The 2026 NFL season is underway, and CBS Sports sits at the center of the action with extensive coverage of Week 1 games, analysis from The NFL Today, and in-depth reporting across its platforms. From the Super Bowl rematch that opened the year to Sunday’s packed slate and Monday night’s AFC West showdown, fans are glued to CBS broadcasts, Paramount+ streams, and CBSSports.com for scores, previews, and breaking news. Early results already delivered drama, contract news reshaped the landscape, and injuries tested contenders right out of the gate. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest CBS Sports NFL developments.
Latest Player and Team Updates
Week 1 brought significant roster and contract news that will shape the season. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and the team agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension just before the opener. The deal, averaging $55 million per year, makes Mayfield one of the highest-paid quarterbacks and the highest-paid player in franchise history. It ends months of tense negotiations and locks him in through 2029 after he had set a training-camp deadline that initially went unmet.
On the injury front, New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks and is expected to miss about six weeks. Placed on injured reserve, Brown is sidelined for at least the next four games and potentially longer. The former Eagles star had three catches for 26 yards in his Patriots debut before exiting. New England, the defending AFC champions, now faces a tough early schedule without its top offseason acquisition.
Other updates include reports of the San Francisco 49ers’ rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling sidelined at least a month with an ankle injury. Contract activity continued elsewhere, with several tight ends and veterans securing extensions as teams finalized Week 1 rosters. CBS Sports has tracked these stories closely, providing context on how they affect fantasy lineups, betting odds, and power rankings.
Match Recaps and Previews
Two games kicked off the season before Sunday’s full slate. On Wednesday night, the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks edged the New England Patriots 13-10 in a rematch. Sam Darnold left early with a hip injury, but Seattle’s defense forced three interceptions from Drake Maye to secure the win. The low-scoring affair highlighted the physicality of both defenses.
Thursday’s historic game in Melbourne, Australia, saw the San Francisco 49ers dominate the Los Angeles Rams 27-7. Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes as the 49ers controlled the contest in the NFL’s first regular-season game Down Under. The Rams managed only a single score in a disappointing start.
Sunday’s CBS Sports slate features several high-profile matchups. Key 1 p.m. ET games on CBS include the Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets at Tennessee Titans. Later CBS games pit the Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers. FOX handles other regional contests, while NBC airs Cowboys at Giants in primetime and ABC has Broncos at Chiefs on Monday night.
The Bills-Texans game stands out as a classic offense-versus-defense clash. Josh Allen and Buffalo look to break a recent skid against Houston’s elite unit. Ravens-Colts offers Lamar Jackson against a Colts team that started strong last year before injuries hit. Packers-Vikings brings NFC North intrigue with new-look Minnesota under Kyler Murray in some projections.
Key Statistics from Early Action
Early numbers tell a clear story of defensive dominance and opportunistic play. In the Seahawks’ 13-10 win, Seattle’s secondary forced three interceptions, limiting New England’s efficiency. The 49ers’ 27-7 victory featured balanced scoring and strong ball control, with Purdy efficient and the Rams’ offense held to minimal production. Over/under totals in several Week 1 games sat in the low-to-mid 40s, reflecting expectations of tight, lower-scoring affairs after the opening results.
CBS Sports experts and models have highlighted trends such as the importance of early red-zone efficiency and turnover differential. Teams that protect the football and convert on third downs have historically performed well in openers. Betting markets adjusted after the first two results, with several underdogs and defensive units drawing attention.
Players to Watch
Several stars will command attention across the CBS Sports NFL broadcasts this weekend. Josh Allen faces a tough road test against Houston’s defense—can he finally solve that unit and start the year strong for the Bills? Lamar Jackson and the Ravens visit Indianapolis, where health and explosiveness will be key under new coaching influences. Patrick Mahomes returns for Monday night against the Denver Broncos, looking to bounce back after last season’s injury-plagued finish.
Other names include Baker Mayfield, fresh off his extension and facing the Bengals; Justin Herbert and the Chargers against a rebuilding Cardinals squad; and emerging or veteran options like those filling in for injured stars in New England. Defensive standouts such as Houston’s front and Seattle’s secondary (already proven early) remain must-watch. Fantasy players will monitor usage of running backs like those in high-volume roles and receivers stepping up in the absence of stars like Brown.
Expert Analysis
CBS Sports analysts have broken down Week 1 thoroughly. Pete Prisco and the team offer picks across the board, with several leaning toward home underdogs or proven quarterbacks in favorable spots. The Bills are expected by some to end their recent struggles against the Texans through aggressive play-calling. Ravens are viewed as a strong side given Jackson’s historical Week 1 success. Packers-Vikings is seen as a tight contest that could come down to quarterback play and coaching adjustments.
Bold predictions circulating on CBS platforms include potential upsets of favorites and breakout performances from younger talent. Analysts emphasize that Week 1 often features rust and unexpected results, advising caution with heavy favorites. Coverage also notes the impact of new coaches and roster turnover league-wide. The NFL Today, now featuring Russell Wilson alongside James Brown, Bill Cowher, and Nate Burleson, provides pregame insight and postgame reactions that fans have come to rely on.
Overall, the early returns suggest a competitive season where defense travels and star quarterbacks must elevate supporting casts quickly. CBS Sports’ multi-platform approach—live games, expert picks, fantasy advice, and real-time updates—gives viewers comprehensive access.
FAQs
What games are on CBS Sports this week?
CBS is airing several Week 1 contests, including Bills at Texans, Ravens at Colts, Browns at Jaguars, Jets at Titans, Packers at Vikings, and Cardinals at Chargers, plus pregame shows and analysis.
How long will A.J. Brown be out?
Reports indicate the Patriots wide receiver is expected to miss approximately six weeks with a high-ankle sprain after being placed on injured reserve.
What was the score of the NFL’s Australia game?
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in Melbourne.
Did Baker Mayfield get a new contract?
Yes, he agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension with the Buccaneers just before Week 1.
Where can I watch NFL Today and get more CBS Sports NFL content?
Tune into CBS for The NFL Today, stream games and extras on Paramount+, and visit CBSSports.com for scores, picks, and news.
Conclusion
Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season has already delivered memorable moments, significant injuries, and major contract news, all under the watchful eye of CBS Sports coverage. From Seattle’s defensive stand and San Francisco’s Australian statement to the highly anticipated Sunday and Monday matchups, the action is heating up fast. Stay locked into CBS Sports for live games, expert analysis, and the latest player and team updates as the season unfolds. Whether you’re tracking fantasy football, betting lines, or pure football drama, CBS Sports NFL remains the go-to destination for comprehensive, timely coverage. The regular season is young, but the stories are already compelling—don’t miss a snap.
