NFL

Steelers exercise 2021 option on All-Pro LB T.J. WattPITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers have picked up the fifth-year option on All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt.Watt, Pittsburgh's first-round pick in the 2017 draft, is coming off a stellar 2019 in which he had 14 1/2 sacks and was selected...

AP Sports WriterRyan leads Falcons to another big win over Panthers, 40-20By PAUL NEWBERRYATLANTA (AP) Matt Ryan threw the longest touchdown pass of his career and became the 10th quarterback in NFL history to reach 50,000 yards, leading the Atlanta Falcons to another dominating win over Carolina, 40-20...

The Latest: Packers half away from clinching NFC's top seedBy The Associated PressThe Latest on Week 17 in the NFL (all times EST):---5:55 p.m.The Green Bay Packers are a half away from clinching the NFC's No. 1 seed and a bye week for the playoffs.The Packers lead Chicago 21-13...

Falcons launch voting initiative in social media campaignFLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons are trying to make sure people are registered to vote by launching a social media campaign.The team's ''Pass The Vote'' initiative was developed by offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom and defensive end Steven Means during...

AP Sports WriterBall-hawking, All-Pro Ravens CB Humphrey ready for ChiefsBy DAVID GINSBURGWhether it's knocking down a pass, punching the ball loose or going the other way with an interception, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey has a knack for making game-changing plays.It's a trait that might prove to be...

AP Sports WriterRams WR Cooks ruled out with concussion, seeing specialistBy GREG BEACHAMTHOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) Los Angeles Rams receiver Brandin Cooks won't play Sunday against Pittsburgh while he seeks further medical help for his second concussion in a month.Cooks was ruled out by Rams coach Sean McVay...

AP Sports WriterSeahawks seek 1st 5-0 start in team history hosting VikingsBy TIM BOOTHSEATTLE (AP) Throughout its franchise history, the Seattle Seahawks have never started a season 5-0.Not in the years Seattle was a contender in the old AFC West. Not after it moved to the NFC. Not...

AP Pro Football WriterNewton's favorite opponent, the Bucs, visit Thursday nightBy BARRY WILNERCam Newton enjoys facing the Buccaneers. The only thing is, this might not be the same Panthers quarterback who has thrown for 29 touchdowns against Tampa Bay.Newton was so-so in the opening loss to the Rams, and...

Seahawks reduce roster to 80, release Hunt and JacksonRENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks released nine players Sunday to reduce their roster to 80 players, including veterans Branden Jackson and Joey Hunt.Terminating the contract of Hunt will save Seattle about $2.2 million against the salary cap. But it...

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-4) at OAKLAND (2-3) Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, CBS OPENING LINE - Raiders by 3 RECORD VS. SPREAD - Los Angeles 1-3-1, Oakland 2-3 SERIES RECORD - Raiders led 63-50-2 LAST MEETING - Raiders beat Chargers 19-16, Dec. 18, 2016 LAST WEEK - Chargers beat Giants 27-22; Raiders lost to Ravens 30-17 AP...

AP Sports WriterBrowns get to practice as 'weight' of Steelers game sinks inBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Browns rang in the new year by practicing. With everything else that transpired over the past week, that was a major victory.They'll go for an even bigger one Sunday.After days...

Charges filed in stabbing of ex-Ohio State QB Terrelle PryorPITTSBURGH (AP) A woman was charged with attempted homicide in a Pittsburgh stabbing that critically injured former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who is also facing a charge, police said.Pryor was taken to the hospital just after 4:30 a.m....