NFL

AP Sports WriterDominant Panthers defense faces stiffest test vs. SaintsBy STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) It's time to find out if Carolina's No. 1-ranked defense is for real.After dominating performances against sub-par offenses in San Francisco and Buffalo, middle linebacker Luke Kuechly knows the Panthers will face their stiffest...

AP Sports WriterRedskins' Galette itching to play first game since 2014By STEPHEN WHYNOASHBURN, Va. (AP) Every time Junior Galette is set to return to the field, it seems something else sidetracks him.The Washington Redskins linebacker hasn't played a game in two years. He was first sidelined after tearing...

Fantasy Sports NetworkFANTASY PLAYS: Wilson, Kelce and other Week 4 daily studsBy JAKE CIELYWinning in daily fantasy isn't always about finding contrarian picks to outsmart everyone else. Yes, you want to differentiate your lineup to increase your odds at winning in tournaments, but you can't ignore the studs that...

AP Sports WriterTrading places: Haden cut by Browns, signs with SteelersBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Joe Haden only needed a few hours to find a team that wanted him.It's a squad he's very familiar with.Goodbye, Cleveland. Hello, Pittsburgh.Cut earlier in the day by the Browns after seven seasons, the...

AP Pro Football WriterNFL moving quickly to reverse halt on Elliott's 6-game banBy SCHUYLER DIXONFRISCO, Texas (AP) The NFL moved quickly Monday in hopes of reversing a federal judge's decision that has blocked the league's six-game suspension of star Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott over a domestic violence...

AP Sports WriterPatriots have short window to fix ongoing defensive issuesBy KYLE HIGHTOWERFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) The Patriots knew the first month of their 2017 schedule would feature tough early matchups with Drew Brees and Cam Newton.What they couldn't have predicted is how much trouble they would also have...

AP Pro Football WriterTitans QB Marcus Mariota's status still unclear vs. MiamiBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey says quarterback Marcus Mariota is still unclear for their upcoming matchup with the Miami Dolphins.The Titans coach remains hopeful that Mariota will play despite a strained...

AP Sports WriterCut by Browns, Haden signs 3-year deal with SteelersBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Joe Haden needed a job, a change of scenery and a chance at a Super Bowl.The Pittsburgh Steelers were more than happy to give the longtime Cleveland Browns cornerback a shot at all three.The...

AP Sports WriterFournette, Lee expect to be ready for Jaguars' season openerBy MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Rookie running back Leonard Fournette expects to be ready for Jacksonville's season opener. So does receiver Marqise Lee.Fournette and Lee spoke Saturday for the first time since being sidelined by injuries a...

Associated PressFalcons try to keep Devonta Freeman in a steady rhythmBy GEORGE HENRYFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons are careful not to interrupt Devonta Freeman when he's in a steady rhythm.Freeman, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL's highest-paid running back, has earned the right to...

AP Sports WriterVrabel a hit in 1st year in charge of Texans defenseBy KRISTIE RIEKENWHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) Mike Vrabel isn't making any drastic changes in his first season as the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator.After what the unit did last year he knows that isn't necessary. The...

Gase leaves open possibility of Timmons rejoining DolphinsDAVIE, Fla. (AP) Miami Dolphins coach Adam Gase says he'll decide later whether to let linebacker Lawrence Timmons rejoin the team.Timmons was suspended indefinitely after he went AWOL Saturday, the day before the Dolphins' season-opening win at the Los Angeles Chargers....