NFL

AP Sports WriterRavens use running game, defense and ball control to winBy DAVID GINSBURGOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) Using staples from their past - a relentless ground game and a stifling defense - the Baltimore Ravens have put together a hot streak that has them in the middle of...

AP Pro Football WriterRaiders hope to get help for banged-up offensive lineBy JOSH DUBOWALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) The Oakland Raiders go into the final stretch of the season not knowing if they will have their starting offensive line available for the remaining two games.Coach Jon Gruden said he remained...

AP Sports WriterBlowout loss leaves Arizona's Wilks on shakier groundBy BOB BAUMTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Another blowout loss has left Steve Wilks on even shakier ground as first-year coach of the Arizona Cardinals.The 40-14 defeat in Atlanta to a 4-9 Falcons team left the Cardinals at 3-11.They face the...

AP Sports WriterWith division in hand, Bears going for first-round byeBy ANDREW SELIGMANLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) Coach Matt Nagy is saving the big celebrations for later.He opted instead to spend ''quality time'' at home with his four sons, ate sushi, consumed ''one beverage'' and kept his eyes on...

AP Sports WriterWilliams building strong case to be Browns' next head coachBy TOM WITHERSBEREA, Ohio (AP) The Browns' playoff odds remain immense, nearly impossible.Gregg Williams' chances, on the other hand, have improved.Since being elevated to Cleveland's interim coach when Hue Jackson was fired on Oct. 29, Williams, the...

AP Pro Football WriterSurging Titans staying focused as they chase playoff berthBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Another week, another team leapfrogged by the Tennessee Titans in their chase of the AFC's sixth and final playoff spot.But the Titans fully understand any scenario that has them returning to...

AP Pro Football WriterJets' Darnold attributes his improvement to watching McCownBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) Sam Darnold despised the thought of not playing. He was frustrated his injured right foot wouldn't let him.So, for three games, the New York Jets rookie quarterback tried to be productive during...

Packers TE Jimmy Graham quiet in mediocre seasonGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Whether it was earlier in his career at New Orleans or the past few seasons in Seattle, two things were common for tight end Jimmy Graham: production and victories.Both are in short supply in his first season...

AP Pro Football WriterEagles' Wentz has stress fracture in back; no surgery neededBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) Carson Wentz's back injury means Nick Foles gets another opportunity to rescue the Philadelphia Eagles.Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Friday that Wentz does not require surgery for a stress fracture in his...

AP Sports WriterNo Penny, but Seahawks expect Baldwin back vs. 49ersBy TIM BOOTHRENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks will be without one of their three running backs Sunday after rookie Rashaad Penny was ruled out with a knee injury.Penny, linebacker K.J. Wright and safety Maurice Alexander were all...

Raiders WR Martavis Bryant suspended for substance abuseALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders receiver Martavis Bryant has been suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL policy on substance abuse.The NFL announced Friday that Bryant has violated the terms of his conditional reinstatement in April 2017 and has been placed back...

Jaguars release benched veteran safety Barry ChurchJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars have released Barry Church, a safety who was benched last month but who started 27 consecutive games over two seasons.The Jaguars (4-9) made the move Friday and activated offensive tackle Josh Wells from injured reserve.Church was...