Player Records and Milestones to Look for in 2010
NFL 2010 Preview

The NFL's Best are on track toward acheiving major miletones and records this NFL 2010 season

Peyton Manning Pey Days
NFL 2010 Preview

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning continues to etch his name in the NFL's record books

Brett Favre - Simply Favre-lous
NFL 2010 Preview

Back for yet another season Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre continues to set records

Quarterback Success - 2009 Year of the Quarterback
NFL 2010 Preview

NFL 2009 was most certainly the Year of the Quarterback. Net passing yards were the highest they have ever been (111,853) league-wide. Games averaged 436.9 passing yards, the second-most in NFL history (441.6 in 1995). And for just the third time in NFL history, more than 700 touchdown passes were thrown (710; 732 in 2004, 720 in 2007). The trend should continue in 2010

Clutch Performers
NFL 2010 Preview

Many NFL games are decided in the fourth quarter, and the difference between a win and a loss can come down to a clutch performer

Young Quarterbacks on the Rise
NFL 2010 Preview

Young quarterbacks around the league are making their opponents take notice. One year after Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens raised the bar by becoming the first rookie quarterback ever to start and win two playoff games in 2008, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez matched that feat last season

La Dainian Tomlinson Closes In On More TD Records
NFL 2010 Preview

New York Jets running back La Dainian Tomlinson will be a key addition to an offensive unit that led the NFL in rushing a season ago. The five-time All-Star ranks among the NFL's elite, especially when it comes to scoring touchdowns.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson Keeps Running Up the Yards
NFL 2010 Preview

In his first three NFL seasons, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has amassed rushing numbers seen by few others in league history

Chris Johnson - Titanic Performance
NFL 2010 Preview

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson was named the 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year by The Associated Press after a record-breaking season.

Double Trouble Running Backs
NFL 2010 Preview

They seem to be all over the league. Running backs like Ray Rice, Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson and others. These are the running backs that can hurt you two ways -– rushing or catching the ball

Top NFL Superlative: Run the Ball
NFL 2010 Preview

Many NFL coaches agree with the philosophy that the team that maximizes time of possession and controls the pace of the game often finds itself in the best position to win. One of the most efficient ways to do this is to have a reliable running attack featuring a durable back

Fourth-and-One Conversions
NFL 2010 Preview

Fourth-and-one is one of the most exciting moments in football. It's an opportunity for each team to assert its dominance on the field, and also an intriguing matching of wits between opposing coaches. It is often a difficult decision for a coach as to whether or not he should go for it on fourth down

Safety Position Continues to Evolve in NFL
NFL 2010 Preview

The safety position continues to evolve in the NFL. With the emergence of a pass-first philosophy among NFL offenses, the demands of an NFL safety have changed

Turnovers are Key to Victory
NFL 2010 Preview

There are many keys that can lead to victory in the NFL, with teams utilizing their own particular style to get the job done. However, there is one component to winning that every team can agree on: winning the turnover battle. In fact, the four teams with the best turnover differential all made the NFL 2009 playoffs

Tight Ends Making Bigger Impact
NFL 2010 Preview

In today's NFL, more teams are factoring the tight end into the offense. In 2009, NFL tight ends broke the single-season records for the most receptions (2,249), receiving yards (24,659) and touchdown catches (189) for the position. A record 14 tight ends caught at least 50 passes last year, eclipsing the previous high of 12 in 2005.

How Super Bowl Winners Fare the Following Season
NFL 2010 Preview

How Super Bowl winners fared the following season, including the eight Super Bowl winners that repeated as Super Bowl Champions plus the three teams that made it the following, but lost

Who Dat? Saints Aim to Repeat
NFL 2010

Looking ahead to the NFL 2010 season, the New Orleans Saints know that it will be a tough challenge to repeat

Colts Look to Keep Playoff Streak Alive
NFL 2010

The Colts have advanced to the postseason in each of the past eight seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances (XLI and XLIV) and can tie the Dallas Cowboys (1975-1983) for the most consecutive playoff appearances in NFL history. The team has also notched at least 12 wins in seven consecutive seasons, an NFL record

Tandem Backfields - Good Things Come in Pairs
NFL 2010

Like few positions in football, a great running back can gain valuable yards, score timely touchdowns, and help carry his team to victory. So what is better than having one great running back? Having two!

90th Anniversary of the NFL
NFL 2010 Anniversaries

On August 20, 1920, in the Jordan and Hupmobile auto showroom in Canton, Ohio, the National Football League was born.

Anniversary of the NFL-AFL Merger
NFL History

The 1970 season marked the first with the merged AFL and NFL clubs. Here is how it came about

Red Grange Puts NFL on the Map
NFL History

It's hard to imagine today, but in 1925 the NFL had difficulty attracting fans and desperately needed something to capture the public's attention. The NFL got exactly what it wished for that year when the Chicago Bears signed famed collegian Harold 'Red' Grange, forever changing the league's fortunes and putting professional football on the map for good

Currently Retired Numbers
NFL History

Perhaps there is no greater honor in professional sports. In 1935 the New York Giants retired the uniform number of receiver Ray Flaherty (No. 1), thus becoming the first professional athlete to have his name and number etched in eternity by his team. Currently, 128 players, including Seattle retiring the No. 12 recognizing Seahawks fans, have had this honor bestowed upon them

1940 NFL Championship: Chicago Bears 73-0 Title Victory
NFL History

Before 36,034 stunned fans at Washington's Griffith Stadium on December 8, 1940 at the 1940 NFL Championship Game, the Chicago Bears played near-perfect football to defeat the Washington Redskins 73-0 for the league title. Yes, 73-0.

1960 Pete Rozelle Elected NFL Commissioner
NFL History

The sports landscape was changed forever on January 26, 1960 when the most innovative sports executive of all time, Pete Rozelle, was elected Commissioner of the NFL.

Johnny Unitas Sets TD Streak 50 Years Ago
NFL History

From 1956-60, Baltimore Colts quarterback JOHNNY UNITAS threw at least one touchdown pass in an astounding 47 consecutive games, a record that may never be broken.

Chicago Bears 'Super Bowl Shuffle' Gets America Rapping
NFL History

The 1985 Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears were a true cast of characters. One of the most memorable parts of that season was a rap video that a group of Bears players – known as the 'Bears Shufflin Crew' – performed called the 'Super Bowl Shuffle.'

International Series - San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos
NFL 2010

The NFL's Imternational Series of regular-season games will return to the United Kingdom in 2010 when the San Francisco 49ers host the Denver Broncos on Sunday, October 31 at London's Wembley Stadium. The teams are among the most decorated franchises in NFL history, combining for seven Super Bowl victories

Bills Toronto Series - Buffalo Bills vs Chicago Bears
NFL 2010

The Buffalo Bills will continue to carry the NFL's international mantle up north to Toronto when they play the Indianapolis Colts on August 19 and the Chicago Bears on November 7 at the Rogers Centre

Starting Records of Active NFL Quarterbacks
NFL 2010: Player Statistics

Here are the starting records of active NFL quarterbacks heading into the 2010 NFL regular season

Total Miles Traveled & Notes on 2010 NFL Travel
NFL 2010

The total distance traveled by all teams will be 507,050 miles. That is 71,862 fewer miles than last year, when teams traveled a total of 578,912 miles. Here's more data on NFL travel including miles to be traveled in 2010 for each team

Player Movement - Same Faces New Places
NFL 2010: Offseason Free Agency Signings & Trades

Whether through free agency or trades, this offseason contained big-name switches that may alter the landscape of the 2010 NFL season. The New York Jets made a slew of high-profile acquisitions this offseason. Some notable players who changed teams this offseason

Saints & Vikings Kick Off 2010 NFL Regular Season
NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend

It all gets going at the Louisiana Superdome on Thursday, September 9! The NFL will kick off its 2010 season when the Super Bowl XLIV champion New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings. This year's opening game is a rematch of last season's thrilling NFC Championship Game, won by the Saints 31-28 in overtime

Winning on Kickoff Weekend Makes a Difference in the NFL
NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend

Since 1978 when the NFL went to the 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated season of 1982, teams that are victorious on Kickoff Weekend are more than twice as likely to reach the playoffs than losers of an opening game. Here's a look at NFL team and coaching records on the opening week of the regular season

Kickoff Weekend Best Teams
NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend

It's a special time, Kickoff Weekend, which begins on Thursday, September 9 this season in primetime on NBC when the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings. It's when things start to count. Some clubs have excelled in openers. Here's some notable active NFL Kickoff streaks

Full of Excitement, Surprise and Unpredictability
NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend

Every year the NFL is full of excitement and surprise which makes for an unpredictable season Take the 2009 season, for example

From Worst to First
NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend

Competitive balance in the NFL is so strong that a team going from 'worst-to-first' in its division is becoming an annual tradition. For the seventh consecutive season – an NFL record – at least one team has finished in first place in its division the season after finishing in last place

New Rules for NFL 2010 Season
NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend

In addition to a new modified sudden-death overtime format for postseason games, a number of other playing-rules changes were adopted by the NFL clubs at the NFL's Annual Meeting in March. The primary focus of those changes was enhancing player safety

Enhanced 18-Game Regular Season Gaining Momentum
NFL 2010 Kickoff Weekend

NFL clubs have been discussing enhancing the structure of the NFL season, resulting in the replacement of two preseason games with two regular-season games. The 20-game structure would remain intact with 18 regular-season games and two preseason games being played annually

2010 NFL Teams Strength of Schedule
NFL 2010 Season

Team Strength of Schedule Comparison for 2010 NFL Season

Giants and Jets Open New Stadium
NFL 2010: New Meadowlands Stadium

The New York Giants and New York Jets will debut the NFL's newest stadium this year – 82,500-seat New Meadowlands Stadium. And before it opens, it already knows what it will host four years from now – Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, which NFL owners awarded at the 2010 NFL Spring Meeting. Covering 13.5 acres, New Meadowlands Stadium offers an impressive array of amenities. Here's a look at the new facility

Chiefs to Open Renovated Arrowhead Stadium
NFL 2010: Renovated Arrowhead Stadium

The KANSAS CITY CHIEFS will open renovated NEW ARROWHEAD STADIUM in primetime when the club hosts the division rival San Diego Chargers on Monday, September 13 (10:15 PM ET) as the nightcap of ESPN’s Monday Night Football Kickoff Weekend doubleheader

 

Super Bowl XLIV: Saints 31 - Colts 17

Saints Alive!
Brees by Colts 31-17 for Super Bowl XLIV Victory
Super Bowl XLIV - Saints 31 Colts 17, Drew Brees Super Bowl XLIV MVP

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees throws pair of touchdown passes as the New Orleans Saints rally from early 10-point deficit and defeats the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. Brees awarded MVP for completing 32-of-39 with 288 passing yards, two TD passes, 0 interceptions and 114.5 passer rating.

Colts Aim for 5th NFL Championship
Super Bowl XLIV

Aiming for a NFL fifth championship for one of the most storied franchises in the NFL's 90 seasons, the Indianapolis Colts, 16-2, meet the New Orleans Saints, 15-3, in Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. (EST)

New Orleans Saints Come Marchin' In to South Florida
Super Bowl XLIV

The New Orleans Saints make their first Super Bowl appearance when they face the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Sunday, February 7. The Saints clinched the berth with a dramatic 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game

NFL Popularity America's Choice
Super Bowl XLIV

The National Football League is America's most popular sports league, comprised of 32 franchises that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the world's biggest annual sporting event. Business Week magazine calls the NFL 'one of America's best-run businesses.' So, just how popular is the NFL

Drew Brees & Chris Johnson Named 2009 FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year
NFL 2009

FedEx and the NFL announce Saints QB Drew Brees & Titans RB Chris Johnson as the winners of the seventh annual FEDEX AIR & GROUND® NFL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR AWARDS at a press conference in South Florida, site of Super Bowl XLIV.

 

Fantastic Four Ready For NFL Championship Weekend
NFL 2009 AFC & NFC Championship Weekend Preview

The NFL 2009 Playoffs are down to four teams as the Jets travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts in the AFC Championship. Meanwhile, the NFC Championship comes down to a battle in New Orleans between the Vikings and the Saints. Here's a preview of the AFC and NFC Championships plus a recap of the previous week's Divisional Playoff round

 

Kurt Warner

NFL's Great 8 Take Center Stage In Divisional Playoffs
NFL 2009 Playoffs Divisional Weekend Preview

The NFL 2009 Season is down to its "Great Eight" as the Divisional Round of the NFL 2009 Playoffs. On Saturday the Cardinals take on the Saints in New Orleans while the Ravens travel to Indianapolis to meet the Colts. On Sunday, the Cowboys are on the road against the Vikings while the Jets head west to face the San Diego Chargers. Here's a preview of this weekend's playoff games

NFL 2009 Playoffs: Super Season Kicks Off
NFL 2009 Playoff Statistics

The NFL playoffs begin on Saturday and Sunday, January 9-10, with Wild Card Weekend. On Saturday, the New York Jets play at the Cincinnati Bengals (NBC, 4:30 PM ET) and the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Dallas Cowboys (NBC, 8:00 PM ET). Wild Card Weekend continues Sunday with the Baltimore Ravens at the New England Patriots (CBS, 1:00 PM ET) and the Green Bay Packers traveling to face the Arizona Cardinals (FOX, 4:40 PM ET).

Jets Playoff Destiny in own hands

All on the Line as NFL 2009 Regular Season Ends
NFL 2009 Week 17

Sixteen weeks down, one to go.

"This has been one of the best years, especially at the end of the season, for teams having to fight for a playoff spot," says New York Jets running back THOMAS JONES. "It's do-or-die every game."

With one week to play, there are still 17 teams in contention for a trip to Super Bowl XLIV in South Florida.

 

Impressive Rookie Class Makes Presence Felt
NFL 2009 Rookies

This season, rookies have made significant contributions all over the field. Through the first 15 weeks, a total of 118 rookies have started at least one game this season, which is already among the highest totals for a season since the current seven-round draft format was implemented in 1994

Young NFL Talent Shines Bright
NFL 2009

"The talent pool for young NFL players is incredible," says NFL.com senior analyst GIL BRANDT. "I think we have a good group of young players come into the league every year, because of the good things that they do in high school and college. The guy that comes into the league today is so much stronger than ever before and so much better prepared than ever before."

Undefeated Saints & Colts Aim to Clinch Division Titles plus Thanksgiving Day Tripleheader
NFL 2009 Week 12

As the NFL enters Week 12, two teams -- the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints -- can clinch their divisions. Since 1990, only three teams -- 1997 San Francisco, 2004 Philadelphia and 2007 New England -- have clinched their divisions by their 11th game of the season. Plus, the Colts and Saints, both 10-0, form just the 3rd pair in NFL history to start a season 10-0, joining the 1934 Detroit Lions / Chicago Bears and the 1990 New York Giants / San Francisco 49ers

Brett Favre

Favre Returns to Lambeau; 3 Unbeatens Most Since Merger
NFL 2009 Week 8

NFL 2009 Week 8 is here and three teams -- Denver (6-0), Indianapolis (6-0) and New Orleans (6-0) -- remain undefeated -- the first time since the 1970 merger that the league has had three undefeated teams through the first seven weeks. Plus Brett Fvare -- who set numerous Packers records including most games (255), wins (160), attempts (8,754), completions (5,377), yards (61,655), touchdowns (442) and passer rating (85.8) -- returns to Green Bay as a Viking for the first time.

Rookie Wide Receivers Making Impact in NFC
NFL 2009

As the NFL 2009 season approaches the halfway point, rookies around the league are making their mark. In the NFC, four rookie wide receivers -- Minnesota's PERCY HARVIN, Chicago's JOHNNY KNOX, Philadelphia's JEREMY MACLIN and the New York Giants' HAKEEM NICKS -- have quickly adapted to the NFL, making significant contributions to their teams.

AFC's Reliable Rookies
NFL 2009

NFL coaches often preach patience, especially with rookies. Making the transition from college to pro can be just as demanding mentally as it is physically, but year after year, rookies across the NFL emerge as key contributors. A look at a few of the notable 2009 AFC rookies

 

Drew Brees Saints QB

Pats & Bucs Meet in London Plus 3 Unbeatens in Action
NFL 2009 Week 7 Preview

The Patriots-Buccaneers' meeting is the third regular-season game at Wembley Stadium.

Meanwhile, back home stateside, three of the remaining four unbeatens -- Indianapolis (5-0), Minnesota (6-0) and New Orleans (5-0) -- will be in action. Denver (6-0) has a bye in Week 7 after a 34-23 win at San Diego on Monday night.

 

Eli Manning & His 5-0 Giants

Giants (5-0) Visit Saints (4-0) in Battle of Unbeatens
NFL 2009 Week 6 Preview

"This is certainly the game of the week," says NFL Network analyst STEVE MARIUCCI of this Sunday's showdown between the 5-0 New York Giants and 4-0 New Orleans Saints.

 

Patrick Willis - LB San Francisco 49ers

Plenty of NFL Excitement Ahead
NFL 2009 Week 3 Preview

Two weeks into the 2009 NFL season, nine teams find themselves undefeated at 2-0. Of those nine clubs, four -- Denver, New Orleans, New York Jets and San Francisco -- did not make the playoffs last year.

But, of course, there is plenty of football left. Since realignment in 2002, 48 of the 84 playoff teams (57.1 percent) began the year at either 1-1 or 0-2.

Four of the past eight Super Bowl champions began their seasons with a 1-1 or 0-2 record.

Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers & Titans Kickoff NFL 2009
NFL 2009 Kickoff Weekend

The NFL kicks off its 2009 season when the Super Bowl XLIII champion PITTSBURGH STEELERS host the TENNESSEE TITANS on NBC at 8:30 PM ET. Continuing a tradition that started in 2004, the previous year's Super Bowl winner hosts the NFL Thursday night season Kickoff the following September. This year's Kickoff Weekend features ...

 

 

La Dainian Tomlinson

La Dainian Tomlinson - L.T. Closes in on More TD Records
NFL 2009 Kickoff Weekend

San Diego Chargers running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON ranks among the NFL's elite, especially when it comes to scoring touchdowns. In his career, Tomlinson ranks second in rushing touchdowns (126) and is tied for fourth in total TDs (141).

 

70th Anniversary of First Televised NFL Game
NFL 2009 Kickoff Weekend

Seventy years ago, the NFL and NBC tried something that would change football, and television, forever. On October 22, 1939, the Brooklyn Dodgers hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at Ebbets Field. The contest marked the first time pro football was broadcast on television.

Monday Night Football Celebrates 40th Season
NFL 2009 Kickoff Weekend

NFL Monday Night Football kicks off its 40th season on September 14 with an "AFL 50th Anniversary" doubleheader on ESPN and a new face in the broadcast booth!

25 Years Since Dan Marino's 5,084 Passing Yards Single Season Record
NFL 2009 Kickoff Weekend

In 2008, DREW BREES of the New Orleans Saints had the kind of season a quarterback dreams about: 10 300-yard games -- including two 400-yard performances -- and an eye-popping total of 5,069 passing yards. Yet even with that effort, Brees still could not match Dan Marino's record-setting season with the Miami Dolphins in 1984.

10th Anniversary of Instant Replay
NFL 2009 Kickoff Weekend

After 10 full seasons, instant replay has become an accepted and integral part of football. Several other professional and amateur sports, including college football, have followed the NFL's lead and instituted some form of video replay during that time.

Best NFL Records, Past 10 Years
NFL 2009 Kickoff Weekend

Over the past 10 years, five NFL teams have posted a winning percentage of .600 or better -- led by the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (114-46, .713).

 

Super Bowl XLIII: Better Than Super
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers 27 Cardinals 23

The Super Bowl keeps topping itself. Last year, it was Eli Manning escaping a horde of rushers to connect with David Tyree on that unreal "helmet catch." Last Sunday in Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay, it was Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger flinging a pass "I thought was going to be picked," as he described it, to Santonio Holmes, who, straining on his tiptoes, made only the latest "greatest Super Bowl catch ever" to give Pittsburgh a 27-23 victory over Arizona.

Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers Fans

Steelers Defeat Cardinals 27-23, Holmes MVP
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers 27 Cardinals 23

Santonio Holmes extended his arms, kept his feet on the ground and held on to Ben Roethlisberger's perfectly placed pass deep in the right corner of the end zone.

The amazing touchdown catch -- against three Cardinal defenders -- capped an 8-play 78 yard drive with 35 seconds remaining.

Thus, giving the Pittsburgh Steelers a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

Super Bowl XLIII

Larry Fitzgerald, Simply Amazing
Super Bowl XLIII: Larry Fitzgerald

Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has been simply amazing with a playoffs record 419 receiving yards and an inspiring performance against the Eagles in the NFC Championship.

Kurt Warner, Renaissance Man
Super Bowl XLIII: Kurt Warner

Not only is Kurt Warner getting better with age, but he's raising his level of play as the stakes get higher. No better example than this year's playoff run.

NFL 2008 Playoffs: NFL Has 'Mad' Final Four of Its Own

The NFL is down to its final four as the Eagles take on the Cardinals for the NFC Championship and the Ravens take on the Steelers for the AFC Championship.

 

Before the NFL Playoffs started, many may have predicted the Steelers as an AFC Championship participant, some may have specifically picked one of three other teams, but few, if any, would have chosen this ensemble of teams to be one step away from Super Bowl XLIII.

First Time Top Seeds Eliminated in NFL Divisional Round
Titans & Giants Lose at Home in NFL Divisional Playoff Round

This weekend's losses by the Titans (Ravens 13-10) and Giants (Eagles 23-11) marks the first time that both conference top-seeds have been eliminated in the divisional round playoffs. The elimination of the Titans and Giants also marks the third time that no top conference seed will advance to the Super Bowl (1992 & 1997).

 

Alge Crumpler
Crumpler's TD gives Titans 13-10 win over Ravens (10/5/2008)

2008 NFL Playoffs "Rematch" Weekend
NFL Playoffs Divisional Weekend: Round 2 In More Ways Than One

All four games this weekend -- Ravens vs Titans, Cards vs Panthers, Eagles vs Giants, Chargers vs. Steelers -- are rematches from the regular season. Add up the point differential in the 2008 regular-season meetings of the teams playing in this weekend's four NFL Divisional Playoffs, and you get the grand total of -- 19 points.

And that's not in four games, but five, because one of this week's matchups is a division rematch.

Think the games in "Rematch Weekend" this Saturday and Sunday could be close? Could be!

 

Philip Rivers, Chargers Quarterback

All or Nothing in Sunday Night's AFC West Battle

What a way to end the NFL 2008 Regular Season. It's an all or nothing proposition for the longtime AFC West rivals Broncos and Chargers. The winner captures the AFC West and prepares for the AFC playoffs.

Jets & Dolphins in an Ironic Twist of Fate

When the NFL 2008 season started, not many envisioned the significance of this game. For the Dolphins it's a straightforward proposition, win and the Dolphins are AFC East champs. For the Jets, they need to win plus rely on either the Bills or Jaguars to win.

 

 

Chicago Bears Seem Getting Help from Above

NFL 2008 Week 17 Playoff Scenarios, Playoff Races & Playoff Picture

The Chicago Bears dramatic 20-17 overtime win against the Packers on MNF set the scene for the playoffs. A look at the NFL playoff races, the NFC playoff scenarios and the AFC playoff picture as the NFL 2008 regular season approaches its final weekend.

NFL 2008 Week 16: Giants & Titans Clinch Top Spots, Bears & Chargers Second Life, Jets in a Bind

The results in the NFL the past 2 weeks have been unpredictable to say the least. Heading into the final week of the 2008 regular season, the Chargers (7-8) are now in control of their own playoff destiny, the Bears (9-6) can win the NFC North with help from the Giants, while the Jets playoff chances look dim.

 

Cowboys RB Marion Barber

Giants & Cowboys Look to Get Back to Their Winning Ways

NFC East champion Giants (11-2) look to clinch a 1st round playoff bye as they visit the Dallas Cowboys (8-5) on Sunday Night Football. The Cowboys need to keep winning to insure their playoff berth.

 

NFL 1958 Championship: Giants vs Colts
The Greatest NFL Game Ever Played
50th Anniversary of the Greatest NFL Game Ever Played: 1958 NFL Championship at Yankee Stadium

Fifty years ago this December 28, 2008, what would become known as "The Greatest Game every Played" took place --- the 1958 NFL Championship Game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

And when Colts fullback ALAN AMECHE burst through a hole for a one-yard touchdown with 6:45 left in overtime (left) -- at 4:51 on a foggy, drizzly day -- he took the National Football League with him into a new era.

 

Bucs QB Jeff Garcia

Bucs & Panthers to Break NFC South Deadlock on MNF

Finally a Monday Night Football game with serious meaning and some serious implications as these two division rivals square off tied for first in the NFC South.

The Panthers aren't excited to be facing Bucs QB JEFF GARCIA. Garcia, a tough & resourceful NFL veteran, has beaten the Carolina Panthers the last five times he has faced them.

Of course, Panthers QB JAKE DELHOMME has been his effective self this year, particularly at home. Delhomme has led Carolina to an undefeated 6-0 home record with the Panthers outscoring their opponents 166-78.

 

Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts

Forget "seconds." How about "thirds"? That is the appetizer on the NFL Thanksgiving menu this week -- three Turkey Day servings of NFL football, followed by a whole lineup of NFL games on Thanksgiving Sunday and Monday.

Even the players will be in their easy chairs.

"I remember watching Thanksgiving games as a kid," says Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING. "Even in high school and college, and now in the NFL, you practice, you come home and you watch Thanksgiving football."

Peyton Manning & the Indianapolis Colts are on a roll having won 4 games in a row heading into NFL 2008 Week 13.

 

>Kerry Collins & Titans off to 10-0 Start

NFL 2008 Week 12 NFL Division Leaders Clash Giants-Cardinals & Jets-Titans

The Arizona Cardinals (7-3) and undefeated Tennessee Titans find themselves this NFL 2008 week 12 on the cusp of clinching playoff spots. That's great. But the real assignment this NFL 2008 week 12. Just beat the next opponent. The rest will take care of itself.

The Cardinals face the Giants while the Titans take on the Jets. These two NFL 2008 Week 12 games pit division leaders against one another. Combine the four team records together and you get a 33-7 won-loss record and an .825 winning percentage.

 

Eli Manning & Giants off to a 7 - 1 Start

NFL Football 2008 Week 10: NFL Midseason Report & AFC NFC Projections

With the NFL 2008 Season half way through going into NFL 2008 Week 10, two things are for sure -- the defending Super Bowl New York Giants (7-1) and the undefeated Tennessee Titans (8-0).

The New York Giants have the best record in the NFC (7-1) and are on pace to match the 1986 team for the most wins in franchise history. That team finished 14-2 and won Super Bowl XXI.

The underrated Tennessee Titans defensive prowess and an effective running game have set the tone for the NFL's only remaining undefeated team.

NFL Football 2008 Week 10:
Hard to Ignore Titans Go For 9 and 0.
Eagles - Giants Clash in NFC East

NFL Football 2008 Week 8: ELI & BIG BEN Two QBs with a rare NFL accomplishment face each other this week

LT Goes For 10 in London, Lucky 7 on Monday Night Football, Eli Manning, Big Ben and Their Rare Accomplishment, Clinton Portis Chasing Fab 5, Steelers and Patriots - Success Against Unfamiliar Opponents,

NFL 2008 Week 7: AFC & NFC Players of the Week

Quarterback MATT CASSEL of the New England Patriots, linebacker TERRELL SUGGS of the Baltimore Ravens and kicker SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI of the Oakland Raiders are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played week 7 of the NFL 2008 season (October 19-20)

Running back STEVEN JACKSON of the St. Louis Rams, safety AARON ROUSE of the Green Bay Packers and rookie safety ZACKARY BOWMAN of the Chicago Bears are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played week 7 of the NFL 2008 season (October 19-20), the NFL announced today.

NFL 2008 Week 7:
Last-to-be-Undefeated Titans go for 6-0

"In the NFL," says New Orleans Saints head coach SEAN PAYTON, "it's either carnival or crisis." And that status is in constant flux. Just look at last week. The winning points of four games were scored in the final 10 seconds of regulation -- the most such games in a week since 1970. Meanwhile, in the midst of such upheaval, the Tennessee Titans have been traveling along somewhat quietly and sit as the NFL's lone undefeated team at 5-0, their best start ever.

NFL Football 2008 Week 7:
Drew Brees At A Record Pace & Fourth Quarter Comebacks

New Orleans Saints quarterback DREW BREES leads the NFL with 1,993 passing yards and is on pace for an NFL-record 5,314 yards which would surpass DAN MARINO's record 5,084 yards in 1984.

NFL Football 2008 Week 6:
AFC & NFC Players of the Week

Quarterback PEYTON MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts, cornerback ERIC WRIGHT of the Cleveland Browns and wide receiver-punt returner JACOBY JONES of the Houston Texans are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the sixth week of the 2008 season (October 12-13).

Quarterback DREW BREES of the New Orleans Saints, safety OSHIOMOGHO ATOGWE of the St. Louis Rams and wide receiver SEAN MOREY of the Arizona Cardinals are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the sixth week of the 2008 NFL season (October 12-13).

 

New York Giants Seek 5-0 Start to NFL 2008 Season

NFL 2008 Week 6:
New York Giants Seek 5-0 Start Monday Night. Patriots Face Chargers in 2007 AFC Championship Rematch

Two spotless streaks. One unbreakable -- at least for this week.

That's the story for the NFL's last two unbeaten teams -- the 5-0 Tennessee Titans and the 4-0 New York Giants.

The Titans have a bye this week. The Giants conclude the week on Monday night aiming to become the seventh defending Super Bowl champion to open the season with a 5-0 record. Things indeed seem grand for these two teams, but a good three-quarters of the season remains -- with surprises to come for sure.

NFL 2008 Week 6: What to Look For As Week 6 May Be Full of Milestones & Achievements

Let's See. NFL Scoring is up in 2008. The Dallas Cowboys so far have scored the most points (151), while the New York Giants lead with the best points per game average (31.8 PPG). The Washington Redskins have only turned over the ball one time after 5 games for NFL 2008 season. Brett Favre is looking for the most TD passes through 5 starts with a new team. Michael Turner is close to the best veteran running back with most rushing yards in first 6 games with new team. Reggie Bush is sure to be the fastest to 200 receptions to start a career as Reggie Bush has 199 career receptions in 33 Games. Terrell Owens, LaDainian Tomlinson, Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison continue to climbe the NFL all-time touchdown list.

NFL Football 2008: Players of the Month September, NFL Rookies of the Month (September, 2008)
NFL 2008: Quarterbacks Drew Brees & Jay Cutler named NFL Offensive Players of the Month for September 2008

Quarterback DREW BREES of the New Orleans Saints, cornerback CHARLES WOODSON of the Green Bay Packers and punter SAV ROCCA of the Philadelphia Eagles are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Month for September 2008.

Quarterback JAY CUTLER of the Denver Broncos, defensive tackle ALBERT HAYNESWORTH of the Tennessee Titans, and kick returner-running back DARREN SPROLES of the San Diego Chargers are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Month for September 2008.

Running back CHRIS JOHNSON of the Tennessee Titans and safety CHRIS HORTON of the Washington Redskins are the NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Month for September 2008.

NFL 2008 Week 5: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
Ben Roethlisberger 26 of 41 passes (63.4 percent) for season high 309 yards with 3 TDs

Quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER of the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker GARY BRACKETT of the Indianapolis Colts and kicker MATT PRATER of the Denver Broncos are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fifth week of the 2008 NFL season (October 5-6).

Running back CLINTON PORTIS of the Washington Redskins, cornerback ANTOINE WINFIELD of the Minnesota Vikings and punt returner-running back REGGIE BUSH of the New Orleans Saints are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the week 5 of the 2008 NFL season (October 5-6).

NFL 2008 Week 5: Bills & Titans Go For 5-0, Giants 4-0, Eagles - Redskins Clash in NFC East
NFL 2008 Week 5: 3 teams seek to remain spotless & two keep a division steaming

A lot is happening in the NFL this week. Two teams -- the Buffalo Bills (4-0 for the first time in 16 years) & Tennessee Titans (4-0 for the first time in their history) go for 5-0 records. But it's only Week 5, they both say.

"We still have a chance to go 4-12," says Titans linebacker KEITH BULLUCK.

Another team -- that other club in New York, the Super Bowl champion Giants who were quiet in their bye week while BRETT FAVRE was throwing six touchdown passes -- will look to up their record to 4-0 for the first time since 1990.

NFL 2008 Week 4: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
AFC & NFC Players of the Week - Jets QB Brett Favre AFC Player of the Week For 6 TD Passes Against Cardinals

Quarterback BRETT FAVRE of the New York Jets, linebacker DERRICK JOHNSON of the Kansas City Chiefs and kicker JEFF REED of the Pittsburgh Steelers are the Week 4 AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the NFL 2008 season (September 28-29)

Quarterback JAKE DELHOMME of the Carolina Panthers and linebacker DERRICK BROOKS and kicker MATT BRYANT of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the Week 4 NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the fourth week of the NFL 2008 season (September 28-29)

NFL 2008 Week 4:
The Pressure is Already On with Big Division Matchups & Old Rivalries

In the National Football League, whether it is Week 4, like this week, or Week 14 of the NFL 2008 season, the pressure is always on.

Sure, you'd rather be undefeated -- as six NFL teams are -- or at least have a winning record as the last weekend of September looms.

But all those teams on the downside of the won-loss ledger should remind themselves of the 2007 San Diego Chargers.

The Chargers began last season at 1-3, won their final six games then took an 11-5 record into the playoffs, advancing all the way to the AFC Championship Game.

"It doesn't matter whether you're the favorite now or the least favorite," says quarterback TONY ROMO of the 3-0 Dallas Cowboys. "The reality of it is you've got to keep playing games. You're not trying to be the favorite now, you're trying to be the favorite at the end of the year."

NFL 2008 Week 3: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
RB Michael Turner of the Falcons Earns 2nd Player of Week Honor in Young Season

Running back MICHAEL TURNER of the Atlanta Falcons, safety BRIAN DAWKINS of the Philadelphia Eagles and kicker JOHN CARNEY of the New York Giants are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the third week of the NFL 2008 season (September 21-22).

Running back RONNIE BROWN of the Miami Dolphins, cornerback ANTONIO CROMARTIE of the San Diego Chargers and kicker JOSH SCOBEE of the Jacksonville Jaguars are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the third week of the NFL 2008 season (September 21-22).

 

Kurt Warner QB, Arizona Cardinals

NFL 2008 Week 3: Fall's Coming Up & the NFL is Heating Up!
NFL 2008 Week 3 Tops Off With Romo Vs. Rodgers, Favre Vs. Rivers

Great way to start. Great way to come back.

That easily summarizes developments in the NFL so far this NFL 2008 Season that have already packed a season's worth of surprise and suspense into the league's first two weeks. As autumn looms on Monday, who can imagine what's in store?

Look at things so far.

Three of the 2-0 teams (Buffalo, Carolina and Denver) won only seven games apiece last year. So things are looking up for them.

But, hold on. Just look at last year. The Giants started 0-2 and won the Super Bowl. The Chargers began 1-3 and reached the AFC Championship Game. It's two weeks down -- and a long way to go!

NFL 2008 Week 2: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
Saint Louis Rams QB Kurt Warner named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his perfect performance

In the NFC, Quarterback KURT WARNER of the Arizona Cardinals, safety CHRIS HORTON of the Washington Redskins and kick returner-running back FELIX JONES of the Dallas Cowboys are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the second week of the NFL 2008 season.

Wide receiver BRANDON MARSHALL of the Denver Broncos, safety TROY POLAMALU of the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker KEITH BULLUCK of the Tennessee Titans are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the second week of the 2008 NFL season (September 14-15).

NFL 2008 Week 2: Big Division Games Highlight Week 2
It's only Week 2 of the 2008 NFL season & already "big games" is a term that will be heard repeatedly

On top of them being key division games, the matchups have intriguing storylines as well. It is only Week 2 of the 2008 NFL season and already "big games" are on tap.

"It's a rival game every time we play in our division," says linebacker BRADIE JAMES of the Dallas Cowboys, who play NFC East foe Philadelphia on Monday night. "Everybody approaches it like it's a playoff game."

So after a Kickoff week that saw such thrills as a TD on a first pass (Atlanta rookie MATT RYAN on his first NFL attempt) and one on a last pass (by Carolina quarterback JAKE DELHOMME to win a game with no time left), here comes Week 2 of what promises to be another memorable NFL season.

 

Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC Offensive Player of the Weeks

NFL 2008 Week 1: AFC & NFC Players of the Week
Willie Parker, Cortland Finnegan, Roscoe Parrish, Michael Turner, Adewale Ogunleye & Will Blackmon

Running back Willie Parker of the Pittsburgh Steelers, cornerback Cortland Finnegan of the Tennessee Titans and wide receiver - punt returner Roscoe Parrish of the Buffalo Bills are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played on NFL Kickoff 2008 Weekend.

In the NFC, Running back Michael Turner of the Atlanta Falcons, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye of the Chicago Bears and punt returner - kick returner Will Blackmon of the Green Bay Packers are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played on NFL 2008 Opening Weekend.

NFL 2008 Week 1: The NFL Kicks Off Its 2008 Season

 

Adrian Peterson, NFL Rookie of the Year & Pro Bowl MVP

Rookie of the Year & Pro Bowl MVP Adrian Peterson Ready to Pick Up Where He Left Off

NFL 2008: Chargers' Running Back La Dainian Tomlinson Closes in On Records

NFL 2008 Quarterbacks Review & Preview

NFL 2008: Peyton Manning Colts QB Continues Rising to Top of NFL Record Books

NFL 2008 Kickoff & Punt Returners: Thank Devin For Many Happy Returns

NFL 2008: Double Trouble Running Backs & Big Play Excitement Wide Receivers

NFL 2008: Active Streaks & Individual Accomplishments on the Horizon

NFL 2008 Running Backs: Tandem Backfields - Good Things Come in Pairs

 

Eli Manning New York Giants Super Bowl XLII MVP

Super Bowl XLII Champion New York Giants Aim to Repeat After Super Season
2008 NFL Football

The NFL's 2008 Kickoff Weekend begins on Thursday, September 4 this season when the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants host the Washington Redskins. Last season's win over the Redskins is the game that propelled the Giants all the way to Super Bowl victory.

Brett Favre - Career Statistics
2008 NFL Football

NFL 2008: Quarterbacks Past Performances and Records
NFL Quarterback Records

Los Angeles Rams quarterback NORM "THE DUTCHMAN" VAN BROCKLIN owns the most prolific passing performance in NFL history. Van Brocklin threw for an NFL record 554 yards in a 54-14 rout of the Yanks at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback tossed five touchdowns and completed 27 of 41 passes.

NFL 2008: Strength of Schedule and NFL Team Miles Traveled
2008 NFL Football Schedule

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts face the stiffest competition this season according to the NFL's strength of schedule statistics. The defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants have the 15th most difficult schedule while the New England Patriots have the easiest schedule according to the strength of schedule numbers.

NFL 2008: Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers to Play Each Other for 175th Time

NFL 1958 Championship Game The Greatest Game Ever Played 50th Anniversary

New York Jets Honor Super Bowl III Championship 40th Anniversary

NFL 2008: Detroit Lions Celebrate 75th Season

Young Giants Have Big Shoes to Fill

Matt Ryan Aims to Have Atlanta Falcons Flying High

AFC & NFC June Update News & Notes
2008 NFL Football Summer Update

NFL 2008 Spring Round Up Report
2008 NFL Football Spring Update

NFL Free Agent Signings Update (As of April, 2008)
2008 NFL Football Free Agency

Brett Favre - Best Ever QB? Look Beyond the Stats. The Answer Is Yes!
2008 NFL Football

This week Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre formally announced his retirement. And with that started the Great Debate -- Who is the NFL's best quarterback of all time? Granted it's a great debate -- Brady, Manning, Montana, Elway, Marino, Bradshaw, Tarkenton, Unitas, Graham, Baugh, Starr, Title. I'm sure I missed one. Who do you pick? As Number 2 to Brett Favre

Brett Favre - Career Statistics
2008 NFL Football

NFL 2008 Player Free Agency Signing Period
2008 NFL Football Free Agency

NFL 2008: Player Scouting Combine and NFL Draft
2008 NFL Football Draft

The NFL Network's Mike Mayock is considered by many to be the best NFL draft analyst bar none. Over the course of last week Mike debuted his player rankings heading into the 2008 National Football League Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The guru provides a list of his top 20 and also an expert break down by position.

Super Bowl XLII: "One of the Greatest Games of All Time"
NFL Super Bowl XLII

He ought to know. He?s a player in the NFL who knows its history. He?s another Manning maybe you?ve heard of -- Peyton -- and that was his summary of Super Bowl XLII last Sunday night in Glendale, Arizona:

"One of the greatest games of all time."

In the game, his brother, New York Giants quarterback ELI MANNING, engineered one of the most memorable late-game-winning drives in Super Bowl history for a 17-14 victory over the New England Patriots at University of Phoenix Stadium. That drive included what many are calling the greatest play in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XLII: Giants 17 Patriots 14
NFL Super Bowl XLII

Road Warrior Giants Bring It Home
Undefeated Destiny Disrupted for the 18 -1 New England Patriots

With 2:49 left in Super Bowl XLII it seemed to be yet another perfectly scripted comeback victory for the New England Patriots as Tom Brady connected with Randy Moss for a 7-yard TD completion.  However, the Giants went off script as Eli Manning drove the Giants 83 yards for the game winning touchdown.

Super Bowl XLII MVP Eli Manning ended the 12 play 83 yard winning drive when he found Plaxico Burress (17) in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds to play.