Week 1 is already setting up a busy trip to the league office.
Before the NFL even gets to the Broncos-Chiefs game on “Monday Night Football,” 14 players from the games already completed are in line for possible punishment after the league reviews a string of personal fouls, taunting calls and other player-safety violations. Some of those penalties could turn into fines. Under the NFL’s 2026 rulebook, certain safety infractions can also count toward possible suspensions.
The list is spread across the league, and it starts with a few hits that clearly drew the attention of officials on Sunday.
Derick Hall of the Seahawks was penalized after shoving Patriots quarterback Drake Maye after Maye had already stepped out of bounds in the first quarter. That late contact brought a 15-yard unnecessary-roughness flag, and it could also trigger a first-offense fine of $11,941.
Rams defensive lineman Tyler Davis also has a possible fine coming after he hit Brock Purdy in the head in the first half. Purdy had already released the ball when Davis made helmet-to-helmet contact, and the NFL could review that for an impermissible use of the helmet violation, which carries a first-offense fine of $23,882.
In Chicago, Dayo Odeyingbo was flagged for roughing Bryce Young in the first quarter against the Panthers, adding 15 yards to Carolina’s drive. That could mean a $17,911 fine if the league upholds it as roughing the passer. Odeyingbo was also called for hands-to-the-face, and that play could potentially be upgraded to a facemask violation, which would bring a first-offense fine of $11,941.
The Packers had two separate players in the mix. Javon Bullard hit Kyler Murray as Murray slid during a scramble in the first quarter, and Murray’s helmet came off on the play.
Bullard’s unnecessary-roughness penalty came with a 15-yard cost, and the NFL could decide the contact fits a higher category than a simple late hit. Evan Williams was also flagged for unnecessary roughness after contact with Justin Jefferson following a third-down catch in the second quarter.
That penalty extended Minnesota’s drive, and Jefferson later finished it with a touchdown. If the league deems it a hit on a defenseless player, the first-offense fine is $17,911.
Carolina had another player in trouble beyond Odeyingbo’s penalty. Derrick Brown was called for roughing the passer in the loss to Chicago, putting him in line for the same $17,911 first-offense fine if the call stands.
Mitchell Evans was also flagged for unnecessary roughness during a second-quarter punt. Because officials did not spell out exactly what triggered it, the eventual fine depends on how the NFL classifies the play.
A late hit would mean $11,941; a hit on a defenseless player could go to $17,911.
Tampa Bay’s Tykee Smith delivered a hit to Joe Burrow’s neck area as Burrow slid after a 12-yard scramble in the second quarter. Burrow had already given himself up, and Smith was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Depending on how the league reviews it, that could land as a late hit for $11,941, a hit on a defenseless player for $17,911, or, if officials determine Smith launched into the contact, a first-offense fine as high as $23,882.
There were also a pair of flags in the NFC East tied to celebrations and late hits. Washington’s Stefon Diggs scored against the Eagles, ran to the goalpost and hugged it in celebration, and was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.
That penalty added 15 yards to the kickoff situation and could bring a $14,926 fine. Diggs has been fined for hugging a goalpost before.
Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was penalized for hitting Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart out of bounds after a 22-yard scramble. That 15-yard unnecessary-roughness call moved New York to the Dallas 22 and helped set up the Giants’ opening touchdown. A late-hit classification would mean an $11,941 fine.
Dallas also saw Javonte Williams flagged after scoring a touchdown against the Giants and extending the football toward safety Tyler Nubin. The celebration drew a 15-yard taunting penalty, pushed Brandon Aubrey’s extra-point try back to 48 yards and helped lead to a missed kick. Williams could be fined $11,941 for taunting.
In Miami’s loss to the Raiders, JuJu Brents was flagged for taunting after a play, and the penalty gave Las Vegas a fresh set of downs. It was one of the more damaging mistakes in the Dolphins’ 27-13 defeat. Taunting carries a first-offense fine of $11,941, and Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said Brents could be fined for the incident.
Houston’s Mario Edwards Jr. is also facing review after being flagged for roughing Josh Allen in Buffalo’s 36-31 win over the Texans. Edwards made low contact with Allen, drew the 15-yard penalty and could be fined $17,911 if the league treats it as roughing the passer.
Not every personal foul automatically turns into a fine, though. The NFL reviews each play, decides which category applies and can choose not to issue additional discipline. And under the 2026 system, some of these calls can carry longer-term consequences if the same player keeps stacking qualifying violations.
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