NFL

Cowboys say they have NFL's 1st sponsorship deal with casinoFRISCO, Texas (AP) The Dallas Cowboys say they are the first NFL team to have a sponsorship agreement with a casino.The deal with WinStar World Casino and Resort in Oklahoma was announced Thursday. League owners voted recently to allow...

Eagles get title banner, play Falcons on NFL's opening nightPHILADELPHIA (AP) The NFL is opening its season by giving Philly fans one last celebration of their Super Bowl title before their team dives in to chase another.The Eagles host the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night in the first...

AP Sports WriterWatson on key to success this season: "Be me. That's it."By KRISTIE RIEKENHOUSTON (AP) Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson isn't overthinking things as he prepares for his first game on Sunday at New England since a season-ending knee injury last November.The key to being successful this year...

Associated PressUS appeals court revives drug lawsuit by players against NFLBy SUDHIN THANAWALASAN FRANCISCO (AP) A U.S. appeals court on Thursday reinstated a lawsuit filed against the NFL by former players who claim the league illegally plied them with powerful prescription painkillers to keep them on the field.The...

AP Sports WriterDolphins QB Ryan Tannehill more optimistic than everBy STEVEN WINEDAVIE, Fla. (AP) Ryan Tannehill fielded questions on Twitter this week, with followers asking about his fresh-water fishing preference (open face reel), whether he could play receiver in the NFL (no way), and what kept him going...

Lions claim DE Romeo Okwara off waivers, cut Anthony ZettelALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) The Detroit Lions have claimed defensive end Romeo Okwara off waivers from the New York Giants and cut defensive end Anthony Zettel.Detroit made the moves after practice Wednesday, a day after the Giants released Okwara.Okwara...

AP Pro Football WriterFree of looming suspension, Elliott ready to run for CowboysBy SCHUYLER DIXONFRISCO, Texas (AP) Ezekiel Elliott won't be running off to federal court the week of the season opener the way he did last year, when the star running back of the Dallas Cowboys was...

AP Sports WriterBills' McCoy uses questions about turning 30 into motivationBy JOHN WAWROWORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) The more skepticism LeSean McCoy hears about whether he can maintain his production after turning 30, the better the Buffalo running back feels.McCoy is using the questions as motivation in preparing to...

AP Sports WriterQuestions linger about Trubisky as Bears open with new lookBy ANDREW SELIGMANLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) As the Chicago Bears prepare for a prime-time season opener against Aaron Rodgers and the archrival Green Bay Packers, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky sees a team with no limits.He's not talking about...

AP Pro Football WriterGaroppolo poised to build off late-season success for 49ersBy JOSH DUBOWSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) When Jimmy Garoppolo got thrown into the lineup as San Francisco's quarterback just weeks after joining the 49ers, simply getting a play off in time was an accomplishment.Garoppolo overcame that limited...

AP Sports WriterSaints set to add Smith, Meredith to potent passing gameBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) Saints record-setting quarterback Drew Brees has his three most productive receiving targets back from last season - and then some.The addition of free agent Cameron Meredith and rookie Tre'Quan Smith, combined with...

AP Pro Football WriterClock ticking on Mariota heading into 4th season with TitansBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Marcus Mariota has shown flashes of brilliance during his brief NFL career.He had a perfect passer rating in his NFL debut and led a 19-point comeback for his first playoff...