: Alabama at Missouri, Oklahoma vs. Texas, Georgia at Auburn

Week 8: Tennessee at Alabama, Ole Miss at Georgia, Penn State at Iowa

Week 9: Alabama at South Carolina, Texas A&M at LSU, Ole Miss at Oklahoma

Week 10: Penn State at Ohio State, Florida vs. Georgia, Oklahoma at Tennessee

Week 11: LSU at Alabama, Oregon at Iowa, Texas A&M at Missouri

Week 12: Texas at Georgia, Florida at Ole Miss, South Carolina at Texas A&M

Week 13: Tennessee at Florida, Missouri at Oklahoma, Kansas State at Utah

Week 14: Ohio State at Michigan, Texas A&M at Texas, Alabama at Auburn

Granted, Week 2 is a bit of an alternative programming week — allow me to petition for “College GameDay” to pass on Michigan-Oklahoma in favor of the resumption of the Mizzou-Kansas Border War in Columbia — but big games are distributed nicely throughout the season.

Irish Farmageddon, baby!

Avery Johnson leads Kansas State against Iowa State in Week 0 as Farmageddon goes green, playing in Ireland. Reese Strickland/Imagn Images

We get a fun and important game even before Week 1 arrives: This Saturday, No. 17 Kansas State and No. 22 Iowa State will meet for the 109th iteration of Farmageddon — and in the farm-iest of locales: Ireland. ISU has won four of the past five to take a 54-50-4 lead in the series, and the winner of this one will enter Week 1 as a favorite to reach the Big 12 championship game. I really should have pushed to cover this game in person.

Week 5 is incredible

I’m not sure we’ve ever seen a September weekend as big as Week 5 might shape up to be. Preseason No. 2 Penn State hosts No. 7 Oregon, while No. 5 Georgia attempts revenge at home against No. 8 Alabama. Meanwhile, the undercard is endless. No. 9 LSU visits No. 21 Ole Miss in one of the SEC’s more spirited old rivalries, No. 7 Notre Dame visits Arkansas for the first time in a Lou Holtz Bowl of sorts, No. 3 Ohio State visits an ambitious Washington, and Auburn visits No. 19 Texas A&M in a rivalry that frequently produces silliness.

Plus, two Big Ten games that might not catch the eye in some years — USC at No. 12 Illinois, No. 20 Indiana at Iowa — take on a lot of playoff relevance, and I haven’t even mentioned TCU at No. 11 Arizona State on Friday night, a great Group of 5 showdown between Appalachian State and Boise State or an FCS top-five matchup between South Dakota and North Dakota State! There’s almost too much to keep track of in Week 5. Clear your schedule.

Bask in wild conference title races

In last week’s SP+ projections, the top eight teams in the Big 12 were separated by only 6.0 points, and 10 teams were within a touchdown of the projected top two. In the SEC, the top six were separated by 6.1 points. In the American, the top five were separated by 6.1. In the Sun Belt, Nos. 2 through 9 were separated by 6.7.

Editor’s Picks

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In the ACC, Big Ten, Conference USA, MAC and Mountain West, there are pretty clear hierarchies at the top. Surprises are always possible, but we know who should be (and is) favored. In these four other conferences, however, we could be in for spectacular plot twists. Irish Farmageddon should give us an early taste of this, followed by Georgia at Tennessee in Week 3, but things will kick into overdrive in Week 5 and include a good number of midweek games. Some particularly big weeks:

Week 8: Ole Miss at Georgia, Tennessee at Alabama, Texas Tech at Arizona State, Utah at BYU, Baylor at TCU, Army at Tulane, Coastal Carolina at App State, Texas State at Marshall

Week 9: James Madison at Texas State (Tues.), Marshall at Coastal Carolina (Thurs.), Texas A&M at LSU, Ole Miss at Oklahoma, BYU at Iowa State, Colorado at Utah, Kansas State at Kansas, South Florida at Memphis, Louisiana at South Alabama

Week 11: UTSA at South Florida (Thurs.), Georgia Southern at App State (Thurs.), LSU at Alabama, BYU at Texas Tech, Iowa State at TCU, Tulane at Memphis, James Madison at Marshall, Texas State at Louisiana

Week 14: Navy at Memphis (Fri.), Texas A&M at Texas, LSU at Oklahoma, Colorado at Kansas State, Utah at Kansas, Army at UTSA, James Madison at Coastal Carolina, South Alabama at Texas State, Georgia Southern at Marshall

Which new/young SEC quarterback takes control?

It was easily one of the most interesting storylines I pieced together as I was writing my conference previews: The SEC is overflowing with new or young starting quarterbacks with massive upside and incomplete résumés, so much so that they got their own section in my most important players of 2025 list. For that matter, six of the top eight teams in the preseason AP poll have new starting QBs.

Most of these guys are athletic and exciting, which is to say that they’re capable of making tons of big plays and/or taking lots of hits. A couple of them will underachieve or battle injuries that impact their teams significantly. A couple could break through and lead top-five charges. Figuring out who’s who will be both entertaining and integral to the playoff race.

Year 2 on Lake Michigan

Five Home Games at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. See you next Fall 🌊 pic.twitter.com/Mh2pHonQvJ

— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) December 13, 2024

Northwestern is spending almost a billion dollars on its Ryan Field rebuild, and this is the last season the Wildcats will play in their temporary home at Martin Stadium on Lake Michigan. It’s an incredible, aesthetically pleasing venue, and it will host at least one pretty big-time game: the Wildcats’ Week 3 matchup against Oregon. (Their late-season home games against Michigan and Minnesota will be at Wrigley Field, unfortunately.)

The Pepto-Bismol All-Stars

Certain teams will be playing in an inordinate number of close games. According to my final preseason SP+ projections, there are a whopping 25 teams with at least eight games projected to finish within one score (approximately 7.5 points), including eight schools with nine such games. (Perhaps not surprisingly, four of these teams are from the Big 12.) You will be watching the fourth quarter of many of their games.

10 tight games: UTEP

9 tight games: Baylor, Colorado State, Iowa State, Middle Tennessee, San Diego State, TCU, West Virginia

8 tight games: Akron, Appalachian State, Delaware, Florida, Hawai’i, Houston, Iowa, Jacksonville State, Kansas, Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State, North Texas, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Sam Houston, Texas A&M, Utah

UTEP is a heavy underdog against Texas in Week 3 and a two-touchdown dog against Liberty in mid-October. But from the Utah State game in Week 1 to the trip to Delaware in Week 14, the other 10 games are projected within five points. Guhhhh. Stock up on antacid, Miners fans.

Embrace the option

Navy quarterback Blake Horvath is back, which should mean more fun for the Midshipmen. Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

Army and Navy enjoyed sudden surges in 2024 thanks to new interpretations of their good, old option offenses. Army surged from a combined 12-12 in 2022-23 to 12-2 last fall — with an American conference title — thanks to a combined 2,794 rushing yards and 42 TDs from quarterback Bryson Daily and fullback Kanye Udoh. Navy, meanwhile, left behind four straight losing seasons with a 10-3 campaign and defeated both Army and Oklahoma in December. And although Daily and Udoh are gone, Navy quarterback Blake Horvath returns in 2025.

Neither service academy will sneak up on anyone this year, but they’re still going to run their own versions of sexy option offenses. Air Force has maintained its own variety of the option and has been rewarded with five 10-win seasons in 11 years, though the Falcons fell off course after heavy turnover in 2024.

I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. These three schools have long annoyed the hell out of opponents with their increasingly unique attacks. But we’re welcoming someone new to the FBS option party this year: Rice, which enjoyed a few winning seasons in the 1990s with Ken Hatfield’s option offense, decided to give it another go, hiring Davidson’s Scott Abell to replace Mike Bloomgren.

At Davidson, Abell’s Wildcats drew attention with gaudy rushing totals at the FCS level, and in his very first season, they pulled off one of the most unusual accomplishments you’ll ever see, rushing for 789 yards in one game … and losing. I don’t expect many wins from Rice in 2025, but the Owls are virtually guaranteed to find a rhythm against an insufficiently prepared opponent and produce some delightful numbers. You’ll want to keep an eye out for it.

Watch the midweek games

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1:08

BYU fans go wild on late game-winning TD

BYU’s Darius Lassiter sends the crowd into a frenzy after hauling in a miraculous touchdown catch in the waning moments against Oklahoma State.

Midweek games are great for giving us opportunities to catch up on interesting teams, dive into fun locales (and maybe slide down a muddy hill) and, quite frequently, enjoy some silly football. Last season alone, the midweek slate gave us BYU’s incredible last-second win over Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech’s overturned Hail Mary against Miami, Duke’s overtime win over Northwestern on Lake Michigan, wild Arizona State wins and UNLV thrillers, Kennesaw State’s first win as an FBS team (a shocking upset of Liberty) and a number of zany comebacks. November’s MACtion slate gave us a weekly classic, and Week 4 gave us maybe the wildest Friday night of all time, featuring a big Stanford upset of Syracuse and two overtime games (Illinois over Nebraska and Washington State over San Jose State). Whew.

The 2025 midweek games have a high bar to clear. Not including Black Friday after Thanksgiving, here’s one Tuesday-to-Friday game to pay particular attention to each week. (I made an exception for the start of MACtion.) We’ll inevitably gravitate toward whichever wild games go down to the wire, but these will be worth paying attention to regardless.

Week 1: Georgia Tech at Colorado (Fri.)

Week 2: James Madison at Louisville (Fri.)

Week 3: NC State at Wake Forest (Thurs.)

Week 4: Iowa at Rutgers (Fri.)

Week 5: TCU at No. 11 Arizona State (Fri.)

Week 6: West Virginia at BYU (Fri.)

Week 7: East Carolina at Tulane (Thurs.)

Week 8: Louisville at No. 10 Miami (Fri.)

Week 9: California at Virginia Tech (Thurs.)

Week 10: James Madison at Texas State (Tues.)

Week 11: Miami (Ohio) at Ohio (Tues.), Northern Illinois at Toledo (Wed.), UTSA at South Florida (Thurs.), Tulane at Memphis (Fri.)

Week 12: No. 4 Clemson at Louisville (Fri.)

Week 13: Florida State at NC State (Fri.)

Week 14: Navy at Memphis (Thanksgiving)

Watch as much smaller-school football as you can

Think about it this way: As breathless as the 1990 season already was, it was even wilder if you followed the sport at all levels. In the I-AA (now FCS) playoffs that year, newcomer UCF upset Jim Tressel’s second-ranked Youngstown State team in the first round, and Nevada erased a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Furman in three overtimes in the quarterfinals before beating rival Boise State 59-52 in another three overtimes in the semis. Eventual champ Georgia Southern had to survive a 28-27 epic against Idaho in the quarters before hitting fifth gear.

At the Division III level, Allegheny and Lycoming, each making their first (and, for Allegheny, only) title-game appearances, played a Stagg Bowl epic, with Ken O’Keefe’s Allegheny Gators winning 21-14 in overtime. In NAIA, Billy Joe’s Central State Marauders embarked on one of the greatest modern runs by an HBCU program, winning three playoff games by a combined 127-40 to claim their first national title.

Connelly’s conference previews

Bill Connelly gets you ready for the 2025 season by breaking down a different conference every week of the summer. Previews

Small-school football is the ultimate world builder. On a given Saturday, there’s always a bitter rivalry you hadn’t heard of and an unforgettable finish you’d never seen before. Every week provides title stakes of some sort before the breathless beast known as the smaller-school playoffs gets underway in November. The more you see, the happier you become, and you can watch just about any game in the country via either a streaming service or a school’s website.

Here are three huge smaller-school games for each week of the regular season, plus a choice selection for Week 0. Top-10 matchups are in bold.

Week 0: No. 7 UC Davis vs. No. 11 Mercer (FCS Kickoff Classic)

Week 1: No. 9 Pittsburg State at No. 1 Ferris State (D-II) (Thurs.), No. 4 Morningside at No. 3 Benedictine (NAIA), No. 14 Sacramento State at No. 3 South Dakota State (FCS)

Week 2: No. 3 South Dakota State at No. 2 Montana State (FCS), No. 3 Benedictine at No. 1 Grand View (NAIA), No. 9 Pittsburg State at No. 5 Central Oklahoma (D-II)

Week 3: No. 3 Grand Valley State at No. 9 Pittsburg State (D-II), No. 2 Mount Union at No. 23 Grove City (D-III), No. 6 Colorado State-Pueblo at No. 22 Central Missouri (D-II)

Week 4: No. 3 Johns Hopkins at No. 4 Susquehanna (D-III), No. 8 Georgetown (Ky.) at No. 6 St. Thomas (Fla.) (NAIA), No. 4 Incarnate Word at No. 18 Northern Arizona (FCS)

Week 5: No. 5 South Dakota at No. 1 North Dakota State (FCS), No. 18 Ouachita Baptist at No. 2 Harding (D-II), No. 17 Jackson State at Southern (FCS)

Week 6: No. 1 North Dakota State at No. 6 Illinois State (FCS), No. 5 St. John’s at No. 12 Bethel (D-III), No. 17 Wheaton at No. 1 North Central (D-III)

Week 7: No. 8 Mary Hardin-Baylor at No. 6 Hardin-Simmons (D-III), No. 19 Northern Arizona at No. 7 UC Davis (FCS), No. 15 UW-Platteville at No. 19 UW-River Falls (D-III)

Week 8: No. 6 St. Thomas (Fla.) at No. 2 Keiser (NAIA), No. 4 Morningside at No. 10 Northwestern (Iowa) (NAIA), No. 5 Montana Western at College of Idaho (NAIA)

Week 9: No. 1 North Dakota State at No. 3 South Dakota State (FCS), No. 3 Grand Valley State at No. 1 Ferris State (D-II), No. 6 Illinois State at No. 5 South Dakota (FCS)

Week 10: No. 6 CSU-Pueblo at No. 10 Western Colorado (D-II), No. 8 Tarleton State at No. 16 Abilene Christian (FCS), East Tennessee State at Chattanooga (FCS)

Week 11: No. 3 South Dakota State at No. 5 South Dakota (FCS), No. 6 Hardin-Simmons at No. 8 Mary Hardin-Baylor (D-III), No. 7 UC Davis at No. 12 Idaho (FCS)

Week 12: No. 7 UC Davis at No. 2 Montana State (FCS), No. 6 Illinois State at No. 3 South Dakota State (FCS), No. 12 Valdosta State at No. 8 West Florida (D-II)

Week 13: No. 2 Montana State at No. 9 Montana (FCS), No. 14 Sacramento State at No. 7 UC Davis (FCS), No. 15 Lehigh at Lafayette (FCS)

Better yet, adopt a small-school team

Want the full smaller-school experience? Follow a team (preferably a good one) from start to finish. Here are five particularly choice options.

Incarnate Word. The Cardinals have averaged 39.5 points per game in the 2020s, and their defense has improved significantly of late. Third-year coach Clint Killough, still only 32, has been aggressive in the transfer portal, and with lots of powerful FCS teams in flux because of an increase in transfers to FBS, UIW might have a shot at a return to the FCS semifinals or better. A good team that doesn’t mind a track meet every now and then? Yeah, watch UIW.

Slippery Rock. The Rock made the Division II semifinals last year, and they were the only team to stay within 34 points of a rampant Ferris State in the playoffs, falling 48-38. They’ve been elite at both offense and defense at some point recently, they could have the best line play of any D-II team outside of Ferris, and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is really fun to follow. And, I mean, they’re called The Rock! You want to root for The Rock!

Pittsburg State. Division II’s MIAA is a blast, with at least two teams — Central Oklahoma and Central Missouri — thirsting for track meets on a weekly basis. Pitt State actually plays defense, but the Gorillas are on this list both because they should be very good and because they’re absolutely masochistic: They’re starting the season at No. 1 Ferris State, at No. 5 Central Oklahoma and at home versus No. 3 Grand Valley State. They could be toast by the end of September, or they could be a national title contender.

A Division III Wisconsin team of your choice. The 2024 WIAC race was one of the sport’s best, featuring weekly heart-stoppers and plot twists and finishing with six of eight teams within two games of the title. All six of those teams — UW-La Crosse, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Whitewater, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stout — rank between 11th and 32nd in the national preseason poll at D3football.com.

River Falls and Stout haven’t won a conference title since the turn of the century; La Crosse was a 1980s and 1990s power but hasn’t made the D-III semis since 1996; Oshkosh came within three points of the 2016 national title but hasn’t won a playoff game since 2017; Platteville has beautiful orange-and-blue jerseys and is hunting for its first playoff win in 14 years; and Whitewater, the D-III standard-bearer for so long, has fallen off a bit but still defends like heck.

Pick your fighter and buckle in.

Montana Western. Last year I suggested adopting College of Idaho, and the Yotes were track meet kings until a late-season slump. This season your points-loving, NAIA team of choice in Big Sky country should be Montana Western. The Bulldogs topped 40 points seven times before dropping a 31-24 heartbreaker to NAIA power Morningside in the playoffs. Quarterback Michael Palandri has thrown for 6,213 yards and 58 TDs in the past two years. This team should be excellent and ridiculously entertaining.

• NFL NationAug 17, 2025, 12:38 AM ET

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The second week of the 2025 NFL preseason kicked off Friday as several teams prepared to give extended looks to their starters in a dress rehearsal for the regular season.

To keep you updated on how teams fared, our NFL Nation reporters summarized the games below.

Quick links:
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Saturday’s results

Giants: Cue the Jaxson Dart hype. The first-round pick was again impressive in preseason action, especially while leading consecutive touchdown drives to begin the second half. He completed 5 of 6 passes for 62 yards on the first drive, which was capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Greg Dulcich. Dart then capped the next drive with a 1-yard TD run. The rookie finished 14-of-16 for 137 yards with a TD passing and another rushing. This came on the heels of an impressive debut against the Bills. Even though Russell Wilson led a touchdown drive to start the game, Dart is showing he might be ready to start sooner rather than later. — Jordan Raanan

Next game: at New England Patriots (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET)

Jets: Quarterback Justin Fields and the passing offense were out of sync, which is not surprising. They’ve been sputtering throughout most of training camp, with Fields unable to get the ball downfield to his wide receivers. Fields completed his first throw — a 4-yard flare to tight end Mason Taylor — then finished with five straight incompletions in two series of action (a high snap and a QB pressure contributed to two of the errant throws.) Fields was 0-for-3 when targeting wideout Garrett Wilson, his old buddy from Ohio State. Yes, the Jets again showed potential in the running game, but it’s hard to be one-dimensional in the NFL. The lack of a legit WR2 to complement Wilson is one of the reasons they’re not clicking. — Rich Cimini

Next game: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Bucs: With quarterback Baker Mayfield sitting, Teddy Bridgewater hit running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka for 15- and 5-yard touchdown passes. Wide receiver Jalen McMillan left the game with a back injury and will be evaluated for a concussion after a fall on his head/neck area. And while cornerback Zyon McCollum notched an interception (so did Kindle Vildor, along with a deep ball pass breakup), Jamel Dean surrendered a 42-yard reception to Roman Wilson, a 2-yard touchdown to Brandon Johnson and a pass interference call on a single drive. Tez Johnson’s splashy preseason debut included a 32-yard punt return. — Jenna Laine

Next game: vs. Buffalo Bills (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Steelers: In a preseason game that wasn’t nearly as clean as the first, the Steelers’ run defense was dominant while the offensive ground game continued to look sluggish. The defense, playing without most of its starters, held the Bucs to 2.5 yards per carry in a first half featuring most of their starters. Juan Thornhill and Brandin Echols set the tone early, stuffing running back Bucky Irving on the first play of the game. The Steelers’ offense, however, had about as much success as Tampa Bay in running the ball. With starting RB Jaylen Warren sitting out for the second week in a row, rookie Kaleb Johnson saw plenty of action. Not counting his second-quarter 14-yard run, Johnson averaged just 0.5 yards per carry on four rushes. He had a better showing in the second half with a pair of 9-yard runs, but the second preseason game suggested the third-round pick still has room to grow. — Brooke Pryor

Next game: at Carolina Panthers (Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Rams: Third-string quarterback Stetson Bennett has looked much improved this preseason. Against the Chargers, Bennett completed 28 of 40 passes for 324 yards with three touchdowns and a fourth-quarter interception. Bennett’s first touchdown drive came against the majority of the Chargers’ starting defense. Bennett has started and played the majority of the Rams’ preseason games as coach Sean McVay does not play his first-stringers during the preseason.

Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is dealing with an aggravated disk in his back, was scheduled to workout Saturday morning at the Rams’ facility. When asked to confirm that the workout took place, a Rams spokesperson declined to comment and said McVay would address the situation Monday. — Sarah Barshop

Next game: at Cleveland Browns (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network)

Chargers: The stars of Saturday’s game were the Chargers’ rookie receivers: KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris. The rookies had the game’s best highlights, each with their own diving 30-plus-yard catches on the sideline. Lambert-Smith, a fifth-round pick who has been the star of training camp, finished with two catches for 66 yards. It was a breakout game for Harris, the Chargers’ second-round pick. Harris has struggled with drops and hadn’t had a catch in preseason until Saturday. He finished with six catches for 85 yards, leading the team in both categories. — Kris Rhim

Next game: at San Francisco 49ers (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Ravens: Tyler Loop is officially the Ravens kicker to start the 2025 season, coach John Harbaugh announced after Loop’s impressive performance Saturday. The rookie sixth-round pick made 5 of 6 field goals, including kicks from 51 and 53 yards in Dallas. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said the decision at kicker would come in the preseason games, and Loop is now 6-of-8. Loop’s strong leg would provide a weapon that has been lacking lately in Baltimore. Former kicker Justin Tucker, who was cut in May, was 16-of-30 (53.3%) from beyond 50 yards over the past three years. — Jamison Hensley

Next game: at Washington Commanders (Saturday, noon ET)

Cowboys: Through two games, Joe Milton III has not done enough to convince the Cowboys he is the backup quarterback to Dak Prescott. Milton was intercepted in the second quarter forcing a deep ball into coverage. He took a sack on the first drive that led to a safety. He missed reads. It didn’t help that former Cowboys backup Cooper Rush started for the Ravens. Yes, Rush had two first-half picks and one was returned for a touchdown, but he also had a TD pass and smartly got the Ravens into field goal position late in the second quarter. The Cowboys have given Milton all of the second-team work this summer. It might be time to give Will Grier more work in the final week of the preseason. — Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Friday, 8 p.m. ET)

Broncos: The Broncos certainly flashed their depth Saturday night. With second- and third-teamers getting virtually all of the work, Denver scored on four of its first five drives and the Broncos’ defensive reserves held the Cardinals’ reserves to 126 yards through three quarters. Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham is 30-of-38 passing for 376 yards with four touchdowns in 3½ quarters this preseason. Coach Sean Payton said the depth will make roster decisions far more difficult than last summer, with tough calls to make at wide receiver, running back and the defensive line in particular. — Jeff Legwold

Next game: at New Orleans Saints (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET)

Cardinals: Rookie cornerback Denzel Burke showed Saturday night that, while there’s work to do, he has what it takes to eventually be a piece of the Cardinals’ cornerback rotation. He had the kind of preseason game one would expect from a rookie: There were highs and there were lows. He played 33 snaps, was targeted six times and allowed three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, but he flashed at times with plays that showed a natural talent. After fine-tuning his technique and learning more about the NFL game, Burke could work his way onto the field this season. — Josh Weinfuss

Next game: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Saturday, 10 p.m. ET on NFL Network)

49ers: The 49ers didn’t have enough healthy starters on defense to give the first unit a full look against the Raiders, but the offense did. The good news? Quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Ricky Pearsall carried their training camp connection into this one, connecting three times for 42 yards on the opening drive before Purdy & Co. called it a day. The bad news? Right guard Dominick Puni suffered a right knee injury on the field goal to cap that drive and was quickly ruled out. Suffice it to say, the Niners probably won’t use many of their projected Week 1 starters in the exhibition finale against the Chargers next week. — Nick Wagoner

Next game: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Raiders: The Raiders’ run defense was stout against San Francisco compared with last week’s game in Seattle. In the first half, Las Vegas gave up an average of 2.8 yards on 18 carries. However, Las Vegas struggled to contain San Francisco’s passing attack, which was also a noticeable issue during Thursday’s joint practice.

Las Vegas’ first-team defense allowed 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to complete 5 of 7 passes for 66 yards on the opening drive, which resulted in a field goal. After defensive end Maxx Crosby helped stop running back Patrick Taylor Jr. for a combined loss of 8 yards on two straight carries, the Raiders gave up a 21-yard reception to wideout Ricky Pearsall on third down, followed by an 11-yard catch from Isaiah Hodgins. Even though safety Jeremy Chinn picked off Mac Jones on the next drive, it was an inconsistent afternoon for the Raiders’ pass defense. — Ryan McFadden

Next game: at Arizona Cardinals (Saturday, 10 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Texans: In what is likely the last we’ve seen of the Texans’ starting defense in preseason, Houston allowed only one first down through three series. That unit is primed to continue from where it finished in 2024: as a top-10 group in total defense. On the opening play, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted Panthers quarterback Bryce Young off a scramble drill. The play was nullified because of a defensive holding call, but Houston just kept overwhelming the Panthers’ starting offense as it held Young to zero completions, and he took a sack. — DJ Bien-Aime

Next game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7 p.m. ET, Thursday, NFL Network)

Panthers: A lot of work needs to be done. It was puzzling that Panthers coach Dave Canales didn’t give quarterback Bryce Young and the starters a third series. Young got only six plays, going 0-for-2 with a sack. He also had an interception negated by defensive holding. Young got a lot of good work in during the joint practice Thursday and looked solid. But after this effort, Canales has to consider giving the starters one more look in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Besides being outscored 7-0, they were outgained 68-2 in yards. Not exactly a confidence booster. — David Newton

Next game: at Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Browns: Dillon Gabriel’s preseason debut was a mixed bag that leaves the Browns with continued questions at quarterback. The third-round pick completed eight of his first nine passes and led scoring drives on three of his five possessions in the first half. Gabriel, though, also threw a pick-six on a poor decision to force a pass and was later credited with a fumble on a botched handoff. Injuries have led to Joe Flacco being the likely starter for Week 1, but who could serve as the backup remains up in the air entering the preseason finale. — Daniel Oyefusi

Next game: vs. Los Angeles Rams (1 p.m. ET, Saturday)

Eagles: Rookie safety Andrew Mukuba made his case for cracking the starting lineup.

The second-round pick out of Texas had an interception return for a touchdown and a fumble recovery in the first half. The pick-six was off rookie QB Dillon Gabriel. Mukuba jumped in front of receiver Diontae Johnson to snag the pass and raced 75 yards down the right side for the score. Generating takeaways is nothing new for Mukuba, who led the SEC with five interceptions in 2024.

Mukuba got off to a hot start this summer before being slowed by a shoulder injury. Now back in action, he has resumed his competition with third-year player Sydney Brown for the starting spot opposite Reed Blankenship. It has been pretty even to this point, but this performance could move the needle in Mukuba’s favor. — Tim McManus

Next game: at New York Jets (7:30 p.m. ET, Friday)

Patriots: Undrafted free agent WR Efton Chism III (Eastern Washington) might have solidified his spot on the roster with six catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in the first half. The TD was a 12-yard catch-and-run on third-and-9 in which he evaded and/or broke tackles from six defenders.

The Patriots project to have Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas as their starting receivers, with Mack Hollins and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams also locks as complementary options. So Chism has essentially forced the team’s hand to keep six receivers and maybe even a seventh.

“Everybody is here for a reason, and he’s certainly made the most of his opportunities,” coach Mike Vrabel said at halftime on the WBZ-TV broadcast. “His play strength really shows up.” — Mike Reiss

Next game: at New York Giants (Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

Vikings: The Vikings sat all of their starters and more than a dozen key backups, having prioritized the two days of joint practices with the Patriots over preseason playing time. That left two personnel groups to monitor: the backup quarterbacks and kick/punt returners.

Presumptive No. 2 quarterback Sam Howell had a shaky outing, completing only one of five passes for 13 yards with an interception. Rookie Max Brosmer played the entire second half and performed well enough, completing 15 of 26 passes for 156 yards, to make the backup competition interesting for the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the return game offered interesting takeaways as rookie receiver Tai Felton took the first punt and kickoff returns, and rookie receiver Myles Price ripped off an 81-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter. Felton fair-caught the only punt he saw, and he fumbled at the end of a 21-yard kickoff return. After the game, coach Kevin O’Connell said that the Vikings drafted Felton in part because of his kickoff return skills and that he simply needs more work in the role. There remains less clarity at the punt return position, however. — Kevin Seifert

Next game: at Tennessee Titans (Friday, 8 p.m. ET, CBS)

Packers: Penalties slowed down the Packers early; rookie second-round tackle Anthony Belton had five (FIVE!) by himself in the first half. But at least they got to see what second-year running back MarShawn Lloyd might be able to do after missing most of his rookie year because of injuries and illness. The 2024 third-round pick made the biggest play from scrimmage in the first half with a 33-yard catch on a wheel route from Malik Willis.

With Josh Jacobs and most of the first-stringers sitting, Lloyd started and played 11 snaps. He had six carries for 15 yards and was targeted four times with the one catch. The Packers like Lloyd’s explosiveness as a backup for Jacobs, but he needs to stay healthy. He has already missed time this summer (groin), and he appeared to get shaken up on his catch and did not play another snap. When asked after the game if Lloyd was OK, Packers coach Matt LaFleur said: “We’ll see.” — Rob Demovsky

Next game: vs. Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Colts: QB Anthony Richardson Sr. saw his most extensive preseason action yet after sustaining a dislocated finger in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. He did little to hurt his bid to become the starting quarterback in his ongoing battle with Daniel Jones. Richardson completed 6 of 11 attempts for 73 yards, but his numbers were undermined by penalties. He started 5-of-6 for 64 yards, leading a methodical 90-yard touchdown drive with crisp passes before offensive penalties derailed his next two possessions (including a negated 38-yard completion). Jones started the game and led a field goal drive, completing 7 of 11 attempts for 101 yards. — Stephen Holder

Next game: at Cincinnati Bengals (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET)

Dolphins: This might be a quarterback battle, after all — backup quarterback, that is. Zach Wilson put together a solid start in the Dolphins’ second preseason game, completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. But he looked hesitant to throw at times and missed a couple of would-be touchdowns, including a deep pass to a wide-open Dee Eskridge that he underthrew.

Rookie Quinn Ewers was markedly improved from his debut, completing 11 of 16 passes with a pair of touchdowns to fellow rookie Theo Wease Jr. Miami signed Wilson to be its backup quarterback this season, and the team will likely keep three passers, but Wilson has not run away with the job, and Ewers is steadily improving as he learns this offense. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Next game: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, NFL Network)

Lions: Lions RB Sione Vaki made his preseason debut, contributing on offense and special teams. Vaki exited practice early after suffering a hamstring injury July 21, which sidelined him for a period, but he returned to practice this week prior to suiting up against Miami. Vaki displayed his versatility, forcing a fumble on a punt return, which the Dolphins recovered. He also gained 30 yards from five carries during the first half.

Despite playing in a loaded backfield, he could expand his role due to his ability to play multiple roles, Lions coach Dan Campbell has said. Detroit picked Vaki in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft out of Utah, and he appeared in 16 games as a rookie. — Eric Woodyard

Next game: vs. Houston Texans (Saturday, 1 p.m. ET)

Friday’s results

Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet continued to show why he’ll have a bigger role in the Seahawks’ backfield this season than you might expect. With Kenneth Walker III out again, Charbonnet carried five times for 45 yards on the opening drive, showing excellent vision and burst on a 15-yard touchdown run.

Walker has missed extensive chunks of time in the spring and summer after missing 11 games last year, and it’s enough to wonder not only about his availability but how crisp he’ll be in a new blocking scheme when he is on the field. The ever-reliable Charbonnet, meanwhile, hasn’t missed a day, and his production has been validating all the glowing praise he gets from teammates and coaches. Between Charbonnet’s strong offseason and Walker’s availability issues, it may be more of an even split in Seattle’s backfield than a typical starter-backup situation. — Brady Henderson

Next game: vs. Green Bay Packers (4 p.m. ET, Saturday, NFL Network)

Chiefs: All four of the Chiefs’ prominent rookies on defense — tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, end Ashton Gillotte, cornerback Nohl Williams and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa — struggled with extending playing time Friday. The Chiefs’ defense gave up huge chunks of rushing yards in the first half as Norman-Lott and Gillotte weren’t able to make much of an impact. Bassa, who was a star in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, was exploited by the Seahawks’ misdirection plays. Williams showed his physicality again, but he left the game in the third quarter with a concussion. — Nate Taylor

Next game: vs. Chicago Bears (8:20 p.m. ET, Friday)

Titans: Rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor had what he called his worst practice of training camp Tuesday when he went up against the Falcons’ defensive backs. Ayomanor bounced back with a solid practice Wednesday, and he carried that momentum over to game day.

Ayomanor caught two passes for 47 yards and is becoming a problem working the middle of the field. Fellow rookie Gunnar Helm is a playmaker, whether it’s finding holes in zone or running seam routes. Helm went up and grabbed a Brandon Allen pass over two defenders for a 25-yard touchdown, finishing with four receptions for 48 yards.– Turron Davenport

Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (8 p.m. ET, Friday)

Falcons: The Falcons’ wide receiver corps is not making things easy for the coaching staff with a little more than a week until cut day. Against the Titans, David Sills V, Chris Blair and Dylan Drummond all had moments. Blair caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Easton Stick. Drummond has 12 catches in two preseason games.

Sills, who has been Kirk Cousins’ favorite target in practice, had two catches on the first series Friday and was then removed from the game, potentially indicating that the coaches have seen enough and Sills has a 53-man roster spot already. Casey Washington didn’t suit up Friday, meaning he’s a lock. — Marc Raimondi

Next game: at Dallas Cowboys (8 p.m. ET, Friday)

Sunday’s games

Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. (NFL Network)

Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears, 8 p.m. ET

Monday’s game

Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Commanders, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

• Sam Tighe

• What a Lindop

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  What a Lindop

  correspondent

  Beth Lindop in Liverpool is the Liverpool correspondent from ESPN and also covers the WSL and UWCL.

August 15, 2025, 12:31 p.m. one

After Liverpool had strongly invested her attack in the dramatic revision of her attack, she signed her defense line with the 26 million pounds, which was signed by Center Back Giovanni Leoni by the series -a -niebenparm. At the age of only 18, the Italy Youth International still immerses only his toes in the pool of high -ranking football at the highest level, but the red saw enough of 14 league to sanction a quick step.

Leoni started the 2024-25 campaign on the bench, but he had gained a foothold in the first team by Christmas. Then, in the course of the second half of the season, he helped build the defense and convert losses into draws – enough of protecting the Krociati from relegation.

How did Liverpool choose the goal with his Premier League -Switch and what will Leoni bring the defending champion?

How Liverpool Leoni identified and signed

For years, the signing of a promising young central defender has classified highly in Liverpool's list of priorities. Last summer, the Anfield Club was interested in signing Lilles Leny Yoro before finally coming to Manchester United. The Reds were also admirers from Dean Huijsen in Bournemouth, who made £ 50 million to Real Madrid in the early this summer.

In just 17 series -a appearances for Parma last season, Leoni was one of the most exciting young talents of Italian football and fits the profile that the Premier League master was looking for. It is understandably far from the finished article, but Liverpool is confident that the 6-foot 4 defender has all the physical attributes that are necessary to develop into a first-class center, especially with the possibility of learning from his Idol Virgil van Dijk.

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After Parma had made his breakthrough under the manager Cristian Chivu in the second half of the season, Leoni had spoken to Inter Milan after his coach this summer. Liverpool – supported by sports director Richard Hughes' extensive contacts in Italy – was able to quickly make a contract for the line. Sources said that despite the interest of several clubs in his home country and elsewhere in the Premier League, the player was in Anfield in the Premier League.

There were some suggestions that Liverpool could borrow Leoni this season, although this idea was quickly rejected by the club's hierarchy. Although Liverpool is still pursuing a deal for the English international Marc Guéhi, Leoni will join Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez under the manager of Arne Slot's First Team Center Back Options for the upcoming campaign. – Beth Lindop

What Leoni brings to Liverpool

Leonis sheer size and strength contradicts its tender age. He is still a teenager, but he cuts a hulking figure on the pitch and his shoulders seem to be made of steel. He clearly enjoys physical duels with equally powerful strikers; During the last section of the season, he dominated Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic on the way to a vital 1-0 victory, and Leoni was also brilliant with Romelu Lukaku in a 0-0 draw with Napoli and went for magic sayings and literally followed him around the field.

This ability to cope with strong No. 9 is by far its outstanding feature. He is aggressive on site and strong in the air – his 63% air victory last season was one of the best – and he lives to defend the box, and already showed a good awareness of where crosses and cuts could land.

Leoni is ultimately a prospect for the future, but the young defender showed last season in series A that he can immediately participate in Liverpool's first team. Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Leoni is versatile in his position and is able to play as a right or left -handed middle in a back of four or anywhere over the line in a third line. When he is stationed in the center of a three-man setup, he escapes, roams and finds someone a duel.

There are coaching points for Liverpool to address. His passport selection in the last season tends to be extremely safe and either briefly played to the next man, back to the goalkeeper or played it in the general direction of a striker. That could have been more of a tactical instructions than a personal deficiency – Parma fought against relegation until the last day, which means that they were really able to commit to the risk structure – but the slot wants possession that the ball was more considering when the ball is at the feet of Leonis.

Leoni never wore the ball up and into space and opened and others the pitch. This could also have been of design, but in view of the fact that he joined an elite ball-dominant team, it is worth mentioning that he classified in series A for ball bearers and only the 6th percentile for progressive procedures in the first (i.e. lowest) percentile. – Sam Tighe

How Leoni will fit in Liverpool

In order to have the chance of success as a center in the Premier League today, they probably have to be big and strong. Take a look at the physical structure of the defensive corps, which Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have gathered, for example. Leoni clearly ticks this box. It will be well suited for the Titanic fight, which is now taking place in set pieces, regardless of the opponent, and a good fit when it comes to facing the influx of really physical strikers that we see in the Premier League.

However, there could be little concern that Leoni should grow to a powerful player, but the type of top end speed and mobility that many of the best center reccruses have. According to gradients, its maximum speed lasted 31.82 km/h last season, only 54th under the back of the series -A -Mitte, which played 900 minutes or more. For a Liverpool comparison, van Dijk has registered 33.79 km/h and Konaté 33.57 km/h.

In view of the fact that Liverpool's full -back is probably extremely attacking fashion that work mobility features and mobility features in the center of the team, they will be more important than ever. The fact that Leoni is hardly fast jumps off the assembly line, and the statistics confirm it. It is also not the fastest over 5 meters and is not particularly smooth or slowing down.

The rest of his game can be easy to fesse through coaching, with better players and in a more expansive system. Take a player from a graded descent battle, and of course you will see that more qualities are in the foreground on the ball. From there, the slot should be able to hand over exactly how long Leoni is required before it can have a positive effect on the senior page. – Tighe

The teams checked a key box on Thursday in the NBA checklist on the NBA checklist with the publication of the 2025-26 schedule.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder will house Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets for the opening evening on October 21, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors then compete against each other. The following day, ESPN is typing his reporting when the New York Knicks organize the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cooper Flagg will give his NBA debut after this matchup when the Dallas Mavericks depends on the San Antonio Spurs.

The games on Christmas Day of ESPN/ABC start the cavaliers again with the Knicks and round off the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Denver Nuggets. When LeBron James plays against the Rockets in the Lakers Christmas Day, he will appear on his 20th appearance on the holiday -only 12 NBA franchise companies have played 20 Christmas games.

The thunder, Lakers, warriors and Knicks are all bound to 34 for the games that are broadcast nationwide at the nationwide.

The teams around the NBA had creative opportunities to announce their schedules. Here is a look at the schedule of every team on social media.

Basketball comes 📆https: //t.co/ofkal54lws pic.twitter.com/3pbev5ztbk

– Atlanta Hawks (@Atlhawks) August 14, 2025

Soussen they narrow exclusions

– Boston Celtics (@Celtics) August 14, 2025

The 2025-26 time plan by Brooklyn Nets, which was brought to you by the Netters of Brooklyn (and @ticketmaster). pic.twitter.com/tgzqpcnmxa

– Brooklyn Nets (@Brooklynnets) August 14, 2025

Heroes of the hometown ⚡️ Termis now!

Press release – https://t.co/u0mxxzoyvb pic.twitter.com/ilk9bsw1fp

– Charlotte Hornets (@Hornets) August 14, 2025

First bucket unlock the NBA time plan: GO.@Att | #Seeert pic.twitter.com/dc8bwauvsl

– Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 14, 2025

Present the schedule for Cleveland Cavaliers 2025-26: @Littlebluedood Edition. ✨

Complete details: https://t.co/wunaqav8xs @seatgeek | #Letem know pic.twitter.com/986ua9wirv

– Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) August 14, 2025

D-Live goes back to the dinosaur park … or so did we think? 🎬🗓️@Ticketmaster // #mffl pic.twitter.com/yz4siaejaz

– Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) August 14, 2025

Fresh from the Fry ♨️ pic.twitter.com/lnagneerfo

– Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 14, 2025

We will use them further 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9kn0ahqxyk

– Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 14, 2025

New schedule is just falling = no rookie tasks for ron pic.twitter.com/47e6yackff

– Detroit Pistons (@detroitpistons) August 14, 2025

If your screen saver ~ and play ~ align 🤩

Our complete schedule of 2025-26 is@kthrive || 2025-26 Template Release PIC.TWitter.com/dfjkdiuuu0s

– Golden State Warriors (@warriors) August 14, 2025

On the market for some WS 🏠

Do a speed tour through the 25-26 time plan! pic.twitter.com/9dzwrinmee

– Houston Rockets (@houstonrockets) August 14, 2025

“We will wake up every day and go to work.”

70 days to Pacers basketball back is ⏳

🔗 https://t.co/z9klmejbhv pic.twitter.com/2yohpnsffr

– Indiana Pacers (@pacers) August 14, 2025

Our 2025-26 time plan is live‼ ️

📅👉 https://t.co/6bl1x1rdcu pic.twitter.com/wvmr33y11f

– La Clippers (@laclippers) August 14, 2025

🚨 Lakers time plan just fall@@delta | 📆

Tickets for sale August 26th! pic.twitter.com/dlhg2ycynt

– Los Angeles Lakers (@laker) August 14, 2025

𝟐𝟓 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 〽️

Our schedule 🐻 2025-26 is here, presented by @orthosouth_

🗓️ https://t.co/ybnvkhgcv5 pic.twitter.com/yarltwuo6u

– Memphis Grizzlies (@Memgrizz) August 14, 2025

Ball is really life here 🏀 🏀

Plan the publication // @ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/jcnvujp4m7

– Miami Heat (@miamiheat) August 14, 2025

Cheers for a new season.

Chug responsible, @jalenfranko. pic.twitter.com/0jys6hhpzz

– Milwaukee Bucks (@bucks) August 14, 2025

The moment you all waited … pic.twitter.com/dtp218ylc2

– Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) August 14, 2025

We are working on it 🤝#Pelicans | @Seatgeek pic.twitter.com/2D43PK2JKN

– New Orleans Pelicans (@Pelicansnba) August 14, 2025

Your 2025-26 Knicks time plan is served.

– New York Knicks (@nyknicks) August 14, 2025

Okc, your season starts here ⚡️ ⚡️

The 2025-26 schedule has arrived.

– OKC Thunder (@okcthunder) August 14, 2025

Warning: extremely sweet schedule publication

To take over these puppies and visit more

– Orlando Magic (@orlandomagic) August 14, 2025

Um what the Sigma?! pic.twitter.com/cz9tdcjlii

– Orlando Magic (@orlandomagic) August 14, 2025

Emphasis of our 2025-26 time plan. 📹⁰ ⁰stay coordinated. 😏⁰⁰https: //t.co/zgScajqv3s | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/t9bqf9abkl

– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixer) August 14, 2025

Every dog has his day. Here are our! 🐕
@Ticketmaster | #Sunsup pic.twitter.com/f5cgkpptxb

– Phoenix Suns (@suns) August 14, 2025

Cat is out of the pocket, our schedule 2025-2026 is here! 🐈‍⬛

Time to paws and plan for the next season 🐾

🔗: https://t.co/ktai7mdlro@drivetoyota pic.twitter.com/w3ld0osq9q

– Portland Trail Blazer (@trailblazers) August 14, 2025

Choose your fighter and it is better Slamson 🟣🔦 ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ ⁰⁰ @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/5SGgg2MCs

– Sacramento Kings (@sacramentokings) August 14, 2025

The schedule of this season 👀@Heb | serve #sponsed pic.twitter.com/yvveox07qh

– San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) August 14, 2025

The scaryest schedule publication that you will see today. 😨 @nba_paint pic.twitter.com/1yamxyzoex

– Toronto Raptors (@raptors) August 14, 2025

Here it is 🏔️

Read more 🗓️ https://t.co/vrtftiygqj#takenote | @Seatgeek pic.twitter.com/amssqgiwha

– Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) August 14, 2025

Some call it magic, but we call it magic 🧙🧙

Minds Read & Planning from @Christophefox_ 🗓️ Pic.twitter.com/hnmf3ZBHQD

– Washington Wizards (@washwizards) August 14, 2025

August 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m.

Liverpool has agreed to the personal conditions with Parma defender Giovanni Lioni, While Real Madrid is one of the clubs Adam Wharton. Visit us to the latest transfer messages, rumors and gossip from all over the world.

Transfers homepage | Deals deal | Men's classes | Women's notes

Top stories

– Sources: City Eye Donnarumma, wants to stay Ederson
– Rashford: 'Responsible' man utd in 'No Man's Land' '
– Sources: Højlund wants to stay; Future unsafe

Parma defender Giovanni Leoni could be another summer for the Premier League master Liverpool. Luca Amedeo Bizzarri/Getty Images

Trend rumors

– An offer worth € 35 million is created by Liverpool for the Parma Center Back Giovanni LiAccording to Nicolò Schira. The Reds have made an agreement with the 18-year-old about personal conditions for a contract for six years (up to 2031) in Angeld. Corriere Dello Sport reports that the series -a club was looking for an initial € 30 million plus € 5 million million bonuses for Leoni, which is good for Manager Arne Slot to strengthen its defense options.

– Real Madrid are one of the teams who are interested in midfielder of Crystal Palace Adam WhartonAccording to the Daily Mail. Scouts from the Laliga Club have kept an eye on the 21-year-old, whom they see in the future as a potential reinforcement. Los Blancos was able to compete against the teams in the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also looking at the English international. Wharton has been an important player for the Eagles since its stating Blackburn Rovers in 2024.

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– a movement for the striker of Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta Weighing up by Newcastle United, reports Rudy Galetti. The 28-year-old is now one of the top options on his short list because after a replacement for the search for Alexander IsaacIn the midst of the recent reports, he showed that he did not play for the Magpies again when he tries to force Liverpool to force. The Eagles are ready to accept an offer worth 40 million GBP for Mateta, which has scored 30 goals in the last two Premier League campaigns.

– Liverpool attacks midfielder Harvey Elliott According to Sky Sports Germany, Philipp Hinze stands for a move to RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old, who won the European U21 championship as England this summer, performed in less than half of Liverpool's games in her Premier League title campaign. The former Fulham player said before the U21 -Euro: “I don't really want to waste years [of] My career because it is a short career. “Hinze reports that no business has yet been done,” the conversations remain open. “

– Newcastle “intensify” her efforts to sign Aston Villa's midfielder Jacob Ramseyreports the Daily Mail. According to reports, negotiations on a contract of 40 million GBP have not been concluded for the 24-year-old since Tuesday since Tuesday. The magpies are now ready to make a formal offer, to land it. While Ramsey also sparked interest from West Ham United, the St. James' Park hierarchy gives optimism that they will win the race to secure its signature. In the meantime, the Daily Telegraph adds that the village to hope that the midfielder of Paris Saint-Germain will be signed again Marco Asensio After his successful loan magic in Villa Park last season, in which 29-year-old Replenish manager Unai Emery was to go from Ramsey.

expert

Sam Tighe of ESPN examines why so many top clubs are after Adam Wharton:

Wharmon's superpower is smooth, fast and progressive. For a club like Real Madrid, who praises the former midfielder Toni Kroos as a legendary figure, this is a perfect game alone.

Last season Wharton took the Premier League in the 93rd percentile in the Premier League. The speed at which he hesitates it, no check-backs, just a look at and … ping! – it makes it extremely difficult to stop.

England International combines this ability with some fixed defense work and a threatening delivery in the deputy situations. Most of the goals that he ever scored in a single season are two and clearly mark him as a structure of Maestro from the depths and not as someone who can gallop forward and align a shot.

Within the game it was widely assumed that Whartons Transfer to a Liverpool or Manchester City-like club is a question, when, not if. His excellent performance in the Community Shield was just another memory that he belongs at the top.

Madrid, which enters the conversation, is very fascinating and something that England's great weapons will undoubtedly be delighted.

Confirmed business

– Newcastle United has signed the German international defender Malick Thiaw By AC Milan for a registered £ 34.6 million, including add-ons.

– Former France Youth International Center back Batodé Diakité Bournemouth joined Lille.

Other rumors

– Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic It is expected that he will stay after AC Milan and does not intend to sign an extension with the Bianconeri. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

– Inter Milan is open to the separation from France International Defender Benjamin Pavard This summer and would consider offers between € 15 million and € 25 million for the 29-year-old. (L'Equipe)

– Atalanta prepare a new offer worth € 35 million for Fulham Stürmer Rodrigo Muniz. (Gianluca di Marzio)

– Liverpool is ready to separate from wing players Practice If you receive a “suitable offer”. (Football insider)

– Southampton will only consider offers of € 57 million for midfielder Mateus FernandesWhile West Ham remains interested in the 21-year-old. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Negotiations between Bournemouth and Bayer Leverkusen are underway so that the cherry wingers can sign Aminnamewho has already approved personal conditions and could change by 30 million euros. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Barcelona will sign two players from the Africa Foot Academy player in court: midfielder Aboubacar maida and wing players Moustapha Traore. (Sport Diario)

– Negotiations between Borussia Dortmund and Wölfen on a change for strikers Fabio Silva have broken down. (Teamtalk)

– A step for the defender of Barcelona Hector Fort is viewed by Mallorca. (Marca)

– – César azpilicueta A return to Osasuna is considering after he has recently become a free agent after his contract with Atlético Madrid. (AS)

-Several clubs, including Ligue -1 -side Nantes, are interested in Southampton Defender Army Bellal-Kott. (L'Equipe)

Aug 11, 2025, 06:20 AM ET

Of course, the goal for every NFL team is to win now. But a few franchises are also focused on the long term. In our annual Future Power Rankings, we ranked which teams are primed to be among the league’s best over the next three seasons (2025 through 2027).

To do so, we asked our panel of experts — analysts Ben Solak, Louis Riddick, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder — to rate each team’s quarterback situation, remaining (non-QB) roster makeup, front office and coaching staff using this scale:

After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the four categories was weighted to create the overall score: quarterback (20%), roster (30%), front office (25%) and coaching (25%). The result is a comprehensive ranking based on how well each team is positioned for the future. Our experts then picked out reasons for optimism, reasons to worry, crucial stats/nuggets to know and one bold prediction for all 32 franchises.

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Note: Overall scores are rounded to the nearest 10th of a point.

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	97.3	1
Quarterback	87	8
Coaching	87	10
Front office	97.3	1

Reason for hope: Over the past few seasons, no team has made better personnel moves than Philadelphia. Its young core is also one of the best, and the Eagles’ propensity for signing early contracts means they can actually pay all of these guys. If they strike gold on young defenders for a second draft in a row, they’ll be ready to repeat. — Solak

Reason for concern: Nick Sirianni revamped his coaching staff in 2024, and the benefits were amazing — the league’s No. 2 scoring defense (17.8 points allowed per game), the No. 6 scoring offense (26.7 points per game) and a Super Bowl title. What concerns me is the depth along the defensive line, a unit that dominated last season, with the departures of Milton Williams and Josh Sweat via free agency. Furthermore, do they have a long-term answer at outside cornerback opposite phenom Quinyon Mitchell? — Riddick

Nugget to know: If we look at their top 12 defensive players (starting lineups for both base and nickel), the Eagles project to have the NFL’s youngest defense this season. Zack Baun will be the only starter over the age of 26. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Eagles will trade wide receiver A.J. Brown before the 2027 season. It will be a shock — Brown will be coming off two more seasons of exceptional play and will be considered a major asset for the win-now team that acquires him — but general manager Howie Roseman will decide to move on and get draft assets for him before Brown’s decline sets in. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	91	2
Quarterback	96.8	3
Coaching	89.8	6
Front office	92	2

Reason for hope: A long track record of excellent drafting and an all-world quarterback in Lamar Jackson make the Ravens’ future very bright. To boot, they have perhaps the NFL’s best defensive player in safety Kyle Hamilton, and that is about as big of a cherry on top a team can have. — Solak

Reason for concern: Last season, I was worried about the offensive line’s ability to continue to drive the dominant force that is the Ravens’ rushing attack. But all it did was finish top five in run block win rate (74%) and pass block win rate (69.8%), and Derrick Henry tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (16). Going forward, the concern is about the team’s postseason headspace, and whether the Ravens can collectively play their best football when the stakes are the highest. Everything else is in place from a roster construction standpoint. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Ravens will have seven former first-round picks starting on their defense this season, ranging from the 29-year-old nickel Marlon Humphrey (2017) to rookie safety Malaki Starks (2025), who turns 22 in November. — Schatz

Bold prediction: After three seasons in the league, Nate Wiggins will sign a market-setting contract extension for cornerbacks during the 2027 offseason. He had a strong rookie campaign, allowing 0.9 yards per coverage snap (better than average) and minus-28 EPA allowed as the nearest defender (best among all outside corners), per NFL Next Gen Stats. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	83.75	7
Quarterback	98.5	1
Coaching	95.3	1
Front office	83.5	6

Reason for hope: When you have quarterback Patrick Mahomes, your future is bright no matter what. A healthy season from wide receiver Rashee Rice and continued emergence from Xavier Worthy would help, but it is worth wondering how many more seasons are left with coach Andy Reid. — Solak

Reason for concern: What worries me are the perimeter targets. While I believe tight end Travis Kelce will have a bounce-back season, this is the end of the road for him, and the Chiefs will need to be smart with his usage. Will Worthy become the dominant downfield threat at receiver that they desperately need to take this offense to another level? Furthermore, will guys such as Rice, Hollywood Brown and rookie Jalen Royals become the kind of players that can be productive enough for Mahomes and Reid to win more Super Bowls? — Riddick

Nugget to know: Although the Chiefs have an older offense (sixth in snap-weighted age last season at 27.3), they have a young defense (28th in snap-weighted age last season at 25.7). — Schatz

Bold prediction: Rice will record consecutive 1,200-yard seasons. After a promising rookie season, a sophomore campaign that was cut short due to a knee injury and then a 2025 season that could include a suspension, Rice will finally put up big totals starting in 2026 — and won’t stop. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	86	6
Quarterback	97.5	2
Coaching	88	8
Front office	81.8	9

Reason for hope: Buffalo’s offensive core has blossomed around quarterback Josh Allen — running back James Cook, offensive tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, along with wideout Khalil Shakir — and the team just doled out big contracts for ascending young defenders Greg Rousseau, Christian Benford and Terrel Bernard. Of course, having Allen helps a lot. — Solak

Reason for concern: The pass defense needs work. Particularly, the Bills need to get off the field on third-and-long and keep teams from picking up crucial first downs when they put the ball in the air. Bobby Babich’s defense ranked 29th in first downs allowed (356) and third-down conversions (43.8%). The addition of veteran edge rusher Joey Bosa and the drafting of Landon Jackson should make the pass rush more formidable. The key to it all might well be the development and effectiveness of first-round cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who has blazing speed and raw physical skills. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The 2020-24 Bills had the highest average DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) of any team since 1978 that didn’t make it to at least one Super Bowl. (The 2020-24 Ravens rank second.) — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Bills will win the Super Bowl. The 2025 and 2026 postseasons will disappoint the Bills Mafia yet again, but thanks to a bit of a youth movement and a stalwart offensive line, Buffalo will finally be able to get over the top and win it all in 2027. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	90.3	3
Quarterback	84.5	12
Coaching	86.8	12
Front office	86.3	4

Reason for hope: The Lions lost both coordinators this offseason, but Dan Campbell is one of the most trustworthy coaches in the league when it comes to elevating his team despite obstacles. Few teams can measure up against Detroit’s offensive targets, but don’t sleep on a defensive core of edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, cornerback Terrion Arnold and safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. — Solak

Reason for concern: The low-hanging fruit is the amount of coaching brain power that walked out of the facility, with former coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson earning head coaching jobs this offseason. But I’ll go in a different, yet familiar direction with Detroit: pass rush. Once again, the Lions were near the bottom of the league in pass rush win rate (35.4%) and sacks (37). It is an absolute must that Hutchinson returns to pre-injury form and first-round defensive tackle Tyleik Williams finds success at rushing inside. — Riddick

Nugget to know: By snap-weighted age last season, Detroit had the fourth-oldest offense (27.7) but the fourth-youngest defense (25.6). — Schatz

Bold prediction: Hutchinson will win two Defensive Player of the Year awards between now and 2027. Before he was injured in 2024, he put up a 35% pass rush win rate over five games. No qualifying player even reached 27%, let alone 35%. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	86.8	5
Quarterback	86	9
Coaching	88.8	7
Front office	83.3	7

Reason for hope: As the NFL’s youngest team last season, Green Bay would probably take the top spot in a ranking that looks at where teams will stand 10 years from now. Few teams deserve more trust for their drafting and development, and the recent willingness to take bigger free agent swings is a feather in the Packers’ cap as well. — Solak

Reason for concern: My concern is with the health/availability/consistency at wide receiver. It has been a combination of these factors that has kept this team from fully exploding on the scene. Specifically, Green Bay needs Christian Watson to return from his ACL injury and be better than ever. It also needs Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to reduce their drops (combined for 18 in 2024) and for rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden to have an immediate impact. — Riddick

Nugget to know: To expound on Ben’s point, the Packers were the youngest team last season by snap-weighted age (25.3 years). They had the youngest offense (25.0), second-youngest defense (25.5) and fourth-youngest special teams (25.4). — Schatz

Bold prediction: Tucker Kraft will finish the season as a top-four tight end in fantasy. Kraft’s 2024 breakout included 50 receptions for 707 receiving yards and the highest YAC score among tight ends. The ascension will continue into 2027. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	88	4
Quarterback	77.8	19
Coaching	91.8	3
Front office	80.3	12

Reason for hope: The Broncos look like they have a solid starting quarterback in Bo Nix and have arguably the NFL’s best offensive line and best defense, led by star cornerback Pat Surtain II. What a turnaround for coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton. — Solak

Reason for concern: Do the running backs have the ability to provide the physical, rugged presence that is needed in December and January, when the run game becomes a focus? The combination of J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Audric Estime has to improve on the Broncos’ 1.63 yards after first contact per rush (25th in 2024). If this group gets going, Denver can challenge Kansas City for the AFC West title. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Denver’s offensive line ranked No. 1 in both pass block win rate (73.8%) and run block win rate (74.9%) last season, but it’s a bit older than most other lines, ranging in age from guard Quinn Meinerz (27) to tackle Garett Bolles (33). — Schatz

Bold prediction: Nix will lose his starting job during the 2027 season, which will be his last as a Bronco. There’s optimism around him now, but there’s reason to be skeptical in the long term. As a rookie, his rushing led him to be decent efficiency-wise. But he ranked 28th in completion percentage over expectation (minus-2.4%) and 22nd in yards per dropback (6.16) despite playing behind a top-tier offensive line. The roster around him is great now, but it won’t always be. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	83	8
Quarterback	86	9
Coaching	86.8	12
Front office	81.3	10

Reason for hope: The Texans have won two playoff games in two seasons under coach DeMeco Ryans, and they’re still getting better. Their young secondary core is peerless throughout the league, they made a big change at offensive coordinator to improve their pass protection and added new targets for quarterback C.J. Stroud in the draft. Look out! — Solak

Reason for concern: I am still worried about the offensive line overall, both in the run and pass game. The Texans traded away by far their best lineman in Laremy Tunsil, and they didn’t replace him with anyone close to his level. The unit was among the worst in the NFL in both pass block win rate (57.7%) and run block win rate (68.1%) in 2024, and the effect it had on Stroud can’t be denied. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Texans are looking for receiving help beyond superstar Nico Collins. They hope they’ll get a lot out of 2025 draft picks Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Tank Dell is probably out for the season, while the other young receivers, Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III, tied for 106th out of 116 wide receivers in the ESPN receiver scores last season. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Dell, who suffered a major knee injury that has required multiple surgeries, will not only still be with the Texans in 2027 (his contract runs through 2026), but he will reach stardom and record at least 1,100 receiving yards. He put up above-average open scores in each of his first two seasons. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	79.8	11
Quarterback	82.3	13
Coaching	92.8	2
Front office	79.3	14

Reason for hope: With a strong coaching staff and a track record of getting great play out of their rookie contract picks, the 49ers still have a rosy future despite the roster reload. Just how good they are down the stretch will come down to these past two draft classes, from which many players have been thrust into starting roles. — Solak

Reason for concern: I was worried about the wide receivers room a year ago, and that continues to be the case, with Brandon Aiyuk coming off a torn ACL and roster turnover (Deebo Samuel now in Washington). But the defensive line, what was once the heartbeat of this team, has had to be rebuilt and restocked. Yes, they still have Nick Bosa, but he is surrounded by three rookie linemen. Coordinator Robert Saleh returns in 2025 to get these new/young prospects up to speed quickly and improve a defense that finished 29th in points allowed (25.6) in 2024. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The 49ers led all offenses in snap-weighted age last season (28 years). The only offensive starters younger than 27 this season will be quarterback Brock Purdy (26), guard Dominick Puni (25) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (25). — Schatz

Bold prediction: The 49ers will use their first-round pick on a tackle as they attempt to replace All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who will retire after the 2026 season. San Francisco is the only team currently over the cap in 2027 (per OverTheCap.com), so the draft is the most likely spot to land Williams’ replacement. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	79.5	13
Quarterback	92.5	5
Coaching	81.3	16
Front office	82	8

Reason for hope: In quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have one of the best future-ensuring players in the league. The roster is studded with veteran stopgaps, so drafting and developing are a must over the next two seasons if they’re to rise in the future power rankings. — Solak

Reason for concern: There is no greater concern for me than the skill position quality surrounding Daniels. The Commanders do not have anyone on the roster who can come close to providing the kind of impact that wideout Terry McLaurin has on the offense and Daniels specifically, which makes the strategy they are taking regarding McLaurin’s contract situation more dangerous. The new ownership group has made every correct move since taking over control, and now they must get Daniels better targets. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Commanders need to develop young receivers, as their three starters will all be 29 or older this season. They will look for contributions from rookie fourth-round pick Jaylin Lane (age 23) or 2024 third-round pick Luke McCaffrey (age 24). — Schatz

Bold prediction: A fully refreshed defensive line will give the Commanders the pass rush they will — at that point — crave. Dorance Armstrong, Deatrich Wise Jr., Von Miller, Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne will all be gone by then (Jer’Zhan Newton will still be around, though) and the Commanders will have spent the 2026 and 2027 offseasons investing heavily in a group that can get after the quarterback. They’ll rank in the top five in sacks in 2027. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	81.8	10
Quarterback	77.5	20
Coaching	91	5
Front office	78.5	15

Reason for hope: The Vikings certainly have a good future with coach Kevin O’Connell and receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, forming their offensive core. But just how good? That depends on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who could make or break not just this season but also the next few in Minnesota. — Solak

Reason for concern: All eyes are on McCarthy in 2025 and beyond. He now has a clear path to assume control of the Vikings’ offense and take it to another level after missing the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury. He has all of the physical and mental tools to be a star and has the best coaching staff one could ask for in O’Connell and QB coach Josh McCown. He just needs to do it. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Edge rusher Dallas Turner, a first-round pick last year, represents the future of Minnesota’s pass rush. He disappointed with only three sacks in 2024, but it’s not abnormal for a first-round edge to have few sacks as a rookie. Since 2015, 15 different first-round edge rushers had three or fewer sacks as rookies, including players who broke out later such as Will McDonald IV (3) and Haason Reddick (2.5). — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Vikings will have a bottom-five defense in EPA per play. By this point, defensive coordinator Brian Flores will have been poached for another head coaching job and veterans such as safety Harrison Smith, defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen and edge Andrew Van Ginkel will have aged out. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	74.8	20
Quarterback	89.8	6
Coaching	87	10
Front office	80.8	11

Reason for hope: The Chargers’ future is secure in quarterback Justin Herbert, but it’s the early returns on the drafting expertise of general manager Joe Hortiz, who acquired many impactful rookies last season, that have the Chargers buzzing up the future power rankings. With the same success in this year’s class, they’ll continue to rise. An elite tackle duo (assuming Rashawn Slater recovers fully from his torn left patellar tendon) helps, too. — Solak

Reason for concern: The concern remains the same for me in 2025 as it was in 2024, although I’m significantly more optimistic now. Other than rookie Ladd McConkey, the Chargers didn’t have a credible threat on the perimeter last season. They went to work this offseason and drafted two dynamic receivers in Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Both have exceptional playmaking ability down the field. This should enable Herbert to have the kind of breakout season that puts him in the conversation with the position’s elite and puts the Chargers in the hunt for a Super Bowl. — Riddick

Nugget to know: One position where the Chargers are depending on youth is cornerback. Free agent addition Donte Jackson turns 30 at midseason, but Tarheeb Still is 23 and ranked seventh in coverage DVOA last season. Cam Hart turns 25 in December but was less impressive, ranking 74th out of 93 cornerbacks in coverage DVOA in 2024. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Offensive tackle Joe Alt will win the Protector of the Year award. The signs are certainly there already: Alt ranked fourth in pass block win rate (94%) and 15th in run block win rate (78%) among tackles as a rookie. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	79.8	11
Quarterback	69	26
Coaching	91.5	4
Front office	86.5	3

Reason for hope: While 37-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn’t move the Future Power Rankings needle much, coach Sean McVay and wide receiver Puka Nacua give this offense a very good floor. No team played more rookies than the Rams last season, and a few of those players — edge rusher Jared Verse, safety Kamren Kinchens, linebacker Omar Speights — look like impactful players for years to come. — Solak

Reason for concern: The young defense and coordinator Chris Shula answered the bell in 2024, ranking in the top 12 in scoring in the second half of the season and developing quality depth for a run in the future. But what concerns me, once again, is the future of Stafford. Jimmy Garoppolo is a capable backup who has had more than his share of durability issues throughout his career, making the QB situation one that will undoubtedly decide the 2025 season and beyond. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Although the Rams’ young defensive front is much lauded, Los Angeles ranked 18th in pass rush win rate (37%) last season. Recently signed nose tackle Poona Ford will be the only projected starter in the front seven older than 27. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Rams will be a relative long shot to make the playoffs … but do it anyway. After a final run with Stafford in 2025, they will reset in 2026 and enter 2027 with a new, young quarterback — plus a boatload of cap space. They’ll make trades for stars to spend that money and get back to the postseason faster than most imagined. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	82.3	9
Quarterback	80.5	14
Coaching	77.8	22
Front office	86	5

Reason for hope: Few teams draft better than the Buccaneers, who have built a contender from scratch in the post-Tom Brady era. There are reasonable coaching questions — they’re on their third offensive coordinator in three seasons — and there’s not a ton of proven young talent on defense. But this year’s draft class might change that. Meanwhile, the offense has all the pieces necessary to be a top-five unit once again. — Solak

Reason for concern: Baker Mayfield is coming off the best season of his career as measured by yards (4,500), completion percentage (71.4%) and TD passes (41). Heading into 2025, he is on his third different coordinator in as many seasons, as Ben noted. Mayfield said the fact that new OC Josh Grizzard was on the staff in 2024 as pass game coordinator is a positive. But Grizzard has never been a coordinator on any level, and the constant revolving door in Tampa is a concern going forward. — Riddick

Nugget to know: How much longer can Mike Evans continue to play at a high level? Evans, who turns 32 on Aug. 21, tied for third in ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics last season. His running mate Chris Godwin, who is now 29, ranked fifth. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Buccaneers will rank first in pass block win rate. They already have a strong offensive line, and they’re a relatively young group, too. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	78.3	14
Quarterback	95.3	4
Coaching	78	21
Front office	68.3	28

Reason for hope: Quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are obvious reasons for optimism. The Bengals’ offense has benefited from the emergence of quality secondary options (running back Chase Brown, tight end Mike Gesicki) and the defense has plenty of young players who can hopefully emerge into franchise cornerstones. — Solak

Reason for concern: I have written about the offensive line for the past two seasons, and I’m going to write about it again. Nothing has changed with this unit regarding its mediocre play. As a unit, it finished 32nd in pass block win rate (50.1%) and 30th in run block win rate (68.2%). The Bengals are spending $86.5 million in 2025 on the WR room, $20 million more than the next closest team, but it won’t mean anything if they can’t get this OL situation figured out. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Trey Hendrickson, who will be 31 this season, had 17.5 sacks last season. The rest of the Bengals’ defense had only 18.5. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Bengals will enter 2027 with better Super Bowl odds than they have ever had in the Burrow era. The reality is that having two elite players at the most important positions in the game — Burrow and Chase — always gives this team a chance. That’s been true even when there are lackluster parts around them, such as the shaky offensive line and a sometimes porous defense. Just due to the nature of randomness, the players around the core likely will be better in a couple of years, and Burrow and Chase will still be in their primes. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	77	16
Quarterback	75	22
Coaching	81.3	16
Front office	77.8	16

Reason for hope: The Raiders have a veteran duo at coach (Pete Carroll) and quarterback (Geno Smith), but there should still be a few good years there. More significantly, they have tight end Brock Bowers, and no other team has Bowers. If running back Ashton Jeanty delivers on his draft promise, the Raiders should have one of the most dangerous young cores of offensive playmakers by this time next year. — Solak

Reason for concern: Did the new front office do enough to upgrade a pass defense that ranked 23rd in QBR allowed (57.6), struggled with allowing explosive plays of 20-plus yards during the second half of the season and was 29th in turnovers (13) in 2024? I have concerns about who the playmakers will be in the secondary, although I like rookie corner Darien Porter. Additionally, I have concerns about who else is going to be a force on the defensive line in addition to Maxx Crosby. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Raiders lead the NFL in projected cap space for the 2026 season, per OverTheCap.com. But they’ll have some important free agents to re-sign, including wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Bowers will break Travis Kelce’s single-season receiving yards record by a tight end (1,416). The start to his career needs no introduction: He had 1,194 receiving yards as a rookie, meaning his upside is literally record-breaking potential. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	75.5	18
Quarterback	79.8	15
Coaching	77.3	23
Front office	77	17

Reason for hope: The Cardinals have been pouring early draft picks into their roster over the past few years — 14 picks total on Days 1 and 2 over the past three seasons. The good young core is in place — tight end Trey McBride and cornerbacks Garrett Williams and Max Melton — but they need more ceiling-raisers. With a step forward for offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. this season, they’ll take a leap. The addition of Josh Sweat surely will help a defense in need of a ringer pass rusher, too. — Solak

Reason for concern: After getting the chance to watch this team up close and personal last season, I came away with some concerns about how Harrison was fitting in and making an impact in this offense. It seems unfathomable that a player with his talent and skill level would top the 100-yard receiving mark only two times in 17 games. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Cardinals hope that a number of defensive additions can help their tackling in 2025. Arizona allowed an average of 10.4 yards after the catch on passes at or behind the line of scrimmage in 2024, close to the worst figure in the NFL. The Cardinals also allowed a league-worst 3.1 average yards after contact on rushes. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Cardinals will trade quarterback Kyler Murray before the 2027 season. After two seasons in which they are competitive but not threatening true contention, they will decide to deal Murray — who will have two non-guaranteed years left on his deal at that point — rather than extend him again. Arizona will recoup real draft capital in the deal from a team that will instantly upgrade at the most important position. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	78	15
Quarterback	78.8	18
Coaching	82.3	15
Front office	69.8	27

Reason for hope: The Bears might have one of the NFL’s best young cores — if Ben Johnson is the coach we think he is, if Caleb Williams is the quarterback prospect we think he is and if Rome Odunze is the wide receiver prospect we think he is. The early-drafted rookies on offense also contribute, and the defense benefits from the key free agent additions of edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. There are too many ifs for a higher ranking right now, but the ceiling is sky-high. — Solak

Reason for concern: Last year, I focused on the Bears’ coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and his ability to competently guide Williams through his rookie season. That didn’t end very well, as Waldron was fired nine games into the 2024 season. My focus now turns to Williams and whether he has the makeup to take advantage of and utilize an upgraded coaching staff led by Johnson and start to deliver on the immense physical potential he possesses. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Bears are in a good position approaching free agency next offseason. Only two players who played at least 50% of Chicago’s snaps last season will be free agents: safety Kevin Byard III and left tackle Braxton Jones. (Jaquan Brisker, the other planned starting safety, will also be a free agent, but he played only five games in 2024.) — Schatz

Bold prediction: A yet-to-be-drafted Bears running back will lead the league in rushing yards. Not only is the career peak of running backs in their first couple of seasons, but by 2027, the Johnson/Williams offense will also be in full swing. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	69.3	26
Quarterback	87.5	7
Coaching	80.8	18
Front office	74.8	19

Reason for hope: Just how many good young players are on the Patriots’ offense is unclear, but we know one for sure: Quarterback Drake Maye looked like a future star despite a bad rookie environment. The defense has big bright spots as well: cornerback Christian Gonzalez, defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge rusher Keion White. This recent offense-heavy draft class could catapult the Patriots up the rankings with a few big hits. — Solak

Reason for concern: Change can be good, and it was needed in New England in terms of roster upgrades. There are a lot of new faces to integrate on the 2025 team, where you have potentially 11 new starters on offense and defense combined that were not there last season. Furthermore, there is a new staff integrating all of these new players, and although coach Mike Vrabel brings a wealth of experience back to the place where he had so much success as a player, there is a lot of uncertainty as to how it’ll look on the field. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The young star of the Patriots’ defense, Gonzalez, covered the opposition’s WR1 on 58% of his coverage snaps last season, the highest rate of any cornerback in the NFL. — Schatz

Bold prediction: TreVeyon Henderson will lead all running backs in receiving yards. We don’t yet know exactly what Henderson’s Year 1 workload will be, but by Year 3, he could be the feature back, especially on passing downs. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	74.5	21
Quarterback	79	17
Coaching	74.3	27
Front office	76	18

Reason for hope: The Jaguars’ new front office and coaching staff are largely unknown, but they have a quality second-contract quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and a couple of known young stars in wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen. Sure, they don’t have a first-round pick next year as a result of the trade for wideout/cornerback Travis Hunter. But you know what they do have? Hunter. — Solak

Reason for concern: The focus remains on Lawrence and whether he truly is a franchise quarterback. Now entering his fifth NFL season, he is going on his third coaching staff and is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury and many more questions than answers. He begins the second year of his five-year, $275 million extension, making him the fourth-highest-paid QB ($56.9 million per year) despite never cracking the top 15 in QBR. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Jacksonville is very young at wide receiver, led by Thomas and Hunter — both players enter the season at age 22. The only receivers on the roster over 26 are depth veterans Austin Trammell (27) and Trenton Irwin (30 in December), both of whom might not make the final roster. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Lawrence will record a top-seven QBR season. I still haven’t given up on Lawrence, who has never been in a great situation with the full trio of coach, receivers and offensive line. I’m hopeful that could change with the additions of Thomas, Hunter and coach Liam Coen. He could finally reach his potential. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	75.5	18
Quarterback	72.8	23
Coaching	78.5	20
Front office	74.5	20

Reason for hope: The Seahawks came in second in our rankings of under-25 roster talent, so the bedrock is there for a healthy rebuild. The front office took some big swings this season at quarterback and wide receiver, which could pay dividends if Sam Darnold really has turned a corner in his career. This defense, in Year 2 with coach Mike Macdonald, is worth watching as a potential top-10 unit. — Solak

Reason for concern: My concern last year was about Macdonald as a first-year coach and first-year coordinator Ryan Grubb and what it all would look like from an offensive perspective for quarterback Geno Smith. This season brings change once again, with a new OC (Klint Kubiak) and new QB (Darnold), a pairing that will need to hit the ground running in a division that has some very dynamic throwers. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Don’t sleep on the quality of Seattle’s secondary, where cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen finished 24th and 27th in coverage DVOA last season, respectively (out of 93 ranked cornerbacks). — Schatz

Bold prediction: Led by second-year star quarterback LaNorris Sellers, along with a top-five defense, the Seahawks will reach the Super Bowl … but will lose. The days of Smith and Darnold will be ancient history by 2027. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	72.8	23
Quarterback	56.8	31
Coaching	88	8
Front office	79.8	13

Reason for hope: The Steelers mostly invested in aging players this offseason, but the addition of DK Metcalf could prove a big one for a team seeking stability at wide receiver. Don’t sleep on this young and highly talented offensive line, which could quickly become one of the league’s best — if Broderick Jones settles in at left tackle and Troy Fautanu is healthy at right tackle. — Solak

Reason for concern: Pittsburgh’s long-term answer at quarterback is not currently on the roster. Aaron Rodgers is on a one-year deal, and then it’s back to the drawing board. In the short term, while I am optimistic, it remains to be seen how Rodgers, OC Arthur Smith and this offense come together in the 2025 season. — Riddick

Nugget to know: T.J. Watt, who turns 31 in October, needs only seven sacks to catch his brother J.J. for family barbecue bragging rights (114.5). — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Steelers will finish with five or fewer wins in 2027. After an unsuccessful 2025 campaign with Rodgers, they will make an ill-fated attempt to compete again in 2026 with an aging roster. After that fails, they will finally commit to the teardown and rebuild in 2027. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	76.5	17
Quarterback	84.8	11
Coaching	65.8	32
Front office	72.3	22

Reason for hope: Quarterback Dak Prescott is only 32, so he reasonably folds into the three-year horizon of future power rankings, as does wideout CeeDee Lamb. Get edge rusher Micah Parsons and receiver George Pickens under contract and Dallas can climb up these rankings even further — especially if linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and cornerback Trevon Diggs return to form following major injuries. — Solak

Reason for concern: Last year, my concern was Prescott and his contract situation. This year, it’s the same issue but a different player: Parsons. The Cowboys’ biggest obstacle is themselves, primarily team owner Jerry Jones, and the effect that his team-building strategy has on the roster. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who recently signed a four-year, $80-million contract extension, ranked second among all interior defensive linemen with 25 quarterback knockdowns last season, including plays nullified by penalty. (Seattle’s Leonard Williams was No. 1.) — Schatz

Bold prediction: It might happen in 2025, 2026 or 2027, but Parsons will break Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt’s single-season sack record (22.5) sometime in the next three years. Since entering the league, no player has has more pass rush wins (310) than Parsons. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	67.5	27
Quarterback	69.8	25
Coaching	80	19
Front office	71.8	24

Reason for hope: The young talent and speed of running back De’Von Achane and wideout Jaylen Waddle still spell a dangerous offense for Miami, even as the rest of the roster ages. On the other side of the ball, edge rusher Chop Robinson had the sort of high-pressure season that foreshadows an ascension to stardom and double-digit sack seasons. — Solak

Reason for concern: Once again, the concern begins with the health and effectiveness of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Coach Mike McDaniel has to construct an offense around Tagovailoa that is more balanced and diverse when it comes to speed. On defense, the health and availability of players such as edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, have to be monitored closely if Miami is going to become a serious contender. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Dolphins had the NFL’s oldest team last season by snap-weighted age (27.8). They were the oldest team on defense (28.5) and special teams (27.9), as well as 10th-oldest on offense (27.1). — Schatz

Bold prediction: Robinson will put up a 15-sack season. He flashed his promise with a 19% pass rush win rate and 6.0 sacks in his rookie campaign. By Year 4, he’ll be wreaking constant havoc on opposing quarterbacks. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	65.6	30
Quarterback	79.8	15
Coaching	71.5	29
Front office	74.5	20

Reason for hope: Cameron Ward. When a team has a No. 1 pick at quarterback in the building, all of its reasons for optimism are that guy right there. Of course, a young and excelling offensive line also helps — and how about the young talent in the secondary? Cornerbacks Jarvis Brownlee Jr and Roger McCreary both look like high-impact players for the next three seasons. — Solak

Reason for concern: Last year, I wondered how the relationship between coach Brian Callahan and quarterback Will Levis would evolve. It didn’t, and now Levis’ time in Tennessee is coming to an end. Can Callahan avoid a repeat with Ward? That’s the biggest question hanging over Tennessee. If he can, the Titans have an upgraded receiver room and offensive line that could help them be one of the most improved offenses in the league after finishing last season ranked 26th in scoring (18.1 PPG). — Riddick

Nugget to know: Tennessee needs to find some youth at wide receiver, where the starters are Calvin Ridley (31), Van Jefferson (29) and Tyler Lockett (33). One possibility is 23-year-old undrafted free agent Xavier Restrepo, who played with Ward at Miami last season. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Titans will win a playoff game. With Ward panning out and in the third year of his deal, they will have invested heavily in 2026 and 2027 to build up the roster. Once we get to 2027, Tennessee will be the best team in its division and be a fringe Super Bowl contender. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	71	24
Quarterback	56.8	31
Coaching	83.5	14
Front office	71	25

Reason for hope: Edge rusher Myles Garrett, now under a long-term contract, keeps the vibes high on defense, as does Denzel Ward, who remains one of the best young corners. A hit on one of the two quarterbacks drafted in April would go a long way to improve the Browns’ outlook, and there should be plenty of reps up for grabs this season. — Solak

Reason for concern: The Browns have all but admitted that the acquisition of Deshaun Watson was a big miss, as his production was not living up to his massive salary. However, the focus still remains on the quarterbacks room, with four players in contention for the starting job — and the very real possibility that none of them will be the long-term answer. Not an ideal situation to be in as an organization, to say the least. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Based on snap totals from last season, the Browns have the most snap share wrapped up in players who will be unrestricted free agents in 2025. That includes four of their starting offensive linemen (center Ethan Pocic, guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller and tackle Jack Conklin), cornerbacks Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II and tight end David Njoku. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The only Browns offensive starter from this list still in a starting role for the team at the start of the 2027 season will be tackle Dawand Jones. Otherwise, we’ll see a complete turnover as the offensive line ages out and the team looks for a new quarterback and at some point trades wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	73.5	22
Quarterback	58.8	30
Coaching	76.8	25
Front office	70.5	26

Reason for hope: Optimism abounds already in Indianapolis, where Anthony Richardson Sr. is stacking solid days during training camp. If he can stay healthy and emerge with the rest of the young corps of targets coalescing around him, the Colts will fly up these rankings — especially if their two new starters on the offensive line, Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves, hit. Can they get a better season out of edge rusher Laiatu Latu in Year 2 as well? — Solak

Reason for concern: Can Richardson overcome questions surrounding his ability to play at a consistently high level from an execution standpoint? When you invest the No. 4 pick in the quarterback position as an organization, you have to get better ROI than what the Colts have received from Richardson so far. — Riddick

Nugget to know: There are a number of models for completion percentage over expected that are adjusted based on the depth of passes. But based on my model, Richardson had a minus-10.4% CPOE last season. That’s the worst figure for any quarterback with at least 200 pass attempts since Blaine Gabbert posted a minus-10.5% in 2011. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Second-year Colts quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, selected early in the 2026 draft after a season that made it clear neither Richardson nor Daniel Jones was Indianapolis’ future, will finish in the top 10 in QBR, giving the Colts hope for a bright future. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	69.8	25
Quarterback	75.8	21
Coaching	74.3	27
Front office	63.3	30

Reason for hope: The offensive nucleus of running back Bijan Robinson and wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney along with tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is dangerous, and the defensive one might finally match it if a couple of draft picks can join safety Jessie Bates III and cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. as high-impact players. As always, a team with a young quarterback (in this case, Michael Penix Jr.) has the potential to leapfrog up the rankings, should that quarterback hit. — Solak

Reason for concern: The development of Penix, particularly as it pertains to his accuracy, is my primary concern. His 2024 off-target rate of 19.4% was among the five worst in the league among starters. And although his three starts and five total appearances were a small sample size, his ability to put the ball where it needs to be at all levels of the field with consistent effectiveness is critical. — Riddick

Nugget to know: With Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., the Falcons became the first team to draft two edge rushers in the first round since the 2000 Jets selected Shaun Ellis and John Abraham with the 12th and 13th overall selections, respectively. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Walker will have 14 sacks in 2027, making him the first Falcons pass rusher to hit double-digit sacks in (at that point), more than a decade (Vic Beasley was the last in 2016). In other words: It will take a few seasons, but the Falcons’ investment in pass rushing in the 2025 draft will eventually yield them a high-end sack artist. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	67.5	27
Quarterback	61.5	29
Coaching	75.3	26
Front office	72	23

Reason for hope: The Jets should feel good about the authors of their rebuild, as both coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey come from teams that just bounced back well. They should also feel good about the recent extensions for cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson as franchise cornerstones. — Solak

Reason for concern: Will the new coaching staff play to the strengths of the offensive personnel and establish a punishing, dynamic rushing attack that should be the identity going forward? Or, will the coaches try to make quarterback Justin Fields and Wilson the focal point and put the ball in the air as if that is the best use of their talents? Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand is in the spotlight. — Riddick

Nugget to know: New York will be looking for a rebound season from the recently well-paid Gardner. He ranked 64th in coverage DVOA last season after ranking in the top 10 in 2022 and 2023. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Wilson will have a 1,500-receiving yard season in 2027 after second-year quarterback Drew Allar takes a big leap in his sophomore season. The duo leads the way for the most efficient Jets offense in years. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	63.3	32
Quarterback	70.3	24
Coaching	77	24
Front office	68	29

Reason for hope: The reasons for optimism were clear last season, when quarterback Bryce Young looked as if he might be turning his career around. Should that arc continue, buttressed by the addition of Tetairoa McMillan at wide receiver, it’ll be all sunshine at Carolina. A few young players emerging next to cornerback Jaycee Horn and defensive tackle Derrick Brown on defense sure would help, too. — Solak

Reason for concern: Was what we saw from Young during the final five weeks of the 2024 season what we can expect going forward, or was it a head fake? In three of the past five games, he had a QBR of 80-plus and threw nine touchdowns versus three interceptions; he seemed to have rebounded dramatically from an early-season trip to the bench. More targets were added via the draft and free agency, and it is time for Young to have that breakout season. — Riddick

Nugget to know: Panthers left tackle Ikem Ekwonu turns 25 on Oct. 31, and the Panthers have to decide whether they want to give him a contract extension. Ekwonu ranked 63rd out of 66 ranked left tackles with an 82.3% pass block win rate last season, but he had an above-average 76.0% run block win rate. — Schatz

Bold prediction: Wide receiver Jalen Coker will lead the team in receiving yards. This prediction hitting would probably not be a great sign for McMillan, but Coker showed some real signs of life in his rookie campaign despite going undrafted. His 1.9 yards per route in 2024 shows his play has a chance to be a real asset if he continues to ascend. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	67	29
Quarterback	68.8	27
Coaching	71.3	30
Front office	62.8	31

Reason for hope: Man, wideout Malik Nabers looked really good as a rookie last season. And that pass rush? Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II and edge rushers Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter should be able to take over some games. If Jaxson Dart proves to be the future at quarterback, look out. — Solak

Reason for concern: What will the coach/quarterback combination look like over the next three seasons? There is no bigger question/concern with the Giants going forward. Coach Brian Daboll has to strike a balance between winning games with Russell Wilson as the starter entering Week 1 while also developing Dart for the future. It’s a fascinating dynamic. — Riddick

Nugget to know: The Giants have youth on defense, with a league-low snap-weighted age of 25.2 years on that side of the ball last season. Even the new players this season are young; cornerback Paulson Adebo is just 26, safety Jevon Holland is 25 and Carter is 21. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Giants will fulfill their destiny and draft Arch Manning in 2027. After waiting too long to get Dart in during the 2025 campaign, the organization wasn’t ready to give up on the young signal-caller. But by the end of 2026, they eventually will be, and Manning conveniently will stay at Texas for the 2026 season. — Walder

Category	Score	NFL rank
Overall roster (minus QB)	63.5	31
Quarterback	64.5	28
Coaching	70.8	31
Front office	53.3	32

Reason for hope: The Saints have plenty of good players on the roster, including wide receiver Chris Olave, center Erik McCoy and offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga. Flexibility might not be great in future years, but a rookie contract quarterback hit would solve a lot of those financial problems. — Solak

Reason for concern: Is rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough the future franchise quarterback in New Orleans? That is the question that needs to be answered. He has all of the tools and a very good combination of coaches and supporting cast surrounding him. It’s up to him to take advantage of it. — Riddick

Nugget to know: It’s hard to fault the Saints for ignoring their offensive line, because they spend a lot of draft capital at the position. Four of this year’s projected starters are first-round picks, with the exception being McCoy, a second-rounder in 2019. — Schatz

Bold prediction: The Saints will have a top-five offensive line in run block win rate. After a couple of years, their investment at tackle in the draft will pay off, with Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. ascending to become above-average players at their position. — Walder

August 10, 2025, 11:43 p.m.

Las Vegas-es gave only one way that Las Vegas Aces Becky Hammon coach was the first player as the first player in the history of the league a 30-20 double double.

“It's just a'ja to be an a'ja,” she said.

She shook in awe.

“She could have had one of them in the past,” added Hammon. “I never really let her go to the offensive glass this year, where we emphasized it more.”

Wilson ended with 32 points on 13-of-25 shootings with her second career, which the Aces led to a 94-86 victory over the sun from Connecticut on Sunday evening. It was her 14th double double of the season and her sixth career game with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds that, according to ESPN research, connected Tina Charles for most in WNBA history.

“It's huge,” said Wilson, who also registered her 30th career 30 point game. “I didn't even know, as many greats as in this league, it's a kind of shock that it happens right now. It's a blessing. I love what I do. I love what I do. I love it so much, so I can get out and just play basketball as I love and the team, and we will all contact each other – I'm happy with this.”

Teammate Jackie Young said that Wilson never stopped surprising.

“She appears every night and I think she's so great in what she is doing,” said Young. “She is a super hard worker, so it is cool to see her hard work. At the same time, they bring double teams to her, triple teams to her, and she has to navigate and play it. She is still able to achieve insane numbers every evening.”

Wilson, who was the fastest and second-speaking player this season, who scored 5,000 career points, took up 30 points in 2018 since entering the league.

“It is pretty cool to have my name in the record books when it comes to about it,” said Wilson, who turned 29 on Friday. “I'm pretty sure that there will be a lot of follow -up. So yes, it's pretty cool to give the first.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This page is updated all summer. So continue looking for the latest content.

While the weather is heating, our excitement is also over the season of the fantasy football from 2025.

Regardless of whether you play in an informal new system, an intensive format of deep dynasty or something in between, we are at ESPN Fantasy here to help.

This design leader serves as a one-stop shop for all our best material, as they prepare to make the best fantasy football picks possible in every design: ranking lists and cheat sheets; Player projections; Fein designs for different league types; Sleepers, busts and outbreaks; And a lot of helpful information and tips from our team of experts from Fantasy football analysts.

It doesn't matter whether you have been doing this for years or are a fantasy first-timer. We have everything to help you create a great team and start the season with a shot at a championship.

Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets, projections and deep cards

Your league, your rules

Create a league and adjust the league size, the rating and the rules to play in the league in which you want to play.

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Cheat Sheet Central
A one-stop shop for printable cheat sheets that meet your specific requirements.

2025 projections
Mike Clays projected edition for players in every fantasy position, sortable by category.

Deep cards: criminal offense | defense

Ranking

2025 ranking hub
A number of ranking types that correspond to you, including our personnel consensus according to position, superflex, IDP, dynasty and individual lists.

Mike Clays “The 192”
The 192 players who were to be collected in 12-team leagues disassembled into stages.

Insurance RB ranking
A list of backup running backs that are best positioned to be successful if you get a complete workload.

RB ranks: the most reliable TD goal scorer
Which back can you banks near the goal line? Here are the most reliable backs.

From Chase to London, which rank the most reliable TD goal shooters under WRS
A deep immersion in trustworthy TD goal shooters under Wideouts based on target data, efficiency and much more.

Schmen designs

The Mock design project 2025: Results for over 30 experts 10-team PPR mock designs

More mocks: 12-team superflex, PPR (8/5) | 10-team superflex, 1/2 PPR (7/24)
8 team, PPR (7/9) | 12 team, non-PPR (6/24)
12 team, 1/2 PPR (6/12) | 10 team, PPR (5/6)

Advice and analysis

List “Do Draft”: Henry, Purdy, Kelce among the undervalued players
In the multi -year counterpart to the list of the Do No Draft list, Eric Karabell discusses players who are underestimated in designs.

“Don't” remove “list”: McCaffrey, Andrews among the players who are overrated
Eric Karabell serves his annual list of players who were to go designs in the past than 2025.

Fantasy Football 'Drumbeat' Player: Nothing, Hampton Under them create buzz
Liz Loza serves six potential players who create serious excitement in fantasy circles.

Benson, Higgins lead the team “Have skills, need opportunities”
Ten players who have the skills to be fantasy factors, but are waiting for a chance to prove this.

Six “planes” that can help them win their league
Liz Loza offers six players who have to consider late in fantasy designs.

Fantasy Focus Breakouts: Williams, McCarthy and more
Field Yates, Mike Clay and Daniel Dopp identify players that they can count on to break out.

Numbers you should know before your draft
Tristan H. Cockcroft reveals some interesting statistics that could affect the draft of daily decisions.

Ward, McMillan and others are prepared to follow the path of 2024 outbreaks
These players are able to follow a way similar to the outbreaks of the past year and to create large numbers.

Players 2 players Spotlight: Maye, Harrison, Odunze among the popular outbreaks
The ESPN Fantasy list lists the NFL students who are undervalued in designs and are under control.

Murray, McCaffrey under “Red Fahnen” boards that are worth writing
You have to take risks to win in fantasy football. Liz Loza emphasizes players who are worth taking the chance.

Opportunity strokes: Players ready to benefit in 2025
Eric Moody lists those who benefit most from the free touch or destinations of the teams last season.

11 players who will achieve fewer TDs in 2025
Mike Clay gives his annual list of players, from whom he expects to reach the end zone less frequently this season.

Nine players who will achieve more TDS in 2025
Mike Clay lists the players who are most likely to increase their touchdown edition in 2025.

Expect a return from these bounce back candidates for the form
Eric Karabell lists some of his favorite candidates from a disappointing 2024.

10 undervalued passports with fascinating upward trend or safer soils
Matt Bowen lists his favorites with weekly potential and others who are reliable despite lower ADPS.

TOP -NOTURE STARIES FOR 2025: What you can expect from CMC, Tyreek and more
Mike Clay, Daniel Dopp and Field Yates enjoy a robust conversation about topics that fascinate them this season.

Don't be surprised if … these 19 things happen in 2025
Eric Karabell offers his thoughts on players who could enjoy or disappoint in 2025.

The 20 newcomers to be drawn in
The fans are happy about newbies, but which ones are really worth taking up fantasy designs this summer? Matt Bowen has a list.

16 players to act or act against or in dynasty
Knowing when you stay and when you have to go away from the players is of crucial importance for the success of the Dynasty League. Eric Moody is here to help.

To upgrade of players, downgrading due to the schedule of 2025
Mike Clay describes the teams and players with the simplest and hardest schedules in fantasy terms.

Strategy/game paths

The game book, part 2: Tips for non -traditional formats of Fantasy Football design for non -traditional formats
Mike Clay discusses his approach of design in various intensive league structures that attract less attention.

The game book: Plan a winning strategy for fantasy football design days
Mike Clay is in position and explains a successful approach to fantasy football designs from 2025.

A guide for Fantasy Football beginners to the salary limit designs
Eric Karabells offers an introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of salary degrees for fantasy football.

Why this is the season to try an IDP League
Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why the elaboration of defensive players increases the fun you can play imagination.

What is a superflex league and why should you try?
Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why starting two QBS instead of one maximizes fun and also changes the way they design.

10 ways to enjoy your league more
Daniel Dopp offers individual options to improve the enjoyment of fantasy football for you and your Leagusimates.

Single player analysis

Drake Maye A Top 10-QB in 2025?
Eric Moody explains why Maye is able to take the next step in the second year.

Should you take on Ashton Jeaty in fantasy designs via Saquon Barkley?
Liz Loza and Tyler Fulghum debate whether the hot rookie or the back of 2,000 yards are the better choice.

Travis Hunter's experience: How to maximize your fantasy potential
Would you like to play in a league where you get points for all contributions from Travis Hunter? That's how you do it.

Injuries

Working out of injury: McCafrey, Godwin and Olave to monitor among the players
Stephania Bell describes the players who recover from injuries and their prospects for this season.

Different

New functions in the ESPN Fantasy app: easier navigation, improved personalization
A list of the latest elements that have been added to the Fantasy app that you can enjoy this season.

Name of Fantasy football team names: How to select a winner
If you are inspired to name your fantasy team, Liz Loza offers a blueprint.

The fantasy team name generator
Answer a short quiz and will be rewarded with a suggestion for a team name that fits your style and personality.