It’s Up, and It’s … Good?: Why Teams Don’t Try More Long Field Goals

Kickers, kicking techniques and playing conditions have all improved, but the downsides of coming up short still discourage coaches from challenging the record.

N.F.L. Week 4 Predictions: Our Picks Against the Spread

Tom Brady faces Bill Belichick, the Rams and the Cardinals fight to stay undefeated, and the Browns’ pass rush travels to Minnesota to try to end Kirk Cousins’s interception-less streak.

Lamar Jackson’s Bold Play: A Contract Without an Agent

Jackson is leading his own negotiation for a contract extension with the Ravens, challenging the norms of executives’ relationships to N.F.L. players and raising questions about the efficacy of agents.

Carl Nassib Made History, but Also a Big Play

Last week Nassib, 28, became the first openly gay player to compete in an N.F.L. game. Teammates, the news media and observers casually noted the feat, then cheered his game-changing play.

N.F.L. Week 2 Predictions: Our Picks Against the Spread

Josh Allen and the Bills try to bounce back in Miami; and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs aim to maintain a winning streak against Baltimore.

The Raiders Thought They’d Won. But They Hadn’t. Until They Did.

A wild Monday night victory gives Las Vegas a victory, and leaves Baltimore wondering about one that got away.

Rivalries and Rookies Bloom but It’s Still Patrick Mahomes’s A.F.C.

The Kansas City Chiefs fortified their offensive line in pursuit of another championship, but the Bills, Browns and a bevy of first-year starters should shake up the order.

Jim Fassel, Who Coached the Giants to the Super Bowl, Dies at 71

He predicted that New York would make the playoffs when no one gave them much of a chance. Then they marched to the championship game, only to lose to the Ravens.