Around the NFC

Darnold down? Wednesday night was supposed to be a commemoration for the Seahawks 2025 title. Instead, within one drive of Seattle’s Super Bowl rematch against the New England Patriots, quarterback Sam Darnold suffered an injury that knocked him out for the remainder of the game. Backup quarterback Drew Lock led the Seahawks to a 13-10 win after an ugly Drake Maye interception ended the game, but all of Seattle’s eyes likely turned to Darnold’s status after the game. After the game, coach Mike Macdonald said the doctors ruled out a fracture after Darnold’s CT scan. The belief after an X-Ray and CT scan is Darnold avoided major injury, according to Ian Rapoport.

Division showdowns. Week 1 features four NFC inter-divisional matchups, compared to just one in the AFC. The Rams and 49ers squared off in Australia on Thursday, the Packers and Vikings open in Minnesota, Philadelphia starts its season against Washington and coach John Harbaugh begins his Giants tenure by facing the Dallas Cowboys in New York.

Big money for Baker. The Buccaneers locked up their quarterback for the foreseeable future, signing Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $165 million contract extension, the team announced Tuesday. Mayfield previously said he felt “disrespected” by the organization’s previous offers, but Tampa Bay made it a priority to sign the former No. 1 overall pick to a long-term deal. Mayfield will now make $55 million per season, becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history. Mayfield has thrown for 12,237 yards and 95 touchdowns in his three seasons in Tampa Bay, leading the Buccaneers to two NFC South division titles.

Around the AFC

A.J. Brown exits in debut. Darnold was not the only offensive star injured in the NFL’s kickoff game. Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who arrived in New England this offseason after a disgruntled exit from Philadelphia, left in the third quarter with an ankle injury. Brown appeared to grab at the back of his right leg after a Seahawks defender landed on Brown’s ankle.

He was initially listed as questionable to return, but the Patriots downgraded him to out at the start of the fourth quarter. Coach Mike Vrabel did not provide an update on Brown after the game, according to reporters.

Franchise tag “stupid,” Heyward says. The franchise tag is an option teams have to give players a one-year tender as their current deal expires. The value of the deal depends on the position and type of tag. Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end and NFLPA executive committee member Cameron Heyward called the tag “stupid” when asked about it on Wednesday.

“It hampers players. Why should any team be able to take advantage of a player for one year? It’s used in negotiations, and I think between the player options, the franchise tags, the way they control rookies, I think it’s kind of backwards,” Heyward said.

Bruised Bowers. The Raiders’ top weapon, tight end Brock Bowers, will miss at least one game with a knee injury. Bowers underwent a meniscus trim on Tuesday in Dallas and is expected to miss “a game or two,” NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday. The Broncos do not face the Raiders until Nov. 22.

Game of the Week
Bills at Texans

One of the league’s best defenses meets one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Houston’s pass rush duo of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, coupled with a ball-hawking secondary, is poised for a historically strong defensive season. On the other side, Josh Allen and the Bills have been on the precipice of a Super Bowl for the past half-decade, but have been unable to finish the job in the playoffs. The Bills fired coach Sean McDermott in the offseason in favor of former offensive coordinator Joe Brady and added wide receiver D.J. Moore to try and provide Allen with more weapons.

Still, the Bills will only go as far as Allen carries them, and he’ll have a difficult Week 1 test in Houston. This is a massive game for both teams to try and establish themselves in the AFC hierarchy.

Texans 20, Bills 17

Lock of the Week
Cardinals at Chargers

Sure, the Cardinals have some young offensive talent. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison make up a solid core of weapons, but the Chargers should cruise in this game. It is offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s debut for Los Angeles and tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater return from injuries. Los Angeles is a 9.5 point favorite for a reason.

Chargers 38, Cardinals 20

Upset of the Week
Bears at Panthers

In a matchup of former No. 1 overall picks, Caleb Williams and the Bears head to Charlotte to face the Panthers. The Bears are a popular pick to win the NFC, but the Panthers have a tough defensive line that could slow down Chicago’s run game. The Bears are favored by 3.5 points.

Panthers 28, Bears 27