The Las Vegas Raiders have named Kirk Cousins their Week 1 starting quarterback over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendozabut how long should the rookie remain on the bench? Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze and Ryan Roberts debate whether Tom Brady and Klint Kubiak are making the right developmental decision. Easton believes the Raiders should build a safer environment before turning the offense over to Mendoza. Austin argues that a rebuilding team has little to gain by delaying its evaluation of the franchise quarterback. Ryan warns that a supposedly pro-ready prospect failing to earn the job by midseason would become a major red flag. The crew examines the Raiders difficult early schedule and identifies November 1 against the New York Jets as the obvious Mendoza deadline. Will Las Vegas remain patientor will losses and fan pressure destroy the plan first? #Raiders #FernandoMendoza #KirkCousins #NFL #13Personnel 0:00 Kirk Cousins wins the Raiders QB job 1:08 Why Easton expected Fernando Mendoza to sit 4:01 Ryan still wants Mendoza to start 5:55 How much must Mendoza play as a rookie? 7:14 Is patience right for this Raiders roster? 9:30 Austin challenges the soft-landing strategy 10:59 How many starts does Mendoza need? 11:14 The obvious November 1 entry point 12:55 When waiting becomes a red flag 14:39 Easton defends the Raiders patient approach 16:22 Why successful teams can sit rookie QBs 17:36 What is the downside to waiting? 19:38 When will Mendoza actually start? 22:30 Can the Raiders withstand public pressure? 23:29 The bleakest game on the Raiders schedule 24:39 Final thoughts

The Athletic has completed its nearly five-month internal review of former NFL insider Dianna Russinis work involving New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The review concluded that Russini violated newsroom standards by failing to disclose the relationship, but found no clear evidence that she used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams. It also did not determine the full nature of their relationship. Easton Freeze, Austin Stanley and Ryan Roberts examine what The Athletic reviewedand what its investigation left unanswered. Austin explains why the most important questions may involve Russinis ESPN-era reporting on the Tennessee Titans, including major stories involving Tom Brady, Julio Jones, A.J. Brown and the 2023 NFL Draft. The crew also discusses why ESPN has little incentive to investigate a former employee and whether this controversy exposes a larger problem with the NFL insider industry. #DiannaRussini #MikeVrabel #TheAthletic #NFL #13Personnel

Which version of A.J. Brown will the New England Patriots get alongside Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel? Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze and Ryan Roberts examine why Browns disappointing final Eagles season shouldnt erase his elite NFL track record. The 13 Personnel crew explains why Maye may be the best quarterback Brown has played withand why New England can provide the targets and production that have historically determined Browns happiness. But Austin has identified a pattern: Brown thrives for three years before the relationship begins to deteriorate. Will that cycle repeat in New England? Plus, will Brown make the Patriots better without producing another Super Bowl appearance? The crew debates New England versus Buffalo in the AFC East, the Patriots more difficult schedule and Christian Gonzalezs place among the NFLs best cornerbacks. Subscribe to 13 Personnel for NFL news, debates and analysis. 0:00 Which A.J. Brown are the Patriots getting? 1:24 Why Easton isnt writing off A.J. Brown 4:12 Is Brown the modern Terrell Owens? 4:44 The Drake MayeA.J. Brown honeymoon 6:48 Austins three-year A.J. Brown theory 8:04 What actually determines Browns happiness? 10:49 Why Browns previous relationships failed 12:01 What A.J. Brown means for the Patriots 13:02 Will New England improve but win less? 15:53 Ryan picks the AFC East 17:20 Eastons completely unfair Joe Brady evaluation 19:14 Austins Patriots playoff prediction 20:34 The inevitable A.J. Brown sideline controversy 20:53 Where Christian Gonzalez ranks among NFL CBs 21:38 Final thoughts #Patriots #AJBrown #DrakeMaye #NFL #13Personnel

Aaron Donald is officially back in the NFL. The future Hall of Fame defensive tackle is coming out of retirement to rejoin Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams as they attempt an all-in Super Bowl run. Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze and Ryan Roberts break down what Aaron Donald's return means for the Rams, how much the 35-year-old superstar can realistically contribute and whether Los Angeles can actually finish the job after pushing all their chips into the middle. The biggest question is simple: What version of Aaron Donald are the Rams getting? Donald retired after an incredible career that included three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Super Bowl-winning sack and one of the most dominant stretches by any defensive player in NFL history. But this is not the same situation as his prime. Aaron Donald is returning after two seasons away from football, and there is no real blueprint for what happens when a player of his age and caliber steps away and returns. Easton explains why there is legitimate uncertainty about what Donald can provide, while Ryan breaks down why the Rams do not actually need the old version of Aaron Donald to be successful. With Myles Garrett now commanding attention from opposing offenses, Donald may have the most favorable environment of his career. Instead of being the player offenses build their entire protection plans around, Donald can become the ultimate situational weapon the player Los Angeles unleashes in the biggest moments. The conversation also turns to the bigger Rams picture. Los Angeles is not simply adding Aaron Donald. They are betting on a roster built around aging stars and championship expectations. Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, Myles Garrett and Donald all represent enormous upside, but staying healthy is the biggest challenge. The Rams enter the season as one of the biggest Super Bowl favorites in the NFL, but history shows that preseason favorites face enormous pressure. Can Sean McVay and Los Angeles finally finish this all-in run with another Lombardi Trophy? Will Aaron Donald still be a difference-maker? How many sacks can he realistically record? Are the Rams the best team in football? Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze and Ryan Roberts discuss it all on 13 Personnel. Subscribe for more Los Angeles Rams analysis, NFL discussion and football conversations throughout the season. 0:00 Aaron Donald Is BACK With The Rams 0:56 What Should We Expect From Aaron Donald? 2:50 Why Aaron Donald's Last Seasons Matter 6:53 What Is 60% Aaron Donald Worth? 9:43 Aaron Donald's New Role With The Rams 11:05 Aaron Donald Is The Rams' Closer 12:54 Could This Hurt Aaron Donald's Legacy? 17:21 Are The Rams Super Bowl Favorites? 18:26 The Rams' Biggest Super Bowl Challenge 20:44 The Matthew Stafford Injury Concern 23:44 Super Bowl Or Massive Disappointment? 25:21 Predicting Aaron Donald's Sack Total

Could Zay Flowers have his best season yet in the Ravens new offense? Ryan Roberts, Joe DeLeone and JT Ruhnke break down the Baltimore Ravens 2026 outlook on 13 Personnel. JT explains why Declan Doyles system could unlock another level for Flowersand why he sees top-five fantasy WR upside. The crew debates Jesse Minters first season, Lamar Jacksons supporting cast, Derrick Henrys longevity and Baltimores questions at center. Plus, are they buying JaKobi Lanes preseason hype after Lamar compared his hands to Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins? Can the Ravens win the AFC North? The panel is split. Subscribe to 13 Personnel for NFL news, team previews, NFL Draft coverage and fantasy football analysis. 0:00 A new era for the Baltimore Ravens 1:01 Does Jesse Minter need a year? 2:54 Can Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry afford to wait? 4:10 Derrick Henrys longevity and a new offense 6:38 The surprising 1,000-yard rushing trivia 8:16 Questions about Lamar Jacksons supporting cast 9:47 Baltimores center problem and rookie receivers 12:10 Why the Ravens have little margin for error 13:27 JTs case for a Zay Flowers career year 16:37 Where should you draft Zay Flowers? 17:18 Reconsidering JaKobi Lane 18:26 Lamars OBJ and DeAndre Hopkins comparison 19:16 Buying or selling Lanes preseason hype? 21:18 Final thoughts and AFC North picks #Ravens #LamarJackson #ZayFlowers #NFL #13Personnel

Can Jayden Daniels rebound from a difficult second season and lead the Washington Commanders back into the playoff race? New A to Z Sports Commanders creator Sean Anderson joins Austin Stanley and Ryan Roberts for a complete 2026 Commanders preview on 13 Personnel. Sean explains why he still views Daniels as a fringe top-10 NFL quarterback and how new offensive coordinator David Bloughs under-center offense could unlock a more complete version of Washingtons franchise player. The crew also examines Laremy Tunsils injury, Brandon Colemans move back to left tackle, Chig Okonkwos breakout potential, rookie Sonny Styles versatile role and Dan Quinns job security. Plus, which Commanders player should fantasy football managers target, and does Washington have enough around Daniels to survive a crowded NFC playoff race? Subscribe to 13 Personnel and A to Z Sports Commanders for NFL coverage throughout the 2026 season. #Commanders #JaydenDaniels #WashingtonCommanders #NFL #13Personnel 0:00 Can the Commanders recover from 2025? 0:56 Washingtons messy offensive outlook 2:58 Does Luke McCaffreys return value matter? 4:09 Why Sean still believes in Jayden Daniels 6:09 What David Blough will change offensively 7:52 Can the new offense protect Daniels? 9:41 The best Commanders fantasy football sleeper 11:07 Chig Okonkwos potential in Washington 13:26 The controversy surrounding Jayden Daniels 15:35 Laremy Tunsils injury changes everything 17:23 How Washington can repair its offensive line 18:54 Sonny Styles versatile defensive role 20:50 How much can the Commanders defense improve? 23:28 Is Dan Quinn entering the hot seat? 26:05 Can Washington make the playoffs?

What does Shedeur Sanders losing the Cleveland Browns quarterback competition to Deshaun Watson reveal about his NFL future? Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze and Ryan Roberts react to Cleveland naming Watson its Week 1 starter and debate whether the decision represents a temporary setbackor a devastating verdict on how the Browns view Sanders. Ryan explains why Clevelands likely position near the top of the 2027 NFL Draft could make Sanders future with the franchise nearly impossible. Austin presents the potential chess move that could still create a path for Shedeur to replace Watson, while Easton examines why Clevelands current quarterback arrangement may not last. Plus, who will start more games for the Browns this season, and which 2027 quarterback feels destined to land in Cleveland? Subscribe to 13 Personnel for NFL news, debates and analysis. #ShedeurSanders #Browns #DeshaunWatson #NFL #13Personnel 0:00 Browns name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback 0:48 Why Easton believes this wont last 4:05 Just how bad has Watson been? 5:16 Ryan reacts to Clevelands quarterback circus 8:26 Todd Monken and the Shedeur Sanders relationship 9:28 The potential chess move behind starting Watson 11:27 When did Browns fans last have hope? 13:10 Could Shedeur still start more games? 13:58 How long is Watsons leash? 16:30 What the decision means for Shedeurs future 17:03 Ryan declares Shedeurs Browns future over 19:34 The high bar Shedeur must clear 20:33 Which 2027 quarterback is destined for Cleveland? 23:43 Who starts more games: Watson or Sanders? #Browns #DeshaunWatson #ShedeurSanders #NFL #13Personnel

The Cleveland Browns have named Deshaun Watson their Week 1 starting quarterback over Shedeur Sandersbut can this arrangement possibly last? Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze and Ryan Roberts react to Clevelands controversial decision, Watsons deteriorating relationship with Browns fans and why Easton believes the situation is a powder keg waiting to explode. Austin explains the potential chess move behind starting Watson before eventually turning to Sanders, while Ryan argues that losing this competition may signal the end of Shedeurs long-term future in Cleveland. The crew also examines Watsons leash, the Browns 2027 NFL Draft outlook and which quarterback will ultimately start more games. Subscribe to 13 Personnel for NFL news, debates and analysis throughout the 2026 season. #Browns #DeshaunWatson #ShedeurSanders #NFL #13Personnel 0:00 Browns name Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback 0:48 Why Easton believes this wont last 4:05 Just how bad has Watson been? 5:16 Ryan reacts to Clevelands quarterback circus 8:26 Todd Monken and the Shedeur Sanders relationship 9:28 The potential chess move behind starting Watson 11:27 When did Browns fans last have hope? 13:10 Could Shedeur still start more games? 13:58 How long is Watsons leash? 16:30 What the decision means for Shedeurs future 17:03 Ryan declares Shedeurs Browns future over 19:34 The high bar Shedeur must clear 20:33 Which 2027 quarterback is destined for Cleveland? 23:43 Who starts more games: Watson or Sanders?

The Los Angeles Rams crushed the New Orleans Saints 34-0, but Sean McVay somehow made the backup quarterback situation between Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett even more confusing. Joe DeLeone and Ryan Roberts react to Simpsons 8-of-12 performance, the conservative approach surrounding the Rams first-round quarterback and the stunning decision to give Bennett 31 passing attempts. Is Los Angeles carefully developing Simpson, preparing Bennett to back up Matthew Stafford or conducting a legitimate QB2 competition? Ryan explains why the construction of the quarterback room is counterproductive to both the Rams 2026 Super Bowl pursuit and their future after Stafford. Plus, what must Simpson show in the preseason finale? Watch 13 Personnel on the BZZR Network and subscribe for NFL reaction and analysis throughout the 2026 season. #Rams #TySimpson #StetsonBennett #NFL #13Personnel

Can Joe Burrow lead the Cincinnati Bengals back to the top of the AFC North? A to Z Sports Bengals expert John Sheeran joins Austin Stanley and Ryan Roberts for a complete Bengals preview on 13 Personnel. Cincinnatis offense remains dangerous with Burrow, JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the Bengals are finally committing to more under-center offense, play action and a running game capable of closing games and protecting their franchise quarterback. The crew also examines Cincinnatis rebuilt defense, the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe, the outlook for Shemar Stewart and whether an average defense is all Burrow needs to make another deep playoff run. Plus, has the offensive line finally become good enough, and what percentage chance do the Bengals have of winning the AFC North? Subscribe to 13 Personnel and A to Z Sports Bengals for NFL analysis throughout the 2026 season. 0:00 Joe Burrows identity shift 0:35 How Cincinnati rebuilt its defense 3:09 The Bengals defensive building blocks 5:45 Can Demetrius Knight make a second-year leap? 6:46 Shemar Stewart and Cashius Howell 9:17 Questions about Stewarts development 10:51 How good does the Bengals defense need to be? 12:43 Cincinnatis offensive shift around Joe Burrow 15:10 Why the Bengals are changing their approach 17:16 The secret to keeping Joe Burrow healthy 18:22 Is the offensive line finally good enough? 20:58 Amarius Mims emergence at right tackle 22:23 Cincinnatis chances of winning the AFC North 24:47 The one reason the Bengals can win the division #Bengals #JoeBurrow #CincinnatiBengals #AFCNorth #NFL