NFL

AP Sports WriterWinston, Bucs poised for prime-time test against PatriotsBy FRED GOODALLTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Jameis Winston is excited about the next challenge in the maturation of the young Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a prime-time test against Tom Brady and the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.''Really just a blessing...

AP Sports WriterRavens stellar defense ready to 'chase perfection'By DAVID GINSBURGOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens knew their defense was going to better this year, and their season-opening shutout of Cincinnati seemed to bear out that assessment.After forcing five turnovers and getting five sacks in a 20-0...

Dallas police suspend probe into incident involving ElliottFRISCO, Texas (AP) Dallas police have suspended an investigation into an incident at a bar involving Ezekiel Elliott, the latest off-field issue for the Cowboys' star running back.Police said Wednesday the investigation was suspended ''due to the lack of a complaint,''...

Fantasy Sports NetworkFANTASY PLAYS: Elliott's suspension makes RB spot tougherBy JOE GALLINAThe running back position was already one of the most volatile in fantasy football to strategize for. Ezekiel Elliott's six game suspension makes it even tougher as fantasy players prepare for upcoming drafts.One thing is for certain: David...

AP Sports WriterPolitical football: Patriots gave Trump a Super Bowl ringBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) President Donald Trump has a Super Bowl championship ring - just like Vladimir Putin.New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft gave Trump the diamond-encrusted ring. The sitting president usually receives gifts from sports teams during...

AP Sports WriterSuspension for Bengals LB Burfict reduced to 3 gamesBy JOE KAYCINCINNATI (AP) Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict had his NFL suspension reduced from five to three games for his egregious hit on a Chiefs running back during a preseason game.During the second preseason game, Burfict leveled running...

AP Pro Football WriterWatch Out: Sacks galore likely in Texans at BengalsBy BARRY WILNERJudging by the performances of their blockers in the opening week of the season, it's fair to wonder if there will be more sacks than points in Thursday night's game between the Texans and Bengals.Cincinnati allowed...

AP Sports WriterJets' culture change started on facility's redecorated wallsBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The mission statement greets every New York Jets player as soon as he reaches the big glass doors to enter the team's facility.''One Team'' is printed in bold, white letters on the...

AP Sports WriterGiants' Manning looking forward to playing against BrownsBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) For the past two seasons, Eli Manning has felt a little awkward heading into the New York Giants' preseason opener.It has nothing to do with the football. It's the lack of it that...

AP Sports WriterKaepernick's frat and players protest on 1st NFL SundayBy NOAH TRISTERDETROIT (AP) Colin Kaepernick's protest movement rolled on without him Sunday, as his fraternity marched in Detroit and players around the NFL sat or knelt during the national anthem.Kaepernick remains unsigned after opting out of his...

AP Sports WriterBrowns VP remains confident in plan despite losses piling upBy TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) Twenty games. One victory. The Browns don't seem to be getting any better.But while the losses have piled up quickly over the past two seasons, the man overseeing Cleveland's reconstruction remains undeterred...

AP Sports WriterJordan Matthews expects to be ready for Bills' season openerBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Getting traded by the Philadelphia Eagles wasn't easy on receiver Jordan Matthews. Getting hurt in his first practice with the Buffalo Bills didn't help.Putting his emotions and frustrations aside, Matthews vowed...