What is Myrtle Beach known for?

Myrtle Beach is known for its 60 miles of sandy beaches, over 80 golf courses, world-class seafood restaurants, family attractions like Broadway at the Beach and SkyWheel, and a vibrant nightlife scene along the Grand Strand in South Carolina.

What is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach?

The best time to visit Myrtle Beach is late spring (April-May) or early fall (September-October) for mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates. Summer (June-August) is peak season with warm ocean temperatures ideal for swimming.

What are the best things to do in Myrtle Beach?

Top things to do in Myrtle Beach include visiting Broadway at the Beach, riding the SkyWheel, exploring Ripley's Aquarium, playing golf on one of 80+ courses, fishing from piers or charter boats, visiting Barefoot Landing, and enjoying fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.

Is Myrtle Beach good for families?

Yes, Myrtle Beach is one of America's top family vacation destinations with water parks, mini golf, the SkyWheel, Ripley's Aquarium, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and miles of safe, lifeguard-patrolled beaches.

How far is Myrtle Beach from Charlotte NC?

Myrtle Beach is approximately 170 miles from Charlotte, NC — about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive via US-74 East or I-95 South to US-501 East.

NFL Week 1 Briefing: The Stories and Games to Watch This Weekend

A no-betting NFL Week 1 briefing covering Seattle’s quarterback question, major weekend matchups, and what Myrtle Beach fans should know before kickoff.

Category: news | Published: 2026-09-13

NFL Week 1 Briefing: The Stories and Games to Watch This Weekend

Verified August 2026 , fees and hours change, so call ahead.

Information checked September 12, 2026.

Local Takeaway

Week 1 is already giving NFL fans plenty to track: a quarterback injury in Seattle, a late defensive comeback, a sudden change in Atlanta, two notable tight-end extensions, and several important quarterback matchups still ahead.

This is the inaugural edition of Myrtle Beach Unlocked’s NFL briefing. This first edition is being published on Saturday. After this week, the briefing will run every Friday with the top NFL stories of the week and the weekend games worth your time.

No betting picks. No forced hot takes. Just the storylines that matter before kickoff.

Seattle wins, but the quarterback situation is the bigger story

The Seahawks opened the season with a 13–10 win over the New England Patriots on Wednesday.

The game became more complicated for Seattle when quarterback Sam Darnold left early with a right hip injury. According to ESPN’s game coverage, Darnold played only a handful of snaps before leaving. Initial testing reportedly did not show a fracture, but further evaluation, including an MRI, was pending as of this briefing.

That means Darnold’s status should not be treated as final yet. The next medical update will determine whether Seattle moves forward with him, turns to Drew Lock, or adjusts its quarterback plan for the next game.

Drew Lock kept Seattle alive

Drew Lock took over after Darnold exited. The Seahawks struggled to generate much offense early, but Lock settled in during the fourth quarter.

ESPN credited Lock with 16 completions on 22 attempts for 187 yards and a touchdown. His biggest play was a late touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that helped Seattle erase a 10–0 deficit.

Lock’s performance does not automatically resolve Seattle’s quarterback question. It does show that the Seahawks were able to win a difficult opener after losing their starter early.

Seattle’s defense changed the game

The clearest takeaway from the opener was Seattle’s defense.

The Patriots held the lead deep into the game, but Seattle’s defense took over late. ESPN reported that the Seahawks intercepted Drake Maye three times in the fourth quarter. Those takeaways helped turn a game that appeared to be moving toward New England into a Seattle win.

That is the straight read on the opener: Seattle did not dominate from start to finish, but its defense created the late-game separation.

Football fans watching a game together in an anonymous sports-bar setting

Atlanta’s quarterback plan changed before kickoff

Anonymous quarterback in black, red, and white colors on a game-night sideline

Atlanta also entered Week 1 with a quarterback storyline that changed during the week.

The Falcons ruled Tua Tagovailoa out with an oblique issue, according to NFL.com reporting. Cooper Rush was slated to start in his place, while Michael Penix Jr. was inactive as he continued his recovery.

The important point for readers is that this is a confirmed Week 1 adjustment, not a long-term declaration about Atlanta’s quarterback hierarchy. Tagovailoa’s availability beyond the opener remained a separate question.

Rush’s start gives Atlanta a different look than originally expected. It also puts more attention on how the Falcons manage the offense without their planned starter and with Penix unavailable.

Two tight ends made contract news

Anonymous tight ends in teal-and-black and green-and-gold color palettes during practice

Two tight ends also became major NFL stories during the week.

Michael Mayer receives reported extension

The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly agreed to a three-year, $45 million extension with tight end Michael Mayer.

The timing drew extra attention because Brock Bowers was sidelined for the opener, leaving Mayer with a larger immediate role. The deal is being reported as a significant commitment to Mayer, but contract terms should always be checked against the final team announcement and official filings.

For Week 1, the football question is simple: how much more responsibility does Mayer carry while Bowers is unavailable?

Tucker Kraft receives reported Packers extension

The Green Bay Packers also reportedly agreed to a four-year extension with tight end Tucker Kraft.

Kraft is part of an offense that enters Week 1 with expectations around Jordan Love and the Packers’ young skill-position group. The extension signals that Green Bay sees Kraft as part of its longer-term offensive plan, although reported contract details should be treated as reported until confirmed by the team or league.

The Sunday games worth watching

Week 1 runs through Monday, September 14. Here are the games carrying the strongest storylines.

Game	Eastern Time	What matters
Bills at Texans	1:00 p.m. Sunday	Josh Allen faces C.J. Stroud and Houston’s defense
Ravens at Colts	1:00 p.m. Sunday	Lamar Jackson opens against an Indianapolis team facing an immediate test
Falcons at Steelers	1:00 p.m. Sunday	Cooper Rush is slated to start after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out
Dolphins at Raiders	4:25 p.m. Sunday	Michael Mayer’s larger role with Brock Bowers sidelined
Packers at Vikings	4:25 p.m. Sunday	An early NFC North measuring stick
Commanders at Eagles	4:25 p.m. Sunday	Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts headline the divisional matchup
Cowboys at Giants	8:20 p.m. Sunday	A familiar NFC East rivalry with pressure on both teams
Broncos at Chiefs	8:15 p.m. Monday	Patrick Mahomes’ return is the central storyline

Bills at Texans: Allen versus Stroud

Blue-and-red versus navy-and-red football quarterbacks facing off before kickoff

This is one of the weekend’s most obvious quarterback matchups.

Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud represent different stages of quarterback development, but both enter the game with major expectations. Allen brings experience and a proven record as Buffalo’s centerpiece. Stroud brings Houston’s rising profile and the pressure that comes with being treated as one of the league’s top young quarterbacks.

The practical question is whether Buffalo can move the ball consistently against Houston’s defense. This is not just a quarterback showcase. It is also a test of how Allen handles a difficult opening opponent.

Ravens at Colts: Baltimore starts on the road

Deep-purple-and-black versus royal-blue-and-white football line of scrimmage

The Ravens begin against Indianapolis at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

Lamar Jackson immediately gives Baltimore a major offensive advantage in terms of pressure on the defense, but the Colts are not getting a quiet opening. They face one of the league’s most difficult early tests and will have to avoid falling behind quickly.

For Baltimore, the focus is execution. For Indianapolis, the focus is whether the team can keep the game under control long enough to make its own offense matter.

Packers at Vikings: early NFC North information

Green-and-gold versus purple-and-gold football action in a cold-weather stadium

The Packers and Vikings meet at 4:25 p.m. Eastern.

Division games matter even in Week 1 because they provide an early comparison between teams that may be competing for the same postseason position later. Green Bay’s offense, Jordan Love, and Tucker Kraft’s role will be worth watching. Minnesota will be trying to establish its own identity immediately.

Do not treat one result as a full-season verdict. Do pay attention to how the two teams handle third downs, turnovers, and the fourth quarter.

Commanders at Eagles: a divisional test

Burgundy-and-gold versus midnight-green football pass play at sunset

Washington visits Philadelphia at 4:25 p.m. Eastern.

The matchup places Jayden Daniels against Jalen Hurts in a game with immediate NFC East significance. Philadelphia has the benefit of home field, while Washington has the opportunity to make an early statement against a familiar division opponent.

The useful question is not whether this game decides the division. It does not. The useful question is whether Washington looks ready to compete in these games and whether Philadelphia looks like the team others in the division must chase.

Cowboys at Giants: Sunday night pressure

Navy-and-silver versus royal-blue-and-red football catch under stadium lights

Dallas and New York meet at 8:20 p.m. Eastern on NBC.

The Cowboys–Giants rivalry needs no extra marketing. Both teams enter with pressure to start cleanly, and a Sunday night loss becomes louder than an ordinary Week 1 loss.

Watch how each offense handles the red zone and how quickly either quarterback settles into the game. Those details usually tell you more than the pregame noise.

Broncos at Chiefs: Mahomes returns Monday night

Orange-and-navy versus red-and-gold football pressure in a primetime stadium

The Week 1 schedule closes Monday night in Kansas City.

Patrick Mahomes’ return is the central storyline. NFL.com has framed the game around his comeback after knee surgery, while Denver’s defense gives Kansas City a serious first test.

The status language matters. Mahomes was reported as cleared to start, but a return to game action is still different from being fully back to his old form. How he moves, how often he leaves the pocket, and how Kansas City protects him will draw attention throughout the night.

The game begins at 8:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

What Myrtle Beach fans should know

If you are looking for a team-specific place to watch, start with Myrtle Beach Unlocked’s Grand Strand Team-Affiliated Sports Bars Directory.

The directory includes public-source-backed NFL and college football watch locations across the Grand Strand. Listings are labeled differently depending on the source:

Official-source listings are backed by a team, alumni group, or recognized fan organization.
Owner-supplied listings come from a venue handoff and are marked as call-ahead leads.
Pending leads are kept separate until a current source confirms them.

That distinction matters. A listing does not guarantee the same crowd, audio, capacity, seating availability, or game-day plan every week.

Call ahead before making a team-specific trip. Fan groups can change locations, venues can adjust their schedules, and a nationally televised game can draw a different crowd than a regular Sunday matchup.

Smartphone showing a generic directory-style interface beside a football and notebook

The short version

Seattle beat New England 13–10, but Sam Darnold’s hip injury remains the major follow-up story.
Drew Lock’s relief performance and Seattle’s fourth-quarter defense saved the opener.
Atlanta shifted to Cooper Rush after Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out with an oblique issue.
Michael Mayer and Tucker Kraft reportedly received significant contract extensions.
Sunday’s main quarterback story is Josh Allen versus C.J. Stroud.
Monday’s main story is Patrick Mahomes’ return against Denver.
Myrtle Beach fans should check the team-bar directory and call ahead before leaving.

Football play diagram on a clipboard beside a remote and iced tea at a sports-bar table