NFL

After stopping the Chicago Bears four times at the one-yard line followed by one big heave by Gus Frerotte, the Minnesota Vikings grabbed control of the NFC North and sent Kyle Orton and the Bears home with a humbling defeat.

New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker did not return Sunday after being levelled late in the third quarter by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark.

Pittsburgh's NFL-best defence stopped Matt Cassel's two-game offensive surge and pushed New England closer to strange territory -- a sideline seat for the playoffs -- with a 33-10 victory a cold, rainy Sunday.

The pain in Trent Edwards' sore groin grew worse with each step he took, forcing the Bills starter to the sideline midway through a 10-3 loss to San Francisco on Sunday that all but dashed what's left of Buffalo's playoff hopes.

DeAngelo Williams scored his fourth touchdown of the game with 1:30 left on the clock, giving the Carolina Panthers a stunning come-from-behind 35-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers in wintry conditions at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

Any lingering doubt whether the NFL faces serious issues about guns and player safety was emphasized on this particular Sunday.

Eli Manning had his first 300-yard game of the season, Clinton Portis was held to 22 yards rushing and the New York Giants put aside the Plaxico Burress mess Sunday with another dominating performance, 23-7 over the Redskins.

Patrick Willis had 14 tackles and a forced fumble in a 10-3 win over Buffalo on Sunday that all but ended the Bills' dwindling playoff hopes.

Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, already playing with a sprained right shoulder, left Sunday's game against Indianapolis with an injured ankle.

Announced one last time as the "starting free safety" for the Washington Redskins, Sean Taylor was inducted into the team's Ring of Fame before Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Plaxico Burress' lawyer said Sunday he was advised that the New York Giants' star receiver will be charged with criminal possession of a weapon after accidentally shooting himself in the right thigh.

The Chicago Bears placed Nathan Vasher on injured reserve Saturday with a broken right hand, ending the defensive back's season.

Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress was accidentally shot in the right thigh and spent the night in the hospital, another dramatic turn in a tumultuous season in which the star New York Giants receiver has been fined and suspended.

Middle linebacker London Fletcher and defensive linemen Andre Carter and Kedric Golston did not practice Friday and will be game-time decisions for the Washington Redskins on Sunday against the New York Giants.

Steelers running back Willie Parker practised for the second successive day Friday despite left knee inflammation and could play Sunday at New England.

Tony Richardson knew the jokes were coming as soon as he got to the sideline.

Let's get physical has long been the mantra of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have annually featured a stout defence and strong running game in earning a spot near the top of the AFC.

Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter has been fined US$7,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct during Miami's 48-28 loss to New England on Sunday.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will miss Sunday's game against Washington with a sore right hamstring.

Donovan McNabb heard boos the day he was drafted and silenced critics throughout his career. He overcame three major injuries and returned to perform at a high level each time. And with a national audience watching Thursday, McNabb showed he's got plenty left.

MRI tests on injured Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber revealed no significant damage a day after both were injured in the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day win over Seattle.

Tennessee and Lane Kiffin have reached a tentative agreement with the former Oakland Raiders coach to lead the Volunteers, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.

Browns quarterback Brady Quinn is still deciding whether to have surgery on his damaged right index finger. He didn't get much help making up his mind while passing the turkey and mashed potatoes around the Thanksgiving table.

Bills starting tight end Robert Royal and starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injuries when Buffalo hosts the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Donovan McNabb got pulled for Kevin Kolb again. This time, he earned a seat on the bench with a superb performance instead of a stinker.

Tony Romo crisply guided Dallas to touchdowns on its first three drives and points on the first four, then turned the early surge into a 34-9 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday.

What was the NFL thinking when it scheduled the warm-weather Miami Dolphins to play their division-rival Buffalo Bills in the cozy confines of a domed stadium in December, and in Toronto of all places?

The Steelers re-signed running back Najeh Davenport and released rookie cornerback Roy Lewis on Thursday.

The Tennessee Titans wanted to re-establish the run to get back on track after losing for the first time. The Detroit Lions were very accommodating.

Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley used to go to work with his house unlocked, his garage door open and his mind at ease.

The U.S. Thanksgiving means a NFL double-header on Sportsnet. The Detroit Lions host the Tennessee Titans at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Seattle Seahawks at 4:30 p.m. ET.

New York Jets linebacker David Harris and safety Eric Smith both returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering injuries last month.

Richie Incognito was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons last week, criticizing the St. Louis Rams' dwindling fan base, making an obscene gesture to a TV cameraman during practice and encouraging hecklers while cupping his hands to his ears as he left Sunday's game.

Chicago Bears defensive back Nathan Vasher has a fractured right hand and will miss Sunday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings when the teams meet for first place in the NFC North.

Strong safety Donte Whitner returned to practice Wednesday, creating the chance the Buffalo Bills' defensive leader will be ready to play against San Francisco this weekend.

The Tennessee Titans blew the symmetry of an 11-0, 0-11 matchup with the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.

Asked if he has learned anything from his benching for a verbal altercation with a Cincinnati Bengals coach, receiver Chad Ocho Cinco thought for a few seconds before barely smiling and giving a one-word answer.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter apologized Wednesday for not leaving the field during Sunday's game against New England, but said the incident was blown out of proportion.

When Tony Romo broke his pinkie, the Dallas Cowboys soon discovered a weakness that went far beyond bumbling backup quarterbacks. Believe it or not, Romo's absence exposed the Dallas defence.

If Donovan McNabb is playing out his final games with the Philadelphia Eagles, his first audition for his next job comes before a national audience.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he's doing well in his recovery from knee surgery. He made an unpublicized appearance Wednesday with his girlfriend, model Gisele Bundchen, at the annual Goodwill Thanksgiving dinner in Boston where they served food.

Rookie running back Felix Jones was officially placed on injured reserve by the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, ending what had been an extremely productive rookie season.

Matt Light of New England and Channing Crowder of Miami have been fined US$15,000 apiece by the NFL for what the league called "a verbal and physical altercation" last week.

Brady Quinn's opportunity came and went in a hurry. He waited his whole life to make the NFL and then 1 1/2 years more for his first start for the Cleveland Browns.

Randy Moss finally played like Randy Moss. But that was last Sunday against the Miami Dolphins and their mediocre pass defence. On Sunday, his New England Patriots must find a way to score against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL's best defence.

Bruce Smith, the NFL's career sack leader, and versatile defensive back Rod Woodson are among the four first-time eligibles who made the list of 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Terrell Owens isn't satisfied. He insisted Tuesday there was nothing special about his latest outing, even if his 213 yards receiving were more than his previous five games combined, his most in eight years and the second-most of his career.

Benching Donovan McNabb won't solve the Philadelphia Eagles' problems. Coach Andy Reid is more responsible for the team's decline than the quarterback.

Former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander was released by the Washington Redskins on Tuesday after getting only 11 carries in five games.

Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner will wait until after the season before deciding on the future of coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage.

Matt Prater's honeymoon is over. Nobody in Denver was missing Jason Elam when the Broncos' new kicker made 13 of his first 14 field-goal attempts, including a couple of astonishing kicks that would have been good from 70 yards.

Former NFL star quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty Tuesday to a state dogfighting charge, a necessary step to make him eligible for early release from prison and potentially speed a return to the NFL.

Drew Brees threw for four touchdowns, Deuce McAllister set a Saints record with his 54th career rushing score as New Orleans rolled to a 51-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.

New Orleans Saints running Reggie Bush was scratched for Monday night’s home game against Green Bay.

Having already squandered a momentous 5-1 start to the season and being on the verge of falling out of the playoff hunt altogether, Buffalo reversed the tide of doubt and criticism that had been stirred by its mid-season meltdown with an emphatic and morale-boosting performance.

Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch had predicted the Titans would lose at least once this season.

The NFL plans to review the tussle between Patriots tackle Matt Light and Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder for possible discipline.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Camarillo will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, coach Tony Sparano said Monday.

Donovan McNabb will start when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night, coach Andy Reid said Monday.

Adam Vinatieri, one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, made a 51-yard field goal as time expired to lift Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts to a heart-stopping 23-20 win over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night.

Eli Manning threw for three touchdowns in his return to the scene of his Super Bowl MVP performance and the Giants beat Arizona 37-29 to snap the Cardinals' seven-game home winning streak.

Clinton Portis darted and pounded for 143 yards on 29 carries, including key ones late that helped preserve the Redskins' first victory in almost a month, 20-17 over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

The standards are awfully high for the New England Patriots, who were annoyed Sunday by a handful of penalties, a couple of turnovers and the necessity to punt once.

With Tony Romo scrambling, Terrell Owens kept chugging down the sideline. Once the pass went up, Owens went to work.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting pretty good at rallying against bad teams after digging big holes.

Brett Favre gave the Tennessee Titans a painful reminder Sunday. He will pick apart the best NFL defences when given too much time.

So what happened to those stumblebum Buffalo Bills and their slump-ridden quarterback?

Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton was sidelined against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a concussion.

Pulled at halftime after a second straight dreadful performance, a perfectly healthy Donovan McNabb was asked the last time he left a game under similar circumstances.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will play on a new field during their final two regular-season home games.

When the New York Giants offensive linemen walked into their group meeting a day after gaining 207 yards against Ray Lewis and a Baltimore defence that was the best in the NFL against the run, they didn't start by patting each other on the back.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis was limited in practice Friday with his sprained knee and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

As much as NFL teams are feeling a financial squeeze already, commissioner Roger Goodell fears the economic downturn really could hit the league in early 2009, when tickets for next season go on sale.

The NFL confirmed Friday that suspended cornerback Adam (Pacman) Jones can join the Dallas Cowboys on Monday and that he can play again Dec. 7 against Pittsburgh -- but only if he stays on his best behavior.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco was back at work Friday, a day after being sent home before the Pittsburgh game for disciplinary reasons.

Michael Vick was once the NFL's highest-paid player, and he spent like it.

New York Jets rookie quarterback Erik Ainge has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on steroids and related substances.

The Tennessee Titans are short-handed at cornerback heading into Sunday's game with the New York Jets.

The Pittsburgh Steelers got a win, even if it took more work than they would have liked. They also went into a long weekend with more than a few worries.

San Francisco offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz has been fined US$20,000 by the NFL for his criticism of the officiating at the end of the 49ers' 29-24 loss in Arizona on Nov. 10.

The chances of Plaxico Burress making another winning touchdown catch this weekend at the University of Phoenix Stadium are questionable at best.

Former NFL star Michael Vick is back in Virginia to face state dogfighting charges. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is being held in protective custody at the Hopewell Regional Jail, superintendent Darnley Hodge said Friday.

Bills starting safety Donte Whitner and starting cornerback Jabari Greer won't play because of injuries when Buffalo travels to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on Sunday.

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers know exactly how to beat the Cincinnati Bengals -- with or without Chad Ocho Cinco.

Steven Jackson's persistent thigh injury is no surprise to St. Louis Rams coach Jim Haslett, who factored in down time after the running back's 27-day training camp holdout.

Minnesota Vikings star defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams have gone before the NFL to discuss their positive test for a banned diuretic.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn broke his right index finger in the first half of Monday night's win over Buffalo, but will try to play Sunday against the Houston Texans.

The Cincinnati Bengals failed to explain why Chad Ocho Cinco, the wide receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson, was held out for violating team rules during their 27-10 loss in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.

The Arizona Cardinals declined to consider releasing Edgerrin James when the running back's agent inquired about the possibility, the team's general manager said Wednesday.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen has been fined US$25,000 for a recent spate of late hits, but he won't be suspended. He's not planning to reduce his aggressiveness, either.

Tony Romo is 1-0 since putting on a splint to protect his broken pinkie, and he may have to wear it for his next start -- and the one after that. But for a few throws Wednesday, Romo ditched the splint to see how close he might be to playing without it.

With leading rusher Earnest Graham out for the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will lean more on Warrick Dunn.

Rams coach Jim Haslett has stayed in Marc Bulger's corner, refusing to switch quarterbacks during a horrible stretch of play. Bulger returned the favour Wednesday, saying he and many teammates want Haslett back next season.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday that Adam (Pacman) Jones has been reinstated by league commissioner Roger Goodell, but he must miss two more games -- this Sunday and the following game on Thanksgiving. He'll be back Dec. 7 at Pittsburgh.

Former first-round draft pick Troy Williamson never really got along with coach Brad Childress in Minnesota.

His feelings haven't changed since leaving there, either.

Brett Favre is having too much fun leading the first-place New York Jets to even think about next season.

The lawyer for three New Orleans Saints players facing suspension said Wednesday the NFL's independent drug administrator acknowledged he did not inform NFL players that the supplement StarCaps contained a banned diuretic.

The San Francisco 49ers placed right tackle Jonas Jennings on injured reserve Tuesday for the third time in his four seasons with the club.

It wasn't that long ago when Trent Edwards was reminding anyone who cared to listen about not getting too carried away with the Buffalo Bills' hot start because there was still a lot left to the season.

Dawson capped a five field-goal outing by hitting a career-long 56-yarder with 1:39 remaining to give the Browns' 29-27 win over the reeling Buffalo Bills on Monday night, which was secured when Rian Lindell missed a 47-yard attempt wide right with 38 seconds left.

After an inspiring start under new coach Jim Haslett, the St. Louis Rams are back to rock bottom. They're running out of bodies, too.

Hard-hitting, nine-time Pro Bowl safety John Lynch retired Monday, saying it was time to begin a new phase of life after 11 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and four more with the Denver Broncos.

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is apologizing to the Arizona Cardinals for saying they should be fined for hard hits against him Sunday.

Suspended Cowboys cornerback Adam (Pacman) Jones must keep waiting to find out whether he can resume his NFL career.

Pro football in the desert is a laughingstock no more. The joke is on the rest of the NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals are on the brink of clinching a division title, something this franchise has not done in 33 years. And they could do it with five weeks to spare.

Thanks to Donovan McNabb, players around the league now must know there doesn't have to be a winner or loser in every regular-season game. Yes, there are ties in the NFL. They just don't happen too often.

Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams were to meet with NFL officials to appeal their suspensions after testing positive for a weight-loss diuretic considered a masking agent for steroids.

Winners turned into losers and losers ended up winning when a mistake by the officials on the final play the Pittsburgh-San Diego contest caused the game that should have ended up 17-10 or 18-10 instead go into the record books as the first 11-10 final in NFL history.

Tony Romo celebrated the go-ahead touchdown pass by bouncing up and down like a little kid and patting teammates on the back with his left hand, carefully avoiding any further damage to his heavily wrapped right pinkie.

Ben Roethlisberger stayed away from the mistakes that cost the Steelers their previous two home games, Willie Parker ran for 115 yards and Jeff Reed's third field goal won it -- a 32-yarder with 11 seconds remaining -- as Pittsburgh rallied to beat the Chargers on Sunday.

Kerry Collins threw three touchdown passes, Albert Haynesworth dominated defensively again and the Titans improved to 10-0 with a 24-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Kurt Warner completed 32 of 44 passes for 395 yards -- his franchise-record fourth straight 300-yard game -- and J.J. Arrington scored a career-high two touchdowns as Arizona held off the desperate Seahawks in a 26-20 victory on Sunday to essentially knock Seattle from its NFC West throne.

Jake Delhomme was eager to make up for the worst game of his career. He settled for handing off to his two dynamic running backs.

The New York Giants needed only two plays to show they could run the ball against Ray Lewis and the NFL's stingiest rushing defence.

Donovan McNabb fumbled and threw three interceptions in regulation Sunday, and the Bengals botched the only scoring chance in overtime, leaving the equally inept teams with the NFL's first tied game in six years.

Peyton Manning finally found a way to get the Colts' offence in gear Sunday.

Ryan Grant finally hit his stride for the Green Bay Packers, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown in a dominant 37-3 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

The Miami Dolphins showed again they can beat a bad team -- barely. Next comes the biggest game yet in the franchise's revival.

Quarterback Chad Pennington was added to the Miami Dolphins' injury report because of a sore foot, and he's listed as probable for Sunday's game against Oakland.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers both have plenty of concerns. At the top of those lists are their franchise players.
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Michael Vick lives in a prison in Kansas, making 12 cents an hour while plotting his return to the NFL. His houses and farms will soon be gone, the two yachts are history, and he's down to his last couple of Range Rovers.

The Cardinals look to facilitate the end of the Seahawks' four-year run at the top of the NFC West when the clubs square off in Seattle on Sunday.
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Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney's four brothers have agreed to sell a controlling stake of the team to him and his son, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

Excited friends and family members wanted to talk all about the New York Jets beating the New England Patriots and taking over sole possession of first place in the AFC East for the first time in nearly seven years.

Rams running back Steven Jackson will not play Sunday against the 49ers because of his injured right thigh, and coach Jim Haslett said he won't even make the trip.

Former Michigan quarterback Drew Henson was re-signed Friday to the Detroit Lions' practice squad.

New York Giants offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie was charged with drunken driving after a traffic stop Thursday night.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is finally ready to start again. Wide receiver Deion Branch will try to play his first full game since January. They're back for what Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren says is a must-win game to save Seattle's season, on Sunday against first-place Arizona.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis did not practise again Friday and will be used only "in a limited fashion" if he is able to play Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys.

Buffalo Bills starting defensive end Aaron Schobel (foot) will miss his fifth game, while No. 2 receiver Josh Reed (ankle) likely won't play for a third straight game Monday night.

John Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will announce his retirement on Monday in Tampa, Fla.

Jay Feely kicked a 34-yard field goal on the first series of overtime after New England tied the game with one second left in regulation and the Jets survived a Tom Brady-like comeback with a 34-31 victory Thursday night.

Jerry Jones "absolutely" believes the Dallas Cowboys will make the playoffs, isn't considering a coaching change and would welcome Adam (Pacman) Jones back to the team if he's reinstated.

Imprisoned NFL quarterback Michael Vick expects to return to pro football, according to his bankruptcy attorneys who laid out a plan to pay creditors based in part on his anticipated earnings.

Georgia, Handsome Dan, Curly and other pit bulls rescued from Michael Vick's dogfighting operation are getting a shot at fame as stars of a line of boutique red wines.

Matt Hasselbeck returned to practice with Seattle's starting offence for first time in six weeks Wednesday, and he was due to see a team doctor at night to get cleared to start Sunday against Arizona.

One day after Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin hinted he needed his quarterback to practice more despite his right shoulder injury, Ben Roethlisberger took the snaps with the starters Wednesday.

Tony Romo laughed at the notion his return to the Dallas lineup will be the complete cure for the struggling Cowboys.

Ask Ricky Williams what's new, and the list is longer than his latest touchdown run.

Linebacker Mike Peterson assumed his usual spot in the middle of Jacksonville's defence Wednesday. He's unsure how long he will remain there.

Ty Law headed straight for the cold tub when he got to the New York Jets' training facility Wednesday morning.

The average ticket price for NFL playoff games this season will decrease by approximately 10 per cent from last season.

Maybe a blast from the past can help the Denver Broncos' current conundrum in their battered backfield.

The Baltimore Ravens placed cornerback Chris McAlister and strong safety Dawan Landry on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

Steelers running back Willie Parker will return to practice Wednesday, and coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic Parker will play Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Tom Brady is back with his Patriots teammates, laughing and talking with them -- and, more importantly, rehabilitating the injured left knee that ended his season in the very first quarter.

Ty Law is back in a New York Jets uniform, practising with the team after passing a physical and signing a one-year deal. Law practised for the first time Tuesday.

The Cardinals stopped Michael Robinson up the middle from the two-yard line as the game ended Monday night to preserve a 29-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Ty Law is back with the New York Jets -- just in time to play against the New England Patriots.

One by one, Patriots running backs kept getting hurt. Yard by yard, little-known BenJarvus Green-Ellis kept moving forward.

On the verge of not mattering any more, Matt Hasselbeck is ready to make his first start in six weeks for the slumping Seattle Seahawks.

After a 47-3 road debacle versus the New York Jets on Sunday, St. Louis Rams coach Jim Haslett anticipates making some changes.

Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie's fractured right kneecap will keep him out for the rest of the season.

After a four-week absence, running back Larry Johnson returned Monday to a Kansas City Chiefs team that has changed significantly while he was gone.

From early season talk of earning a first-round playoff bye, to the distinct possibility they'll miss the post-season altogether, the rise and fall of the young Buffalo Bills has been swift.

With seven games left, there's no indication that Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer will play in any of them. The Bengals acknowledged on Monday that Palmer will miss his fifth straight game because of an injured passing elbow.

If there was any doubt the New York Giants rule the NFC East, the Super Bowl champions erased it Sunday night.

Clinton Hart and the San Diego Chargers avoided the kind of upset that really could have ruined their season.

Ben Roethlisberger is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback in his fifth season. That doesn't mean he still can't learn a valuable lesson from Peyton Manning: Sometimes, inaccuracy beats impatience.

After Minnesota's loss at Lambeau Field in the season opener, Adrian Peterson declared this: He was sick of losing to Green Bay.

Drew Brees was the NFL's most prolific passer. He was no match for the Falcons' defence. Brees threw a season-high three interceptions, the last of them returned 95 yards for a touchdown by Chevis Jackson, and Atlanta beat up on the New Orleans Saints 34-20 Sunday.

Kerry Collins threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns, as the Tennessee Titans beat the Chicago Bears 21-14 Sunday to remain undefeated despite rushing for just 20 yards.

The Miami Dolphins scored one long touchdown on a flea-flicker and another with a running back-to-running back handoff. Then came the biggest surprise of all: Miami has a winning record.

Daunte Culpepper made his Detroit debut in haste -- just five days after signing, ending his brief retirement -- and it lasted just three quarters, as the Lions lost 38-14 to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

The dominant New York Jets took advantage of every mistake by the St. Louis Rams, making their 47-3 rout look more like a scrimmage than an NFL game. It was the largest margin of victory in team history.

Patriots rookie runner BenJarvus Green-Ellis had his best game as a pro, Matt Cassel had a solid one and the free-falling Bills had another bad one.

Najeh Davenport was released Saturday by the Pittsburgh Steelers, five weeks after they brought back their former top backup running back following a number of injuries.

The NFL has rescinded a US$7,500 fine against New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck for a hit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Brooks Bollinger last weekend.

New York Giants safety James Butler will miss Sunday night's game against Philadelphia with a knee injury, coach Tom Coughlin said Friday.

Minnesota's star defensive end Jared Allen was fined a whopping US$50,000 by the NFL for two below-the-knee hits on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub last week. Allen also learned he was listed as doubtful on the injury report for the upcoming game against rival Green Bay.

Finally, some good injury news for the battered Seahawks.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practised Friday despite being limited by his slightly separated right shoulder and may be able to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister will have season-ending surgery on his damaged right knee and will be placed on injured reserve.

The New England Patriots could again be short-handed at running back and cornerback when they face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

DeAngelo Hall didn't stay unemployed for long. Less than one day after clearing waivers, the cornerback agreed Friday to a one-year contract with the Washington Redskins.

Jay Cutler may or may not have a stronger arm than John Elway, as he so famously asserted last month. One thing's for sure, though: Cutler certainly has some pretty broad shoulders.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter offered an apology Friday to Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Matt Jones but stood by his complaint about NFL fines and suspensions.

The NFL fined five players Friday for on-field actions during last weekend's games, including Minnesota's Jared Allen US$50,000 for two below-the-knee hits on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub.

Detroit Lions starting quarterback Dan Orlovsky says he may need thumb surgery for two fractures and a torn ligament.

New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck was fined US$7,500 by the NFL on Friday for his hit on Dallas quarterback Brooks Bollinger.

Bills cornerback Ashton Youboty was placed on season-ending injured reserve Friday due to a foot injury, further depleting Buffalo's already banged-up defence.

Linebacker Mike Peterson rejoined the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday, going through practice, attending meetings and trying to move on from what he called a rough couple of days.

Jay Cutler passed for a career-high 447 yards, throwing three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to rally the broken Denver Broncos to a 34-30 win over the Cleveland Browns, spoiling Quinn's highly hyped debut as an NFL starter.

Twelve running backs were chosen ahead of Tim Hightower in the 2008 draft. He wasn't even invited to the NFL combine.

Terrell Owens admitted what his Dallas teammates couldn't a month ago -- at least publicly: The Cowboys were springing leaks long before Tony Romo broke his pinkie and their Super Bowl hopes started sinking.

Jacksonville receiver Matt Jones snapped back at Joey Porter on Thursday, a day after the outspoken Miami Dolphins linebacker questioned how Jones could still be playing despite having a felony cocaine charge against him earlier this year.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson is optimistic he'll be able to play Sunday at New York against the Jets, but his coach needs to see evidence why.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathan Stewart missed his second straight practice Thursday and was in a walking boot to protect his sore left heel.

Ben Roethlisberger rested his sore right shoulder on Wednesday, although his latest tests showed no additional damage, The Pittsburgh Steelers might not know until late in the week if he can play Sunday against Indianapolis.

First, Joey Porter picked on Brandon Marshall. Now, the Dolphins linebacker is going after Matt Jones.

Should the Bills' offence continue regressing at this pace, receiver Lee Evans is concerned it'll be 2007 all over again.

DeAngelo Hall's disappointing stint with the Oakland Raiders came to an early finish. The Raiders waived Hall on Wednesday, less than eight months after they traded for the former Pro Bowl cornerback and gave him a US$70-million contract.

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio sent linebacker Mike Peterson home Wednesday, two days after Del Rio questioned his team's chemistry.

DeAngelo Hall's disappointing stint with the Oakland Raiders is apparently coming to an early finish.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was back on the field Wednesday, taking snaps and throwing passes with a small splint on his throwing hand. He's missed the last three games with a broken pinkie.

Quarterback Daunte Culpepper took a step toward making his Detroit Lions debut in haste. Culpepper practised Wednesday, a day after signing with the winless Lions and a couple months after announcing his retirement.

New York Giants Super Bowl hero David Tyree will miss the rest of the season.

Daunte Culpepper passed his physical and signed with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday -- and could be ready to play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If it's true that history is written by the winners, Kansas City's horrible 2008 season should be well-chronicled.

Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel says it was his decision to bench quarterback Derek Anderson in favour of fan favourite Brady Quinn.

Ben Roethlisberger underwent an MRI exam Tuesday on his injured right shoulder, and the Pittsburgh Steelers won't know if he can play Sunday against the Colts until they get the results.

Byron Leftwich led two touchdown drives after Ben Roethlisberger reinjured his throwing shoulder and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Washington Redskins 23-6 on Monday night.

Democrat Barack Obama told ESPN's "Monday Night Football" it's time for college football to pick a champion with a playoff system while Republican John McCain would put an end to performance-enhancing substances.

JaMarcus Russell was drafted to be the face of the Oakland Raiders franchise when he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.

Houston Texans long snapper Bryan Pittman met with league officials in New York on Monday to appeal a possible suspension after testing positive for the weight-loss diuretic Bumetanide.

Quarterback Derek Anderson has been benched by the Cleveland Browns, who will start popular backup Brady Quinn on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.

Houston quarterback Matt Schaub has an injured medial collateral ligament and will be out at least two weeks and possibly up to a month.

Cleveland wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, forced to sit out the 2008 season because of a serious staph infection in his surgically repaired right knee, plans to come back next season for his beloved Browns.

The New Orleans Saints placed starting defensive end Charles Grant on injured reserve and re-signed veteran defensive tackle Hollis Thomas on Monday.

The Detroit Lions are turning to a former Pro Bowl quarterback for help in trying to win their first game of the season.

Ex-Patriot Adam Vinatieri, who booted winning field goals in two of their Super Bowl victories and then let go as a free agent, kicked a 52-yarder with 8:05 left Sunday to give the Colts an 18-15 victory over the Patriots.

Eli Manning threw three touchdown passes and the Giants defence took advantage of the continued absence of the injured Tony Romo to intercept three passes in a 35-14 victory over the Cowboys on Sunday.

Donovan McNabb rebounded from early problems to complete 28 of 43 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns, one to tackle Todd Herremans, to rally the Philadelphia Eagles to a 26-7 victory over the swooning Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

The Miami Dolphins bottled up Denver's ground game and intercepted Jay Cutler three times in a 26-17 win over the befuddled Broncos on Sunday.

Daunte Culpepper and the Detroit Lions have agreed on a contract, although the length and financial terms of the deal were not clear.

Rex Grossman came off the bench to replace injured quarterback Kyle Orton and scored the go-ahead touchdown with 5:36 left, helping the Chicago Bears rally from a 10-point deficit for a 27-23 victory over the winless Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The Tennessee Titans remained perfect -- even if they needed a little extra time to stay that way. Rob Bironas got a second chance at redemption in overtime, kicking a 41-yard field goal with 9:36 to go that kept the Titans the NFL's last unbeaten team with a 19-16 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Abram Elam and the New York Jets' defence made Brett Favre's job easy, negating the need for any late-game comebacks. And suddenly, the AFC East race is a whole lot tighter.

As the Dallas Cowboys try to survive without Tony Romo, Eli Manning and the NY Giants are thriving, and they'll put the NFC's best record on the line Sunday at Giants Stadium in their first date with Dallas since January's playoff win.

Veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper reportedly has agreed to a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions.

The Green Bay Packers released Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, the franchise sacks leader, on Saturday. The defensive end had been with the team for nine seasons and appeared in 124 games, starting 74.