The Kansas City Chiefs have reemerged as a force, the NFL’s London showcase is back in action, and the Los Angeles Rams are hopeful that wide receiver Puka Nacua will soon rejoin the lineup. I was present at Sky Sports NFL’s weekly production meeting on Wednesday when analyst Jason Bell boldly claimed that rookie tight end Brock Bowers can match everything veteran Jaxon Smith‑Njigba does, with the only distinction being that Bowers operates from the tight‑end position.
Bell’s confidence proved well‑founded. Bowers, a versatile playmaker for the Las Vegas Raiders, runs every route on the tree, lines up in multiple spots across the formation, and possesses some of the most reliable hands in the league. He creates separation through subtle fakes and shrewd movement rather than relying solely on raw speed, excels in isolated matchups, attacks all three levels of the field, and serves as a reliable focal point for the offense.
In the Raiders’ surprising 35‑27 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Bowers recorded ten receptions on thirteen targets, amassing 116 yards and a touchdown. "It’s self‑explanatory—he’s the best in the business," Raiders pass‑rusher Maxx Crosby said.
"He’s a complete game‑changer, unguardable. Having a guy like that back in the lineup definitely lifts the team." The Raiders highlighted that Bowers has become only the third non‑receiver in NFL history to compile at least 1,900 receiving yards in his first thirty career games, joining legends Mike Ditka and Kellen Winslow. Drafted 13th overall in 2024, he embodies the modern tight‑end prototype that once propelled his Kansas City counterpart to stardom.
For years, Travis Kelce set the standard for a receiving‑focused tight end, consistently beating press coverage and soft zone assignments while splitting time between the slot and the outside as Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted weapon. Now 36, Kelce has postponed retirement and started the season strongly, leading the Chiefs with fourteen catches on nineteen targets for 231 yards and two touchdowns, anchoring a revitalized aerial attack. Kansas City’s unbeaten 3‑0 start has been fueled by Mahomes looking increasingly like his dominant self from earlier in his career.
The quarterback appears to have fully recovered from last season’s knee injury, displaying swagger and aggression that have revived Andy Reid’s play‑action‑heavy scheme. By drawing defenders in with fake handoffs, Mahomes now has the freedom to unleash off‑platform throws and deep‑ball splashes that vanished in recent years. While Mahomes receives much of the credit, the arrival of former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has added a crucial new dimension to the Chiefs’ resurgence. Walker, the Super Bowl MVP from February, leads the league with 360 rushing yards, averages 5.5 yards per carry, and has scored two rushing touchdowns.
He also contributes eleven receptions for 82 yards and two scores, providing a dual‑threat that opens up play‑action opportunities for Mahomes. His presence gives head coach Steve Spagnuolo’s offense a blue‑chip element that helps restore Mahomes to his peak performance. Sunday’s matchup also pits Mahomes against Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, a rivalry that has grown over recent seasons.
Both players respect each other’s talents and look forward to the showdown. Crosby remarked, "It’s been a long time since we really got to go.
I respect him. He knows what it is: it’s war." Mahomes echoed the sentiment, saying, "He texted me right when I got cleared to play and said, ‘Hey, we’re both back.’ I was like, ‘Let’s show the world who we are.’" Their mutual competitive spirit adds extra intrigue to the contest. The Chiefs’ offensive line, now guided by returning coordinator Eric Bieniemy—who refined a downhill rushing attack with Chicago in 2025—has begun to open wider lanes for Mahomes and Walker. The combination of a dynamic quarterback, a versatile tight end in Kelce, and a hard‑hitting runner in Walker makes Kansas City look like a genuine contender again.
Across the Atlantic, the NFL’s return to the United Kingdom kicks off with three games in October, bringing the total of regular‑season London matchups to 45 since 2007. The first contest features the Indianapolis Colts versus the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Commanders come off an upset win over the Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks, with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels. Daniels traveled to London but his status remains uncertain.
The Colts arrive after a narrow 19‑17 victory over the Houston Texans, still relying heavily on running back Jonathan Taylor to drive Shane Steichen’s offense. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles. The Rams were once billed as a super‑team destined for a Super Bowl run, but a 1‑2 start and injuries to Myles Garrett and star receiver Puka Nacua have hampered their progress. Nacua is expected to return against Philadelphia.
Wideout Davante Adams has emerged as a bright spot, posting 332 yards over the past two weeks as Matthew Stafford’s primary target, while tight end Terrance Ferguson’s injury has highlighted the value of Sean McVay’s multiple‑tight‑end formations. The Rams recently squandered a 16‑point lead in a 30‑26 loss to the Denver Broncos, while the Eagles are still recovering from a 27‑7 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears.
The Dallas Cowboys host the Houston Texans in a primetime showdown. While the Cowboys’ offense boasts Super Bowl potential, their defense remains a glaring weakness, currently ranked last in yards allowed and EPA per play. Injuries have compounded the problem, and the unit’s inability to stop opponents could undermine the prolific play of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens.
Kansas City will later meet the Raiders again, this time with Las Vegas having bolstered its defense by signing former Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean. Dean has already recorded 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, providing a disruptive presence. Alongside fellow newcomer Quay Walker, he forms a key part of a defensive strategy aimed at containing both Kenneth Walker and Mahomes’ play‑action scheme.
For the first time in years, the Chiefs’ defense may raise more questions than their offense, which has relied heavily on blitzes to generate pressure. Other notable matchups include the Denver Broncos versus the San Francisco 49ers, where Sean Payton’s offense is beginning to click and quarterback Brock Purdy leads the league with nine touchdowns, a passer rating of 133.1, and only one interception. The Los Angeles Chargers travel to Seattle, hoping to bounce back after a 24‑16 loss to Buffalo that featured costly turnovers. Finally, the Detroit Lions face the Carolina Panthers, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs continuing to dominate the Lions’ offense, posting three touchdowns and 164 yards from scrimmage in a 31‑24 victory over the New York Jets.
Gibbs’ early‑career touchdown totals now rank him alongside NFL greats such as Barry Sanders and Todd Gurley before reaching age 25. All of these games will be streamed live on Sky Sports NFL and its associated channels, with additional coverage on NOW for contract‑free viewers. Fans are encouraged to use a Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. The 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027, will be available live across Sky Sports platforms, ensuring comprehensive access to every pivotal moment of the league’s action.