NFL

AP Sports WriterBills' rout of Patriots punctuates breakthrough seasonBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) Don't let the Buffalo Bills' polite talk about how the Patriots were merely the next opponent on their schedule fool you.For the team's longest-serving players who have known mostly failure when facing New England,...

AP Sports WriterDeion Jones says Falcons defense has 'chip on our shoulders'By CHARLES ODUMFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) Defense looked to be a rising strength for the Atlanta Falcons in their 2016 Super Bowl season and especially in their return to the playoffs in 2017.A wave of devastating injuries...

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Clay Matthews said he's happy with continuing to spend at least part of his time at inside linebacker.Whether the Green Bay Packers' five-time Pro Bowl linebacker really likes the idea or is continuing to toe the company line, this much was clear during Thursday's...

Perks approved to move Carolina Panthers practice HQ to SCROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) A county in South Carolina approved a deal loaded with tax breaks for the Carolina Panthers to move their headquarters and practice site.The York County Council approved the deal in a 4-3 vote after listening...

For several NFL stars, speaking out against social injustice meant speaking to youngsters about racism. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Titans running back Derrick Henry, Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett and Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell each spent time during the season chatting with students about a film that focuses on...

AP Sports WriterWright has knee surgery, status for Seattle's opener unknownBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks' remodeled defense could be without one of its top holdovers when the regular season begins.Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Monday that linebacker K.J. Wright may not be ready for the...

Ex-Detroit Lions tight end Pettigrew arrested in PittsburghPITTSBURGH (AP) Police say a former Detroit Lions player has been arrested in Pittsburgh for punching an officer after refusing to pay a limo driver.NFL free agent Brandon Pettigrew is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, theft of services and...

AP Pro Football WriterCarson Wentz led injury-depleted Eagles until he couldn'tBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) Carson Wentz helped the Philadelphia Eagles overcome one injury after another until he ended up on the sideline.A season that began with Super Bowl expectations ended early because most of the players who gave...

NFL teams propose 7 rules changes, including extra officialsNEW YORK (AP) Two NFL teams have suggested changes to game officiating, including a ''sky judge'' utilized by colleges, among seven rules proposals that will be presented to team owners later this month.Also proposed is revamping overtime to minimize the...

Fantasy Sports NetworkFANTASY PLAYS: Play matchups, manage injuries for Week 3By JOE GALLINAAs fantasy players look to set their Week 3 lineups, some will be scrambling to find a replacement for Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and others will have to monitor injuries to Bears running back Jordan Howard...

Buffalo Bills sign 3rd-round pick, tight end Dawson KnoxORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) The Buffalo Bills have their entire 2019 draft class under contract after signing rookie tight end Dawson Knox to a four-year deal.The Bills announced the signing Friday, a day after completing their series of offseason mandatory...

AP Sports WriterWith 44 newbies, Pro Bowl could be more intense than usualBy MARK LONGORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Chicago Bears safety and Pro Bowl newcomer Eddie Jackson posed the same question to several veterans this week: What's the tempo of practices and the game?''They told me, `If you go...