Virtual Pro Bowl: Game will play out on Madden NFL 21
NEW YORK — The Pro Bowl will play out on the EA Sports Madden NFL 21 video game after the real-life version of football’s all-star game was canceled. The NFL opened monthlong fan voting Tuesday for the first virtual Pro Bowl, which could feature players whose team makes the Super...
Sports game simulator says press pause on Jets going 0-16
NEW YORK — First, the good news for some frustrated New York Jets fans: They might not have to endure the embarrassment of a winless season. Now, the not-so-good news: No 0-16 finish could mean they miss out on being No. 1 in the NFL Draft next April. With Adam...
NFL assembles all-Black officiating crew for 1st time
The NFL will have an all-Black officiating crew for the first time in league history when the Rams play the Buccaneers on Monday night. “This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the...
Cardinals’ stunning Hail Mary: part planned, part All-Pro excellenceVideo
GLENDALE, Ariz. — D.J. Humphries’ stunned expression — mouth hanging open and arms in the air while slowly walking around the field — said it all as Arizona’s left tackle tried to process what he just saw. But here’s the deal about DeAndre Hopkins’ miraculous catch over three defenders on...
With Chubb, Hunt leading way, Browns cutting playoff path
CLEVELAND — The hurricane-like gusts, thunder, lightning, sheets of rain and hail struck first. The Nick Chubb-Kareem Hunt storm followed. In their first game back from the bye on Sunday, the Cleveland Browns may have found the formula to carry them into the NFL playoffs. Hand the ball to Chubb...
Cam Newton helps Patriots beat Ravens in rain and wind
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Cam Newton threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score and the New England Patriots fought through rain and wind to hold off the Baltimore Ravens 23-17 on Sunday night. Damien Harris ran for a career-high 121 yards to help the Patriots (4-5) win consecutive games...
Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt push Browns past Texans in wild weather
CLEVELAND — Nick Chubb returned from a stint on injured reserve and scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter — topping 100 yards rushing along with teammate Kareem Hunt — and the Cleveland Browns pushed through rough weather for a 10-7 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday. Chubb...
NFL Week 10 roundup: Matt Prater’s 59-yard FG lifts Lions to 30-27 win over WashingtonVideo
DETROIT — Matt Prater made a 59-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Detroit Lions to a 30-27 win over Washington on Sunday. Matthew Stafford threw two of his three touchdown passes in the first half and directed the winning drive with just 16 seconds left. Rookie defensive end...
Analysis: Halfway through season, Steelers in lead for awards
Oh, the drama. Each year on Super Bowl Eve, the Associated Press presents its individual awards for the NFL season in a prime-time showcase fitting for the honors. We’re only halfway through the 2020 schedule, impacted of course by the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s worthwhile to take a look at...
Stefon Diggs, DeAndre Hopkins turn Bills-Cardinals into must-see TV
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Buffalo’s Stefon Diggs and Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins are two receivers who have flourished in their new homes after being traded to their respective teams just hours apart in March. They’ve also helped turned their teams into some of the most exciting in the NFL. Now the Bills...
Browns place Chris Hubbard on covid list, game against Texans on
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns came back from their bye week healthier than they’ve been in a month only to have an unexpected scare. Two days before facing Houston, Cleveland placed offensive lineman Chris Hubbard on the covid-19 list after shutting down its facility and delaying practice Friday to do...
Hall of Fame running back, Packers great Paul Hornung dies at 84Video
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Paul Hornung, the dazzling “Golden Boy” of the Green Bay Packers whose singular ability to generate points as a runner, receiver, quarterback and kicker helped turn the team into an NFL dynasty, died Friday. He was 84. Hornung’s family confirmed his death to the Louisville Sports Commission...
Another Baltimore Ravens player tests positive for virus
The Baltimore Ravens say a player has tested positive for the coronavirus. The team says the player — whose name was not released — immediately began to self-quarantine. The organization is now in the NFL’s intensive protocol. The Ravens say there were no high-risk contacts, and no other player or...
Bengals claim DE Takk McKinley off waivers from Falcons
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday bolstered their defensive front by claiming defensive end Takk McKinley off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. McKinley, a fourth-year player out of UCLA, was a first-round draft pick of the Falcons in 2017. He has played in 49 games with 171/2 sacks. The...
Baker Mayfield practices with Browns after stay on covid-19 list
CLEVELAND — Baker Mayfield’s unexpectedly extended bye week is finally over. The Cleveland Browns quarterback returned Wednesday feeling refreshed and somewhat relieved following a midseason break that ended with him on the covid-19 list. Mayfield was activated and practiced as the Browns (5-3) continued preparing to host the Houston Texans...
NFL approves proposals for minority hires, covid-19 playoff contingency planVideo
NFL owners approved a proposal that will reward organizations for developing minority coaches and front office executives who become head coaches, general managers or team presidents for other clubs. Also, the league’s owners unanimously approved a contingency plan to expand the playoff field to 16 teams if meaningful games are...
Analysis: AFC features plenty of star power even without Tom BradyVideo
The AFC doesn’t lack for drama or star power even though Tom Brady has taken his talents to Davis Beach. The six-time champion with New England is tearing up the NFC at age 43, although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ new (old) quarterback is realizing Drew Brees is every bit the...
Patriots squeak past Jets to end 4-game skid
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Nick Folk kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired, and Cam Newton and the New England Patriots rallied to beat the winless New York Jets 30-27 on Monday night to end a four-game losing streak. Newton had two touchdown runs, with the second tying it...
Ravens enter 2nd half of season striving for consistency on offenseVideo
The Baltimore Ravens reached the midpoint of the NFL season with the same record they had last year, though that might be the only comparison between this team and the record-breaking squad of 2019. A year ago, the Ravens strolled through the second half unbeaten to finish an NFL-best 14-2....
Kevin Stefanski steady in 1st season, has Browns in playoff huntVideo
CLEVELAND — Kevin Stefanski came to Cleveland armed with a coaching plan drawn up over 14 seasons cutting his teeth as an assistant with Minnesota. With the Browns, he barely has been able to follow it. Forced to adjust, adapt and in his words “pivot” almost daily around the covid-19...
Carolina lists Christian McCaffrey as day-to-day with shoulder injuryVideo
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers coach Matt Rhule said running back Christian McCaffrey is “day-to-day” with a shoulder injury he suffered in the closing seconds of Carolina’s 33-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rhule would not say if McCaffrey already had an MRI or an X-ray, adding he should know...
Browns RB Nick Chubb back after injuring knee, missing 4 gamesVideo
BEREA, Ohio — Browns running back Nick Chubb was designated to return from injured reserve and is expected to practice after missing four games with a sprained knee. Chubb sprained a medial collateral ligament in the first quarter of Cleveland’s Oct. 4 win at Dallas. He is slotted to work...
Brees throws 4 TD passes, Saints rout Brady, Buccaneers 38-3
TAMPA, Fla. — Drew Brees vs. Tom Brady, and the battle for supremacy of the NFC South, was a one-sided affair. Brees threw for 222 yards and four touchdowns, regaining the NFL career TD pass lead and lifting the New Orleans Saints into first place with a 38-3 rout of...
Browns put quarterback Baker Mayfield on covid-19 list
The Browns placed quarterback Baker Mayfield on the reserve/covid-19 list Sunday. Mayfield went on the list because he is considered a close contact of a staff member who tested positive for the virus Saturday. The Browns did not disclose the identity of the staff member, but a person familiar with...
NFL Week 9 roundup: Chiefs escape with win when Panthers field goal is wide rightVideo
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes threw for 372 yards and four touchdowns, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill each went over 100 yards receiving, and the Kansas City Chiefs held on to beat Carolina 33-31 on Sunday when Panthers kicker Joey Slye missed a 67-yard field-goal attempt wide right on...
