Season opener and season storylines
The 2026 NFL season kicks off on Wednesday night, and league observers are focusing on which teams can challenge the reigning Los Angeles Rams, who many view as the benchmark to beat. Our writers have published predictions covering the likely MVP candidates, the rookies expected to make immediate impacts and the disasters that could unfold for teams with high expectations.
A league long dominated by the shotgun
For more than a decade the NFL has evolved into a shotgun-oriented league, with the majority of quarterbacks taking most snaps three to seven yards behind the centre. That formation has shaped playbooks, quarterback development and offensive scheming across the sport.
Signs of an under-centre revival
Recent analysis by our staff points to a rise in efficiency on plays run with quarterbacks taking snaps directly under centre. That trend, observed through the 2025 season, has prompted calls from some coaches and analysts for more plays to be run from that alignment. Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams and Sam Darnold were among the quarterbacks noted for leading that shift in 2025, and writers expect other signal-callers to experiment more with under-centre work in 2026.
Tactical and competitive implications
Those formation choices could influence everything from playcalling and protection schemes to the development curve for rookies and the framing of MVP races. While personnel and health will remain decisive, how teams adapt their approach at the line of scrimmage is likely to be a subplot that shapes which clubs emerge as genuine threats to the Rams.
What to watch this week
As the season begins, attention will fall on opening-game matchups, early-season quarterback play and how quickly teams can settle into new or revived offensive identities. Our writers will continue to track performances, injury news and strategic trends as the 2026 campaign unfolds.