NFL

AP Sports WriterTexans, Colts try to build momentum heading into offseasonBy MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Houston and Indianapolis head into Sunday's season finale facing the same plight.With the playoffs out of reach and speculation swirling about the job status of both coaches, they know changes are coming. They're just...

AP Sports WriterJaguars relying on rookies as injuries to receivers continueBy MARK LONGJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Dede Westbrook's role with the Jacksonville Jaguars has changed dramatically in the last six weeks.Even the rookie receiver has been surprised by his rapid rise.''I never thought in my first year I'd be...

Associated PressSteelers close to team mark for sacks in a seasonBy DAN SCIFOPITTSBURGH (AP) Improved coverage in the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary has allowed the defense an opportunity to make team history.The Steelers have 50 sacks, which is five from the franchise record entering Sunday's regular-season finale against Cleveland.''If...

AP Sports WriterJets' Forte playing on 1 good leg but plans to continueBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) New York Jets running back Matt Forte says he has been playing on one good leg since the team's bye week last month but has no intentions of calling...

AP Sports WriterNew York Giants hire Dave Gettleman as general managerBy TOM CANAVANEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) The New York Giants are turning their rebuilding process over to an old hand who believes in old-time football.The Giants (2-13) hired former Carolina executive Dave Gettleman as their general manager on...

AP Sports WriterBills have chance to end 17-season playoff droughtBy STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) It has been eight years since the most recent playoff game for the Carolina Hurricanes, 13 years for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and 16 years for the Seattle Mariners.To which the impatient people of Buffalo say,...

AP Pro Football WriterEagles playing for franchise-record 14th winBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) Even with home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs already secured, the Philadelphia Eagles have one goal remaining.A victory over the Dallas Cowboys (8-7) on Sunday would give the Eagles (13-2) a franchise-record 14 wins. It's motivation...

AP Pro Football WriterBig doings in finales center on NFC SouthBy BARRY WILNERThere's no question the NFC has been the dominant conference this season, with the South being the top division.The NFC won 41 of the 64 head-to-head matchups against the AFC; that .641 winning percentage is the best...

WR Jordy Nelson misses 2nd day of practice for PackersGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) Jordy Nelson missed a second day of practice with a shoulder injury, leaving his availability in the Packers' already short-handed receiving group in doubt for Green Bay's season finale against Detroit.Leading receiver Davante Adams, who...

AP Sports WriterDip time: Browns coach backs up promise to jump in Lake ErieBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) His team already sunk, Browns coach Hue Jackson is taking the plunge.Jackson said Wednesday he'll make good on his promise to jump in Lake Erie because of his team's horrible record....

Associated PressMitchell Trubisky takes final rookie step against Vikings.By GENE CHAMBERLAINLAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky never expected to line up under center only five games into his rookie season with the Chicago Bears.With one game left, Trubisky would now like nothing better than to provide tangible...

Associated PressMixed results for Redskins rookie classBy BENJAMIN STANDIGASHBURN, Va. (AP) Headlined by defensive lineman Jonathan Allen's run-stuffing game, there is plenty to like about the performances from the Washington Redskins' 2017 draft class.When they played, that is.Ultimately, that was not as often as hoped.Of Washington's 10 selections,...