Predicting 10 future 2026 NFL headlines: QB benching, NFL records and Super Bowl LXI champion

Stefanski, a two-time Associated Press Coach of the Year with the Cleveland Browns (2020, 2023), added he was "very confident with the plan we have for Mike," which may include starting him as soon as fully healthy based on Tagovailoa's rough preseason. Having only recently returned to practice, we'll give Penix a couple of weeks to get in game shape before taking over as QB1.

"Patrick Mahomes is back"

By the time the Kansas City Chiefs face the Seahawks on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 7, we won't have any questions about Mahomes's health after recovering from a torn ACL. The two-time MVP will use a massive performance in the road win as a springboard for a third.

"Jaguars kicker Cam Little sets NFL record with 70-yard field goal"

NFL kickers have never been better. Last year, nine had makes of at least 60 yards.

In the age of the kicker, Little might have the biggest leg. Already owning the record for the two longest kicks in league history (68, 67 yards), the third-year pro will one-up himself this season, matching the 70-yarder he made last preseason against the Steelers when Pittsburgh returns to Duval County in Week 14.

"With loss, Browns secure 2027 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick"

The Browns have a quarterback no one wants and a 60-year-old first-time head coach. They traded away the league's best defensive player, defensive end Myles Garrett. The front office has already hit "Sim to next season." It's only a matter of time before Cleveland's on the clock.

"Patriots eliminated from playoff contention"

For the third year in a row and fifth time since 2019, the Super Bowl runner-up will miss the playoffs. Thanks to a first-place AFC East finish in 2025, New England doesn't have an easy schedule to exploit like it did a year ago. Its first four games, three of which are away from home, are against teams coming off a playoff appearance. In a competitive conference, the Patriots slip just enough. Dianna Russini covers the fallout on her YouTube channel.

"Falcons running back Bijan Robinson sets yards from scrimmage record"

Robinson led the league with 2,298 yards from scrimmage last season, gaining 1,478 rushing yards and 820 receiving yards. The 2025 All-Pro will somehow be even more productive this fall, surpassing Chris Johnson's 2009 record (2,509 yards).

"Texans get over the hump, snap divisional round losing streak"

Houston has lost three years in a row in the divisional round, but this is the year DeMeco Ryans' team, led once again by one of the league's best defenses, finally makes the AFC championship game. The Texans' run won't end there, either, as they defeat the conference No. 1 seed Baltimore Ravens to reach the first Super Bowl in franchise history.

"Jesse Minter named AP Coach of the Year"

Even with a disappointing loss the previous week, the first-year Ravens coach can hold his head high by earning COY honors. He's also received a raise at this point after being pursued by the Michigan Wolverines during their coaching search.

"Los Angeles Rams win second Super Bowl at home"

There's a reason Los Angeles is a heavy favorite. 

The Rams went all-in on a title this offseason, adding significant defensive pieces to go along with the league's best offense. Five years after winning Super Bowl LVI on home turf, the Rams once again hoist the Lombardi Trophy at SoFi Stadium.