NFL

The Latest: Fake punt fails in 49ers-Saints shootoutBy The Associated PressThe Latest on Week 14 in the NFL (all times EST):3:45 p.m.A fake punt by New Orleans backfired late in the third quarter when Taysom Hill's long pass intended for Tre'Quan Smith fell incomplete. Smith was being pushed...

AP Sports WriterChiefs turning to Spagnuolo to shore up sieve-like defenseBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Steve Spagnuolo spent much of his year out of coaching making the 45-minute drive from his home in Philadelphia to the headquarters of NFL Films in Mount Laurel, New Jersey.Spagnuolo had finished...

DENVER (AP) The rookie head coach iced the rookie kicker. Shelby Harris got a hand on Younghoe Koo's 44-yard game-tying field goal try with a second left and the Denver Broncos began the Vance Joseph era with a 24-21 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. ''It was a...

Associated PressHe’s cooking: Vikings RB’s recipe is speed, strength, visionBy BRIAN HALLEAGAN, Minn. (AP) Tackling Dalvin Cook has been a challenge this season. The Minnesota Vikings running back has vaulted to the top of the league’s rushing list while leaving behind a trail of defenders who have either...

Packers' Matthews needs surgery after line drive hits noseGRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AP) Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews says he needs surgery on his nose after getting hit in the face with a line drive during a charity softball game.Matthews was pitching during Saturday's game when offensive lineman...

AP Pro Football WriterWatt, Olsen, Watson NFL Man of Year finalistsBy BARRY WILNERJ.J. Watt, Greg Olsen and Benjamin Watson are finalists for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award.The recipient of the award that recognizes a player's contribution in his community and to society in general will...

ATLANTA (AP) Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank says he's sticking with general manager Thomas Dimitroff.Blank says there will be changes in the Falcons' pro personnel and college scouting departments following an 8-8 season. However, he says Dimitroff has formed ''a productive working relationship'' with first-year coach Dan Quinn....

AP Pro Football WriterJets WR Jamison Crowder out vs. 49ers with hamstring injuryBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) Wide receiver Jamison Crowder has been ruled out for the New York Jets' game Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers because of a hamstring injury.Crowder's absence is a big blow...

Veteran DE Jason Jones signs with DolphinsMIAMI (AP) Defensive end Jason Jones has signed with the Miami Dolphins, adding depth and flexibility to a front four that should be formidable next season.The deal Monday was confirmed by the agent for Jones, Michael McCarthney. Jones is expected to back...

The Latest: Falcons owner hopes roof is open for Super BowlATLANTA (AP) The Latest on Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta (all times EST):4:30 p.m.Despite concerns about wintry weather in Atlanta on Tuesday, the forecast for the Super Bowl is much more promising. The Weather Channel is predicting a...

Pope meets with NFL delegation, urges 'culture of encounter'VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis has met with an NFL Hall of Fame delegation and urged them to translate values of teamwork and fair play from the football field to the broader community and help build a ''culture of encounter.''Speaking...

AP Sports WriterBills sign McDermott to multiyear extensionBy JOHN WAWROWThe Buffalo Bills have signed coach Sean McDermott to a multiyear contract extension.A person with direct knowledge told the Associated Press the contract is a four-year extension that runs through the 2025 season. The person spoke on the condition of...