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“He’s Built for It”: Mike Tomlin Picks Josh Allen Over Patrick Mahomes & Lamar Jackson in Latest Claim
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Cowboys face a major setback as Tyler Smith is ruled out for weeks, creating concerns for Dallas' offensive line and season.
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Olympian Anna Hall reacts to husband Darius Slayton’s Giants release as NFL star begins new chapter after seven seasons in New York.
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Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini Scandal Puts All NFL Coaches “Under Surveillance”
A new ESPN report details how the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini fallout has changed NFL coaches’ relationships with reporters.
Jerry Jones Reveals the Exact Moment He Knew Dak Prescott Would Replace Tony Romo
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reveals the 2016 Dak Prescott story that convinced him to make the then-rookie the team's starting QB.
“Last Dinner With Dad”: Bo Nix’s Wife Pens Emotional Note For Broncos QB Just Days Before NFL Season Kicks Off
Bo Nix’s wife shares an emotional message for the Broncos quarterback just days before the NFL season begins.
Titans Star Cedric Gray Enters NFL Concussion Protocol After Vehicle Crash
Just 6 days before the season opener, linebacker Cedric Gray of the Tennessee Titans was in a minor accident while driving a UTV.
Patriots End Christian Gonzalez Standoff as CB Pens Historic $135 Million Extension
Patriots lock up Christian Gonzalez with a historic $135 million extension, ending a tense contract standoff with the star cornerback.
Mike McCarthy Confirms Major Changes to Steelers’ Offense for Aaron Rodgers
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Mike McCarthy Ends Long-Running Steelers Tradition Under Mike Tomlin Before Regular Season
Mike McCarthy breaks from Mike Tomlin’s long-running Steelers tradition by introducing a new captaincy approach ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
2026 NFC South Predictions: Saints Lead as Falcons Face Major Questions
Read to learn NFC South predictions before the 2026 NFL season on EssentiallySports. Will the Saints make the jump everyone anticipates?
AFC South 2026 Predictions: Can the Texans Run Away With the Division?
NFL Writer Daniel Rios shares his AFC South predictions for the 2026 NFL season. Are the Houston Texans the clear favorites?
“Trying to Push a Negative Narrative”: Deshaun Watson’s Close Friend Defends Browns QB From Backlash as Todd Monken Names Him Captain
Deshaun Watson’s friend pushes back on criticism as Todd Monken names the Browns QB one of the Week 1 captains.
“I Am Tired”: Derrick Henry Sounds Off on Ravens’ Failure to Win a Super Bowl With Lamar Jackson
Derrick Henry voiced frustration over not winning a Super Bowl with Lamar Jackson, playoff struggles, and the Ravens’ 2026 outlook.
“I’m Still the Best Quarterback”: Joe Milton Issues Strong Response After Choosing to Rejoin Cowboys Following Roster Cut
Joe Milton III gives a powerful response despite choosing to come back to the Dallas Cowboys following a roster cut.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Start/Sit Advice: Matthew Stafford, Kenneth Walker & More
Here are two players you must start and sit at every position in Week 1. Read to learn more about them on EssentiallySports.
“It’s Over”: Kelly Stafford Gets Emotional as Offseason Ends Before Husband Matthew & Rams’ Season Begins in Australia
Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly bids farewell to the offseason as the Rams prepare for their Australia opener.
NFL Draft Risers and Sliders: Week 1 Standouts Include LSU’s Jordan Seaton, Houston’s Shadre Hurst
NFL Draft risers and sliders from Week 1, featuring breakout performances, emerging prospects and players who saw their draft stock dip.
Darius Slayton Bids Goodbye to New York as Giants Cut Longest-Tenured Player Days Before Season Opener
After getting released by the New York Giants following the longest tenure in the franchise, Darius Slayton pens a heartfelt farewell.
“I Just Wanna Talk to My Son”: Deion Sanders’ Daughter Blasts Ex for Denying Her Access to Her Child
Deion Sanders' daughter Deiondra accuses ex-Jacquees of limiting her access to their son Snow amid ongoing co-parenting conflict.
“Rest Easy, Uncle Matt”: Prayers Pour in From Walter Payton’s Son as Bears Super Bowl Champ Dies at 68
Chicago legend Walter Payton’s son shares a heartfelt tribute after father figure and Bears Super Bowl champion Matt Suhey dies at 68.
“It’s Over”: Deion Sanders Sends Blunt Message on Shilo’s NFL Future After Buccaneers Cut
Deion Sanders gave his son a harsh reality check after his NFL setback, urging him to accept the disappointment & move forward in his life.
“Keep Your Head Down”: Cam Skattebo’s Father Sends Strong Message to Son Ahead of Giants’ NFL Opener
The New York Giants are about to start their regular season, with their running back, Cam Skattebo, encouraged by his father.
NFL By the Numbers: All the Important Stats You Need to Know Before the Start of the Season
Breaking down all the key stats, major trades, and important numbers you need to know before the 2026 NFL season kicks off.
Dak Prescott’s Estranged Fiancée Reacts as Former Cowboys Star Announces Major Family News
Dak Prescott's estranged fiancée Sarah Jane Ramos reacts as former Cowboys' star Neville Gallimore announces major baby girl news.
“I Couldn’t Be Him”: 49ers Legend Terrell Owens Admits He Gave Up on Competing With Jerry Rice
Terrell Owens had a football career most wide receivers can only dream of. But none of it was ever enough to grow out of Jerry Rice's shadow.
About NFL
NFL
History
In August 1920, representatives from four states: Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and Dayton, held a meeting and formed the American Professional Football Conference (APFC) to improve footballing standards in the country. A month later, they formed the American Professional Football Association (APFA) and played a league with 14 teams. In 1922, they changed the name to the National Football League (NFL).
In 1960, a new professional league, the American Football League (AFL) started as a competition against the NFL. After six years, in 1966, the two leagues announced a merger that would take effect in 1970. During the four years between the announcement and the actual merger, the leagues started playing a Championship game which was called The Super Bowl. Since then, the two leagues have been recognized as two separate conferences within the same league, the NFL.
Participating teams
There are 32 teams in the NFL divided equally into two conferences: National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). Each conference is further divided into 4 divisions: East, North, South, and West, with each division containing four teams.
American Football Conference (AFC)
East
NorthSouthWestNational Football Conference (NFC)NorthSouthWest