Football
Miami’s defense is finding its way while New Orleans’ offense could use a boost
Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press5 minute read1:05 PM CSTMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins might have figured out what works for them defensively. That's not particularly good news for the New Orleans Saints.
They meet on Sunday afternoon in South Florida, and the matchup might be best summarized like this:
— The Dolphins aren't allowing many points.
— The Saints aren't scoring many points.
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Rams waive kicker Joshua Karty after replacement Harrison Mevis’ strong start
The Associated Press2 minute read1:27 PM CSTLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have waived kicker Joshua Karty, who held the starting job for 1 1/2 seasons before being replaced by Harrison Mevis earlier this month.
The Rams (9-2) made the move Friday before traveling to face Carolina on Sunday.
Los Angeles replaced Karty with Mevis three games ago, and Mevis has made 13 straight extra points and two field goals without a miss, stabilizing the Rams' chaotic kicking unit.
Los Angeles drafted Karty in the sixth round in 2024, and the Stanford product won the starting job as a rookie. He missed only three of his 34 field-goal attempts last season.
Texans’ C.J. Stroud to return against Colts after concussion recovery
Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press3 minute readPreviewTexans’ C.J. Stroud to return against Colts after concussion recovery
Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press3 minute readUpdated: 2:07 PM CSTHOUSTON (AP) — Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud will return Sunday when the Texans visit Indianapolis in a key AFC South matchup after he missed the last three games recovering from a concussion.
Coach DeMeco Ryans said Friday that Stroud would play after clearing the concussion protocol.
“I’m just really grateful to be back finally,” Stroud said.
Stroud was injured early in the second quarter of a loss to Denver on Nov. 2. He scrambled for 6 yards and was hit on the shoulder by Kris Abrams-Draine near the end of his slide, and the back of his head violently bounced off the ground.
ReadHouston Texans' C.J. Stroud scrambles out of the pocket in the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes dim after demoralizing loss to the Dallas Cowboys
Dave Skretta, The Associated Press5 minute readPreviewKansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes dim after demoralizing loss to the Dallas Cowboys
Dave Skretta, The Associated Press5 minute read10:08 AM CSTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are .500 through 12 games for the first time since the 2017 season.
They squeaked into the playoffs as a wild-card team that year.
They have a whole lot of work to do, and need a whole lot of help, if they want to pull off that feat again.
An inconsistent season by the reigning AFC champions seemed to be summed up by an inconsistent performance on Thursday in Dallas. The Chiefs' once-high flying offense was rolling when it wasn't committing penalties, while a defense that had been playing well was gashed by the Cowboys — when it, too, wasn't committing penalties.
ReadDallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrates after catching a two-point conversion as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers cleared to return against the Buffalo Bills
The Associated Press2 minute readPreviewSteelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers cleared to return against the Buffalo Bills
The Associated Press2 minute read12:56 PM CSTPITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers and his broken left wrist will start on Sunday when Pittsburgh hosts Buffalo.
Rodgers, who sat out last week's loss to Chicago after injuring the wrist against Cincinnati on Nov. 16, was a full participant in practice for the second consecutive day on Friday.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Rodgers will not have any injury designation, clearing the way for the 41-year-old Rodgers to return.
“It's all systems go,” Tomlin said.
ReadPittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) holds his arm after a hit by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Stafford takes TD streak into Carolina against a secondary reeling with injuries, suspension
Steve Reed, The Associated Press6 minute readPreviewStafford takes TD streak into Carolina against a secondary reeling with injuries, suspension
Steve Reed, The Associated Press6 minute read12:23 PM CSTCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles passing game is hitting on all cylinders as the first-place Rams set their sights on the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
The Carolina Panthers (6-6) are struggling to find that same consistency with Bryce Young at the helm as they push to snap a seven-year playoff drought.
The 37-year-old Stafford, who led Los Angeles to a Super Bowl championship four years ago, has thrown 27 straight touchdown passes without an interception as the Rams (9-2) have won six straight games, propelling them from playoff contender to Super Bowl favorites, according to BetMGM.
“We’re not worried about the outside-in narrative, but you can’t help but be aware of it,” Rams coach Sean McVay said of the increased attention on his team. "There’s been a discipline. There’s been a humility. There’s been a commitment to a process. Let’s continue to raise our standards and ascend week in and week out and really day in and day out is what we talk about.”
ReadLos Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) warms up before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
From fan to foe: Kyle Shanahan, 49ers face unique challenge against Browns and Shedeur Sanders
Joe Reedy, The Associated Press5 minute readPreviewFrom fan to foe: Kyle Shanahan, 49ers face unique challenge against Browns and Shedeur Sanders
Joe Reedy, The Associated Press5 minute read12:52 PM CSTBEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deion Sanders was Kyle Shanahan’s favorite player when his father, Mike Shanahan, was the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator during their 1994 Super Bowl season.
On Sunday, Shanahan will table his adoration of the Pro Football Hall of Famer for a couple of hours as he looks to stop his son, Shedeur Sanders, who will make his second NFL start on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns host the 49ers.
“He was probably my number one player as a true fan,” Shanahan said about Deion Sanders. “I always talk about how I got his jersey in ’94. I wore it for about six months straight until someone jacked it from me. I’m still looking for that guy. He was just different from everyone, his talent and everything. My wife and daughter are huge Colorado fans, too. So, I hear about Buffaloes all the time.”
Coach Prime’s Colorado squad closes its season at Kansas State on Saturday. He traveled to Las Vegas last Sunday to watch his son’s first NFL start, but Shedeur Sanders remains unsure if his father will attend his first home start in the Dawg Pound.
ReadCleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) signals at the line of scrimmage in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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Texans defense poses next big obstacle as Colts try to solve recent offensive struggles
Michael Marot, The Associated Press5 minute readPreviewTexans defense poses next big obstacle as Colts try to solve recent offensive struggles
Michael Marot, The Associated Press5 minute readUpdated: 1:45 PM CSTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has been feeling the heat.
There were concerns about his seven turnovers in the two games before Indy's bye week. There were questions about his ineffective play late in last week's loss at Kansas City. Some even wondered if the two losses in the past three games may signal a return to his norm after a strong start.
Sure, Jones realizes it's all part of life when you play the sport's most important position.
Yet those past three games also exposed something else — Jones' struggle to deal with an increased pass rush. It's not just a problem for Jones, it's something Indy's offense must fix and fast.
ReadIndianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold thriving ahead of matchup against former team Vikings
Andrew Destin, The Associated Press6 minute readPreviewSeahawks QB Sam Darnold thriving ahead of matchup against former team Vikings
Andrew Destin, The Associated Press6 minute read12:12 PM CSTAside from a four-interception game against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 16, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has picked up right where he left off during a breakout year with the Minnesota Vikings last season.
On Sunday, the Vikings will get their first chance at facing Darnold since letting him leave following the 2024 season.
Darnold, who had a career-high 35 touchdown passes last season, has the fourth-highest completion rate in the league among starters this season.
Darnold has also won over current teammates such as wide receiver Cooper Kupp ahead of the matchup against the Vikings.
ReadMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33), back, and cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson help Packers’ Jordan Love withstand absence of other receivers
Steve Megargee, The Associated Press5 minute readPreviewDontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson help Packers’ Jordan Love withstand absence of other receivers
Steve Megargee, The Associated Press5 minute readUpdated: 12:34 PM CSTGreen Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is thriving even with some of his favorite targets unavailable.
Christian Watson’s reliability and Dontayvion Wicks’ emergence have much to do with that.
Love continued his history of devouring defenses on Thanksgiving Day and kept the Packers in the thick of NFC North title contention by throwing four touchdown passes without an interception in a 31-24 victory that completed their regular-season sweep of the two-time defending division champion Detroit Lions.
The Packers (8-3-1) are a half-game behind the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears, who are playing at Philadelphia on Friday afternoon. The Packers host the Bears on Dec. 7 in their third straight game against a divisional opponent.
ReadGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) and quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Detroit Lions during the second half an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown ruled out for Bills against Steelers
John Wawrow, The Associated Press2 minute readPreviewDion Dawkins and Spencer Brown ruled out for Bills against Steelers
John Wawrow, The Associated Press2 minute readUpdated: 12:39 PM CSTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott ruled out Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown on Friday from playing at Pittsburgh this weekend, leaving Josh Allen without his two primary protectors.
Left tackle Dawkins has not yet cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol. Brown is out with a right shoulder injury that could force him to miss multiple weeks. The right tackle suffered the injury in a 23-19 loss at Houston on Nov. 20.
The Bills (7-4) are coming off an outing in which Allen was sacked a career-high eight times.
The quarterback was also hit 12 times and, during practice Wednesday, wore a protective pad taped to the bottom of his forearm and extending to above his right throwing elbow. Allen, who also complained about his left shoulder going numb against Houston, dismissed questions of being sore and said he's ready to play.
ReadBuffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott responds to a question during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Broncos try to extend their winning streak to 9 games when they face the reeling Commanders
Michael Phillips, The Associated Press5 minute readPreviewBroncos try to extend their winning streak to 9 games when they face the reeling Commanders
Michael Phillips, The Associated Press5 minute readUpdated: 2:04 PM CSTCoach Sean Payton reminded the Denver Broncos this week that only one team in the AFC receives a bye in the playoffs.
“That’s significant,” he said.
The Broncos (9-2), who have won eight games in a row, are a half-game back of the top spot entering Sunday night’s road game against the Washington Commanders (3-8).
“It’s right there in front of us,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said. “The job’s definitely not even close to being finished yet, but we have put ourselves in this spot to obtain it.”
ReadDenver Broncos place kicker Wil Lutz (3) is congratulated by teammate Jarrett Stidham, right, after celebrates making a 35-yard field goal to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Jaguars aim to extend the Titans’ losing streak while chasing Colts in AFC South
Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press5 minute readPreviewJaguars aim to extend the Titans’ losing streak while chasing Colts in AFC South
Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press5 minute read11:12 AM CSTNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Liam Coen started hearing about the Jacksonville- Tennessee rivalry not long after being hired as the Jaguars coach.
Hall of Fame left tackle Tony Boselli, now the Jaguars' executive vice president of football operations, shared some stories.
Coen also heard about the AFC South rivals' battles while coaching at Kentucky, so the first-year coach knows that Sunday's game in Nashville is more than just a divisional game.
“Both teams have probably won games they shouldn’t, and lost games they shouldn’t,” Coen said. “Whatever it is, it’s one of those games that we understand that anything can happen. Any given Sunday anything can happen, but especially in division games where there’s maybe just that little extra want to on both sides.”
ReadJacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence greets a fan as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Banged up Patriots eyeing 10th straight win in Monday night matchup with Giants
Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press6 minute readPreviewBanged up Patriots eyeing 10th straight win in Monday night matchup with Giants
Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press6 minute read10:52 AM CSTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots have the best record in the NFL, haven't lost in two months and have only a matchup with one of the league's worst teams standing between a 10th consecutive win and their bye week.
But that doesn't mean the Patriots (10-2) are taking anything for granted heading into Monday night's game with the New York Giants (2-10).
Part of the reason is that New England will enter the game with two starters missing on an offensive line that has been of the league's durable stable this season. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell left last week's win over Cincinnati with a knee injury that has since landed him on injured reserve. Left guard Jared Wilson will also be out this week with an ankle injury.
The group of Campbell, Wilson, center Garrett Bradbury, right guard Mike Onwenu and right tackle Morgan Moses have started 11 of the first 12 games this season. The lone deviation from that quintet had been in Week 4 when Ben Brown started in place of Wilson, who was inactive with ankle and knee injuries.
ReadNew England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye looks to pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Cardinals and Buccaneers face off with each team trying to stop a 3-game losing streak
Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press5 minute readPreviewCardinals and Buccaneers face off with each team trying to stop a 3-game losing streak
Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press5 minute read10:33 AM CSTTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost three in a row. So have the Arizona Cardinals.
Still, the two teams are going in opposite directions.
The Buccaneers (6-5) lead a weak NFC South, though their grip on first place has loosened quite a bit following three poor defensive efforts against three winning teams.
The Cardinals (3-8) have almost clinched last place in the NFC West after losing eight of nine.
ReadTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks on from the sidelines wearing a sling during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
No denying Baltimore’s offensive issues after the Ravens struggle against a weak Bengals defense
Noah Trister, The Associated Press4 minute readPreviewNo denying Baltimore’s offensive issues after the Ravens struggle against a weak Bengals defense
Noah Trister, The Associated Press4 minute read9:55 AM CSTThe warning signs were there when Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens struggled to move the ball consistently while beating the Browns and Jets.
Now, after they fell flat against a Cincinnati defense that had been atrocious for most of the season, there's no denying the Ravens have a problem.
And Jackson is a significant part of it.
“We have to be better," running back Derrick Henry said after Thursday night's 32-14 loss to the Bengals. “We were not the team we needed to be today to win.”
ReadBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) fumbles the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
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