2026 NFL Draft

The 91st edition of the NFL Draft will be hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time since 1948.

The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft is entering its final stretch, and league insiders agree on one thing: unpredictability will define this year’s event. With quarterback‑needy teams stacked at the top of the order, a deep class of offensive playmakers, and several elite defensive prospects rising late in the process, front offices across the league are preparing for a chaotic opening night.

At the center of the conversation is the quarterback class, which scouts have described as “high‑ceiling but volatile.” Multiple teams in the top ten are expected to pursue a franchise passer, setting the stage for aggressive trade‑up scenarios. Several general managers have hinted that they’re willing to move future first‑round picks to secure their preferred prospect, a sign of how competitive the market has become. While no consensus QB1 has emerged, the class is widely viewed as one of the most physically gifted groups in recent years.

Just behind the quarterbacks is a wide receiver class that evaluators believe could reshape offenses across the league. With several prospects projected to go in the first round—and as many as 20 receivers carrying top‑three‑round grades—teams looking for explosive playmakers will have no shortage of options. Many analysts expect a run on receivers in the middle of the first round, potentially pushing defensive talent down the board.

Speaking of defense, this year’s edge rusher and cornerback groups have surged in the final months of the pre‑draft cycle. A handful of pass rushers have impressed scouts with rare athletic testing and refined technique, prompting some teams to reconsider their offensive‑heavy draft boards. Meanwhile, the cornerback class features multiple long, physical defenders who fit the modern NFL’s demand for versatility against spread offenses.

One of the biggest storylines heading into draft week is the trade landscape. Several veteran players—particularly at wide receiver and offensive tackle—have been the subject of trade rumors as teams explore ways to maneuver the board. With salary‑cap pressures mounting for playoff contenders, draft‑week trades involving established starters are considered more likely than in previous years.

The draft’s location is also generating excitement. Fans are expected to flood the host city for a multi‑day festival atmosphere, complete with concerts, interactive exhibits, and team‑specific fan zones. The NFL has leaned heavily into transforming the draft into a marquee entertainment event, and early indicators suggest this year’s turnout could break attendance records.

As teams finalize their boards, the league’s decision‑makers are emphasizing preparation for every possible scenario. Several front offices have reportedly run more simulations than ever before, anticipating a first round where one unexpected pick could trigger a chain reaction across the league.

With so many variables in play—quarterback uncertainty, deep skill‑position talent, rising defensive prospects, and a volatile trade market—the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a spectacle from the opening selection to the final announcement of the night. And if early buzz is any indication, fans should brace for surprises, bold moves, and the kind of drama that has made the draft one of the NFL’s most anticipated annual events.

The post 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on In Play! magazine.

NFL Playoff Schedule 2026

Wild Card Weekend

Saturday, Jan. 10

• (5) Rams at (4) Panthers, 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox)
• (7) Packers at (2) Bears, 8 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime)

Sunday, Jan. 11

• (6) Bills at (3) Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
• (6) 49ers at (3) Eagles, 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox)
• (7) Chargers at (2) Patriots, 8 p.m. ET (NBC)

Monday, Jan. 12

(5) Texans at (4) Steelers, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)

Divisional Round

Saturday, Jan. 17

• (6) Bills at (1) Broncos, 4:30 pm
• (6) 49ers at (1) Seahawks, 8 pm

Sunday, Jan. 18

• (5) Texans at (2) Patriots, 3 pm
• (5) Rams at (2) Bears, 6:30 pm

Conference Championships

Sunday, Jan. 25

• AFC Championship, (1) Broncos vs (2) Patriots. 3 p.m. ET (CBS)
• NFC Championship, (1) Seahawks vs (5) Rams 6:30 p.m. ET (Fox)

Super Bowl LX

Sunday, Feb. 8

AFC champion (2) Patriots vs. NFC champion (1) Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California), 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

The post NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 appeared first on In Play! magazine.

2026 College Football Playoff National Championship

The stage is set for a historic national championship showdown as top-seeded Indiana faces the Cinderella story of No. 10 Miami in the Hurricanes’ home stadium.

**Miami’s Remarkable Run**

The Hurricanes have defied all odds in this College Football Playoff, entering as the tournament’s most controversial selection and now standing one win away from their first national title since 2001. Their playoff journey has been nothing short of spectacular:

• Upset No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 on the road in the first round
• Shocked defending champion No. 2 Ohio State 24-14 in the quarterfinals
• Survived No. 6 Ole Miss 31-27 in a thrilling Fiesta Bowl semifinal

Quarterback Carson Beck, a Georgia transfer who never appeared in a playoff game for the Bulldogs, has been instrumental in Miami’s success. In the semifinal victory, he threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns before running in the game-winning score from 3 yards out with just 18 seconds remaining.

Indiana’s Dominant Performance

The Hoosiers have been equally impressive, crushing opponents on their path to the championship. They demolished No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the quarterfinals before dominating No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal.

The Storylines

This matchup features Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native, facing his hometown team in what promises to be an emotionally charged atmosphere. The Hurricanes will have the home-field advantage at Hard Rock Stadium, where they’ll seek to capture their sixth national championship and first in 25 years.

With Miami’s never-say-die mentality meeting Indiana’s dominant playoff performances, this championship game has all the makings of an instant classic.

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2025-26 College Football Bowl Game Schedule

(all times ET)

Saturday, Dec. 13
Celebration Bowl – South Carolina State vs. Prairie View A&M
12 p.m. | ABC. Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta, Georgia

LA Bowl – Boise State vs. Washington
8 p.m. | ABC – SoFi Stadium. Inglewood, Calif.

Tuesday, Dec. 16
Salute to Veterans Bowl – Troy vs. Jacksonville State
9 p.m. | ESPN. Cramton Bowl. Montgomery, Ala.

Wednesday, Dec. 17
Cure Bowl – Old Dominion vs. South Florida
5 p.m. | ESPN. Camping World Stadium. Orlando, Fla.

68 Ventures Bowl – Louisiana vs. Delaware
8:30 p.m. | ESPN. Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mobile, Ala.

Thursday, Dec. 18
Xbox Bowl – Arkansas State vs. Missouri State
9 p.m. | ESPN2. Ford Center. Frisco, Texas

Friday, Dec. 19
Myrtle Beach Bowl – Kennesaw State vs. Western Michigan
11 a.m. | ESPN. Brooks Stadium. Conway, S.C.

Gasparilla Bowl – Memphis vs. NC State
2:30 p.m. | ESPN. Raymond James Stadium. Tampa, Fla.

Saturday, Dec. 20
College Football Playoff First Round Game – No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.)
12 p.m. | ESPN, ABC. Kyle Field. College Station, Texas

College Football Playoff First Round Game
No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 20 Tulane
3:30 p.m. | TNT, HBO Max. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Oxford, Miss.

College Football Playoff First Round Game
No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 24 James Madison
7:30 p.m. | TNT, HBO Max. Autzen Stadium. Eugene, Ore.

Monday, Dec. 22
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl – Washington State vs. Utah State
2 p.m. | ESPN. Albertsons Stadium. Boise, Idaho

Tuesday, Dec. 23
Boca Raton Bowl – Louisville vs. Toledo
2 p.m. | ESPN. Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Boca Raton, Fla.

New Orleans Bowl – Western Kentucky vs. Southern Miss
5:30 p.m. | ESPN. Caesars Superdome. New Orleans, La.

Frisco Bowl – UNLV vs. Ohio
9 p.m. | ESPN. Ford Center at The Star. Frisco, Texas

Wednesday, Dec. 24
Hawai’i Bowl – Cal vs. Hawai’i
8 p.m. | ESPN. Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Honolulu, Hawai’i

Friday, Dec. 26
GameAbove Sports Bowl – Central Michigan vs. Northwestern
1 p.m. | ESPN. Ford Field. Detroit, Mich.

Rate Bowl – New Mexico vs. Minnesota
4:30 p.m. | ESPN. Chase Field. Phoenix, Ariz.

First Responder Bowl – FIU vs. UTSA
8 p.m. | ESPN. Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Dallas, Texas

Saturday, Dec. 27
Military Bowl – Pitt vs. East Carolina
11 a.m. | ESPN. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Annapolis, Md.

Pinstripe Bowl – Clemson vs. Penn State
12 p.m. | ABC. Yankee Stadium. Bronx, N.Y.

Fenway Bowl – UConn vs. Army
2:15 p.m. | ESPN. Fenway Park. Boston, Mass.

Pop-Tarts Bowl – No. 12 BYU vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech
3:30 p.m. | ABC. Camping World Stadium. Orlando, Fla.

Arizona Bowl – Miami (OH) vs. Fresno State
4:30 p.m. | The CW Network. Arizona Stadium. Tucson, Ariz.

New Mexico Bowl – UNT vs. San Diego State
5:45 p.m. | ESPN. University Stadium. Albuquerque, N.M.

Gator Bowl – Missouri vs. No. 19 Virginia
7:30 p.m. | ABC. EverBank Stadium. Jacksonville, Fla.

Texas Bowl – LSU vs. Houston
9:15 p.m. | ESPN. NRG Stadium. Houston, Texas

Monday, Dec. 29
Birmingham Bowl – Georgia Southern vs. App State
2 p.m. | ESPN. Protective Stadium. Birmingham, Ala.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Independence Bowl – Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech
2 p.m. | ESPN. Independence Stadium. Shreveport, La.

Music City Bowl – Tennessee vs. Illinois
5:30 p.m. | ESPN. Nissan Stadium. Nashville, Tenn.

Alamo Bowl – No. 16 Southern Cal vs. TCU
9 p.m. | ESPN. Alamodome. San Antonio, Texas

Wednesday, Dec. 31
ReliaQuest Bowl – No. 23 Iowa vs. No. 14 Vanderbilt
12 p.m. | ESPN. Raymond James Stadium. Tampa, Fla.

Sun Bowl – Arizona State vs. Duke
2 p.m. | CBS. Sun Bowl. El Paso, Texas

Citrus Bowl – No. 13 Texas vs. No. 18 Michigan
3 p.m. | ABC. Camping World Stadium. Orlando, Fla.

Las Vegas Bowl – Nebraska vs. No. 15 Utah
3:30 p.m. | ESPN. Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas, Nev.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami (Fla.)
7:30 p.m. | ESPN , WatchESPN. AT&T Stadium (Cotton Bowl). Arlington, Texas

Thursday, Jan. 1
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 4 Texas Tech vs. No. 5 Oregon
12 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN. Hard Rock Stadium (Orange Bowl). Miami Gardens, Fla.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama
4 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN. Rose Bowl (Rose Bowl). Pasadena, Calif.

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 6 Ole Miss
8 p.m. | ESPN, WatchESPN. Caesars Superdome (Sugar Bowl). New Orleans, La.

Friday, Jan. 2
Armed Forces Bowl – Texas State vs. Rice
1 p.m. | ESPN. Amon G. Carter Stadium. Fort Worth, Texas

Liberty Bowl – Navy vs. Cincinnati
4:30 p.m. | ESPN. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Memphis, Tenn.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl – Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
8 p.m. | ESPN. Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte, N.C.

Holiday Bowl – Arizona vs. SMU
8 p.m. | FOX. Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego, Calif.

Thursday, Jan. 8 – College Football Playoff Semifinal

No. 10 Miami (Fla.) vs No. 6 Ole Miss
7:30 p.m. | ESPN. State Farm Stadium (Fiesta Bowl). Glendale, Ariz.

Friday, Jan. 9 – College Football Playoff Semifinal

No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 5 Oregon
7:30 p.m. | ESPN. Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Peach Bowl). Atlanta, Ga.

Monday, Jan. 19
College Football Playoff National Championship Game

No. 1 Indiana vs No. 10 Miami (Fla.)
7:30 p.m. | ESPN. Hard Rock Stadium. Miami, Fla.

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Monday Night Football Week 16 2025

Monday Night Showdown: 49ers Visit Colts in Crucial Week 16 Matchup

The NFL’s Week 16 Monday Night Football spotlight will shine on Lucas Oil Stadium as the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) host the San Francisco 49ers (10-4) on December 22, 2025. This primetime clash features two playoff hopefuls looking to strengthen their postseason positions as the regular season winds down.

Teams Heading in Different Directions

The 49ers arrive in Indianapolis riding their impressive 10-4 record, including a strong 6-2 performance on the road. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad has maintained their reputation as NFC contenders despite utilizing backup quarterback Mac Jones, who has thrown for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season.

Meanwhile, the Colts are attempting to halt a concerning slide after consecutive losses to Jacksonville and Seattle in Weeks 14 and 15. Despite these setbacks, Indianapolis maintains an 8-6 record and boasts an impressive 6-1 home record at Lucas Oil Stadium, providing a glimmer of hope for the primetime matchup.

Star Power on Display

Both teams feature dynamic offensive playmakers. San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey continues to demonstrate his dual-threat capabilities, accumulating 922 rushing yards with 9 touchdowns on the ground while adding 86 receptions for 820 yards and 5 touchdowns through the air.

The Colts counter with their own explosive running back, Jonathan Taylor, who has amassed an impressive 1,443 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Wide receiver Alec Pierce has developed into a reliable target in the passing game with 39 receptions for 785 yards.

Injury Concerns

Indianapolis faces uncertainty at quarterback with Anthony Richardson Sr. on injured reserve with an orbital injury. His status for Monday’s game remains unclear, potentially leaving backup duties to continue.

The 49ers are monitoring several defensive players listed as questionable, including Nick Martin (concussion), Sam Okuayinonu (ankle), and Jordan Elliott (knee).

Playoff Implications

This matchup carries significant playoff implications for both teams. San Francisco is working to secure its position in the competitive NFC West and potentially earn home-field advantage in the postseason. The Colts, meanwhile, are fighting to maintain their playoff positioning in the AFC with divisional games against Jacksonville and Houston looming in the final weeks.

Historic Broadcasting First

Beyond the on-field action, this game marks a milestone for NFL broadcasting as it becomes the first traditional NFL game broadcast available to stream on Disney+ for standalone subscribers, in addition to airing on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the action with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge reporting from the sidelines.

The Oddsmakers’ View

Las Vegas oddsmakers have installed the visiting 49ers as 5.5-point favorites with an over/under of 45.5 points, reflecting San Francisco’s stronger overall record despite Indianapolis’ home-field advantage.

With playoff aspirations on the line and star talent across both rosters, this Monday night collision promises to deliver compelling football action as the 2025 NFL season approaches its climactic final weeks.

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