NFL Season Preview: Contenders & Pretenders

It's March 23rd. This is NFL News today, AI-powered stories shaping the season.

Free agency has wrapped up for the 2026 NFL season, leaving teams to regroup before a draft

that's then on quarterbacks but loaded with, edge rushers, wide receivers, and cornerbacks.

Small deals will trickle in, with the big picture shows contenders stacking talent

while others scramble at quarterback. Teams like the Rams boast the league's best roster.

And the Broncos return nearly intact after last year's AFC title game run.

Several squads spark real hope with star power intact.

The Ravens top-8 players rival anyone if Lamar Jackson stays healthy,

while the Bears pair Caleb Williams with elite skill talent and multiple.

Early draft picks. Cincinnati's offense looks unstoppable around Joe Burrow,

Jommar Chase, and T Higgins. Meanwhile, new coaches like Kevin Stofansky and Atlanta

and Jim Harbaugh with the Chargers add entry to solid cores.

Fans are buzzing with equal parts optimism and worry across the league.

Pittsburgh built its strongest roster in years through smart free agency ads,

but Aaron Rogers at age 42 raises doubts.

Rebuilding teams like the Raiders went all in on impact players and a potential draft quarterback,

yet years of struggles linger. Divisions stay wide open,

especially the NFC South and AFC West.

Ongoing questions swirl around injury recoveries and regressions.

Denver thrived on close winds last year and risks slipping,

while Houston's elite defense needs more offensive pop.

The Vikings' hope-killer Murray finally breaks through,

but his playoff history and line woes persist.

Super Bowl hopefuls like Seattle face repeat challenges after losing key pieces.

As the draft nears, these hope-and-mode balances will shift fast,

setting the stage for an unpredictable season where a few key picks could flip,

contenders and to pretenders.