NFL Teams

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Dan Quinn got a shot at being a head coach because of his work molding one of the league's best defenses. Now, heading into the playoffs for the first time with a team of his own, he'll be relying heavily on the NFL's highest-scoring offense. The incongruity...

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Good luck trying to get Matt Ryan to discuss his MVP chances. His boss isn't so shy. ''If I had a vote for MVP, it would certainly be Matt,'' Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday. ''He's had a fantastic year in a lot of ways.'' Ryan just...

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a four-year contract with free-agent defensive tackle Earl Mitchell on Friday. A person familiar with the deal confirmed that Mitchell had decided to join the Niners just over a week after being released by Miami. The person spoke on condition...

SEATTLE (AP) Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and the rest of the Los Angeles Rams who will make up the foundation of the franchise as it moves forward from a tumultuous first season back in Southern California got an up-close look Thursday night at what they eventually must overcome. Even with...

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Laughter broke out in one corner of the Miami Dolphins' locker room Monday, briefly lifting the gloom as players packed their belongings and headed into the offseason. The cause for mirth: the Alabama-Clemson national championship game and trash-talking between Dolphins teammates from the two schools. Anything to change...

Steelers-Ravens, Broncos-Chiefs and Vikings-Packers. Big rivalry games with plenty on the line. Happy Holidays. There's been plenty of complaining about the NFL schedule this season. Not for Week 16, when those three gems and a few other strong matchups with postseason implications provide some extra gleam to this time of year. Pittsburgh...

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Latest from the NFL's annual scouting combine (all times local): -- 3:55 p.m. San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch would consider bringing back Colin Kaepernick - if the quarterback is interested. Kaepernick is expected to opt out of his contract before free agency opens next week. But during a...

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) More than a year has passed since the Carolina Panthers crushed the Washington Redskins to remain undefeated on their way to the Super Bowl, and, oh, how things have changed. All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman signed with the Redskins after the Panthers removed the franchise tag to make...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) Being a member of the New England Patriots during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era has generally meant a guaranteed place in the playoffs. Still, for 20 players on the Patriots' active roster Saturday will mark the first taste of the postseason of their NFL careers. That group includes...

PITTSBURGH (AP) Offensive lineman nirvana arrived for the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the first quarter on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Ten snaps. All handoffs from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to Le'Veon Bell. Each one of them chewing up clock, yardage and whatever mettle Miami's defensive front seven might have brought north...

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) For all the postseason appearances that the Green Bay Packers have made in coach Mike McCarthy's tenure, this year's run to the playoffs might be the most unique yet. The Packers were considered a likely Super Bowl contender in the preseason. They look like a Super...

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) The Washington Redskins have interviewed Mike Pettine for their defensive coordinator opening. The team announced Monday on Twitter that the interview had taken place. Joe Barry was fired as defensive coordinator last week, along with some of his assistants. The Redskins went 8-7-1 and missed the playoffs, a...