New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts with Cam Skattebo (44) after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts with Cam Skattebo (44) after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
2025 record: 176-109 (.618)
(2025 records in parentheses)
SUNDAY
Atlanta Falcons (8-9) at Steelers (10-7), 1 p.m. — Patrick Graham’s new defense will get an early test against Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. But all eyes will be focused on that Steelers offense with Mike McCarthy calling the plays. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski never won a regular season game in Acrisure Stadium with the Browns.
Prediction: Steelers, 27-13
[Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy calls out to his team during training camp at Saint Vincent College, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Latrobe.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy calls out to his team during training camp at Saint Vincent College, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Latrobe.](https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/09/11/mike-mccarthy-debut-nfl-season-preview/stories/202609080036)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-11), 1 p.m. — The Bengals defense, which ranked 30th in 2025, added Dexter Lawrence II and Jonathan Allen to complement an offense that retains all the usual suspects. The Buccaneers frittered away a division title last season, losing seven of their final nine games because of a leaky defense.
Prediction: Bengals, 24-23
Chicago Bears (11-6) at Carolina Panthers (8-9), 1 p.m. — The Panthers were one of the hottest teams in the league in the second half of last season. But they are facing a Bears team that was one of the hottest all season. Caleb Williams is on the cusp of being the league’s biggest star.
Prediction: Bears, 27-16
New Orleans Saints (6-11) at Detroit Lions (9-8), 1 p.m. — One of the big surprises of 2025 was the meltdown of the Lions, who lost four of their final six games and missed the postseason. The Saints showed some late-season life by winning four of their final five games and are hoping Travis Etienne Jr.’s return home will help.
Prediction: Lions, 37-16
Buffalo Bills (12-5) at Houston Texans (12-5), 1 p.m. — This is a battle of 2025 AFC wild-card playoff teams from last season. Buffalo has a new head coach (Joe Brady) and a new wide receiver (DJ Moore) for quarterback Josh Allen, but they have lost their past four games in Houston. That’s not a good omen with that Texans defense.
[Aaron Rodgers #8 celebrates with Ben Skowronek #15 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after throwing a touchdown pass to Skowronek during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 07, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Aaron Rodgers #8 celebrates with Ben Skowronek #15 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after throwing a touchdown pass to Skowronek during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on September 07, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.](https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/09/11/aaron-rodgers-ben-skowronek-friendship/stories/202609110038)
Prediction: Texans, 20-17
Baltimore Ravens (8-9) at Indianapolis Colts (8-9), 1 p.m. — Like the Steelers, the Ravens have a new head coach for the first time in 18 years. But, unlike the Steelers, it’s someone who has never been an NFL head coach — Jesse Minter. His job will be to bring Lamar Jackson and the Ravens defense back to life.
Prediction: Ravens, 30-24
Cleveland Browns (5-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4), 1 p.m. — The Browns remain unsettled at quarterback, though they are giving Deshaun Watson one last chance. The Jaguars finished last season with eight consecutive victories before losing a wild-card game at home to the Bills in the last minute.
Prediction: Jaguars, 34-16
New York Jets (3-14) at Tennessee Titans (3-14), 1 p.m. — The Jets are on to another different starting quarterback, this time Geno Smith. It better work for Aaron Glenn, who could be the first coach fired this season. The Titans have had four consecutive losing seasons and won just six games since 2024.
Prediction: Jets, 14-12
Arizona Cardinals (3-14) at Los Angeles Chargers (11-6), 4:25 p.m. — The Cardinals have moved on from former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, but the replacement is journeyman Jacoby Brissett. The Chargers are ready to make a serious run at the AFC West title, but Justin Herbert has to do more than prove he has a strong arm.
Prediction: Chargers, 34-14
Miami Dolphins (7-10) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-14), 4:25 p.m. — The Dolphins moved on from coach Mike McDaniel and threw a lot of money at Malik Willis to be the replacement for Tua Tagovailoa. The Raiders have stockpiled a lot of young talent but will use Kirk Cousins until quarterback Fernando Mendoza is ready.
Prediction: Raiders, 20-17
Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) at Minnesota Vikings (9-8), 4:25 p.m. — The Packers are still reeling from losing their final five games last season, including their playoff ouster to the Bears, when they allowed two touchdowns in the final four minutes. The Vikings are turning their offense over to Kyler Murray, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.
Prediction: Packers, 31-23
Washington Commanders (5-12) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-6), 4:25 p.m. — The Commanders have been one of the league’s turnaround teams in each of the past two seasons, but 2025 was for the wrong reason. They went from 12-5 to 5-12. It appears the Eagles will remain unchallenged in the NFC East.
Prediction: Eagles, 30-17
Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1) at New York Giants (4-13), 8:20 p.m. — The Giants have enough good, young talent to be the turnaround team of 2026, especially with John Harbaugh as their new coach. The Cowboys lost four of their final five games in 2025. What’s more, they allowed 71 points in two games against the Giants.
Prediction: Giants, 28-27
MONDAY
Denver Broncos (14-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-11), 8:15 p.m. — The Broncos ended the Chiefs’ nine-year reign as AFC West champions and appear poised to win it again. The Chiefs, who signed running back Kenneth Walker III from the Seahawks, will need a bounce-back season from Patrick Mahomes.
Prediction: Broncos, 27-24
First Published: September 13, 2026, 9:00 a.m.