Judy Battista Profile

The AFC is the dominant conference right now, in results, star power and storylines. So, how do all these loaded rosters stack up against each other? As we head toward the 2024 NFL Draft, Judy Battista assesses the 16-team hierarchy.

NFL players will have 12 new helmets -- including eight that are made specifically for linemen and quarterbacks -- to choose from next season, as the pace of helmet innovation increases and more manufacturers offer the specialized helmets, Judy Battista reports.

Will Russell Wilson elevate the Pittsburgh Steelers among the contenders in the AFC? Judy Battista identifies seven teams primed for a turnaround in the 2024 NFL season after March's free agency frenzy.

Who is riding high after the Chicago Bears agreed to trade Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers? And who's worse off? Judy Battista breaks down winners and losers following the intriguing move.

From his first NFL season to his last, Los Angeles Rams defender Aaron Donald was a true force on the field. Judy Battista puts his stunning career in context. 

How strong is the fit between Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens? Will the market for receivers heat up at all? Judy Battista breaks down winners and losers from Day 2 of the NFL free agency negotiating period.

With NFL free agency just around the corner, Judy Battista spotlights 10 prominent candidates for the franchise tag before the 2024 deadline. Will the Bengals keep WR Tee Higgins in tow or let him test the open market?

With back-to-back Super Bowl titles and three Lombardi Trophies in the past five seasons, Kansas City is a bona fide dynasty. Judy Battista explores the Chiefs' most trying triumph yet, with Patrick Mahomes now hot in pursuit of Tom Brady.

With the Chiefs aiming to win their third Super Bowl in five seasons, is Kansas City the NFL's new Big Bad? Judy Battista explores the parallels between this incredible Chiefs run and the Patriots dynasty of yore.

Sunday's showdown between the 49ers and Chiefs will be just the fourth rematch of head coaches in Super Bowl history, all of them occurring within five years of the first meeting. Judy Battista explores this unique circumstance by talking to a series of notable figures from past rematches on the game's biggest stage.

Judy Battista reports on how the NFL's continued effort to prioritize player safety has led to promising injury data from the 2023 NFL season, specifically when it comes to lower extremity injuries.

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday's AFC title game to advance to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years. Judy Battista explores the team's performance and the unwavering belief that got it through regular-season struggles.

For the first time, members of the NFL legends community will be the offensive coordinators in the Pro Bowl Games. Judy Battista talks to Keenan McCardell and Wes Welker -- WRs coaches in Minnesota and Miami, respectively -- about the opportunity.

Judy Battista sorts out the winners and losers of the first two games of the Divisional Round, which saw the playoffs' two No. 1 seeds -- Baltimore and San Francisco -- advance. Who's up and who's down following Saturday's contests? 

Super Wild Card Weekend is underway, which means there are some winners and losers to sort out after Saturday's games. Judy Battista provides a look at who's up and who's down following the first two games of the NFL playoffs.

Bill Belichick is no longer the coach in New England. It's the end of an NFL-defining era, Judy Battista writes, something the league might never seen again. What's next for the Patriots? For the coach himself?

Judy Battista assesses all eight head-coaching changes across the NFL this offseason. Just how much of a boost does Jim Harbaugh give the Chargers? Will Antonio Pierce keep the Raiders pointed in the right direction? Can Dan Quinn lift the Commanders?

Fourteen teams are playoff bound with the 2023 NFL regular season coming to a close Sunday. Before we move forward, though, Judy Battista takes one last look back at the biggest surprises from Week 18.

Lamar Jackson is rightfully earning "M-V-P" chants, but he's not the only reason the Ravens are dominating some of the league's best late in the season. Judy Battista writes about Baltimore's multidimensional team following its rout of Miami.  

Judy Battista examines the state of the NFL playoff picture and identifies the biggest winners and losers from the Week 16 slate. Was there a bigger winner than Detroit? What's next for the Cowboys?

The Patriots' loss to the Chiefs on Sunday reflected the current reality that New England is far from the dynasty it has been the last two decades. Judy Battista examines the current state of the Patriots and what's next for the franchise and Bill Belichick. 

The NFL announced on Wednesday that there will be an international game played in São Paulo, Brazil, during the 2024 season.

On Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys put together a statement win over their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, answering some questions over whether the team can compete with the NFL's elite. However, the biggest question -- whether it will translate into postseason success -- still remains, Judy Battista writes.

Philadelphia gashed by the 49ers' offense during Sunday's 42-19 defeat. While the Eagles still own the NFC's best record, Sunday's outcome made clear they are no longer the conference's top team, Judy Battista writes.

Can Robert Saleh coax more encouraging performances out of the Jets? Will Sean McDermott keep the Bills from missing the playoffs? Judy Battista identifies the 11 NFL coaches with the most to prove down the stretch of the 2023 season. 

Twenty-five years ago, a surreal coin-toss controversy and an otherworldly Randy Moss performance made for one of the wildest Thanksgivings in NFL history. Judy Battista talks to those who were there about a stunning Turkey Day showcase.

In a season rife with major quarterback injuries, the playoff battle has become a war of attrition, as well. NFL.com senior national columnist Judy Battista takes a look at who's separating themselves in the postseason race -- for better or worse. 

Chip and Lucia Rosenbloom, the children of former Rams owners Georgia Frontiere and Carroll Rosenbloom, are establishing a fund to assist Hall of Fame players and their families in times of need, Judy Battista writes.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell wanted his team to 'play fast, physical and violent,' and it did just that, turning a quartet of fourth-down conversions into a 41-38 win over the Chargers, NFL.com senior national columnist Judy Battista writes. 

In Sunday's gut-wrenching loss to the Eagles on Sunday, the Cowboys showed once again that they are almost there. And yet, in the only way that ultimately matters, especially in Dallas, they are still nowhere, Judy Battista writes.

Judy Battista identifies winners and losers at the 2023 NFL trade deadline, including the Minnesota Vikings, who aren't throwing in the towel just yet after losing Kirk Cousins. Which teams and players benefitted from the moves? Who didn't?

The NFC picture has become quite muddled thanks to some agents of chaos -- both good and bad. Judy Battista breaks down the conference following a wild Week 8.

The Falcons' unimpressive win over the Buccaneers on Sunday incapsulates the state of the NFC South -- the NFL's most unsightly division -- Senior National Columnist Judy Battista writes.

The San Francisco 49ers suffered their first loss of their season on Sunday. The manner in which they fell offers lessons for one of the NFL's top teams and a potential wake-up call, Senior National Columnist Judy Battista writes.

While the NFC has a clear top tier, the AFC picture is waiting to crystalize thanks to some agents of chaos who have muddied the waters. Judy Battista breaks down the conference following a wild Week 5.

The Philadelphia Eagles are undefeated, but they are not yet the same team that ran roughshod through the NFC just a year ago. Senior National Columnist Judy Battista details a team still figuring things out following Sunday's overtime win over the Washington Commanders.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens looked comfortable in their new offense during Sunday's win over the Bengals in Cincinnati Bengals. Judy Battista details how Jackson is set up for success with the best array of weapons he's had during his time in Baltimore.

The New York Jets are turning the page after Aaron Rodgers' season-ending and are looking to Zach Wilson. Judy Battista surveys the state of the team less than 48 hours after it had both a huge win -- and loss.

Jets fans roared when Aaron Rodgers took the field Monday night -- a scene that was soon deflated by the injury that knocked the quarterback out of action shortly thereafter. Judy Battista captures a moment of shock and disappointment.

With the 2023 NFL campaign kicking off this week, Judy Battista identifies 58 things to watch en route to Super Bowl LVIII. What questions will be answered? Which showdowns are must-see TV?

Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt has died at age 91. Widely recognized as the godfather of modern scouting, Brandt helped build the Dallas Cowboys into "America's Team." Judy Battista explains what made this trailblazer such an influential NFL figure.

Six quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft. Judy Battista examines how that crop of players helped make pro football into the game we know today.

Mac Jones and the Patriots need a rebound under Bill Belichick and new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien after an 8-9 season. Judy Battista walks through the pieces at New England's disposal and Jones' growth so far.

Kenny Pickett didn't exactly light the NFL on fire as a rookie, but the Steelers quarterback showed promise down the stretch. After talking to Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, Judy Battista explains why Ben Roethlisberger's successor appears poised for a second-year breakout.

With the sale of the Commanders approved by NFL owners, Judy Battista takes a look at what the change means for Washington and the league as a whole.

Will the Giants and Saquon Barkley work out a new deal? Who will sign DeAndre Hopkins? As NFL teams take a break before training camp, Judy Battista explores the five biggest questions lingering around the league.

Which NFL teams have set up their respective quarterbacks for success in 2023? Judy Battista identifies four franchises that significantly helped their signal-callers this offseason -- and five that didn't.

How will Aaron Rodgers and Anthony Richardson adjust to their new surroundings? How will the offseason-darling Lions look? Judy Battista provides 10 fascinating storylines to follow at mandatory minicamps.

The complete 2023 NFL regular-season schedule is here! NFL.com dives deep into each team's 17-game slate to identify the must-watch matchups and biggest takeaways.

With Trevor Lawrence lifting Jacksonville, Houston (C.J. Stroud), Indianapolis (Anthony Richardson) and Tennessee (Will Levis) each grabbed QB prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Colts owner Jim Irsay talks to Judy Battista about the influx of signal-callers in the AFC South. 

The Jets acquired the player they wanted most this offseason in QB Aaron Rodgers, but after missing out on an ideal fit on night one of the 2023 NFL Draft, New York added to its strength by selecting pass rusher Will McDonald IV, writes Judy Battista.

Who is riding high after the Green Bay Packers officially agreed to trade Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets? And who's worse off? Judy Battista breaks down winners and losers following a long-awaited move.

For the first time, a helmet specifically designed to better protect quarterbacks will be available, NFL Network senior national columnist Judy Battista reports. 

Quarterback Zach Wilson is spending his offseason in an odd limbo while the New York Jets pursue four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Judy Battista examines Wilson's current reality and his future with the organization. 

Judy Battista reports on safety-related measures unveiled by the NFL, including the expansion of a rule prohibiting misuse of helmets and broader mandated use of Guardian Caps.

Which losing teams from 2022 are poised for a turnaround in 2023? Judy Battista spotlights six rosters on the rise after a week of free agency signings and trades.

Is the next chapter in the Lamar Jackson story about to unfold? With free agency around the corner, Judy Battista rounds up eight candidates to receive the franchise tag before the 2023 deadline. 

Jalen Hurts was a revelation this season and played his best in the biggest game. Yet despite having a four-TD performance in Sunday's Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, the team's unquestioned leader owned his role in the defeat and challenged himself to learn from it, Judy Battista writes.

What would winning a second Super Bowl with the Chiefs -- against the Eagles franchise he previously led to prominent playoff success -- mean for Andy Reid's legacy? Judy Battista examines where the coach stands among the all-time greats.

The Eagles selected Brandon Graham, Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox and Lane Johnson in four successive drafts. Five years after winning a Super Bowl together, they continue to define this franchise. Judy Battista chronicles Philadelphia's core four.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady announced his retirement "for good" on Wednesday morning. Judy Battista explores the impact of TB12's decision on the 2023 offseason quarterback market.

The Chiefs will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl for the third time in Patrick Mahomes' five seasons as a starter, but it wasn't easy. Judy Battista says Kansas City showed extraordinary resilience to knock off Cincinnati in Sunday's AFC title game.

Judy Battista assesses the head coaches hired this cycle -- and she breaks down the one opening that still remains. Can Shane Steichen solve the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback quandary?

By romping past the Bills in the Divisional Round and advancing to a second straight AFC title game appearance, Joe Burrow and the Bengals provided a reminder that they are a force to be reckoned with in the race to reach Super Bowl LVII, Judy Battista writes.

Buccaneers QB Tom Brady offered no timeline for a decision on what lies ahead, but Monday night's loss to the Cowboys played out like a microcosm of the season now behind him, writes Judy Battista.

Despite the Patriots' up-and-down season, they are in control of their postseason fate heading into Week 18. Judy Battista explores Sunday's victory over the Dolphins that sets up a win-and-in season finale.

Judy Battista explores the state of the NFC playoff picture to identify the biggest winners and losers from a wild Week 16 slate.

Can anyone stop the Eagles? Will the Giants be able to recapture their early season magic? Judy Battista examines the state of the NFC East race entering the final month of the regular season.

The Browns were victorious in Deshaun Watson's 2022 debut, but Judy Battista says the quarterback's performance against the Texans showed dramatic -- and rapid -- improvement will be needed for Cleveland to have any hope of making a playoff push.

In the wake of the Chiefs' 30-27 win over the AFC West rival Chargers on Sunday night, Judy Battista spotlights how Patrick Mahomes and Co. have not skipped a beat despite all of the new faces on offense.

After one season with the Detroit Lions, Maurice Britt put his football career on pause to serve his nation in World War II -- and proceeded to become one of the most decorated soldiers of his era. Judy Battista digs into Britt's incredible story. 

After a brutal loss to the Vikings, where do the Bills go from here? Judy Battista reports from Buffalo, where she says the repair to the most important part of the team's season began on Sunday night.

Before the Seahawks and Buccaneers square off in the NFL's first regular-season game in Germany, Judy Battista captures the ups, the downs and the unbelievable from the league's decades-long effort to expand the game internationally. 

Did the Buccaneers save their season with a late rally against the Rams on Sunday? Judy Battista reports from Tampa, where she finds a team that might have given itself a powerful reminder in Week 9.

After getting an up-close look at the Jets' loss to the Patriots on Sunday, Judy Battista writes that Gang Green has a quarterback problem. Is Zach Wilson the solution for a team trying to end its playoff drought?

Fifty years ago, the owners of the Colts and Rams pulled off a transaction unlike any other: a complete franchise swap. Judy Battista digs into a bizarre chapter in NFL history that shifted the fates of both teams in far-reaching ways.

With seven weeks of the 2022 NFL season in the books, Judy Battista looks at five preseason expectations that don't match reality.

On Tuesday, Jim Irsay went public with his feelings on Daniel Snyder. Judy Battista explores what this means for the NFL and its owners.

After yet another stunning comeback, this time against Lamar Jackson's Ravens, are the Giants the biggest surprise of the 2022 NFL season? Judy Battista reports on what has changed for the G-Men this year.

What's the Steelers' next move after the team's most lopsided loss of the Mike Tomlin era? Judy Battista says the coach was leaving the door open to any potential fixes after being shellacked by the Bills.