The Carolina Panthers had a disappointing 2024 season, going 5-12, but ended the season on a high note, beating the Falcons 44-38. The team had its ups and downs, especially with quarterback Bryce Young, who was the first overall pick in 2023. Young struggled last season and at the beginning of this season, causing him to be benched for Andy Dalton early on in the season before winning back the job. Young looked nothing like the prospect he was in college, but toward the end of the season, he finally proved he was worth the pick, having 20 total touchdowns and 2,104 yards on only six interceptions since he took back his job. The future finally looked brighter for the Panthers, who had been in the basement of their division for the last several seasons.

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In the offseason, the Panthers added several pieces to help boost one of the worst rosters in the NFL. They signed defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, cornerback Michael Jackson, safety Trevor Moehrig, linebacker Pat Jones II, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, defensive lineman Bobby Brown III and running back Rico Dowdel. Most of the additions came on the defensive side of the ball due to the Panthers having the worst statistical defense in the league in 2024. The Panthers also had their share of losses this offseason, including defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, punter Johnny Hekker and linebacker Shaq Thompson.

The Panthers went into the NFL draft with the eighth overall pick and selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian out of Arizona. McMillian gave Young another target on an offense that struggled last season due to the limited playmakers. The Panthers also drafted defensive end Nic Scourton, defensive end Princely Umanmielen, running back Trevor Etienne and safety Lathan Ransom.

After a great offseason and with the development of Young, the Panthers head into 2025 with the 28th most challenging schedule in the NFL, with a chance of making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Panthers will open their season on the road against the Jaguars before facing their first divisional game in week three against the Falcons. The biggest games of the season will come against the Buccaneers, Cowboys, Bills, Packers and Rams. To make the playoffs, Carolina will need to have an improved defense and get more out of Young, unlike last season.

CAROLINA PANTHERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 at Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 2: Sept. 14 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 3: Sept. 21 vs Atlanta Falcons
• Week 4: Sept. 28 at New England Patriots
• Week 5: Oct. 5 vs Miami Dolphins
• Week 6: Oct. 12 vs Dallas Cowboys
• Week 7: Oct. 19 at New York Jets
• Week 8: Oct. 26 vs Buffalo Bills
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at Green Bay Packers
• Week 10: Nov. 9 vs New Orleans Saints
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Atlanta Falcons
• Week 12: Nov. 24 at San Francisco 49ers (Monday Night Football)
• Week 13: Nov. 30 vs Los Angeles Rams
• Week 14: Bye Week
• Week 15: Dec. 14 at New Orleans Saints
• Week 16: Dec. 21 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 17: vs Seattle Seahawks (Date/Time TBD)
• Week 18: Jan. 4, 2026 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Time TBD)

Carolina Panthers Season/Game Odds

The Panthers still have a way to go in competing for the Super Bowl, with only +12000 odds of winning it according to DraftKings. They also only have +5000 odds of winning the NFC Championship and open the season as +3 underdogs vs the Jaguars in Jacksonville.

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2025 was not a good season for the New York Giants. Nothing this team tried seemed to work, and they ended up going 3-14 and landing the third overall pick in the draft. New York cut their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, in week 12, knowing the team wasn’t competing for the playoffs. The Giants decided to stick with their head coach, Brian Daboll, after two disappointing seasons, trying to keep some stability with the team.

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The Giants’ offseason would bring significant changes to the struggling franchise, starting with the addition of new talent at the quarterback position, including Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Both were brought in to compete for the starting job, but it was announced that Wilson would be the week one starter. New York also added several pieces to their secondary, which only had five interceptions last season, ranking second-to-last in the NFL. They signed safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo, who both have been starters for the majority of their careers.

The Giants also signed other key additions like defensive lineman Roy Robert-Harris, defensive end Chauncey Golston, wide receiver Zach Pascal and offensive lineman James Hudson III. The Giants also let quarterback Drew Lock, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, defensive end Azeez Ojulari and guard Wyatt Davis all walk this offseason.

The Giants had one of the best drafts in the NFL, selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick out of Penn State. Carter was arguably the most “pro-ready” out of any of the prospects in the draft, falling to number three overall. The Giants also made a considerable move, trading back into the first round to select quarterback Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss with the 25th overall pick. Dart will have the opportunity to compete with the newly signed quarterbacks for the starting position in the regular season. The Giants also made other key selections like defensive tackle Darius Alexander, running back Cam Skattebo and offensive lineman Marcus Mbow.

New York will have a challenging 2025 season, having the most demanding schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports. The team will play nine playoff teams from last season, including the Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, twice. Some of the more winnable games for the Giants will come against the Cowboys, the Saints in week five, the Bears in week 10 and the Patriots in week 13. With a challenging schedule and numerous new additions to the team, New York’s pass rush must dominate as it did last season to make a return to the playoffs in 2025.

NEW YORK GIANTS TICKETS & SCHEDULE

• Week 1, Sept. 7 at Washington Commanders 1:00 p.m.
• Week 2, Sept. 14 at Dallas Cowboys 1:00 p.m.
• Week 3, Sept. 21 vs. Kansas City Chiefs 8:20 p.m.
• Week 4, Sept. 28 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 1:00 p.m.
• Week 5, Oct. 5 at New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m.
• Week 6, Oct. 9 vs. Philadelphia Eagles 8:15 p.m.
• Week 7, Oct. 19 at Denver Broncos 4:05 p.m.
• Week 8, Oct. 26 at Philadelphia Eagles 1:00 p.m.
• Week 9, Nov. 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers 1:00 p.m.
• Week 10, Nov. 9 at Chicago Bears 1:00 p.m.
• Week 11, Nov. 16 vs. Green Bay Packers 1:00 p.m.
• Week 12, Nov. 23 at Detroit Lions 1:00 p.m.
• Week 13, Dec. 1 at New England Patriots 8:15 p.m.
• Week 14, Dec. 7 BYE
• Week 15, Dec. 14 vs. Washington Commanders 1:00 p.m.
• Week 16, Dec. 21 vs. Minnesota Vikings 1:00 p.m.
• Week 17, Dec. 27/28 at Las Vegas Raiders TBD
• Week 18, vs. Dallas Cowboys TBD

New York Giants Game/Season Odds

New York enters week one vs the Commanders as +7 underdogs playing in Washington, D.C., in a huge divisional matchup to start the year. New York only has +20000 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +8000 odds of winning the NFC Championship. They are also favored in only one game this season, against the New Orleans Saints in week five. 

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The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2024 season with high hopes, having signed quarterback Kirk Cousins and hired new head coach Raheem Morris in the offseason. However, they ultimately finished 8-9 in a mediocre season. Cousins got benched in the season for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., whom the Falcons picked eighth overall in the 2024 NFL draft, in week 16. The team fell short of winning the division and heading to the playoffs yet again, but the future of the team was now in the hands of Penix after the Cousins experiment had failed.

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The Falcons’ offseason was productive, signing several free agents like edge rusher Leonard Floyd, wide receiver Jamal Agnew, defensive lineman Morgan Fox, linebacker Divine Deablo, cornerback Mike Ford and safety Jordan Fuller. Many of the moves made on the defensive side of the ball improved the Falcons ‘ run-stopping abilities and secondary. The Falcons did lose some big names this offseason, like Grady Jarrett, who had been on the team for 10 seasons. Atlanta also lost center Drew Dalman, pass rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons.

The NFL draft was a big success for Atlanta. They selected twice in the first round, picking linebacker Jalon Walker out of Alabama 15th overall and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. out of Tennessee 26th overall. Both players will be huge impact players on a defense that had an inconsistent pass rush in the 2024 season. The Falcons draft also included safety Xavier Watts, safety Billy Bowman Jr. and tackle Jack Nelson.

Atlanta will have a good chance of winning their division in 2025 again, heading into the season with the 20th most brutal schedule according to Fox Sports. They open their season against the biggest division rival, the Buccaneers, whom they beat both times last season in a game with huge divisional implications. The Falcons’ most challenging games will be vs the Vikings, Bills, 49ers and Rams, who are all potential playoff teams this season. Penix will have the chance to prove he deserves to be the starter this season and help the Falcons make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

ATLANTA FALCONS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 2: Sept. 14 at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 3: Sept. 21 at Carolina Panthers
• Week 4: Sept. 28 vs. Washington Commanders
• Week 5: Bye Week
• Week 6: Oct. 13 vs. Buffalo Bills (Monday Night Football)
• Week 7: Oct. 19 at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 8: Oct. 26 vs. Miami Dolphins
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at New England Patriots
• Week 10: Nov. 9 at Indianapolis Colts (Berlin)
• Week 11: Nov. 16 vs. Carolina Panthers
• Week 12: Nov. 23 at New Orleans Saints
• Week 13: Nov. 30 at New York Jets
• Week 14: Dec. 7 vs. Seattle Seahawks
• Week 15: Dec. 11 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 16: Dec. 21 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 17: Dec. 29 vs. Los Angeles Rams (Monday Night Football)
• Week 18: vs. New Orleans Saints

Atlanta Falcons Season/Game Odds

The Falcons will have a lot to prove in 2025 with a new quarterback and only +8000 odds of winning the Super Bowl according to DraftKings. They also have only +3500 odds of winning the NFC Championship and open the season as +2.5 underdogs in week one of the NFL season against the Buccaneers. 

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The Packers entered 2024 with hopes of winning the division and making a deep playoff run after winning as a seven seed in 2023, but failed to go 11-6 and lost to the Eagles in the first round of the playoffs. The Packers still had a great season, thanks in part to significant contributions from newly signed free agents Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney. The Packers’ season, however, was highlighted by quarterback Jordan Love’s nagging injuries all season from a sprained MCL, a groin injury and an elbow injury suffered in week 18.

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The Packers knew they would have to reload in the 2025 offseason, giving Love and the Packers more playmakers along the team. They signed big free agents like cornerback Nate Hobbs from the Raiders and guard Aaron Banks from the 49ers. They also signed other names, like wide receiver Mecole Hardman and Isiah Simmons. The biggest offseason news surrounded the team’s star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who had missed most of last season with a knee injury. Alexander had now missed 20 games in the last two seasons due to injury and was eventually cut by the Packers. The Packers also lost center Josh Meyers, cornerback Erik Stokes, defensive tackle T.J. Slaton and running back A.J. Dillon. As the season started, they hit gold, signing Cowboy Micah Parsons.

The Packers hosted the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay for the first time in Packers history and made the selection of the first round, selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas with the 23rd overall pick. This was the first time the Packers had picked a wide receiver in the first round since 2002. The Packers also selected tackle Anthony Belton in the second round, wide receiver Savion Williams in the third round and edge rusher Barryn Sorrell in the fourth.

The Packers have the sixth-hardest schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports, and open their season vs the Lions at home in a divisional matchup that will have huge playoff implications. The Packers will need to perform better than going 1-5 in divisional games if they hope to compete in a very competitive NFC North. The Packers’ key matchups are week two vs the Commanders, week 10 vs. the Eagles, week 13 vs the Lions on Thanksgiving and the biggest game of the year vs the Steelers in week eight.

GREEN BAY PACKERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 vs. Detroit Lions
• Week 2: Sept. 11 vs. Washington Commanders (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 3: Sept. 21 at Cleveland Browns
• Week 4: Sept. 28 at Dallas Cowboys (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 5: Bye Week
• Week 6: Oct. 12 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 7: Oct. 19 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 8: Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 9: Nov. 2 vs. Carolina Panthers
• Week 10: Nov. 10 vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Monday Night Football)
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at New York Giants
• Week 12: Nov. 23 vs. Minnesota Vikings
• Week 13: Nov. 27 at Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving Day)
• Week 14: Dec. 7 vs. Chicago Bears
• Week 15: Dec. 14 at Denver Broncos
• Week 16: Dec. 20 at Chicago Bears (Saturday doubleheader on Fox)
• Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens
• Week 18: Jan. 4, 2026 at Minnesota Vikings

Green Bay Packers Season/Game Odds

Green Bay has +2000 odds of winning the Super Bowl in 2025 and +950 odds of winning the NFC championship. They open the season as -1.5 favorites vs the Lions at home in week one and are favored in 13 of their 17 games this season. 

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The Cowboys had a roller coaster season. The last season kicked off hot, with a dominant performance from Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in a win over the Browns. In week four, superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons got injured and missed most of the season. Later in the season, Dallas got smacked by the Lions 47-9 at home. Finally, Prescott got wounded in week nine, which caused him to miss the rest of the season. The Cowboys would end up finishing 7-10 after winning their division in 2023 before the playoff collapse.

In 2024, the Cowboys’ defense struggled to stop the run, while the offensive line continued to decline. These were areas they knew they needed to address in the offseason. The Cowboys brought in a ton of new players, including guard Robert Jones, middle linebackers Jack Sanborn and Kenneth Murray. They also signed defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, wide receiver Paris Campbell, running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Dallas also made a considerable move, not re-signing former head coach Mike McCarthy and instead promoting their offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer.

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With all of the Cowboys’ additions, they also lost many key players, like offensive lineman Zack Martin, who retired after having a Hall of Fame career with the Cowboys. They also lost defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence, running back Rico Dowdle, wide receiver Brandin Cooks and cornerback Jourdan Lewis. The team lost significant pieces but made one final move to bring some more juice to the offense, trading for wide receiver George Pickens from the Steelers. Pairing Pickens with Lamb creates one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL for the Cowboys next season, giving their fans something to look forward to.

The Cowboys will have their work cut out for them, having the fifth-hardest schedule in the NFL according to Fox Sports. The Cowboys get to play in the first game of the NFL regular season vs the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in a huge divisional matchup. The Cowboys also play seven other playoff teams from last season, including playing the Eagles and Commanders twice. Prescott will have to return to MVP-caliber play if the Cowboys want to return to the playoffs in 2025.

DALLAS COWBOYS SCHEDULE & DEALS

• Week 1, Sept. 4 at Philadelphia Eagles 7:20 p.m.
• Week 2, Sept. 14 vs. New York Giants 1:00 p.m.
• Week 3, Sept. 21 at Chicago Bears 3:25 p.m.
• Week 4, Sept. 28 vs. Green Bay Packers 7:20 p.m.
• Week 5, Oct. 5 at New York Jets 12:00 p.m.
• Week 6, Oct. 12 at Carolina Panthers 12:00 p.m.
• Week 7, Oct. 19 vs. Washington Commanders 3:25 p.m.
• Week 8, Oct. 26 at Denver Broncos 3:25 p.m.
• Week 9, Nov. 3 vs. Arizona Cardinals 7:15 p.m.
• Week 10, Nov. 10 BYE
• Week 11, Nov. 17 at Las Vegas Raiders 7:15 p.m.
• Week 12, Nov. 23 vs. Philadelphia Eagles 3:25 p.m.
• Week 13, Nov. 27 vs. Kansas City Chiefs 3:30 p.m.
• Week 14, Dec. 4 at Detroit Lions 7:15 p.m.
• Week 15, Dec. 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings 7:20 p.m.
• Week 16, Dec. 21 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 12:00 p.m.
• Week 17, Dec. 25 at Washington Commanders 12:00 p.m.
• Week 18, at New York Giants TBD

Dallas Cowboys Games/Season Odds

The Cowboys enter 2025 in the middle of the pack of the NFC with only +5000 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +2200 odds of winning the NFC Championship. Dallas starts the season off as +7 underdogs vs the Eagles in Philadelphia. The Cowboys are only favored in six of their games this season, showing it will be a tough road ahead for them to make the playoffs. 

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The New Orleans Saints went 5-12 in the 2024 season, a year marked by numerous injuries. Starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered multiple injuries, missing seven games during the season. The Saints struggled for consistency on both offense and defense, boasting one of the worst rosters in the NFL. The nail in the coffin was when head coach Dennis Allen was fired in week nine of the season after losing seven games in a row. The season was terrible, and the Saints knew they would need to head in a new direction after yet another losing season.

The Saints started their offseason by hiring new head coach Kellen Moore, who had just won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles as their offensive coordinator. Moore played as a quarterback in college at Boise State University before playing in the NFL for the Cowboys and Lions, before transitioning to coaching. The other huge news of the offseason for the Saints was Carr’s retirement. Carr had only played two seasons with the Saints, but surprisingly retired at only the age of 34.

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New Orleans made lots of other signings in the offseason, like safety Justin Reid, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, center Will Clapp, cornerback Issac Yiadom and safety Julian Blackmon. The Saints also had some losses this offseason, including safety Tyrann Mathieu and tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who both retired. The Saints also lost cornerback Paulson Adebo, safety Will Harris, running back Jamal Williams and guard Lucas Patrick.

The Saints held the ninth overall pick in the NFL draft and selected offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. out of Texas to replace Ramczyk, who retired. The Saints also brought in the quarterback of the future, Tyler Shough, out of Louisville with the 40th overall pick. Shough will get an immediate chance to start after Carr’s retirement. The Saints also made some other notable draft additions like defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, safety Jonas Sanker and linebacker Danny Stutsman.

The Saints head into the 2025 season with numerous challenges under a new head coach and quarterback. They have the 31st most challenging schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports, giving them a good chance to gain some momentum during the year. In week one, the Saints host the Cardinals before playing their first divisional game in week eight vs the Buccaneers. The most anticipated games of the season will be vs the Buccaneers, 49ers, Bills, Rams and Seahawks.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 vs. Arizona Cardinals
• Week 2: Sept. 14 vs. San Francisco 49ers
• Week 3: Sept. 21 at Seattle Seahawks
• Week 4: Sept. 28 at Buffalo Bills
• Week 5: Oct. 5 vs. New York Giants
• Week 6: Oct. 12 vs. New England Patriots
• Week 7: Oct. 19 at Chicago Bears
• Week 8: Oct. 26 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 10: Nov. 9 at Carolina Panthers
• Week 11: Bye Week
• Week 12: Nov. 23 vs. Atlanta Falcons
• Week 13: Nov. 30 at Miami Dolphins
• Week 14: Dec. 7 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 15: Dec. 14 vs. Carolina Panthers
• Week 16: Dec. 21 vs. New York Jets
• Week 17: Dec. 28 at Tennessee Titans
• Week 18: Jan. 4 at Atlanta Falcons

New Orleans Saints Season/Game Odds

The Saints will have a lot to prove in 2025, having +40000 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +16000 odds of winning the NFC Championship. The Saints open the year as +5.5 underdogs vs the Cardinals at home in week one.

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The Chicago Bears had one of the most disappointing seasons in the entire NFL, going 5-12, losing 10 of their last 11 games of the regular season. The Bears had high hopes after drafting Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but the team would struggle with an inconsistent offensive line and a rough coaching staff. The Bears would fire their head coach, Matt Eberflus, after a disappointing loss to the Lions in week 13. The Bears entered 2025 needing to reload and rebuild around their franchise quarterback, Williams.

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The first move of the offseason was the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson, who had previously been the offensive coordinator for the Lions. The Lions had the most dominant offense last season under Johnson, thanks to his play-calling. Chicago would also trade for guard Joe Thuney from the Chiefs, who was an All-Pro last season. They also traded for guard Jonah Jackson from the Rams, adding another piece to the offensive line. The final move on the offensive line was signing center Drew Dalman from the Falcons.

The Bears didn’t stop there this offseason; they also signed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, running back Travis Homer and wide receivers Devin Duverney and Olamide Zaccheaus. Chicago also hired Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator. Allen was previously the Saints’ head coach before getting fired in 2024, but he brings a lot of defensive experience to an already above-average defense.

Chicago gave Williams two new weapons in the first two rounds of the NFL draft, selecting tight end Colston Loveland out of Michigan and wide receiver Luther Burden III out of Missouri. Both will add even more depth to Johnson’s offense, giving him more pieces to help develop Williams’ talent. The Bears also selected offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner in the second and third rounds.

The Bears will have to prove they can finally compete in the NFC after having another successful offseason. Chicago has the second-most-demanding schedule in the NFL and plays in one of the toughest divisions in football: the NFC North. The Bears open the season vs the Vikings at home in a huge divisional matchup. The Bears play several teams who made the playoffs last season, including the Vikings, Lions, Commanders, Ravens, Steelers, Eagles and the Packers. Chicago will have to put together the pieces offensively if it wants to compete against one of the most demanding schedules in the NFL.

CHICAGO BEARS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 8 vs. Minnesota Vikings (Monday Night Football)
• Week 2: Sept. 14 at Detroit Lions
• Week 3: Sept. 21 vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Week 4: Sept. 28 at Las Vegas Raiders
• Week 5: Bye Week
• Week 6: Oct. 13 at Washington Commanders (Monday Night Football)
• Week 7: Oct. 19 vs. New Orleans Saints
• Week 8: Oct. 26 at Baltimore Ravens
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 10: Nov. 9 vs. New York Giants
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Minnesota Vikings
• Week 12: Nov. 23 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 13: Nov. 28 at Philadelphia Eagles (Black Friday, Prime Video)
• Week 14: Dec. 7 at Green Bay Packers
• Week 15: Dec. 14 vs. Cleveland Browns
• Week 16: Dec. 20 vs. Green Bay Packers (Saturday doubleheader on Fox)
• Week 17: Dec. 28 at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 18: vs. Detroit Lions

Chicago Bears Season/Game Odds

The Bears open with +4000 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +1900 odds of winning the NFC Championship. Chicago goes into week one as -1.5 point favorites vs the Vikings and is favored in seven of their games this season.

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The Detroit Lions were one of the most dominant teams, if not the most dominant team, in the 2024 season, averaging 33.2 points a game, which led the NFL. The Lions would go 15-2 and earn the one seed in the NFC before being upset by the Commanders in the divisional round, losing 45-31. The Lions still had a fantastic season, winning the most games in a season in franchise history with 15. Quarterback Jared Goff also finished in the top five for MVP voting, and head coach Dan Campbell would finish in the top three in coach of the year voting.

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The offseason would start rough for the Lions, losing both of their coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, who both accepted head coaching jobs. The team also lost several players to free agency, like cornerback Carlton Davis, guard Kevin Zeitler and defensive end Za’Darius Smith. The most significant loss, however, was center Frank Ragnow, who retired after seven seasons with the Lions. Ragnow was one of the best centers in the league and was a key part of the dominant offensive line play from 2024.

Despite all the losses, the Lions made sure to reload this offseason. They signed players like cornerback D.J. Reed from the Jets, linebacker Derrick Barnes, defensive end Marcus Davenport and cornerbacks Avonte Maddox and Rock Ya-Sin. The Lions also promoted John Morton to their offensive coordinator and Kelvin Sheppard to their defensive coordinator.

Heading into the draft, the Lions held the 28th overall pick, which they selected defensive tackle Tyleik Williams out of Ohio State. They also upgraded their offensive line, which lost several starters this last season, drafting guard Tate Ratledge out of Georgia in the second round. They also selected wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa out of Arkansas, guard Miles Frazier out of LSU and Ahmed Hassanein out of Boise State.

The Lions will face numerous obstacles in their quest to return to the one seed in the NFC, given their third-hardest schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports. Detroit opens its season vs its division rival, the Green Bay Packers, in Green Bay, and in week two, it plays the Chicago Bears, another division rival. The Lions have to play several playoff teams from last season, including the Packers, Ravens, Chiefs, Vikings, Commanders, Buccaneers, Eagles, Rams and Steelers. Detroit will have to quickly establish a new identity if it wants to replicate last season’s success.

DETROIT LIONS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 at Green Bay Packers
• Week 2: Sept. 14 vs. Chicago Bears
• Week 3: Sept. 22 at Baltimore Ravens (Monday Night Football on ESPN/ABC)
• Week 4: Sept. 28 vs. Cleveland Browns
• Week 5: Oct. 5 at Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 6: Oct. 12 at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday Night Football on NBC)
• Week 7: Oct. 20 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Monday Night Football on ESPN/ABC)
• Week 8: Bye Week
• Week 9: Nov. 2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
• Week 10: Nov. 9 at Washington Commanders
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Philadelphia Eagles (ET, Sunday Night Football on NBC)
• Week 12: Nov. 23 vs. New York Giants
• Week 13: Nov. 27 vs. Green Bay Packers (Thanksgiving – 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX)
• Week 14: Dec. 4 vs. Dallas Cowboys (Thursday Night Football on Prime Video)
• Week 15: Dec. 14 at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 16: Dec. 21 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 17: Dec. 25 at Minnesota Vikings (Christmas Day on Netflix)
• Week 18: vs. Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions Season/Game Odds

Despite a bumpy offseason, the Lions still have +1100 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +500 odds of winning the NFC Championship for the first time in franchise history. The Lions, however, will open week one as +1.5 underdogs on the road vs the Packers, but are favored in 12 of their 17 games next season.

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The Minnesota Vikings went 14-3 in 2024 in a great season led by breakout quarterback Sam Darnold, who was signed in free agency. The Vikings made the playoffs but lost to the Rams in the wild-card round, losing 27-9. The team’s season was still a success despite not being initially predicted to make the playoffs. Head coach Kevin O’Connell won coach of the year after winning the most games in a season since 1998.

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The Vikings went into the offseason with one huge issue, which was the quarterback position. The Vikings would end up letting Darnold walk in free agency and go with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who they drafted 10th overall in 2023 but missed all of 2024 with a knee injury. They signed several players like defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, guard Will Fries, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, wide receiver Rondale Moore, center Ryan Kelly and cornerback Jeff Okudah. The Vikings also traded for running back Jordan Mason from the 49ers to pair up with starting running back Aaron Jones. The Vikings lost several key players, including safety Cam Bynum, tackle Cam Robinson, and linebacker Patrick Jones.

The Vikings went into the draft with the 24th overall pick and selected offensive lineman Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State in the first round. Their draft class also included wide receiver Tai Felton, defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, linebackers Kobe King and tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Minnesota also traded for quarterback Sam Howell from the Seahawks during the draft, giving up the 142nd overall pick and the 172nd pick.

Minnesota will have some early adjustments to make at the beginning of the season with a new quarterback. Still, it will have to figure it out quickly, having the seventh most challenging schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports. The Vikings will face the Bears in week one in their first game with McCarthy starting. The Vikings will also play in Ireland and England this season, facing the Steelers and Browns in back-to-back weeks. The Vikings’ key matchups will be against the Lions, Packers, Ravens, and Eagles, all of whom made the playoffs last season.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: at Chicago Bears
• Week 2: vs. Atlanta Falcons
• Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin, Ireland)
• Week 5: at Cleveland Browns (London, England)
• Week 6: Bye Week
• Week 7: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers
• Week 9: at Detroit Lions
• Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens
• Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears
• Week 12: at Green Bay Packers
• Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks
• Week 14: vs. Washington Commanders
• Week 15: at Dallas Cowboys
• Week 16: at New York Giants
• Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions (Christmas Day)
• Week 18: vs. Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings Season/Game Odds

Minnesota opens the season with +2800 odds of winning its first Super Bowl in 2025 and with +1300 odds of winning the NFC Championship. They also opened as +1.5 odds underdogs against the Bears on the road in week one.

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Author Malcolm Gladwell said he was “cowed” into supporting transgender athletes in women’s sports.

In last Tuesday’s episode of The Real Science of Sport with Ross Tucker, Gladwell referenced the 2022 MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference where he moderated a discussion about trans athletes in women’s sports.

“I’m ashamed of my performance of that panel because I share your position 100% and I was cowed,” he said. “I was objective in a dishonest way. I let a lot of howlers pass without comment.”

The 62-year-old author recalled a moment during the panel when one trans athlete told Gladwell something that continues to strike the author.

“At one point they turned to you, Ross, and they said, ‘Ross, you have to let us win,'” Gladwell said. “It was at that moment that I realized this argument has gone to the furthest extreme.

“The trans movement is not asking for a place at the table. They’re not asking to be treated with respect and dignity. What they’re asking is for no one to question the considerable physical, physiological advantage they bring to the sport.”

Gladwell has been with The New Yorker magazine since 1996. He is known for some of his bestselling books for The New York Times, such as The Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers.

The Rams had a rocky start to the 2024 season filled with injuries before making the playoffs and winning their division for the first time since 2021. The Rams were led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay once again and beat the Vikings in the wild card round before losing to the Eagles in the divisional round 28-22. The Rams had another great season but with Stafford aging and the roster needing some improvements the team headed into the offseason knowing they needed to improve.

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The biggest move of the offseason was signing wide receiver Davante Adams from the Jets. Adams had 1,063 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024 despite being traded from the Raiders to the Jets midseason. Adams pairs up with Puka Nacua to form one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL adding even more weapons to their offense. The Rams also signed other free agents like defensive lineman Poona Ford, center Coleman Shelton and linebacker Nate Landman. They also had some departures including offensive lineman Jonah Jackson who was traded to the Chicago Bears. Also wide receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive tackle Bobby Brown III and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore left in free agency.

The Rams went into the NFL draft without a first round pick and didn’t pick until the second round where they selected tight end Terrance Ferguson out of Oregon. Ferguson adds to the tight end position where the Rams have been thin for the last couple of seasons. They also drafted linebacker Josiah Stewart, running back Jarquez Hunter, defensive tackle Ty Hamilton, linebacker Chris Paul Jr. and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield.

The Rams are in a position to be competing for the Super Bowl next season and will have an easier path than most with the 17th hardest schedule in the NFL. The Rams host the Houston Texans week one before taking on the first overall pick Cam Ward and the Titans in week two. The biggest game of the season will come in week three however against the Philadelphia Eagles, who ended the Rams season last year and won the Super Bowl. Some of the other key games for the Rams include vs. the Ravens, 49ers, Buccaneers, Lions and Seahawks.

LOS ANGELES RAMS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 vs. Houston Texans (SoFi Stadium)
• Week 2: Sept. 14 at Tennessee Titans
• Week 3: Sept. 21 at Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 4: Sept. 28 vs. Indianapolis Colts
• Week 5: Oct. 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 6: Oct. 12 at Baltimore Ravens
• Week 7: Oct. 19 at Jacksonville Jaguars (London – International Series)
• Week 8: Bye Week
• Week 9: Nov. 2 vs. New Orleans Saints
• Week 10: Nov. 9 at San Francisco 49ers
• Week 11: Nov. 16 vs. Seattle Seahawks
• Week 12: Nov. 23 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 13: Nov. 30 at Carolina Panthers
• Week 14: Dec. 7 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 15: Dec. 14 vs. Detroit Lions
• Week 16: Dec. 18 at Seattle Seahawks (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 17: Dec. 29 at Atlanta Falcons (Monday Night Football)
• Week 18: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Los Angeles Rams Season/Game Odds

Los Angeles opens the season with +2200 odds of winning the Super Bowl for the first time since 2021. They also have +1000 odds of winning the NFC championship and open the season as -3 point favorites at home vs the Texans. 

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The Seattle Seahawks entered a new era under head coach Mike Macdonald after parting ways with Pete Carroll in 2023, following 14 seasons. The team had an overall mediocre season, going 10-7 and missing the playoffs. Seattle struggled offensively due to inconsistent offensive line play and failed to beat the better teams on their schedule. Seattle’s most significant breakout came from wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had 1,130 yards and six touchdowns on the season.

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Seattle went into the offseason needing a change. Seattle started the offseason by trading away starting quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders after he started in Seattle for the last three seasons. Without a starting quarterback, the Seahawks signed Sam Darnold from the Vikings to replace Smith after Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns in a breakout season for the Vikings. Seattle also made another huge move, trading away wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Steelers. Metcalf made two Pro Bowls while on the Seahawks and was a key part of their offense since being drafted in 2019.

The Seahawks also brought in wide receiver Cooper Kupp from the Rams to replace Metcalf and help boost their offense. The Seahawks offense will look completely different in 2025 compared to 2024, but will have lots of new, proven players as well. The Seahawks also signed defensive end Demarcus Lawrence and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. The Seahawks did, however, lose other players like wide receiver Tyler Lockett, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, linebacker Dre’Mont Jones and tackle George Fant.

The Seahawks entered the NFL draft with the 18th overall pick, where they selected offensive guard Grey Zabel out of North Dakota State. Zabel will make a massive addition to Seattle’s offensive line, which gave up 54 sacks last season. Some other notable names the Seahawks drafted were safety Nick Emmanwori, tight end Elijah Arroyo, quarterback Jalen Milroe and defensive tackle Rylie Mills.

The Seahawks will have a brand new offense heading into 2025 and will have the 22nd most challenging schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports. They open their season vs a division rival, the San Francisco 49ers. Their biggest games of the season will come against the Steelers, Buccaneers, Texans, Commanders, Rams and Vikings. Seattle will have to figure out their new offense quickly if they’re wanting to make it back to the playoffs after missing it last season.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 vs. San Francisco 49ers
• Week 2: Sept. 14 at Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 3: Sept. 21 vs. New Orleans Saints
• Week 4: Sept. 25 at Arizona Cardinals (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 5: Oct. 5 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 6: Oct. 12 at Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 7: Oct. 20 vs. Houston Texans (Monday Night Football)
• Week 8: Bye Week
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at Washington Commanders (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 10: Nov. 9 vs. Arizona Cardinals
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 12: Nov. 23 at Tennessee Titans
• Week 13: Nov. 30 vs. Minnesota Vikings
• Week 14: Dec. 7 at Atlanta Falcons
• Week 15: Dec. 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts
• Week 16: Dec. 18 vs. Los Angeles Rams (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 17: Dec. 27 or 28 at Carolina Panthers
• Week 18: at San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks Season/Game Odds

The Seahawks open with +6000 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +2800 odds of winning the NFC championship according to DraftKings. They also start the season as +1.5 underdogs at home vs the 49ers in a huge divisional game. 

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The Chargers entered the Jim Harbaugh era in 2024. The newly hired head coach, who had just won a national title with Michigan, stepped back into coaching the NFL after a nine-year break. The Chargers had a great season, going 11-6 and making the playoffs, led by quarterback Justin Herbert. The playoffs would end in typical Chargers fashion, with a 32-12 loss to the Texans, marked by Herbert throwing four interceptions. Los Angeles exceeded preseason expectations, having a breakout season from rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who went for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns on the season.

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The Chargers entered the offseason needing to add more pieces to their roster, which was already a contender for the Super Bowl. They signed running back Najee Harris from the Steelers, who has had over 1,000 yards every season since being drafted in 2021. They also boosted their running game by signing guard Mekhi Becton from the Eagles, who was a key part of their Super Bowl run from a season ago. They also signed other notable players, including cornerback Donte Jackson, quarterback Taylor Heinicke and tight end Tyler Conklin. After upgrading the offense, the Chargers’ run game will dominate, which Harbaugh has been known for throughout his entire coaching career.

In the draft, Los Angeles held the 22nd overall pick and selected running back Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina University. Hampton will pair up with Harris in what should be one of the better backfield duos in the NFL. They also made other significant selections, such as wide receiver Tre Harris from Ole Miss in the second round, giving Herbert another weapon to expand the offense. They then added to the defense by drafting defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell out of Oregon in the third round.

The Chargers enter 2025 with Super Bowl hopes, having the 12th most challenging schedule in the NFL. Their biggest game of the year comes in week one, against their division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, in São Paulo, Brazil. The Chargers will need to get past the Chiefs this season if they want to win their division for the first time since 2006. Other key games for the Chargers will be Week 5 vs. the Commanders, Week 10 vs. the Steelers, and Week 14 vs. the Eagles. The Chargers will have their work cut out for them in 2025, aiming to secure Justin Herbert’s first career playoff win and return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1996.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 5 vs Kansas City Chiefs (in São Paulo, Brazil)
• Week 2: Sept. 15 at Las Vegas Raiders
• Week 3: Sept. 21 vs Denver Broncos
• Week 4: Sept. 28 at New York Giants
• Week 5: Oct. 5 vs Washington Commanders
• Week 6: Oct. 12 at Miami Dolphins
• Week 7: Oct. 19 vs Indianapolis Colts
• Week 8: Oct. 23 vs Minnesota Vikings (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at Tennessee Titans
• Week 10: Nov. 9 vs Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 12: Bye Week
• Week 13: Nov. 30 vs Las Vegas Raiders
• Week 14: Dec. 8 vs Philadelphia Eagles (Monday Night Football)
• Week 15: Dec. 14 at Kansas City Chiefs
• Week 16: Dec. 21 at Dallas Cowboys
• Week 17: vs Houston Texans
• Week 18: at Denver Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers Games/Season Odds

The Chargers head into the season with +2800 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +1400 odds of winning the AFC championship. They will, however, be underdogs in their opening game vs the Chiefs at +2.5, but are favored in 13 of their games this season. 

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The 49ers had a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries on both sides of the ball. Players, including running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, left tackle Trent Williams and even quarterback Brock Purdy, missed several games throughout the season. San Francisco would end up going 6-11 and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The team had a huge “Super Bowl hangover” and really needed to reload in the offseason.

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The biggest move of the offseason was bringing back defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who had been fired by the Jets. Saleh was with the 49ers from 2017 to 2020 and was part of the team when they reached the Super Bowl before leaving to become the head coach of the Jets. Saleh was a huge part of that team’s success and is hopefully going to be able to revitalize the defense, which struggled last season. The 49ers also extended their star players, including linebacker Fred Warner, tight end George Kittle and Purdy.

The 49ers also added several new faces to the team, signing quarterback Mac Jones, cornerback Tre Brown, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, tight end Luke Farrell and safety Jason Pinnock. The 49ers, however, lost numerous players as well, including the trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Commanders. They also let guard Aaron Banks, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, cornerback Charvarius Ward, edge rusher Leonard Floyd, running back Elijah Mitchell and defensive tackle Maliek Collins all walk in free agency.

The 49ers went into the NFL draft with the 11th overall pick and selected defensive end Mykell Williams out of Georgia. Williams will pair up with Nick Bosa on the defensive line to help improve a unit that was elite under Saleh before he left. The other notable picks from the 49ers were defensive tackle Alfred Collins, linebacker Nick Martin, cornerback Upton Stout and wide receiver Jordan Watkins.

The 49ers will be back for revenge this season and will hope to make it back to the playoffs despite missing them last season. The 49ers have the easiest schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports, next season, and will have an easier path to the playoffs than all other teams. The 49ers start their season vs the Seahawks in a big divisional game before heading to New Orleans to face the Saints in week two. The hardest games for the 49ers will be vs the Rams, Buccaneers, Texans and Falcons.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 at Seattle Seahawks
• Week 2: Sept. 14 at New Orleans Saints
• Week 3: Sept. 21 vs Arizona Cardinals
• Week 4: Sept. 28 vs Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 5: Oct. 2 at Los Angeles Rams (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 6: Oct. 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 7: Oct. 19 vs Atlanta Falcons (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 8: Oct. 26 at Houston Texans
• Week 9: Nov. 2 at New York Giants
• Week 10: Nov. 9 vs Los Angeles Rams
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 12: Nov. 24 vs Carolina Panthers (Monday Night Football)
• Week 13: Nov. 30 at Cleveland Browns
• Week 14: Bye Week
• Week 15: Dec. 14 vs Tennessee Titans
• Week 16: Dec. 22 at Indianapolis Colts (Monday Night Football)
• Week 17: Dec. 28 vs Chicago Bears (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 18: Jan. 3 or 4 vs Seattle Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers Season/Game Odds

The 49ers start the season with +2000 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +900 odds of winning the NFC championship, which they won in 2023. The 49ers kick off the season in Seattle as -1.5 point favorites vs the Seahawks.

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The Cardinals’ 2024 season was inconsistent, with the offense stalling at times and the defense struggling to stop teams throughout the year. They went 8-9 in head coach Jonathan Gannon‘s second season, but struggled despite having quarterback Kyler Murray healthy for the entire season after missing part of 2023 recovering from an ACL tear.

The team had a great season from rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who had 885 yards and eight touchdowns on the year. The offense continues to be a work in progress for the Cardinals, and the defense still needs to come together if they have hopes of making the playoffs next season.

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The Cardinals started their offseason by extending their tight end, Trey McBride, after his first 1,000-yard season with the team. The team also signed free agents like defensive end Josh Sweat, defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson, linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, defensive tackle L.J. Collier, quarterback Jacoby Brissett and wide receiver Zay Jones. The only notable losses from the Cardinals were outside linebacker Julian Okwara and wide receiver Zach Pascal.

The Cardinals had the 16th overall pick in the NFL Draft, where they selected defensive tackle Walter Nolen out of Oregon. Nolen adds to their many additions to their defensive line, which was horrible against the run in 2024. The other big selections from the Cardinals were cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackle Jordan Burch, linebacker Cody Simon, cornerback Denzel Burke and guard Hayden Conner.

The Cardinals’ defense will need to establish its new identity in 2025, along with the offense, if the team wants to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The Cardinals have the 27th most challenging schedule in the NFL, according to Fox Sports, and open their season against a rebuilding Saints team in New Orleans. The Cardinals’ most formidable opponents will likely come against their divisional rivals, the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers, all of whom have improved this offseason. The Cardinals will also face tough games against the Packers, Texans, and Buccaneers, all of whom were playoff teams a season ago.

ARIZONA CARDINALS SCHEDULE & TICKET INFO

• Week 1: Sept. 7 at New Orleans Saints
• Week 2: Sept. 14 vs. Carolina Panthers
• Week 3: Sept. 21 at San Francisco 49ers
• Week 4: Sept. 25 vs. Seattle Seahawks (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 5: Oct. 5 vs. Tennessee Titans
• Week 6: Oct. 12 at Indianapolis Colts
• Week 7: Oct. 19 vs. Green Bay Packers
• Week 8: Bye Week
• Week 9: Nov. 3 at Dallas Cowboys (Monday Night Football)
• Week 10: Nov. 9 at Seattle Seahawks
• Week 11: Nov. 16 vs. San Francisco 49ers
• Week 12: Nov. 23 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 13: Nov. 30 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 14: Dec. 7 vs. Los Angeles Rams
• Week 15: Dec. 14 at Houston Texans
• Week 16: Dec. 21 vs. Atlanta Falcons
• Week 17: Dec. 27 or 28 at Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 18: Jan. 3 or 4 at Los Angeles Rams

Arizona Cardinals Season/Game Odds

The Cardinals start the season with +6000 odds of winning the Super Bowl and +2800 odds of winning the NFC championship—the Cardinals open week one as 5.5-point favorites against the Saints on the road in New Orleans.

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The College Sports Commission has loosened its blanket prohibition on athletes receiving payments from NIL collectives, according to a memo the new enforcement agency sent to athletic directors Thursday morning.

The collectives, an evolving industry built to funnel money to athletes at a particular school, will still face significantly more scrutiny when trying to sign deals with players than they had in past years.

Thursday’s memo from the CSC, which revises guidance it issued three weeks ago, ends the first notable scuffle under the industry’s new enforcement structure without needing to return to a courtroom. However, it provides more of a punt than a definitive answer to an essential question for the future of how major college sports will function: Will wealthy teams and their boosters be able to game the system designed to create competitive balance?

The new rules say athletics and collectives will have to show that each deal they sign requires the athlete to promote a product or service that is being sold to make a profit, rather than just being a vehicle to channel money from boosters to athletes. Collectives might need to show documentation of “the entity’s effort to profit from the deal,” according to the memo.

College athletes can now make money in two ways: via direct payments from their school and through endorsement contracts with third parties. As part of a landmark legal agreement known as the House settlement, which was finalized in June, lawyers for the athletes and the schools agreed to put a cap on direct payments starting at $20.5 million per school in the coming academic year.

During the previous four years, when only NIL payments were permitted, a cottage industry of collectives evolved to provide their teams with a de facto payroll. Many of those groups gathered money from fans and wealthy boosters to give to athletes in exchange for some minimal endorsement. Some collectives also acted as marketing agencies – pairing athletes with local companies for endorsement –or launched subscription-based businesses to help fans connect with the players on their favorite team.

To prevent teams from using their collectives to circumvent the $20.5 million spending cap, the terms of the House settlement stipulate that all deals with “associated entities” (essentially collectives and boosters) must serve a “valid business purpose” and fall within a reasonable range of compensation. A $1 million deal for a player to make a few social media posts, for example, won’t be allowed.

“Pay-for-play will not be permitted, and every NIL deal done with a student-athlete must be a legitimate deal, not pay-for-play in disguise,” CSC CEO Bryan Seeley said Thursday.

The CSC is a new organization responsible for vetting all third-party deals to ensure they comply with the terms of the settlement. The conferences and CSC are using a platform called NIL Go, operated by Deloitte, to vet those third-party deals. The new guidelines mean that each deal will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with subjective analysis rather than running them through an algorithm, which will likely require more manpower than the fledgling enforcement group with only three employees thus far initially planned.

The CSC issued its initial ban on collective bargaining on July 10, less than two weeks after opening its doors. Several collectives told ESPN they felt the ban was painted with too broad a brush and unfairly outlawed their industry.

“Today’s development is a significant step forward for student-athletes and the collectives that support them,” said Hunter Baddour, executive director of an industry group called The Collective Association. “By eliminating unnecessary roadblocks, this agreement moves us closer to treating NIL collectives like every other legitimate business operating in the college sports ecosystem.”

World Athletics, the governing body of track and field, has confirmed that athletes must pass the gene test to compete in women’s events before the global meet in September.

All athletes wishing to compete in the female category at the World Championships are required to undergo a one-time test for the SRY gene – a reliable indicator of biological sex.

This follows the controversy surrounding the gold medals won by Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting at the Paris 2024 Olympics, which sparked global uproar.

During Khelif’s run to the final, she was embroiled in a bitter gender row, having been banned from International Boxing Association competition in 2023.

The IOC, which replaced the Russia-led IBA as the governing body for Olympic boxing, was warned about the tests and urged to remove Khelif from the competition.

The new regulations take effect on September 1, 2025, and will be applied to the Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which begin on September 13.

The test is non-invasive, available in either a DNA cheek swab or blood test form, whichever is more convenient.

Lord Sebastian Coe, the President of World Athletics, says the organization is determined to “protect and [promote the] integrity of women’s sports.”

“We are saying, at the elite level, for you to compete in the female category, you have to be biologically female,” he added. “It was always very clear to me and the World Athletics Council that gender cannot trump biology.”

The new regulations follow the recommendations from the Gender Diverse Athlete Working Group approved by the Council in March 2025.

In February, a World Athletics working group on gender-diverse athletes stated that the required test will be for the SRY gene – and, if necessary, testosterone levels – either via a cheek swab with any follow-up needed or via dry blood spot analysis.

The test will look for the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome and is responsible for the development of male characteristics.

Coe, 68, is set to stand down as head of World Athletics when his third and final tenure ends in 2027.

When previously asked if he was prepared for any criticism over perceived intrusiveness, he replied: “No. Neither of these are invasive.”

“They are necessary and they will be done to international medical standards,” Coe said. “This has been a widely-held and pretty exhaustive review, and overwhelmingly the view has come back that this is absolutely the way to go within caveats.”

As an epidemic of fans throwing adult objects onto the court rocks the WNBA, a second alleged prankster has been arrested.

Kaden Lopez, 18, is facing charges after allegedly chucking an object during the Phoenix Mercury’s 82-66 home win over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday. The object is said to have struck a man watching the game with his nine-year-old niece.

Court documents viewed by FOX 10 stated that the male victim said that he and his niece had been watching the action, “When something hit his back, then fell to the ground next to him.”

Police charged Lopez with assault, disorderly conduct and public display of explicit sexual material, according to court documents.

The incident was captured on video, and an arena volunteer witnessed it before following Lopez, tackling him to prevent him from leaving and waiting for authorities to arrive.

Lopez’s alleged prank is thought to be the fifth instance in the last 10 days of an individual throwing an adult object at a WNBA game. The first arrest, of 23-year-old Delbert Carver, was made Saturday after he allegedly threw an adult object on July 29 during the Atlanta Dream’s game against the Golden State Valkyries.

The incident in Los Angeles on Tuesday garnered plenty of attention after the sex toy nearly struck Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham, and Sparks guard Kelsey Plum quickly kicked the item off the floor.

At Barclays Center, a sex toy was thrown, but it did not reach the court, and the same happened with the incident in Phoenix.

“The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league,” the WNBA said in a recent statement. “Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating arena can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans. In line with WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban in addition to being subject to arrest and prosecution by local authorities.”

Lopez apologized and called the alleged incident a “stupid prank that was trending on social media.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a roller coaster of a season, starting the season 4-6 before turning it around and making the playoffs at 10-7. The Buccaneers won their division for the fourth consecutive season before suffering a crushing loss to the Commanders in the playoffs, 23-20, on a game-winning field goal. The season still had a lot of great highlights, like the breakout of rookie running back Bucky Irving and another great season from quarterback Baker Mayfield.

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The Buccaneers’ offseason was quiet, but the team made many key moves, like re-signing linebacker Lavonte David as well as wide receiver Chris Godwin. Both players were on the roster since the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl run in the 2020-2021 season and continue to be key pieces of the team. The Buccaneers also brought in free agent defensive end Haason Reddick on a one-year deal. Reddick struggled last season with the Jets, but in 2023 had 11 sacks on the season. Adding Reddick to the defense gives the Buccaneers a shot at improving an already solid unit. The Buccaneers did, however, also have some offseason departures like defensive lineman Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, linebacker K.J. Britt, cornerback Tavierre Thomas and safety Dee Delaney.

Heading into the NFL draft the Buccaneers held the 19th overall pick and selected wide receiver Emeka Egbuka out of Ohio State. The pick was a bit surprising since the Buccaneers already had a crowded wide receiver room, but with Godwin’s injury from last season and Mike Evans turning 31, the Buccaneers knew they would need a successor. The Buccaneers also drafted cornerback Benjamin Morrison, cornerback Jacob Parrish, edge rusher David Walker, edge rusher Elijah Roberts and wide receiver Tez Johnson.

The Buccaneers enter 2025 as the favorites to repeat as the NFC South winners, but will have their work cut out for them with the 18th hardest schedule in the NFL. Tampa Bay opens its season against its biggest divisional competition, the Falcons, whom it lost to twice last season. Their most difficult games this season will come against the Texans, Eagles, Seahawks, Lions, Bills and Rams.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS SCHEDULE & TICKET DEALS

• Week 1: Sept. 7 at Atlanta Falcons
• Week 2: Sept. 15 at Houston Texans (Monday Night Football)
• Week 3: Sept. 21 against New York Jets
• Week 4: Sept. 28 at Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 5: Oct. 5 at Seattle Seahawks
• Week 6: Oct. 12 against San Francisco 49ers
• Week 7: Oct. 20 at Detroit Lions (Monday Night Football)
• Week 8: Oct. 26 at New Orleans Saints
• Week 9: Bye Week
• Week 10: Nov. 9 against New England Patriots
• Week 11: Nov. 16 at Buffalo Bills
• Week 12: Nov. 23 at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 13: Nov. 30 against Arizona Cardinals
• Week 14: Dec. 7 against New Orleans Saints
• Week 15: Dec. 11 against Atlanta Falcons (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 16: Dec. 21 at Carolina Panthers
• Week 17: Dec. 28 at Miami Dolphins
• Week 18: Jan. 4 vs Carolina Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season/Game Odds

The Buccaneers open the season with +2800 odds of winning the Super Bowl for the first time since 2020. They also have +1300 odds of winning the NFC championship and are -2.5 favorites in week one in Atlanta vs the Falcons. 

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Tuesday’s WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries came to a stop when a neon green sex toy was launched onto the court in the game’s final minute.

With 42.5 seconds remaining and the score tied at 75, Atlanta guard Maya Caldwell stuffed a three-point attempt from Tiffany Hayes. The crowd roared, but not in the same way as the Crypto.com Arena for Cameron Brink’s return. Confusion quickly followed as referees Charles Watson and Angel Kent blew the whistle and stopped the action.

Cameras zoomed in, revealing an object that nobody expected, which turned out to be a bright green adult toy lying near the sideline. “That is a first,” one stunned broadcaster said, as game footage showed the object bouncing across the hardwood mid-play.

“We don’t play that. There’s no room for that, ever,” said the commentary team.

This is just the latest odd fan moment in the WNBA, a day after a spectator heckled the Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper after her wig fell off against the Washington Mystics.

Play-by-play commentary described the object as something green that was launched, uncertain of origin, but noted the object remained underneath a seat as the game was not initially stopped.

Security swarmed the section of the Gateway Center where the item originated, with 3,265 fans in attendance witnessing the disruption. The commentary team urged security to find the source of the offensive gesture and immediately remove them from the arena.

Replay footage showed the object descending from the sky onto the court, bouncing on impact from the foul line, and skidding toward the sideline. Cameras also caught Jordin Canada’s shocked reaction after witnessing what happened.

“The most important thing when you come to see your favorite W players take the floor is keeping them safe,” said an announcer team member.