Yes, we already knew who every team was playing in the 2026 NFL season. However, after Thursday's schedule release, it's now a bit easier to predict the year ahead in the NFL. With dates of all 272 regular-season matchups set, we can take a closer look at the ebb and flow of schedules for specific teams and hazard a guess as to what the potential outcomes might be. Last year, I predicted the demise of the Kansas City Chiefs, along with bounce-back seasons for the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots. But I also believed the ever-optimistic Pete Carroll would lead the Las Vegas Raiders to respectability in his first season and the Washington Commanders would reach the Super Bowl, so Im not exactly puffing my chest out. So, here are five bold predictions for the upcoming season with the release of this years schedule. Its finally Joe Burrows time to shine again. The Cincinnati Bengals have the third-easiest schedule, based on the projected win totals of their opponents. However, the Bengals had one of the easiest schedules last year and still finished 6-11. Of course, Burrow could not stay out of the training room, playing in just eight games in 2025. Cincinnati traded for Joe Flacco to rescue the offense, but the defense couldn't keep up, allowing at least 30 points in serve games. So, in the offseason, the Bengals finally went all in and spent major resources to fix an ailing defense, trading with the New York Giants for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. They also signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and edge rusher Boye Mafe, along with safeties Bryan Cook, Kyle Dugger and JaSir Taylor in free agency. The Bengals added defensive linemen Cashius Howell and Landon Robinson, along with cornerback Tacario Davis, in the draft. So, the defense should be much better than No. 31 in total defense, which is where the Bengals finished last season. Along with that, the Bengals' three other AFC North rivals all have new head coaches (Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers; Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens; Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns). In all, the Bengals play nine games against teams with head coaches leading them for the first time this season (the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans are the others). Cincinnati has the advantage of most continuity in the division, including all 11 players returning for one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL and one of the top quarterbacks in the league when healthy in Burrow. If the LSU product can stay upright, its the Bengals best shot at reaching the Super Bowl since Burrow led them there after the 2021 season. If not, the Bengals have an experienced backup with a Super Bowl ring in Flacco. New Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley are taking a long-term approach to building a winner in South Beach. That means there will be some bumps in the road with new quarterback Malik Willis leading them. Expect some struggles for Miami this season, going winless on the road amid a first-year rebuilding effort. That might not seem like a surprise when you consider that they have games at the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers on their slate. That slate is made even more difficult when you consider that Miami was 1-7 in games that were 45 degrees or colder at kickoff under head coach Mike McDaniel, and four of those aforementioned games take place in November or later. But the Dolphins also have road games at the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts, giving them opportunities to win games on the road. And while you might think there's a team that goes winless on the road every season, that hasn't been the case as of late. There's only been one winless team on the road in the last four seasons. On top of that, the last time Miami went winless on the road was in 2007, when the Dolphins finished 1-15. That was Cam Cameron's first and only season leading the Dolphins. (Miami hired Tony Sparano and he finished 11-5 the following year.) Miami moved on from a handful of the teams best players this offseason in wide receiver Tyreek Hill, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, edge rusher Bradley Chubb and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots rode the third-easiest schedule in the league last year to a magical Super Bowl run. Drake Maye emerged as an MVP-worthy candidate in his second season, and the Patriots returned to their mantle as one of the dominant teams in the NFL. However, New England played only three teams that reached the playoffs during the regular season, the fewest of any team in the league. The Patriots finished 1-2 against those teams during the regular season. Well, fast-forward to this season and Vrabel is now dealing with off-the-field distractions. The Patriots are also coming off a Super Bowl where they were dominated up front on both sides of the ball, losing in ugly fashion to the Seattle Seahawks. And after enjoying a schedule that allowed them to travel no further than New Orleans in 2025, the Patriots will travel the fifth-most miles this season (27,590). The inevitable addition of No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown should help an offense that lacks explosive plays and moved on from the teams best receiver in Stefon Diggs this offseason. But the Patriots have the sixth-hardest schedule in the league. The Patriots face nine playoff teams from last season. Only the Seahawks (10) face more. The previous two Super Bowl losers failed to have a winning record the following season, with the 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs stumbling in each of the last two years. Expect the Patriots to follow a similar path. The New Orleans Saints return Louisville product Tyler Shough at quarterback in 2026 after the second-rounder showed promise as a rookie in 2025. Shough took over as the starter midseason and finished 5-4 as the teams starter, so the Saints believe they have their franchise quarterback of the future. New Orleans certainly approached the offseason with that mindset as well. The Saints surrounded Shough with playmakers on offense, including first-round pick receiver Jordyn Tyson, an athletic tight end in the third round in Oscar Delp and underrated receiver Bryce Lane. The Saints also added running back Travis Etienne, veteran tight end Noah Fant and offensive lineman David Edwards in free agency. The Saints finished 7-10 last season and have the second-easiest schedule, based on opponents, based on the projected win totals of their opponents. New Orleans also plays in one of the easiest divisions in football in the NFC South. The Carolina Panthers won the division at 8-9 last season. The Saints also face the fewest playoff teams this season at five. So, expect the Saints to reign supreme in the NFC South and win their first division title since Drew Brees was their quarterback. Yes, the Los Angeles Rams are the current betting favorite to win the Super Bowl. But Father Time is undefeated. Matthew Stafford is 38 years old and coming off a year when he played in all 17 games for the first time since 2021, winning the NFLs MVP Award for the first time in his 17-year career. Can Stafford play at that level again and stay healthy? Stafford had a balky back that forced him to miss time during training camp in 2025. And oddly enough, Stafford-led teams finished below .500 in three of the four seasons after he started and won double-digit games. The only time that didnt happen was this past season, when the Rams followed up a 10-7 record by going 12-5, reaching the NFC Championship Game and finishing four points short of reaching the Super Bowl. If Stafford does suffer an injury, the Rams no longer have an experienced backup in Jimmy Garoppolo. Instead, its surprise first-round pick Ty Simpson, who some scouts I spoke with around the league did not believe was a first-round pick. Los Angeles also has the fifth-hardest schedule, based on projected win totals, facing nine teams that made the playoffs in 2025. That includes two late-season matchups against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks, facing Seattle twice in the final three weeks. Teams with five of the six hardest projected schedules finished under their projected win totals last year. The Rams travel the second-most miles in the league this season (35,487), including a season opener against their NFC West rival in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers. That's just the start of a five-game stretch that includes games at the Broncos and Eagles, plus a home game against the Bills.

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Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts towards Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 15, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThere were moments where Liverpool looked themselves in Birmingham, but far more that reminded us all of the horrors weve sat through all season. This years version of Liverpool are very easy to play against, and Villa would have gotten quite the confidence boost given the ease of tearing the Premier League champions apart. Hard to determine exactly why this team has gone so wrong, but they travel back to Merseyside as deserving losers tonight.Talking TacticsAston Villa have been struggling somewhat in the league with their attention squarely on European football, and yet the first choice XI made Liverpool look like pretenders on Friday night. Liverpools tactics are remarkably weak in defense, both when it comes to defending set plays (even if the Liverpool captain also scored from two as well).Theres a lack of defensive vision and especially a lack of pressure in how Liverpool play at present, with opponents allowed a lot of time and space on the ball around the edges of the Liverpool box especially. The first Villa goal underscored all of these shortcomings: The Reds were slow to react to a short corner routine and failed to react effectively to the oppositions ball movement. The Reds are relatively easy to score against, which is worrying when its unclear exactly what a Liverpool goal looks like.Liverpool scored two and could perhaps have had a couple more, and its worrying that such an attack is not enough to come away with a win against a team who could perhaps been convinced not to care about the game as much as the final on their horizon. Instead, the Reds gave Villa nothing but hope with soft, slow defending. It was a forgettable affair, but one that showed all of this seasons shortcomings in 4k view.How The Manager ReactedAfter the match Arne Slot was asked just how damaging the loss was for his side, and helpfully broke down the ways:Damaging because we needed either a win or maybe, maybe, maybe two draws would have been enough as well. But now we know one thing for sure that we need a win next week if we have to do it ourselves. As we all know, other teams, of course, need to pick up points as well for us to need a win. So thats really damaging that we were not able to get a result, let alone a win here today. There were parts in the game where I felt a result could have gone our way. But I think what people are mainly focused on is the period after the 2-1 where we couldnt find any momentum anymore and we conceded two other goals. That was the most difficult period in the game.Further, he noted how frustrating it is to make the same mistakes every game:Its frustrating because as a manager youre also responsible for if things happen time and time again. You are hired to try to prevent that for the next time. We scored two set-pieces over here, so usually you think if you go to an away game or any game where you score two set-pieces, usually youre quite sure of a result unless you concede three set-pieces, what we did.So against [Manchester] United, against Chelsea, in this game again, we have a negative balance in set-pieces and that makes it really hard if you play against equal teams which United, Chelsea and Villa are to win a game of football, and again that was shown today. And the manner, of course, in which we conceded the 2-1, I think weve thought weve seen a lot this season this one we havent. But, of course, Dominik [Szoboszlai] has had and has a very good season and he doesnt do it on purpose and hes the first one who feels [bad] about it. But it happens and then afterwards we really, really, really struggled to find any momentum again.Though the Reds have a lot to play for on this seasons final outing, theres hope that a summer reset can fix the issues at the core of the side:I can understand at this moment in time that they dont have a lot of confidence or a lot of feeling that things can be much better next season, but I think they are then underestimating what a window can do, what a new start can do. I think we know quite well what to improve; I think one of the things we also have to improve is also very, very, very obvious and I would have preferred not to talk about it here, but youre actually almost forcing me to.If you miss nine players that can start a game of football and almost all of them are starters for us, or have been for large parts of the season starters for us, then if you add that to what you can improve in a window and add that to players that are playing for the second season in the Premier League and I think we saw the adaptation to the Premier League for a few of them took some time, but thats now better and better that will automatically lead to much more, but thats my opinion and no-one has to agree with me.Even today, for large parts of the game we were close to a result but then when you are the better team you need to generate more chances, and if you have the chances you need to score them. We cannot concede as many set-pieces as weve conceded this season. I dont think the difference is so big, only doing in a few situations the right thing can already have a massive upwards possibility.What Happens NextQualifying for Europe becomes that much harder now, with both Brighton and Bournemouth still to play and with an outside chance of pipping the spot from the Reds. Liverpool need both to drop points this weekend, and will need a win on the final day. Even in a season lacking things to play for, the Reds have managed to add challenges when it could all be done and dusted by now. Brighton travel to Leeds on Sunday and Bournemouth host Manchester City on Tuesday, and the Seagulls sit seventh on 53 points while Bournemouth are in sixth with 55. Neither can leapfrog the Reds with wins this week, but should one or both win their matchday 37 ties the final day of the season will be quite a bit more stressful. Should Aston Villa win their Europa League final match on the 20th then whoever is in sixth place will also qualify for Champions League football, which would take the stress off somewhat depending on how the rest of the weekend play goes.

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Former Chelsea defender William Gallas has questioned the hype surrounding Cole Palmer after his breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge in 2023-24. The Frenchman believes expectations have risen too quickly and insists the Blues still have major issues, particularly in defence. Gallas questions Palmer hype amid Chelsea struggles Palmer became the centrepiece of Chelseas project after arriving from Manchester City, enjoying a superb debut season with 25 goals, which brought individual recognition in the form of a PFA Young Player of the Year award win and high expectations. However, former Blues defender Gallas believes the reaction to Palmers rise has gone too far. Speaking about the current state of the squad, Gallas suggested the narrative around the 24-year-old attacker has become exaggerated. Gallas questions Palmers status Despite significant investment in the squad, the club has struggled to find defensive stability, conceding regularly and failing to establish a reliable back line. Gallas criticised both the teams attacking and defensive output while suggesting Palmer has not maintained the same impact that sparked first seasons hype. "When you look at the Chelsea defenders, they've let in so many goals. The strikers, they've barely scored any goals," Gallas told Gallas urges Chelsea to move for John Stones Gallas has suggested Chelsea should strengthen their defense by targeting Stones, who is set to leave City this summer, instead of Marcos Senesi. "Marcos Senesi is a good defender, he's had a good season with Bournemouth, and he's 29 years old, which means he's had more experience than some of the current Chelsea defenders," he added. "But the pressure will be different at a big club, and Senesi hasn't experienced that pressure." "John Stones will be a better option for Chelsea, he knows exactly what the pressure is to play for a big club and knows the feeling of winning trophies. Also, Stones will be leaving Manchester City for free in the summer. Chelsea have to try and sign him, he would organise the back line." Defense issues and appointment of a permanent manager While Palmer has been a key attacking outlet since arriving at Stamford Bridge, Chelseas defensive struggles remain a major issue. The club has spent heavily on defenders but has yet to form a consistent partnership capable of anchoring a push for the top four. Several names have been linked with the Blues ahead of the summer transfer window. However, they are also working to appoint a permanent manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior in April.

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As high school baseball postseasons get deeper, which teams are currently the best in the nation?With May midway through, USA TODAY Sports is looking at the championship contenders and teams with the strongest seasons, seeking an answer.The following composite is devised based on a formula that combines the rankings of Perfect Game, Baseball America, Prep Baseball Report, MaxPreps and USA TODAY High School Sports, earning a points total that provides an industry-wide look at the top teams in the country.WILD FINISH: South Walton baseball wins FHSAA 3A state title on walk-off suicide squeezeVenice (FL) and Tomball (TX) are neck-and-neck at the top, separated by a mere 3.4 points. Every outlet has these two in the top two spots; MaxPreps is the only one to have Tomball ahead of Venice.The rankings themselves are not completely uniform, and it's worth noting that Baseball America does not include IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) in its rankings.Without further ado, here are the top high school baseball teams in the country.1. Venice, FLScore: 288.82. Tomball, TXScore: 285.43. Orange Lutheran, CAScore: 258.24. Trinity, Louisville, KYScore: 2515. Norco, CAScore: 242.46. St. Laurence, Burbank, ILScore: 238.27. South Walton, Santa Rosa Beach, FLScore: 231.98. St. John Bosco, Bellflower, CAScore: 224.29. Keller, TXScore: 222.610. Calallen, Corpus Christi, TXScore: 217.411. Harvard-Westlake, Studio City, CAScore: 210.612. IMG Academy, Bradenton, FLScore: 209.913. Magnolia Heights, Senatobia, MSScore: 203.614. Jesuit, Tampa, FLScore: 195.915. North Paulding, Dallas, Ga.Score: 184.916. Aledo, TXScore: 175.717. Pope, Marietta, GAScore: 142.418. Barbe, Lake Charles, LAScore: 140.219. Catholic High School, Baton Rouge, LAScore: 138.320. Delbarton, Morristown, N.J.Score: 135.421. Bishop Gorman, Las VegasScore: 135.322. Baylor, Chattanooga, TNScore: 118.623. Bishop Moore, Orlando, FLScore: 112.924. Stoneman Douglas, Parkland, FLScore: 107.525. Corona, CAScore: 105.226. Atascocita, Humble, TXScore: 99.727. Grapevine, TXScore: 99.128. Queen Creek, AZScore: 96.629. Centre Grove, Greenwood, INScore: 84.130. Valley View, Jonesboro, ARScore: 81.231. The Bennett School, Houston, TXScore: 74.3T-32. Conway, ARScore: 74.2T-32. De La Salle, Concord, CAScore: 74.234. Waxahachie, TXScore: 73.535. Trinity Christian Academy, Jacksonville, FLScore:72.236. Buford, GAScore: 67.537 Bishop Snyder, Jacksonville, FLScore: 63.038. The Stony Brook, NYScore: 62.739. Casteel, Queen Creek, AZScore: 62.340. D.H. Conley, Greenville, NCScore: 62.241. Pleasant Grove, Terkana, TXScore: 61.842. Berkeley Preparatory, Tampa, FLScore: 61.4T-43. Trinity Christian, FLScore: 60.3T-43. Dorman, Roebuck, SCScore: 60.345. Canterbury, Fort Myers, FLScore: 58.046. James Island, Charleston, SCScore: 57.447. North Oconee, Bogart, GAScore: 57.148. Etowah, Woodstock, GAScore: 52.249. Brother Martin, New Orleans, LAScore: 50.650. Huntington Beach, CAScore: 44.751. Katy, TXScore: 44.252. Midland, TXScore: 3653. Creekside, Fairburn, GAScore: 35.454. Rouse, Leander, TXScore: 34.855. Olentangy Liberty, Powell, OHScore: 33.656. Gloucester Catholic (NJ)Score: 33.257. Corona del Sol, Tempe, AZScore: 32.158. St. John's Country Day School, Orange Park, FLScore: 31.959. Providence, Charlotte, N.C.Score: 31.260. Paul VI, Chantilly, Va.Score: 30.761. Royal, CAScore: 29.962. Richland, WAScore: 28.363. Sam Houston, Lake Charles, LAScore: 27.664. Spruce Creek, Port Orange, FLScore: 26.465. Bucholz, Gainesville, FLScore: 25.266. Tri-Cities Prep, Pasco, WAScore: 24.867. Normal Community, ILScore: 24.768. True North Classical Academy, Miami, FLScore: 2469. Blue Valley, Stillwell, Kan.Score: 23.770. Brophy College Prep, Phoenix, AZScore: 23.271. Siegel, Murfreesboro, TNScore: 23.172. Houston Memorial, TXScore: 22.173. Sierra Canyon, Chatsworth, CAScore: 2274. Hewitt-Trussville, ALScore: 21.875. Columbus, Miami, FLScore: 20.876. Prestonwood Christian, Plano, TXScore: 20.777. Saint Francis, Mountain View, CAScore: 17.678. Clackamas, ORScore: 15.679. Olathe East, KSScore: 14.480. Charlotte Christian, NCScore: 14.381. Madison, Vienna, VAScore: 13.682. Lyman Hall, Wallingford, CTScore: 12.883. Spanish Fork, UTScore: 11.784. Archbishop Moeller, Cincinnati, OHScore: 10.485. Tuttle, OKScore: 9.186. North Broward Prep, Coconut Creek, FLScore: 8.487. Lockport Township, ILScore: 7.888. Farmington, MNScore: 6.589. Lincoln East, NEScore: 6.490. Calvary Christian, Clearwater, FLScore: 5.691. Arvada West, COScore: 5.292. Malvern Prep, PAScore: 4.093. Whitley County, KYScore: 3.994. St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, FLScore: 2.695. Fairfield Prep, CTScore: 2.496. Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, TXScore: 2.297. Zachary, LAScore: 1.298. Lone Peak HS, Highland, UT Score: 0.8This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See which teams top high school baseball national composite rankings

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