The Slate Sheet: NFL Matchup Research for September 20, 2026
NFL matchup context with league ranks, rushing usage and the exact recent-game samples behind each observation.
This is the 2026-09-20 pregame edition. Figures describe the sample at publication; roles, lineups and game conditions can change.
NFL matchup research for Sunday, September 20, 2026. Start with the league context, then check the underlying sample and the current personnel.
- Ravens face a pass rush with the better recent record
- Zach Charbonnet: 16 of 20 carries inside the 20
- Colts face a run defense with the better recent record
- Broncos have the stronger sack record in this matchup
- 49ers have the stronger sack record in this matchup
NFL · Pass protection and pass rush
Ravens face a pass rush with the better recent record
New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Ravens rank 28th at avoiding sacks; Saints rank 3rd at generating them. The opposing rush has the stronger recent record.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravens: sacks allowed | 12.9 per 100 attempts | 28th of 32 | Fewest sacks allowed |
| Saints: sacks made | 13.0 per 100 attempts | 3rd of 32 | Most sacks generated |
The Baltimore Ravens allowed 12.9 sacks per 100 pass attempts, ranking 28th for the fewest allowed. The New Orleans Saints generated 13.0 per 100 opposing pass attempts, ranking 3rd for the most generated. Lower is better for the offense; higher is better for the defense. The opposing rush has the stronger recent record. These are separate opponent samples, so the rates should not be subtracted. Watch whether the quarterback can complete his reads without pressure: sack history does not capture every hurried throw.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate · includes 2025. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Prior-season games are included. Different opponents and personnel limit the comparison.
Slatery trench report · source slate 2026-09-20. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing work inside the 20
Zach Charbonnet: 16 of 20 carries inside the 20
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals · Kickoff 4:25 PM EDT
Zach Charbonnet had 16 of 20 Seahawks carries inside the 20. Most of the recent rushing work near the end zone went his way.
| Measure | Recent result | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Player carries | 16 carries | Inside opponent's 20-yard line |
| Team carries | 20 carries | Same area · 4 team games |
| Share of carries | 80.0% | 16 of 20 |
Over the 4 team games in this report, Zach Charbonnet took 16 of Seattle Seahawks' 20 carries inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The 80.0% share identifies who received those rushing opportunities. It does not measure how many carries came at the goal line or establish a touchdown probability.
Sample: Last 4 team games before this slate · includes 2025. 4 team games · 20 team carries · 16 player carries
Previous-season games are included; roles can change. Carries do not equal touchdowns.
Slatery red-zone report · source slate 2026-09-20. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing efficiency and run defense
Colts face a run defense with the better recent record
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs · Kickoff 8:20 PM EDT
Colts: 32nd in rushing efficiency. Chiefs: 9th in limiting it. The run defense has the better recent league standing.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colts: rushing offense | 3.00 yards/carry | 32nd of 32 | Most rushing yards per carry |
| Chiefs: run defense | 3.79 yards/carry | 9th of 32 | Fewest rushing yards allowed per carry |
The Indianapolis Colts averaged 3.00 rushing yards per carry, 32nd among NFL offenses in this sample. The Kansas City Chiefs allowed 3.79 yards per carry, 9th for the fewest allowed. The league ranks explain the contrast: the run defense has the better standing relative to its peers. Watch the yardage gained on early rushing downs: repeated short gains could leave longer passing downs. The samples contain different opponents and do not forecast this game's average.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate · includes 2025. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Prior-season games are included. Different opponents and personnel limit the comparison.
Slatery trench report · source slate 2026-09-20. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Pass protection and pass rush
Broncos have the stronger sack record in this matchup
Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos · Kickoff 4:05 PM EDT
Broncos rank 4th at avoiding sacks; Jaguars rank 25th at generating them. Good sack avoidance meets limited recent sack production.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos: sacks allowed | 4.2 per 100 attempts | 4th of 32 | Fewest sacks allowed |
| Jaguars: sacks made | 4.9 per 100 attempts | 25th of 32 | Most sacks generated |
The Denver Broncos allowed 4.2 sacks per 100 pass attempts, ranking 4th for the fewest allowed. The Jacksonville Jaguars generated 4.9 per 100 opposing pass attempts, ranking 25th for the most generated. Lower is better for the offense; higher is better for the defense. Good sack avoidance meets limited recent sack production. These are separate opponent samples, so the rates should not be subtracted. Watch whether the quarterback can complete his reads without pressure: sack history does not capture every hurried throw.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate · includes 2025. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Prior-season games are included. Different opponents and personnel limit the comparison.
Slatery trench report · source slate 2026-09-20. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Pass protection and pass rush
49ers have the stronger sack record in this matchup
Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers · Kickoff 4:25 PM EDT
49ers rank 9th at avoiding sacks; Dolphins rank 23rd at generating them. Sack avoidance has the better league standing in this pairing.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49ers: sacks allowed | 5.6 per 100 attempts | 9th of 32 | Fewest sacks allowed |
| Dolphins: sacks made | 6.3 per 100 attempts | 23rd of 32 | Most sacks generated |
The San Francisco 49ers allowed 5.6 sacks per 100 pass attempts, ranking 9th for the fewest allowed. The Miami Dolphins generated 6.3 per 100 opposing pass attempts, ranking 23rd for the most generated. Lower is better for the offense; higher is better for the defense. Sack avoidance has the better league standing in this pairing. These are separate opponent samples, so the rates should not be subtracted. Watch whether the quarterback can complete his reads without pressure: sack history does not capture every hurried throw.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate · includes 2025. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Prior-season games are included. Different opponents and personnel limit the comparison.
Slatery trench report · source slate 2026-09-20. Open the supporting NFL report
What these numbers mean
League ranks describe the exact recent-game window shown with each observation. First is the strongest rank: fewer sacks or rushing yards allowed for a defense/protection measure, and more sacks generated or rushing yards gained for a production measure.
At the start of the season, a four-game window can include the previous season. Changes in personnel and opponents matter. Red-zone carries describe past usage, not touchdown probabilities.
Each observation keeps its original evidence and source date. Earlier observations remain readable after kickoff; they are records of the pregame research, not live game updates.
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