3 & Out - 2026 NFL Kickoff: Patriots-Seahawks Predictions, Baker Mayfield gets PAID, Aaron Donald OUT for Week 1

Football's combination of high-stakes weekly games, off-field drama, and scarcity makes it the dominant sport in America, far surpassing basketball and baseball.

Seattle will win their opener against New England, and Mike McDaniel's unique role as head coach and defensive play-caller gives them an edge.

Sam Darnold is a highly competent quarterback whose poor Super Bowl performance unfairly overshadows two years of strong play.

Will Campbell must become an elite technician to succeed at left tackle because he lacks the physical dominance of top-tier tackles.

A Patriots win in Seattle would indicate they are an 11-12 win team, but he currently projects them for 9-10 wins.

Aaron Donald is inactive for Week 1 in Australia, likely due to the long flight and his age, with a possible return in Week 2.

The Rams and Aaron Donald may have pre-arranged that he would not travel to Australia for the opener.

If the 49ers win in Australia, the NFL will make Australian games an annual event and all teams will adopt the early-travel strategy.

The 49ers have effectively served as the NFL's marketing arm in Australia by engaging with the local community and media.

Baker Mayfield earned his contract extension by demonstrating authentic leadership and professional conduct during training camp.

GM Jason Licht deserves credit for recognizing Mayfield's value, contrasting with the Browns' past mismanagement of the quarterback.

The SEC is threatening to expel LSU to force Lane Kiffin to accept boundaries after years of unchecked off-field behavior.

Lane Kiffin hasn't been told 'no' since Nick Saban retired, and the SEC's unified structure makes the expulsion threat credible.

Florida State is financially broke and can no longer compete in the NIL era, as evidenced by a two-hour game delay due to power issues.

Florida State is now closer in stature to Fresno State than to traditional powers like Miami due to their financial collapse.

The Steelers will make the playoffs over the Ravens and Patriots due to Mike McCarthy's coaching resume and the Ravens' organizational uncertainty.

Aaron Rodgers remains a solid quarterback despite his age, and the Steelers' improved offensive weapons will elevate their offense.

The Chargers and Bills are strong playoff contenders, but he questions whether Jesse Minter has the aura of a successful head coach.

The NFC is highly competitive with six to seven viable teams in each conference, and the Packers could rebound if key players return to health.

Trent Mosley has elite play speed and open-field movement, making him a potential breakout star and the best freshman receiver in the country.

Mosley's performance in colder weather games remains a question mark for his overall evaluation.

American NFL fans use ad breaks for mundane activities like checking phones or eating, and the cultural familiarity with the game's flow makes breaks feel natural.

Aaron Donald's return will not disrupt the Rams' locker room because defensive players rotate regardless of star additions and Myles Garrett remains the alpha.

Defensive linemen rarely care about snap counts or star additions because the position group naturally rotates players.