The NFL’s biggest unanswered questions ahead of pre-season

The countdown to the 2026 NFL season is well underway, with all 32 teams now preparing for the new campaign during the opening weeks of pre-season.

With the regular season just around the corner, there are already plenty of major questions to be answered across the league.

Among the biggest talking points are the potential return of Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald, a fascinating quarterback battle in Cleveland and the future of the Las Vegas Raiders with No 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings.

Here are three key storylines to keep an eye on during the remainder of pre-season.

Could Aaron Donald make a stunning NFL comeback?

Aaron Donald remains one of the biggest names in the NFL despite having retired more than two years ago.

The legendary defensive tackle could yet make a sensational return to the Los Angeles Rams after the franchise added Myles Garrett, last season’s NFL sack leader, in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

The prospect of Donald lining up alongside Garrett has naturally generated plenty of excitement, with the pair potentially forming a formidable combination on the Rams’ defensive front.

Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, worked out with the Rams in August but has stopped short of confirming whether he intends to return for the 2026 season.

Head coach Sean McVay has stressed that the decision remains with Donald and that there is no need to put additional pressure on the veteran.

“He looked great, and he’s still continuing to go through his process,” McVay said. “No new news on that front. … We’ve had a plan in place for a while, and the workout was one of those things.

“He’s feeling good, but we’re not to where we’re able to say that he is or isn’t ready to do it. But he’s doing great, and he looked outstanding, as I think all of us would expect.”

With only weeks remaining before the regular season begins, the question of whether Donald will return continues to hang over the Rams.

A comeback would be one of the biggest stories of the NFL season, particularly if it resulted in Donald and Garrett sharing the same defensive line.

Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson in Cleveland?

The Cleveland Browns have one of the most intriguing quarterback battles in the NFL, with Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson competing for the starting role.

New head coach Todd Monken handed Watson the start in Cleveland’s opening pre-season game against the Chicago Bears, with Sanders taking over during the second half.

However, Sanders is set to start the Browns’ next pre-season fixture against the Buffalo Bills, meaning the competition remains very much open ahead of the regular season.

“We’re going to see both of them,” Monken said. “One’s going to start this week and one’s going to start next week.”

The two quarterbacks arrive at very different stages of their careers.

Watson is 30 and has endured a difficult spell since joining Cleveland in 2022. The Browns acquired him from the Houston Texans and handed him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, but his time with the franchise has been heavily disrupted by injuries.

He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 before returning the following campaign, only to suffer two Achilles tendon ruptures.

Watson has also not played since October 20, 2024, meaning his appearance against Chicago marked his first game action in 22 months.

Sanders, meanwhile, is at the beginning of his NFL career. The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders showed flashes of promise after starting seven games as a rookie in 2025.

His numbers were mixed, however, with Sanders throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

That leaves Cleveland with a major decision to make during the rest of pre-season.

The Browns’ next four games could play a significant role in determining who takes the starting job for the opening game of the 2026 campaign, while potentially shaping the long-term futures of both quarterbacks.

Can Fernando Mendoza force his way into the Raiders’ plans?

The Las Vegas Raiders have another intriguing quarterback situation developing, although Kirk Cousins currently appears to have the advantage.

Cousins is entering his 15th NFL season and has been working with the first-team offence throughout the summer.

The four-time Pro Bowler is expected to start when the Raiders open their regular-season campaign against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.

Waiting behind him is Fernando Mendoza, the No 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Mendoza arrives in Las Vegas with huge expectations after winning the Heisman Trophy and helping Indiana secure its first national championship.

For now, though, he has been working with the second-team offence and looks set to begin the season as Cousins’ understudy.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has been impressed with the rookie’s progress during training camp.

“[Mendoza] is continuing to grow,” Kubiak said. “It’s been a really impressive training camp as far as how he’s prepared, and then he goes out there to practice.

“Things don’t happen on the paper, the playbook, exactly how they do on the field. I think he’s done a good job of adjusting.”

Cousins arrives after an injury-hit season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded 1,721 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.

His experience means he has a strong chance of remaining the Raiders’ starter throughout the season, but Mendoza represents the long-term future of the franchise.

Pre-season will provide the highly-rated rookie with his first opportunity to experience professional NFL action and could offer an early indication of how quickly he can challenge Cousins for the starting role.

NFL London fixtures

The 2026 NFL season will once again bring regular-season American football to the UK, with NFL London fixtures providing fans with the chance to watch some of the league’s biggest teams in person.

For supporters looking to experience the action live, Eventmasters are offering hospitality for all NFL London fixtures, providing a premium way to enjoy the games.

The London fixtures will be among the standout sporting events on the UK calendar, adding another major attraction for NFL fans as the new season gets underway.

NFL 2026 FAQs

When does the 2026 NFL regular season begin?

The 2026 NFL regular season gets underway in September, with teams completing their preparations through pre-season before the opening round of competitive fixtures.

What are the biggest NFL storylines to watch in pre-season?

Aaron Donald’s potential return to the Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland’s quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, and Fernando Mendoza’s development with the Las Vegas Raiders are three of the major storylines to follow.

Could Aaron Donald return to the NFL?

Aaron Donald has not officially confirmed a return to the NFL. He worked out with the Los Angeles Rams in August, while head coach Sean McVay said the defensive star is continuing to go through his decision-making process.

Who could start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns?

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are competing for the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback position. Todd Monken has indicated that both players will receive opportunities during pre-season before a decision is made.

Who is Fernando Mendoza?

Fernando Mendoza was the No 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He won the Heisman Trophy after leading Indiana to its first national championship and is expected to begin his rookie season as Kirk Cousins’ backup in Las Vegas.

Does Eventmasters offer NFL hospitality?

Yes. Eventmasters are offering hospitality for all NFL London fixtures, giving fans the opportunity to experience the UK’s NFL games with premium hospitality.