NFL training camp is underway, and there are real, live football games approaching, starting with Thursday's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, which features the Cowboys against the Steelers. The other 30 teams will begin their three-game preseason schedules next week.
It has already been an eventful start to camp practices, with Colts quarterback Carson Wentz injuring his foot, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins being one of a handful of Minnesota players who had to miss practice due to being a high-risk close contact to a COVID-19 positive test, and Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard requesting a trade. That's only a sampling of the news from the past week.
To help set up the rest of training camp, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to make a bold prediction about the team they cover, from the winner of a position battle to something happening off the field, such as a contract extension.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA
SF | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen will sign a massive extension before the regular season begins.
Both sides -- general manager Brandon Beane and the quarterback -- have played it coy when asked about the status of Allen's extension talks, making it clear that the issue is a matter of "when," not "if." Beane said the organization won't be worried if a deal doesn't get done until next year, but he has a track record (see: Tre'Davious White and Dion Dawkins) for getting these deals done before the buzzer. There's a chance Allen's market value will rise even further with another MVP-caliber season, and the Bills might want to finalize something before the Ravens do with Lamar Jackson. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
Update: Allen and the Bills on Friday agreed to a six-year extension that gives the quarterback $150 million guaranteed.
Miami Dolphins
Albert Wilson will become a big factor in the Dolphins' offense.
With several receivers missing time in camp, Wilson is developing chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, especially on the deep ball, as was on display once again in practice on Saturday. Miami's pass-catching group is crowded with Mike Gesicki, DeVante Parker, Will Fuller and rookie first-round pick Jaylen Waddle. Wilson, however, has stood out with renewed energy after missing 2020 as a COVID-19 opt-out. -- Jeremy Fowler
New England Patriots
Sony Michel will be traded to a running back-needy team.
Coach Bill Belichick raved about Damien Harris in the first week of training camp, and once fourth-round pick Rhamondre Stevenson came off the non-football injury list a few days into practices, it highlighted how deep the Patriots are at running back. That sparks a question as to where Michel fits, with Harris and Stevenson roster locks, and receiving back James White, core special teamer/backup Brandon Bolden and sparkplug J.J. Taylor also on the depth chart. Michel, a first-round pick in 2018, could be the odd man out. -- Mike Reiss
New York Jets
Four rookies will start on offense.
Quarterback Zach Wilson and left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker are locks, and wide receiver Elijah Moore and running back Michael Carter are trending in that direction. Moore, building off his strong spring after being taken at the top of Round 2, has been one of the most impressive players in camp. The Jets have to find a way to get him on the field as much as possible. Carter, a fourth-round pick, still has a lot to prove, but he's getting some first-team reps. He could be the most talented player in a mediocre backfield. -- Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens won't reach an extension with Lamar Jackson before the regular season.
There has been a lot of speculation that Jackson will be the first in the 2018 quarterback draft class to sign a long-term deal, but it could be time to pump the brakes on that. The quarterback and the Ravens have expressed optimism that a deal will get struck, and it's likely a formality at this point. But Jackson could increase his value with another MVP-like season, and there's no urgency from Baltimore's perspective because he is under contract through the 2022 season. It's more realistic that he signs a big-money extension next offseason. -- Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati Bengals
Rookie Jackson Carman will start in Week 1.
Yes, the second-round pick is buried on the depth chart after the first spell of training camp. When the team concluded offseason workouts, however, Carman was slotted as the starting right guard. There are roughly six weeks between now and the season opener against the Vikings. That is enough time to send Carman the message that he has to work for his starting spot. -- Ben Baby
Cleveland Browns
Rookie Demetric Felton will win the job as the return man.
The sixth-round pick out of UCLA has flashed incredible speed and shiftiness in camp, rotating between running back and receiver. Because of his versatility, the Browns seem to have big plans for Felton, who already is getting plenty of work on special teams, as well, where he stands to make an immediate impact as a returner. -- Jake Trotter
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dwayne Haskins will get more reps as the No. 2 quarterback than Mason Rudolph.
Last week, coach Mike Tomlin reasserted that every position was an open competition -- even the backup quarterback job. This doesn't mean that Haskins will unseat Rudolph as the No. 2 behind Ben Roethlisberger when the season starts, but the Steelers are giving their backups every opportunity to make their case for the job. The former first-rounder has looked better than Rudolph early in camp -- including two successful two-minute drives -- and he has been splitting backup reps with Rudolph. If Haskins continues on this trajectory, the coaches could continue to put him in positions to make plays with the first- and second-string offenses to prove his ability. -- Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson won't be traded before the end of training camp.
It's hard to see a scenario in which Watson plays for Houston again, but it could take some time for a trade to be completed given the 22 lawsuits the quarterback is facing. General manager Nick Caserio isn't going to trade Watson at what he believes is below-market value, and the teams that are interested and have the necessary resources to make the trade might be hesitant given the unknowns surrounding Watson's status for the season. -- Sarah Barshop
Indianapolis Colts
Coach Frank Reich will be reunited with quarterback Nick Foles.
It took only 1 1/2 practices before Carson Wentz's history of injury problems arrived in Indianapolis. The Colts are still awaiting word how long Wentz, who was traded from Philadelphia in offseason, will be out with a foot injury. There's a possibility he could miss time in the regular season, and second-year quarterback Jacob Eason might not be able to step into the starting role yet. So why not trade for Foles, as he appears to be the odd man out behind Andy Dalton and Justin Fields in Chicago? Reich, like with Wentz, was Foles' offensive coordinator with the Eagles in 2017 when the latter stepped in late in the season and helped Philadelphia win the Super Bowl in 2017. -- Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tim Tebow will make the roster as a tight end.
Tebow had the second-most catches of any tight end in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 during the first four days of camp. His seven receptions trail only Ben Ellefson (nine). A couple caveats: James O'Shaughnessy missed time with an ankle injury, and the defense was not allowed to play press coverage or go after throws. Still, the 33-year-old Tebow -- who last played in a regular-season NFL game in 2012 -- hasn't had a drop, and it shows that he has a good grasp of the offense. He just needs to hold his own as a blocker once the pads go on and he'll make the 53-man roster. -- Michael DiRocco
Tennessee Titans
The Titans will bring back kicker Stephen Gostkowski.
After starting off camp by making 5 out of 5 attempts, Blake Haubeil and Tucker McCann have both been inconsistent, and now Haubeil has been released and former Jets kicker Sam Ficken has been added. Long-distance attempts have been the main area of concern in camp. McCann, a former undrafted free agent, has zero game attempts. Last season, the Titans won a lot of close games that came down to a long field goal by Gostkowski. They can't afford to enter this season without a trusted kicker. Gostkowski lives only 30 minutes away from the facility. -- Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
The Broncos will choose the safest quarterback.
Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater will continue to battle for the starting job through training camp, and each of them will get likely get one start in the preseason. But in the end the decision won't come down to who made the most spiffy little eye-catching throws down the field in 7-on-7. It will be which quarterback presents the safest option for a team with a high-end defense and a deep roster of catch-and-run receivers. -- Jeff Legwold
Kansas City Chiefs
Two rookies will win starting offensive line spots.
The Chiefs splurged on their offensive line in free agency and through a trade, adding four veterans. But a pair of draft picks will emerge as starters come the regular season. Center Creed Humphrey, a second-round pick, and right guard Trey Smith, a sixth-round choice, will be in the lineup in Week 1 against the Browns. The Chiefs haven't started a rookie offensive lineman in the season opener since 2016. -- Adam Teicher
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will install a package for backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Make no mistake, this is still Derek Carr's team, but a healthy Mariota's scrambling ability, pinpoint passing and grasp of the offense has coach Jon Gruden smiling. "Last year was hard because he was hurt all the time," Gruden said of Mariota, who spent the first six weeks of the season on injured reserve with a pectoral issue, after reporting to training camp in 2020 recovering from ankle and shoulder injuries. "This complex thing we're trying to pull off here ... we're not going to call exactly the same plays when Marcus is in the game than when Derek is in the game. You wouldn't either. That's why we have a very vast playbook. I think for Marcus to be great, he has to run plays that he's good at and that he likes." -- Paul Gutierrez
Los Angeles Chargers
Jared Cook will become one of Justin Herbert's most trusted pass-catchers.
After four days of camp in shorts and T-shirts, Cook has emerged as the ideal replacement for tight end Hunter Henry, who left for the Patriots in free agency. The 34-year-old Cook, who signed a one-year deal with L.A. in March, has already found chemistry with Herbert. "Jared is an easy guy to throw to," coach Brandon Staley said. The two connected several times on Friday. Cook, coming off a seven-touchdown season with the Saints, could help take this offense to the next level. -- Shelley Smith
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys will not add a veteran backup quarterback.
Many folks expect them to do so, especially with Dak Prescott dealing with a minor muscle strain in his right shoulder that has limited his throwing early in camp. But they won't. With a $40 million-a-year starter, it's difficult to allocate $3 million to $5 million on a solid veteran. They'll go with Garrett Gilbert as their No. 2 quarterback. Despite just one career start, the Cowboys like Gilbert's ability to control the huddle and understand what needs to get done. -- Todd Archer
New York Giants
The Giants will sign a top veteran edge rusher.
It might be Trent Murphy, Adrian Clayborn or whomever else is healthy and out there waiting for a call. But the early part of camp has already shown the Giants are thin at the position with Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, Ryan Anderson and Elerson Smith not practicing because of injury. Can they all be trusted? Probably not given their history. Enter a veteran edge rusher before the start of the season. -- Jordan Raanan
Philadelphia Eagles
Zach Ertz's wish to be traded will finally get granted.
General manager Howie Roseman said last week he expects the tight end to be on the roster Week 1, but things remain very much unsettled behind the scenes. Roseman will collect final offers from tight end-needy teams across the league before moving the three-time Pro Bowler. The 30-year-old Ertz is in the final year of his contract and scheduled to make $8.5 million. -- Tim McManus
Washington Football Team
Dyami Brown will be Washington's most productive rookie.
The third-round receiver has received plenty of chances with Curtis Samuel nursing a groin injury as well as being on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Brown has looked good early in training camp and should draw favorable matchups once he's paired with Samuel and Terry McLaurin in three-receiver sets (or even Adam Humphries, who will be a good target for Ryan Fitzpatrick out of the slot). Brown does well on slants because his speed causes backs to play a bit off and he doesn't mind going over the middle. Mostly, though, it will be hard to focus a lot on him with heavier attention paid elsewhere. His 4.4 40-yard dash speed will make a difference. -- John Keim
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Andy Dalton will outplay Justin Fields in the quarterback competition.
The entire Bears fan base eagerly awaits Fields' NFL debut, but Dalton is by far the better choice to open the season as Chicago's starting quarterback. Dalton, who is entering his 11th NFL season, has already displayed a strong command for the offense and chemistry with key wide receivers (particularly Allen Robinson II) early in training camp. Fields can make plenty of spectacular throws, but the rookie first-round pick is also learning the subtleties of playing quarterback at the NFL level. Without question, he is the future of the franchise and will one day be named starting quarterback, but Dalton's continued good play raises the hope that the Bears can be patient with Fields' development. -- Jeff Dickerson
Detroit Lions
David Blough will win the No. 2 quarterback job.
Riding the momentum of his wife Melissa Gonzalez's success at the Tokyo Olympics should push Blough to outperform Tim Boyle for the backup job behind Jared Goff. During the first week of training camp, both guys were able to display their ability to connect on deeps balls, but Blough has in-game experience over Boyle, which could help him. As an undrafted rookie in 2019, Blough also started five games -- completing 94 passes -- while stepping in for former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford as he battled a back injury. Detroit wasn't able to win any of those contests with Blough as a starter, but that experience could be the difference. -- Eric Woodyard
Green Bay Packers
Defensive players will fall in love with Joe Barry.
From what we saw in the OTAs and minicamp this spring, the Packers' new defensive coordinator is hands-on. It's a far different style than his stoic predecessor, Mike Pettine. Not that one way is the right way, but Barry seems to fit the way coach Matt LaFleur operates in practice. Already, players can tell Barry does everything but jump out onto the field with his players, and the energy could be contagious. -- Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings
Rookie first-round pick Christian Darrisaw will not be the Week 1 starter at left tackle.
Darrisaw missed a considerable number of reps this spring while recovering from core surgery and has yet to suit up in training camp. Coach Mike Zimmer said the team is going to be "very careful" with the rookie and didn't anticipate it would be long before he returned to practice, but it's hard to see Darrisaw being ready to supplant Rashod Hill as the starter when the Vikings face Cincinnati to open the season. Even when he was practicing this spring, Darrisaw was with the second-team offensive line and has yet to take a snap with the starting unit. This isn't how Minnesota expected things to go when it parted ways with Riley Reiff in free agency only to draft his replacement a month later, but unless Darrisaw makes massive strides in the coming weeks, he'll be on the bench when the Vikings begin the season and could end up staying there for several games, similar to how Minnesota played things slow with Brian O'Neill and Ezra Cleveland as rookies. -- Courtney Cronin
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Qadree Ollison will carve out a role on the offense.
The Falcons have a lot of unknowns at running back behind starter Mike Davis (and, in reality, some questions to the amount of work Davis will get, too). But Ollison, in his second year out of Pittsburgh, finds himself with a true role in Atlanta's offense. What that is will remain to be seen, but he'll become a factor for the Falcons' run game, which otherwise has Cordarrelle Patterson and undrafted rookies Caleb Huntley and Javian Hawkins as options. Of course, if the Falcons decided to sign one of the many veteran running backs still available at some point, that role could change. -- Michael Rothstein
Carolina Panthers
Taylor Moton will win the left tackle job.
This as bold as it gets for Carolina. Moton has played well enough at right tackle the past three years to first get the franchise tag and then just before camp a four-year, $72 million extension. General manager Scott Fitterer has called him a cornerstone. And while his natural position is on the right side, Moton has taken a few snaps on the left side early in camp. If neither Cameron Erving, Trent Scott nor Dennis Daley step forward big time when pads go on, it wouldn't be surprising if Moton made the move. Protecting Sam Darnold's blindside is a priority. -- David Newton
New Orleans Saints
Jameis Winston will be named the Saints' Week 1 starter.
Maybe this doesn't count as "bold," because the 27-year-old Winston is probably considered a slight front-runner over Taysom Hill, who turns 31 later this month. But be honest, you didn't scroll down this article to find out whether Prince Amukamara could lock down the No. 2 cornerback job. Time will tell if Winston truly has a fatal flaw when it comes to turnovers and accuracy that prevents him from having sustained success in the NFL. But so far, he has done everything you could ask from a player with his level of talent to try to revive his career -- from choosing the right team and coaching staff, to humbling himself enough to learn from new mentors, to getting into better shape and having LASIK eye surgery, to acknowledging that the check-down pass is sometimes the best option. -- Mike Triplett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tight end Tanner Hudson will have a breakout year
With O.J. Howard working his way back into shape coming off an Achilles injury and Cam Brate on the PUP list, 2021 might finally be the year Hudson goes from "preseason darling" to viable regular-season contributor. Rarely is there ever a dropped pass that comes his way, and he continues to improve as a blocker. Hudson, a former undrafted free agent out of Memphis, played only 69 offensive snaps last season, catching three passes for 41 yards. -- Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Andy Isabella will not make the roster.
The 2019 second-round pick hasn't practiced a snap during training camp because he has been on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Not being available could cost him, because there are other players at his size and position -- such as rookie Rondale Moore and Christian Kirk -- who are putting good plays on tape every day while Isabella is at home. Moore has been impressive in the first week of camp. If he continues to play like this and Kirk continues to be steady, there might not be space on the roster for another sub-6-foot receiver, regardless of Isabella's game-breaking speed. Moore is fast, as is Kirk. Isabella didn't make the types of strides the staff was hoping for last season, and not being able to show them if or how much he has improved this offseason could be what ends his time in Arizona. -- Josh Weinfuss
Los Angeles Rams
Undrafted free agent Xavier Jones will earn the No. 2 running back spot.
The Rams' backfield suffered a major blow when projected starter Cam Akers ruptured his Achilles tendon ahead of training camp, which will cause him to miss the season. Third-year pro Darrell Henderson now moves into the starting spot, and there's a healthy competition behind him that includes Jones (a 2020 undrafted free agent), second-year pro Raymond Calais (a seventh-round pick last year) and rookie Jake Funk (a seventh-round pick). None of the backs have flashed during camp yet, but Jones demonstrated some burst during practices last season and is earning the trust of coaches. -- Lindsey Thiry
San Francisco 49ers
Rookie Elijah Mitchell will carve out a role in the offense.
Much will be made of who will hold the starting running back job between Raheem Mostert and Trey Sermon, but Mitchell shouldn't be forgotten. The sixth-round pick out of Louisiana has looked better than expected running between the tackles in the opening days of camp and has the combination of speed and decisiveness the Niners covet in their outside zone attack. Barring injuries, Mitchell isn't going to win the starting job, but he has the ability to contribute on special teams and get some touches in the offense, particularly on third down. -- Nick Wagoner
Seattle Seahawks
Penny Hart will win the No. 3 receiver job.
Few would have predicted this after the Seahawks drafted D'Wayne Eskridge in the second round in April, early enough to make him the presumed No. 3 behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. But Eskridge (toe) was sidelined during the offseason program and is now on PUP. Hart, meanwhile, was one of Seattle's offensive standouts during the spring and has continued to make plays during training camp. An undrafted free agent in 2019, Hart made the Seahawks' 53-man roster last season and is now vying to make an impact. -- Brady Henderson