In less than two weeks, the 2026 NFL regular season will kick off.First comes the Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in a rare Wednesday night contest, and the following day, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams meet in Australia. And just like that, America’s most popular sport will have officially returned in full force.Just like every season before it, the 2026 campaign will feature high-stakes matchups and great intrigue from start to finish.Every player, every coach, every assistant and support staffer and front-office member plays a role in the outcome of every season. But some individuals cast longer shadows and own brighter stars. Their performances — whether good or bad — could have far-reaching impacts on how things play out this season.Here’s a look at 26 of the most intriguing figures across the league in the 2026 season.1. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City ChiefsIn his nine NFL seasons, Mahomes has already accomplished everything there is to accomplish in this league: Three-time Super Bowl champ, three-time Super Bowl MVP, six Pro Bowl nods, two league MVP crowns. Mahomes, however, has never had to deal with serious injury, but now as he enters Year 10, he’s working to both complete a full recovery from a torn ACL and put the Chiefs back among the ranks of the NFL’s elite. Mahomes suffered his injury in mid-December, however he’s still expected to open the season in the starting lineup. After missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons and seeing their nine-year run of AFC West titles come to an end, the Chiefs seek resurgence. In addition to a healthy Mahomes, they’re counting on newly-acquired reinforcements, including running back Kenneth Walker III, who earned Super Bowl MVP honors with Seattle, to bolster their attack.2. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers“This is it,” the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer declared entering his 22nd NFL training camp. Rodgers decided to return to Pittsburgh for a reunion with the Steelers’ new head coach Mike McCarthy to see if the two could win one more Super Bowl together 16 seasons after they did so in Green Bay. Rodgers had a solid campaign in his first season in the Steel City. But offensive line struggles, wide receiver inconsistencies and conservative play calling proved costly. Rodgers completed just 51 percent of his passes and was sacked four times and intercepted once in Pittsburgh’s wild-card round playoff exit. Can an offensive line overhaul and fresh offensive approach give him a storybook sendoff?3. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay BuccaneersAt times over the last three years, Mayfield, 31, has played like an MVP candidate. He has provided the leadership and grit that has helped the Bucs reach the playoffs in two of his three seasons. Mayfield hoped those heroics would have translated into a handsome extension. But he and the Bucs have remained at odds on his value as he enters this final year of his deal. Frustrated, Mayfield’s camp broke off talks and now the quarterback just wants to focus on the season. Entering camp, Mayfield declared, “If you’ve waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback, that’s too bad because it’s only going to get worse from here. I’m going to have a really good year.” If he does indeed ball out, Mayfield’s asking price could exceed $50 million.4. Mike Vrabel, coach, New England PatriotsVrabel faces intense scrutiny as he enters his second season. As if a listless performance by his team in the Super Bowl against Seattle and the impending challenges from a tougher 2026 schedule didn’t create enough pressure, Vrabel found himself under the microscope all offseason because of his relationship with reporter Dianna Russini, formerly of The Athletic. Vrabel is working to dispel concerns over the off-field distractions and prove that he still has strong control of the locker room. It’s the last thing he needed while facing the tall task of guarding his team against the dreaded Super Bowl hangover.5. Todd Bowles, coach, Tampa Bay BuccaneersIf there’s anyone not named Mayfield that needs the quarterback to ball out, it’s Bowles, who found himself on shaky footing after last season’s 2-7 collapse to end the 2025 season and miss the playoffs. Bowles needs a strong rebound to make memories of that dismal finish fade. Injuries on both sides of the ball factored into Tampa’s awful second-half showing, but Bowles will have to position his players to better handle adversity and get them back into the playoff race and beyond.6. Mike McCarthy, coach, Pittsburgh SteelersMike Tomlin, who hadn’t won a playoff game since 2017, stepped down after another early exit, and Pittsburgh brass settled on McCarthy as his replacement. A Pittsburgh native, McCarthy knows the rich history of the franchise well. He hopes to restore it to its former glory. Although he and Rodgers parted in Green Bay on shaky terms, the two have repaired their relationship. Can they also repair the anemic Steelers’ offense? And can McCarthy deliver better postseason guidance for the Steelers than he did in Dallas, where the Cowboys went 1-3 on his watch?7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas RaidersThe top pick of the draft entered training camp as the No. 2 quarterback behind 15th-year veteran Kirk Cousins, as the Raiders planned to slowly give the Indiana product time to develop. However, Mendoza has steadily capitalized on opportunities, even getting first-team snaps here and there as coaches increasingly throw challenges his way. As coach Klint Kubiak continues to commend the rookie on his progress, it feels like a matter of when not if he takes over the starting job.8. Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland BrownsSidelined for the 2025 season while recovering from a twice-torn Achilles, Watson aims for yet another comeback. Despite a rocky preseason that saw him play so poorly that Browns fans booed him at home, Watson landed the starting job, beating out Shedeur Sanders. Coach Todd Monken has praised Watson’s poise and experienced approach as a veteran, and his determination in working his way back from another injury (he also twice injured his shoulder in 2023). Thanks to injuries and the fallout and suspension following accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, Watson hasn’t played a full season since 2020. But he hopes that regained health and a fresh start granted by Monken will translate into a strong rebound. This should represent the final shot for Cleveland’s $230 million man.9. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta FalconsIn Year 3, Robinson dominated by producing 1,478 rushing yards and 820 receiving yards to lead all offensive players with 2,298 all-purpose yards. The Falcons rewarded him with a handsome three-year extension worth $66.75 million, including $51.6 million guaranteed. With uncertainty at quarterback, look for new coach Kevin Stefanski to lean heavily on Robinson yet again. Could he become the NFL’s first 1,500-yard rusher/1,000-yard receiver?10. C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston TexansOnce a beacon of hope, Stroud crumbled under pressure last postseason and foiled his team’s best shot at the franchise’s first Super Bowl. Four interceptions in the divisional round serve as the lasting memory of Stroud’s unceremonious postseason exit. That showing cast doubt on his long-term future with Houston. Rather than hammer out an extension, the Texans are content to wait and see. They have certainly given Stroud the pieces to succeed. They further bolstered their championship-caliber defense and overhauled their offensive line, running back and tight end rooms. Now, it’s on Stroud to deliver.Is this the year that C.J. Stroud gets the Texans over the hump?Mike Jones11. A.J. Brown, WR, New England PatriotsThe owner of four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and six in the last seven, Brown soured over his fluctuating role within the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense and forced his way out of town just one season after helping Philly win the Super Bowl. Now reunited with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel in New England, Brown hopes to carve out a large role for himself as Drake Maye’s go-to guy. Brown should represent a nice upgrade over the steady, yet unflashy, Stefon Diggs, who helped Maye and New England reach the Super Bowl. Can he help the third-year quarterback continue to ascend and get the Patriots over the hump?12. Myles Garrett, DE, Los Angeles RamsMonths after he set the NFL’s single-season sack record, the Browns traded Garrett to the Rams for much-needed draft capital and salary-cap relief. On paper, the move makes the Rams — who forked over a first-, second- and third-round pick and young pass rusher Jared Verse — an absolute juggernaut. Whether this all-in approach works for the Rams remains to be seen, but Garrett will have a significantly easier time wrecking opposing offenses if Aaron Donald — enticed by the opportunity to play alongside another future Hall of Famer — ends his retirement.13. Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle SeahawksDarnold last season delivered one of the most inspiring career revival stories as the former New York Jets and Carolina Panthers cast-off built on a resurgent 2024 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings and found a home in Seattle, where he helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. While directing Seattle’s march to the Lombardi Trophy, Darnold recorded five touchdown passes, no interceptions and a quarterback rating of 102.4. Now, he will try to build on that success despite losing offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to the Raiders and leading running back Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs.What’s next for Sam Darnold after leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title? (Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images)14. Christian Parker, defensive coordinator, Dallas CowboysJerry Jones and Cowboys fans always believe that this is the year they finally will end their Super Bowl drought, which has now extended to 30 seasons. Quarterback Dak Prescott often draws the ire of Cowboys faithful when Dallas fails to meet expectations. He has indeed had his postseason struggles, including two-interception outings in elimination games in both 2023 and 2024. But Dallas’ biggest problem in recent years involves its defense, which surrendered nearly 30 points per game in the last two seasons combined and gave up 48 points in Dallas’ last playoff game (2024). Second-year coach Brian Schottenheimer showed he can direct a high-powered offense, but if the Cowboys are to accomplish anything this season, it’ll take dramatic improvements from their defense. Schottenheimer hired Parker, a former Eagles assistant, in hopes that he can help the Cowboys buckle down defensively. Jones has added help along the defensive front. It could take time for it all to come together for Parker’s unit, but the clock is ticking.15. Kyler Murray, QB, Minnesota VikingsAfter failing to live up to potential with the Arizona Cardinals, who took him No. 1 in 2019, Murray receives a fresh start in Minnesota, where he will find himself surrounded by the best supporting cast he has ever worked with in the pros. Coach Kevin O’Connell has played a role in the career resurrections of both Darnold and Daniel Jones, and now he’ll attempt to do the same with Murray, who beat out J.J. McCarthy midway through training camp. Murray’s athleticism should add another dimension to Minnesota’s offense, but he’ll have to stay healthy — something that proved challenging in Arizona — for the Vikings to contend.16. Jesse Minter, coach, Baltimore RavensThe Ravens largely enjoyed 18 years of stability under John Harbaugh, reaching the playoffs 12 times and winning the Super Bowl in 2012. But after a gutting loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, owner Steve Bisciotti felt the need for a change and fired Harbaugh and hired Minter, a 43-year-old rookie head coach. A defensive assistant in Baltimore from 2017 to 2020, Minter most recently served as Chargers defensive coordinator in 2024 and 2025. Now, he’s charged with elevating Baltimore from perennial playoff squad to champion. Minter has brought a new energy to Ravens headquarters, and thus far, players have enthusiastically bought in. Minter has gotten off on the right foot with quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has eagerly worked to learn from new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Jackson won two MVPs under Harbaugh, but he desperately wants a Lombardi Trophy for his case.17. Malik Willis, QB, Miami DolphinsMiami hit the reset button, replacing general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel with Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley. The change also meant pulling the plug on the Tua Tagovailoa experiment after six up-and-down seasons. Now the Dolphins will roll the dice with Willis, who shined during 11 cameos (three starts) with Green Bay. Willis has displayed great improvement from his rookie year as a third-round Titans pick out of Liberty in 2022. He completed 78.7 percent of his passes with the Packers for six touchdowns and no interceptions and a 2-1 record. He remains a developmental player, however, so the Dolphins must continue to surround him with a strong supporting cast. But the potential seemingly is there.18. Sean Mannion, offensive coordinator, Philadelphia EaglesNick Sirianni’s decision to promote Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator in 2025 to succeed Kellen Moore proved disastrous, and now the Eagles coach turns to the 34-year-old Mannion — Philadelphia’s fifth play caller since Sirianni took over in 2021. A journeyman quarterback for nine NFL seasons, Mannion made his coaching debut as an offensive assistant with the Packers in 2024 and served as Green Bay’s quarterbacks coach last season. Now, the rookie play caller draws the task of restoring an underachieving Eagles offense to the dominant form it sported during its Super Bowl march in 2024. Mannion is sorely unproven, but Sirianni loves his tireless work ethic, strong communication skills, attention to detail and leadership abilities. Mannion certainly has the pieces to work with (Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, 2024 rushing leader Saquon Barkley and three-time 1,000-yard wide receiver DeVonta Smith to name a few). But the Eagles have been disjointed despite their talent. Can Mannion figure out how to get them all back on the same page?19. Bo Nix, QB, Denver BroncosAs a second-year pro, Nix helped put the Broncos within a game of reaching the Super Bowl. But a fractured ankle in the closing minutes of Denver’s overtime divisional win over Buffalo cost Nix and the Broncos, who fell a week later in the AFC Championship Game with their quarterback sidelined. Now healthy again, Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Davis Webb hope Nix can continue his development and become a top-flight quarterback. Nix directed seven fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives last season. But he still struggled with accuracy and consistency while ranking 25th in the league in completion percentage (63.4) and 26th in passer rating (87.8). If Nix, who threw 25 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in 2025, can improve his decision-making and poise, the Broncos have a good shot to make another deep playoff run.20. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit LionsOne of the league’s true home run hitters, Gibbs goes from splitting time with David Montgomery last season to workhorse back in 2026. The Lions traded Montgomery to Houston, and made Gibbs the highest-paid player at his position (three years, $67.5 million extension). After rushing for 1,223 yards and recording 616 receiving yards last season, Gibbs appears poised for even more elite production in 2026.21. David Blough, offensive coordinator, Washington CommandersWith Jayden Daniels slowed by injury and Kliff Kingsbury’s offense stuck in neutral after an electrifying 2024, Washington coach Dan Quinn opted for change and a roll of the dice this offseason. After parting ways with Kingsbury, he promoted Blough from assistant quarterbacks coach. Just 31, Blough bounced around the league as a backup quarterback for five seasons, then broke into the coaching ranks with Washington in 2024. Everyone who has worked with Blough describes him as extremely bright and creative. He has played under Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota and under Ben Johnson in Detroit, and Quinn hopes he can bring a fresh approach and innovative ways to help Daniels and the unit rebound. In what could be a make-or-break year for Quinn, Blough must develop quickly.22. Joe Brady, coach, Buffalo BillsDespite a 98-50 record and eight playoff appearances in nine seasons, Sean McDermott received his pink slip following the Bills’ crushing overtime loss to Denver in the divisional playoffs. Buffalo owner Terry Pegula then promoted Brady, the team’s 36-year-old offensive coordinator, to head coach, hoping a larger role for him would translate into a big step forward for a franchise still seeking its first Super Bowl victory. Brady’s familiarity with quarterback Josh Allen and the offensive personnel should help his transition, but the pressure certainly is high. Pegula and the Bills believe they have a championship-caliber team, meaning Brady doesn’t have time to ease his way into his first head coaching job.23. John Harbaugh, coach, New York GiantsOwners of just three winning seasons and two playoff appearances since their Super Bowl victory after the 2011 season, the Giants made yet another change at head coach, firing Brian Daboll and replacing him with Harbaugh in hopes that he can bring the stability and competitive standard that he established in Baltimore to the Big Apple. Harbaugh inherits a roster full of young talent, but his new charges still are trying to figure out what it takes to win in this league. Harbaugh should have this team playing a physical brand of football, but the Giants have a big question at quarterback, where Jaxson Dart very much remains a project.24. Ben Johnson, coach, Chicago BearsAfter guiding his team to the NFC North title and divisional round of the playoffs in his first season, Johnson has lofty expectations. He believes that he can position quarterback Caleb Williams and his offensive teammates to produce the most prolific offense in NFL history, and he hopes that success paves the way for the Bears to contend for the Super Bowl.25. Mike McDaniel, offensive coordinator, Los Angeles ChargersFired as head coach of the Dolphins after a pair of disappointing seasons mired by injuries, inconsistencies and a lack of discipline, McDaniel had plenty of options this offseason. Still regarded as one of the brightest offensive minds in the game, Jim Harbaugh pursued, and ultimately landed, him in L.A. McDaniel draws the assignment of helping Justin Herbert further ascend, live up to his full potential and get his first playoff victory in four tries.26. Kyle Shanahan, coach, San Francisco 49ersAlthough widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the league, the 49ers continue to wait for Shanahan to deliver the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory since the 1994 season. Shanahan has twice led his team to the Super Bowl, only to lose each time. Shanahan delivered one of his best coaching jobs last season while managing to get his team to the divisional round despite a year plagued by injuries. Pressure on Shanahan intensified when divisional foe Seattle won the Super Bowl, and now another NFC West team, the Rams, has the look of a contender. Shanahan’s 2026 season has gotten off to a tumultuous start as a recovery from a perplexing car accident initially limited his involvement. But now, the coach is focused on preparing his team for the season opener in Australia, hoping that performance on the grand stage sets the tone for a much-needed championship run.