NFL

AP Sports WriterDolphins are in the hunt for first division title since 2008By STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) The Miami Dolphins' relentless defense keeps coming, and even the Buffalo Bills are feeling the heat.Miami has blitzed its way to five consecutive victories to cut Buffalo's lead atop the AFC East...

AP Sports WriterDrubbing by Steelers shows Bengals still lack consistencyBy MITCH STACYCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Cincinnati Bengals' renewed confidence was battered early and often by the unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that showed the Bengals still have much work to do before they can compete with the...

Associated PressEx-Giant Baker cleared of robbery; victims' lawyer arrestedBy TERRY SPENCERFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Former New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker was cleared of robbery charges in Florida on Monday after his alleged victims' attorney was arrested on extortion charges.The Broward County State Attorney's Office announced it was...

AP Pro Football WriterOn Football: The long and the longer of NFL placekickingBy BARRY WILNERThere was a time when NFL coaches only trusted their placekickers if all other options were exhausted.From there, things progressed to relying on the soccer-style booters from, say, 50 yards in.Now? After what we witnessed...

AP Sports WriterInjuries, mistakes pile up in Ravens' 23-17 loss to PatriotsBy KYLE HIGHTOWERFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens entered their matchup with the New England Patriots missing several key players.They left even more battered after being pushed around in a 23-17 loss on Sunday night.Baltimore (6-3) was...

AP Sports WriterBills baffled, bitter after Hopkins' last-second TD catchBy JOHN MARSHALLThe Buffalo Bills forced Kyler Murray from the pocket, chewing up precious seconds while forcing the Arizona quarterback to make a desperation throw into the end zone.Three Buffalo defenders collapsed around Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins, well positioned to...

Associated PressRussell Wilson struggles as Seahawks lose 23-16 to RamsBy DAN GREENSPANINGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) Russell Wilson seems to find ways to turn disastrous plays into remarkable ones.Not so much on Sunday, though.Wilson threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the Seattle Seahawks' 23-16 loss to the Los...

AP Pro Football WriterJags on verge of tying another franchise record for futilityBy MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The previous time the Jacksonville Jaguars lost nine consecutive games, owner Shad Khan fired coach Gus Bradley before they left the stadium.Khan could be on the verge of a similar move.Jacksonville...

Whitworth carted off field; Brees sidelined with rib injuryBy The Associated PressLos Angeles Rams veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth was consoled by several teammates as well as Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson before he was taken off the field on a cart with an injured left knee late in...

NFL increasing grants to military organizationsBy The Associated PressThe NFL has expanded plans to honor, empower and connect the nation's military service members, veterans and their families.Since 2011, more than $44 million has been raised for military and veteran support organizations.During November, all 32 teams are honoring the military...

AP Sports WriterBig plays on defense helping Falcons learn how to win gamesBy CHARLES ODUMATLANTA (AP) Grady Jarrett says the Atlanta Falcons' defense hasn't given up on what seemed to be a lost season.The defense has played big roles in back-to-back wins to back up Jarrett's claim. Now...

AP Sports WriterChubb's return against Texans boosts Browns for second halfBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) Nick Chubb spent the past five weeks watching, waiting, brooding. He's finally back doing what he enjoys most and does best: playing.Shelved four games by a sprained right knee that slowed Cleveland's potent rushing...