theScore's football editors debate some of the hottest talking points percolating around the NFL. Give us your takes in the comments.
What can we expect from Aaron Rodgers' final season?
Not much. Aside from a few signature moments, Rodgers already looked near his expiry date last year. The 42-year-old averaged 3.3 completed air yards, the lowest among qualified passers, and 5.9 average intended air yards, third-lowest, per Next Gen Stats. While those numbers could increase in Mike McCarthy's offense, they likely won't reverse Rodgers' decline. The veteran produced 0.01 EPA per dropback last season, a tick below Jacoby Brissett and a hair above Michael Penix Jr., per TruMedia. That statistic is also roughly on par with his final year in Green Bay in 2022 (minus-0.03 EPA per dropback, per TruMedia). Unless Rodgers finds the fountain of youth, a schematic change likely won't change his reality. - Daniel Valente
Speaking of scheme changes, it's worth noting that McCarthy's arrival should offer little reason for optimism. Perhaps none. The time apart seems to have given the former Packers leaders a chance to reflect on the good times they shared. But how long will it take before we're reminded of the apparent dysfunction that preceded McCarthy's exit in Green Bay? As Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer detailed in 2018, a power struggle over play-calling had been a major source of tension between the quarterback and head coach. Rodgers isn't nearly the same player he was back then, but it's tough to imagine him any less headstrong when it comes to running an offense his way. This unit could be even more frustrating than last year. - Dan Wilkins
Any 42-year-old quarterback would need his team to prop him up, but that's where the Steelers run into problems. The offensive line, running attack, and defense are all average at best. Though the pass game features prime DK Metcalf, his big-play capabilities are limited in a quick-hit scheme. Additionally, none of the young receivers behind Metcalf showed much meaningful progress last year. I also think it's overzealous to expect Michael Pittman Jr. to massively raise this unit's ceiling. The Steelers need more talent to prop up one of the oldest starting quarterbacks in NFL history. - Alex Chippin
Which team got shafted by the schedule?
49ers: The 38,108 air miles that San Francisco will travel this campaign are the most of any team. The 49ers' adventures include a tough season opener against the Rams in the NFL's first-ever game in Australia, and a second international contest versus the Vikings in Mexico City on Nov. 22. For a team that has struggled with injuries in recent years, having your players suit up for two matchups outside the country isn't exactly ideal. Add in a stretch of games against the Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, and Eagles between Weeks 14 and 17, and it's safe to say the schedule-makers didn't do San Francisco any favors. - Brenden Deeg
Chargers: The schedule-makers handed Los Angeles a brutal stretch between Weeks 3 and 10, stacking the toughest games of the season in rapid succession. After the Chargers kick off their campaign with two favorable home matchups against the Raiders and Cardinals, the season really begins as they face the Bills, Seahawks, Broncos, Chiefs, Rams, Texans, and Ravens. To make matters worse, five of those seven games versus Super Bowl-caliber opponents are on the road. Even with a bye halfway through that nightmare run, Jim Harbaugh and Co. will need to have their guards up at all times. - Caio Miari
Raiders: This franchise has one job in 2026: Develop No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. That task becomes far more challenging with a gauntlet of a schedule that leaves the Titans, Cardinals, and a potentially meaningless game against the Chiefs until the very end. To open the season, the Raiders face five top-10 defenses in six weeks and 10 in 14 games. Their bye, often a natural point to make a quarterback change, comes in Week 13, but you can be certain that first-year coach Klint Kubiak will be pressured into throwing Mendoza into the fire long before then. - Alex Chippin
Which team are you certain will regress?
Bears: In his head coaching debut, Ben Johnson led Chicago to its first playoff appearance since 2020. The Bears thrived on late-game drama last year, winning seven one-score contests and pulling off eight fourth-quarter comebacks with Caleb Williams under center, including a game-winning drive to upend the Packers in the wild-card round. However, Chicago enters the 2026 season with the league's toughest schedule based on opponents' 2025 records, making another edge-of-your-seat season unlikely. The Bears also lost key contributors Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright, and Tremaine Edmunds, who combined to record 20 of the team's league-high 33 takeaways last year. - Matt Washington
Steelers: Last season, Pittsburgh ranked fourth in turnover differential, finished 7-3 in one-score games, and sat 17th in both points for and against. That's an unsustainable model for consistently winning games. The Steelers also have a difficult schedule, as their 18th-ranked slate based on projected win totals is by far the toughest among the AFC North teams. Then there's the roster, which Rodgers, who turns 43 in December, will again lead. Despite throwing for 3,332 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, the future Hall of Famer ranked a paltry 28th in success rate. It's hard to believe that McCarthy will help improve the nuts and bolts of this offense, especially since Pittman was its only major addition this offseason. Add in an aging defense, and Pittsburgh is destined to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2022. - Brenden Deeg
Patriots: More questions than answers surround New England as the regular season draws closer. The 2025 Patriots, who won 14 games and made a stunning run to the Super Bowl, benefited from a historically easy schedule - an advantage the 2026 team won't get. Mike Vrabel's off-field distractions could also affect the locker room. And roster concerns still linger, with the club lacking an established No. 1 wide receiver after parting with Stefon Diggs. A trade for A.J. Brown in June could change the situation, but other teams are now reportedly in the mix. There's also no guarantee that Will Campbell will shake off his poor playoff form and provide stability at left tackle. - Caio Miari
