NFL 2026: Teams That Could Challenge the Rams

The NFL’s 2026 season opens on Wednesday night, and the league’s writers are already weighing in on the most anticipated storylines. Among the topics highlighted are the battle for the league’s most valuable player, the top rookies to watch, and the potential disasters that could unfold as teams adjust to a new season of high‑stakes matchups. The focus, however, remains on the evolving role of the quarterback, particularly the shift back toward more snaps taken directly under center.

For years the NFL has become a “shotgun” league, with quarterbacks taking the majority of their snaps three to seven yards behind the center. Recent data from the 2025 season, however, shows a marked uptick in efficiency when quarterbacks snap the ball directly under center. Players such as Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams, and Sam Darnold led the charge, posting higher completion percentages and lower interception rates on those plays. Coaches who have begun to emphasize this approach are seeing measurable gains, and the trend is expected to spread as other teams look to replicate the success.

As the season gets underway, analysts will watch to see whether the increased use of center snaps translates into sustained success for the teams that adopt it. While the shotgun remains the dominant offensive philosophy, the evidence from 2025 suggests that a balanced approach—blending shotgun and under‑center plays—could become a new standard in quarterback deployment. The outcome of this strategic shift will likely influence both individual player performances and overall team competitiveness as the season progresses.