NFL Announces 2008 Draft Order

The NFL has announced the order to the 2008 NFL Draft. Some spots still need to be determined by either a coin flip or playoffs:

#-Subject to coin flip. Atlanta and Oakland will flip a coin at the Combine in February. If Atlanta wins the toss, they will choose 3rd, Oakland 4th and Kansas City 5th. If Oakland wins the toss, they will choose 3rd and Atlanta and Kansas City will flip another coin to determine who chooses 4th and 5th.

*-Subject to playoffs. If Tampa Bay and Washington lose this weekend, Dallas, who holds Cleveland's 1st round pick in 2008, will be locked into the 22nd pick.

1. Miami Dolphins
2. St. Louis Rams
3. Atlanta Falcons#
4. Oakland Raiders#
5. Kansas City Chiefs#
6. New York Jets
7. New England Patriots (from San Francisco)
8. Baltimore Ravens
9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. New Orleans Saints
11. Buffalo Bills
12. Denver Broncos
13. Carolina Panthers
14. Chicago Bears
15. Detroit Lions
16. Arizona Cardinals
17. Minnesota Vikings
18. Houston Texans
19. Philadelphia Eagles
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*
21. Washington Redskins*
22. Dallas Cowboys* (from Cleveland)
23. Seattle Seahawks*
24. Pittsburgh Steelers*
25. Tennessee Titans*
26. New York Giants*
27. San Diego Chargers*
28. Jacksonville Jaguars*
29. Green Bay Packers*
30. Dallas Cowboys*
31. Indianapolis Colts*

The New England Patriots would have the 32nd pick, but they've had to forfeit that selection.

Ravens Fire Billick

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Baltimore Ravens have fired Brian Billick, less than a month after he was reassured that he would return as the head coach.

Billick has become the first head coach fired this off-season.

Parcells Fires Mueller

According to the Miami Herald, Miami Dolphins VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells swung by general manager Randy Mueller's office to wish him a "Happy New Year" and to let him know that he's been fired.

From the article: "Parcells entered Mueller's office Monday morning and advised him that he had been dismissed. Mueller has since left the Dolphin's training facility."

And "Black Monday" begins.

Titans Squeeze Browns Out of Playoffs

As much as the Cleveland Browns may have deserved to make the playoffs, the painful truth is they won't be. Their playoffs hopes were dashed when Kerry Collins (yes, that Kerry Collins) led the Tennessee Titans on a pair of drives that ended in Rob Bironas field goals which gave the Titans a 16-10 win over the Jim Sorgi-led Indianapolis Colts in the RCA Dome last night. (Honest, John Madden was there and everything.)

With the Colts expected to rest many of their key players, the game was actually much closer than originally expected. Even late into the 4th quarter, Browns defensive end Willie McGinest was glued to his seat while sending text messages to NBC's Andrea Kremer. Her report was a slightly disturbing tidbit of information that I probably wouldn't have believed had Kremer not provided indisputable proof by holding up her cell phone while reporting it. How do you refute that??

The Browns playoff fate was sealed when Colts wide receiver Devin Aromashodu couldn't haul in a Sorgi pass on a 4th and 5 play with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game. And no, when you turn the calendar over tomorrow, it won't start with September.

NFL News and Notes

John Tomase of the Boston Herald (and possibly Blues Traveler) compares the '72 Dolphins to the '07 Patriots.

Octogenarian Marv Levy is stepping down as Buffalo Bills general manager.

The New York Jets overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs dropped them from 3rd to 6th in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron kicked defensive tackle Keith Traylor off the team last week.

To Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, yesterday's loss to the Baltimore Steelers proves that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the team's Most Valuable Player.

10 wins wasn't enough for the Cleveland Browns.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wasn't in the mood to talk about the changes that are coming in the Queen City this off-season.

Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden says "there's still a chance" that he'll come back for a 13th season.

The Indianapolis Colts made sure wide receiver Reggie Wayne won the NFL's receiving yards title.

On a day when the Jacksonville Jaguars rested their key players, former 1st round pick Matt Jones had a huge day.

Houston Texans wide receiver/kick returner Andre Davis picked a good game to return two kicks for touchdowns.

The San Diego Chargers are entering the playoffs on a hot streak.

Denver Broncos safety John Lynch has a tough decision to make.

Both Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards will be back with the Kansas City Chiefs next season.

Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin has already made changes to his staff.

The Dallas Cowboys will enter the playoffs with zero momentum.

The injuries to New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara and linebacker Kawika Mitchell aren't considered serious.

The Washington Redskins get a second shot at the Seattle Seahawks in the post-season.

To John Smallwood of the Philadelphia Daily News, the Philadelphia Eagles need an upgrade, not a tweak.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy handled the season finale perfectly.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson thinks he should be the starter in 2008.

Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press thinks the Detroit Lions need to blow it up and start over.

Bernard Berrian, Lance Briggs, Rex Grossman and Brandon Ayanbadejo are the Chicago Bears that are heading towards unrestricted free agency.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Arron Sears suffered an ankle injury yesterday.

New Orleans Saints undrafted rookie running back Pierre Thomas had a career day.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde took his final snap in the NFL.

The Atlanta Falcons will have the 3rd overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck says his injured right wrist is ok and he doesn't expect to miss any practice time.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt offered some insight on who the starting quarterback will be in 2008. (Hint: He's left-handed)

San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Bryant Young suffered a stinger in the final game of his 14-year career.

Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that VP of Player Personnel Tony Softli shouldn't be the scapegoat for what went wrong with the St. Louis Rams.

2008 NFL Playoff Schedule (Full Schedule)

Here's the full 2008 NFL Playoff Schedule:

Saturday, January 5th, 2008

Washington at Seattle (430pm, NBC)
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh (8pm, NBC)

Sunday, January 6th, 2008

NY Giants at Tampa Bay (1pm, FOX)
Tennessee at San Diego (430pm, CBS)

Saturday, January 12th, 2008

Green Bay will host either Seattle, Tampa Bay or the New York Giants (430pm, FOX)
New England will host either Pittsburgh, Jacksonville or Tennessee (8pm, CBS)

Sunday, January 13th, 2008

Indianapolis will host either San Diego, Pittsburgh or Jacksonville (1pm, CBS)
Dallas will host either Tampa Bay, New York Giants or Washington (430pm, FOX)

Sunday, January 20th, 2008

AFC Championship Game (3pm, CBS)
NFC Championship Game (630pm, FOX)

2008 NFL Playoff Matchups Are Set (Updated)

We already know the seeding:

AFC

1. New England (16-0)
2. Indianapolis (13-2)
3. San Diego (11-5)
4. Pittsburgh (10-6)
5. Jacksonville (11-5)
6. Tennessee/Cleveland

NFC

1. Dallas (13-3)
2. Green Bay (13-3)
3. Seattle (10-6)
4. Tampa Bay (9-7)
5. NY Giants (10-6)
6. Washington (9-7)

With the bye weeks going to New England and Indianapolis in the AFC, and Dallas and Green Bay in the NFC, the match-ups next weekend look like this:

Saturday, January 5th, 2008

430pm - Washington at Seattle (NBC)
8pm - Jacksonville at Pittsburgh (NBC)

Sunday, January 6th, 2008

1pm - NY Giants at Tampa Bay (FOX)
430pm - Tennessee/Cleveland at San Diego (CBS)

Week 17 GameDay Inactives

The Week 17 inactive lists are out and there are some familiar names on playoff-bound teams sitting out today's action:

Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, RB Fred Taylor, MLB Mike Peterson, and CB Rashean Mathis.

Green Bay Packers: WR Greg Jennings, WR Donald Driver and CB Charles Woodson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Jeff Garcia, RB Earnest Graham, SS Jermaine Phillips, MLB Barrett Ruud and WR Joey Galloway.

Seattle Seahawks: LT Walter Jones, WR Deion Branch, DT Rocky Bernard and LB Niko Koutouvides.

Also, Reggie Bush will not play in the Saints must-win game at Chicago.

Wilfork to be Fined

ESPN's Chris Mortensen just reported on Sunday NFL Countdown that the NFL is expected to fine Vince Wilfork for poking New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs. Mortensen added that a suspension hasn't been ruled out, but because Jacobs was not injured on the play, it appears unlikely that the NFL will go in that direction.

The way I see it, there are three reasons for Wilfork to have his hand inside Jacob's facemask after the whistle.

a. To poke Jacobs in the forehead.

b. To poke Jacobs in the eye.

c. To pick Jacobs' nose.

The first one is unlikely since you could just do that outside of the helmet, and visual evidence on the Internets suggest that Wilfork rarely misses a targeted nose, so the answer is clearly "b".

In which case, Wilfork definitely deserves to be fined, and the reputation that he is not a dirty player. Many were willing to give him the free pass following the Randy "Macho Man" Savage-like elbow dive he landed on JP Losman's prone left knee back in September, but not anymore.

NFL News and Notes - December 30th, 2007

The last week of the NFL season is here, and I always find it to be a bit sad. No more Sunday afternoons of frantically changing channels to avoid punts (unless Devin Hester is involved), commercials and of course, the 2007 Miami Dolphins.

It's been a fun year, but really, the season is just beginning.

Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe calls the New England Patriots "Bill Belichick's History Boys", perhaps testing out potential book titles. Members of the '72 Miami Dolphins acknowledged New England's accomplishment.

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Trent Edwards was a polarizing figure for players, fans and media.

Newsday's Tom Rock has an interesting suggestion for New York Jets fans watching today's game.

This will be the third time Bill Parcells has had the #1 overall pick in his first season with a new team.

If Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette can find someone in the Steelers locker room who'll tell him he wants a break, Steelers guard Alan Faneca wants to know about it.

Most of the Cleveland Browns realize they created the situation they're in.

The Cincinnati Bengals front office doesn't think the team is far from being serious contenders.

The Baltimore Ravens plan to go out fighting.

Tonight will be Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jim Sorgi's night to shine.

Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Stockar McDougle was arrested on Friday.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young has fared well on national television.

Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle is sick and tired of how low the bar is set in Houston.

In addition to winning a second straight rushing title, today San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson can become the first player since Barry Sanders in 1994 to have 300+ touches in a season and zero fumbles.

If Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith's career is over, as it appears to be, he can live with it.

Next year's Kansas City Chiefs roster will look more like a Herm Edwards-led team.

Oakland Raiders rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell impressed Chargers head coach Norv Turner.

Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News writes that none of the individual or club records will matter if the Dallas Cowboys don't stay healthy.

New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara will have an MRI today on his sprained knee.

2007 feels a bit like 2005 to the Washington Redskins.

Philadelphia Eagles long-snapper Jon Dorenbos signed a 5-year contract extension.

Green Bay Packers general manager is focused on making sure the Packers can make runs like this on an annual basis.

Hall of Fame Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant thinks fans need to give current Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson more time.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz will be fired after today's game.

A painful Chicago Bears season comes to end.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line has exceeded expectations.

Who would've guessed today's New Orleans Saints-Chicago Bears would be so meaningless?

Pat Yasinskas of the Charlotte Observer has some suggestions for how the Carolina Panthers can improve this off-season.

When the Atlanta Falcons season ends, no one's job is safe.

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane has been the team's top rookie.

The Arizona Cardinals are looking to finish .500.

From a talent evaluation standpoint, San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan and VP of Player Personnel Scot McCloughan did pretty well this year.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt wants to get the sour taste out of his mouth with a win today.

Patriots Achieve Perfection

The New England Patriots survived a scare on Saturday night, but with their 38-35 win over the New York Giants, the Patriots have become the first team in modern NFL history to go 16-0 in the regular season.

Along the way, the Patriots set some new NFL records:

- The Patriots have set a new mark for points scored in an NFL regular season. (589)

- Tom Brady has set the NFL record for touchdown passes in a single season. (50)

- Randy Moss has set the NFL record for touchdown receptions in a single season. (23)

The latter of which will garner the most scrutiny, because what Moss had accomplished in 16 games in 2007, Jerry Rice did in 12 games in 1987. While I'm not the sort of guy who affixes asterisks to records, it warrants mentioning because Rice would've put up 25+ touchdowns had 1 game not been canceled and three games weren't lost to the player's strike in '87.

Patriots Pursue Perfection

In case you haven't heard, tonight is the night we get to witness the New England Patriots' "Pursuit of Perfection". I think I speak for everyone when I say "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! It's finally here!", right?

The Boston Globe's Bob Ryan takes a look at New England's 15 wins that led to tonight. Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi acknowledges that going undefeated is in the back of their minds.

NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice deservedly took some heat for his comments regarding Randy Moss breaking his single-season touchdown record, but you know what, I get the gist of what he's saying.

While the NFL shouldn't differentiate between the two seasons as far as the record goes, I think that if Moss breaks the record, there would (and should) be a "yeah, but" reminder that the circumstances surrounding Rice's accomplishment made it a more impressive feat.

Nick Buoniconti, a captain on the '72 Miami Dolphins, isn't planning on watching tonight's game.

That's an indicator of how much confidence people have in the New York Giants heading into tonight, but the Giants aren't going to lay down for the Patriots. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin has a history of trying to win meaningless games.

Mac's Prediction: Patriots 34, New York Giants 17

NFL News and Notes

Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner will be a game-time decision on Sunday.

New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini is happy with his team's focus.

The addition of Bill Parcells has everyone on the Miami Dolphins uncertain of their future with the team.

Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Max Starks will start at left tackle for a few weeks.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Kamerion Wimbley plans to work on his pass-rushing skills in the off-season.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson won't play in the season finale.

The Baltimore Ravens won't be raising ticket prices next season.

The Indianapolis Colts have made Bob Sanders the highest paid safety in the history of the NFL.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Chad Owens was added to the active roster on Friday.

If Tennessee Titans running back LenDale White gains 135 yards on Sunday night, he'll get some free off-season travel courtesy of teammate Keith Bulluck.

A month of rest should allow Houston Texans linebacker Demeco Ryans to start in the Pro Bowl.

San Diego's trade for wide receiver Chris Chambers during the season has worked out well.

The Denver Broncos have added punter Sam Paulescu for the season finale.

Several Kansas City Chiefs quietly celebrated that Friday was their final practice of their season.

The Oakland Raiders have a history of getting torched by LaDainian Tomlinson.

Several Dallas Cowboys assistant coaches could spend the bye week interviewing for head coaching vacancies.

Washington Redskins quarterback Todd Collins may have earned a new contract after the season.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end LJ Smith and defensive end Jevon Kearse will likely clean out their lockers for good on Monday.

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson is pleased with the team's '07 draft class.

The Minnesota Vikings haven't won a December road game this century where the temperature was below 50 degrees.

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Calvin Johnson didn't meet high expectations.

Chicago Bears tackle Fred Miller knows he likely won't be in a Bears uniform next season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight ends coach Bob Casullo would be very surprised if tight end Jerramy Stevens has another brush with the law.

Verbal and even physical abuse last year means fewer New Orleans Saints fans are making a return trip to Chicago this week.

Carolina Panthers safety Chris Harris could miss the season finale.

Sunday's Seahawks-Falcons game will also serve as a family reunion for the Babineaux family.

Seattle Seahawks left tackle Walter Jones might sit out the season finale.

Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson feels like he should be paid like the best safety in the NFC.

It turns out San Francisco 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill didn't have back spasms. He had fractured the transverse processes in three vertebrae in his lower back.

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt plans on playing in the Pro Bowl.

Mac's Picks - NFL Week 17

In 2005, I was 11 games over the 128-win mark that’s needed to finish .500. Last year, I fell 8 wins short of that goal. This week, I’d need to go 15-1 to finish .500.

Quite frankly, there’s a better chance that Stephen A. Smith will gently whisper that he reads (and loves) my blog than there is of me going 15-1 with these picks this week. After all, if I were really an “expert” at this sort of thing, I’d be a Tom Vu-like character pitching my prognosticating skills while surrounded by a bevy of unattainable women on some ostentatious yacht on late-night cable. At the very least, I’d have a 1-800 number or an ad in the back of SportsWeekly.

But, as my 113-121-6 record heading into this week attests, I’m not an expert at this so I don’t have a lot of those things.

Except for the bevy of unattainable women. What can I say? Chicks dig me.

Last week: 6-10
2007 Season: 113-121-6

New England (-13 ½) at NY Giants – With the way the NFL is celebrating what the Patriots are about to do, it’s safe to assume that January is pretty much going to be a coronation, isn’t it? Pick: Patriots -13 ½

San Francisco at Cleveland (-10 ½) – The good news for Cleveland Browns fans: Chris Weinke could get the start at quarterback for the 49ers. The bad news, obviously, is that you could win 100-0 and still not make the playoffs. Pick: Browns -10 ½

Detroit at Green Bay (-3 ½) – Because they won’t be making the post-season, and this is the final “picks” column of the regular season, this is the last chance I’ll have to mention that one incredibly smart and handsome individual sort of called the collapse of the Detroit Lions in the beginning of November. Pick: Lions +3 ½

New Orleans (-2 ½) at Chicago – Again, how costly was that botched end-around call at the end of the Buccaneers game a month ago? In terms of being in control of their own playoff destiny this week, it’s the difference between the Saints being in the driver’s seat versus being in the trunk. Pick: Saints -2 ½

Pittsburgh (-3 ½) at Baltimore – Good news for Baltimoreans who wish to see their city continually portrayed in a negative light after the NFL season ends: The final season of “The Wire” kicks off on January 6^th at 9pm EST on HBO. Pick: Steelers -3 ½

Seattle at Atlanta (-2 ½) – Jim Mora and Patrick Kerney’s “homecoming” will be blacked out locally, sparing the locals from seeing their team lose to what by the 4^th quarter will be the Seattle Seahawks’ jayvee squad. Pick: Seahawks +2 ½

Jacksonville at Houston (-6 ½) – Still don’t think the AFC South is the best division in football? The Houston Texans are 7-8 and will likely need the Jaguars to sit their key players this weekend to avoid going winless in divisional play. Pick: Texans -6 ½

Dallas at Washington (-8 ½) – No Romo and no Owens means there’s no chance Dallas wins and Washington gets to go to Seattle next weekend.

Sad, but true story: The waiter in the very first restaurant I ever ate at in Seattle told me that he liked the Redskins when he was growing up because he thought they played in Washington state. Pick: Redskins -8 ½

Carolina (-2 ½) at Tampa Bay – Carolina plays well on the road and should be able to stay within 2 ½ points of a Buccaneers team that is sitting key players and running a vanilla offense and defense. Pick: Panthers +2 ½

Buffalo at Philadelphia (-7 ½) – Could this be the final game of the Donovan McNabb Era in the City of Brotherly Love? Pick: Eagles -7 ½

Cincinnati (-3) at Miami – Levi Jones and Joey Porter will be in the same building on Sunday, which may explain why CBS has added Larry Merchant and Howard Lederman to their broadcast team. Pick: Bengals -3

St. Louis at Arizona (-6 ½) – Don’t tell Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner this game is meaningless. A good performance this week could net him $1.5 million dollars in bonus money. Pick: Cardinals -6 ½

San Diego (-7 ½) at Oakland – #1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell making his 1^st NFL start against a playoff-bound San Diego Chargers is actually a smart move by Lane Kiffin. Russell is the future of the franchise, and it’s good for him to get some experience against a defense as good as San Diego’s in a game that actually means something to the AFC playoff picture. Pick: Chargers -7 ½

Minnesota (-3) at Denver – Sorry, but after last week, I just don’t trust the Minnesota Vikings (ok, Tarvaris Jackson) to play well enough to win a road game. Pick: Broncos +3

Kansas City at NY Jets (-5 ½) – Aside from Herm Edwards’ “homecoming”, is there anything remotely interesting about this game? Pick: Jets -5 ½

Tennessee (-6) at Indianapolis – Sorry Cleveland. Pick: Titans -6

NFL News and Notes - December 28th, 2007

Just the links today.

New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi says of Bill Belichick: "...he has coached us harder this year than he has ever done in previous years."

The core of the Buffalo Bills special teams unit could be playing its last game together.

New York Jets wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery is conflicted about his career season.

Miami Dolphins VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells detailed his job description.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won't play this Sunday.

Clevelanders will be rooting hard for the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday night.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson calls this season "ridiculously disappointing".

Baltimore Ravens fans are selling their tickets to Steelers fans.

Indianapolis Colts undrafted rookie free agent defensive tackle Ed Johnson received a local media award for being the Colts' player who exceeds expectations.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Reggie Hayward doesn't want to rest this weekend.

Tennessee Titans guard Benji Olson is contemplating retirement.

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is amazed left tackle Ephrain Salaam has played every week this season.

San Diego Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal could be ready for the playoffs.

The Denver Broncos punter auditions were put on hold due to a snowstorm.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle feels he has a lot to prove.

Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp's wallet is $75,000 lighter this morning.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton got a 4-year contract extension yesterday.

The New York Giants defense is eager to face the Patriots offense.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis was named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week.

Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News writes that the end of this Philadelphia Eagles feels much different than in it has in previous years.

Long runs by Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant mask the team's flaws in the ground game.

Needing a win to make the playoffs, the Minnesota Vikings won't stray from the running game.

The Detroit Lions have lost 15 straight games in Wisconsin.

Half of the Chicago Bears starters are heading towards some form of free agency this off-season.

The backups in Tampa Bay feel that they'll benefit from the increased playing time they'll get in the season finale.

New Orleans Saints running backs Aaron Stecker and Reggie Bush were held out of practice again on Thursday.

Carolina Panthers rookie center Ryan Kalil will start his 1st NFL game against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Mike Singletary is reportedly interested in the head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons.

Seattle Seahawks secondary coach Jim Mora has no hard feelings towards Arthur Blank.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner could pocket $1.5 million in bonuses with a good performance on Sunday.

Who starts at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers will be a game-time decision.

A pair of extra points on Sunday will put St. Louis Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins into the record books.

Should Playoff Teams Rest Players Heading Into the Playoffs?

If you're the head coach of a playoff-bound team, and you've got one more regular season game to play, do you sit your starters to make sure they're available for the playoffs or do you throw caution to the wind and treat that game like it's any other?

The Pittsburgh Steelers could conceivably improve their playoff positioning with a win and a Chargers loss on Sunday, but it's unknown how Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is going to handle this week's game.

The New York Giants have nothing to play for this weekend, except maybe for pride now that they'll be facing the undefeated New England Patriots in front of an unprecedented television audience, yet the Giants are going to "play to win the game".

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio, whose team has nothing to play for this week, spent his Wednesday dodging this issue.

Jon Gruden got his start in the NFL working on Mike Holmgren's staff in Green Bay, but they're split on how best to handle games like this.

Holmgren wants his Seattle Seahawks team to enter the playoffs with some momentum, so that's how they'll be approaching this week's season finale in Atlanta. Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, several key Buccaneers have been told they can use this week to prepare for the post-season.

Which is the best approach? Who knows.

About the only thing that can be said with any certainty is that no matter how much guys like Tom Coughlin and Mike Holmgren say they're going all-out to win this week, they're paid to win playoff games. The first sign of anyone limping will prompt them to pull as many key players from the game as possible.

NFL News and Notes

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terry Glenn is expected to make his 2007 debut on Sunday.

Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Santana Moss are trying hard to achieve a goal they set in the wake of teammate Sean Taylor's death.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will be linked to all QB-starved franchises this off-season.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy would like to settle the revolving door at the guard positions.

With the playoffs at stake, several banged up Minnesota Vikings want to play to help their team.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna hopes offensive coordinator Mike Martz returns in 2008.

Chicago Bears punter Brad Maynard was named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week.

With running backs Aaron Stecker and Reggie Bush nursing injuries, the New Orleans Saints have added a pair of running backs this week.

Keeping tackle Jordan Gross off the free agent market is a high priority for the Carolina Panthers.

Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn isn't going to retire after a "miserable" season like this.

The Arizona Cardinals are 3rd in the NFL when it comes to scoring touchdowns inside the red zone.

Just when you thought the San Francisco 49ers offense couldn't get any worse, here comes Chris Weinke.

St. Louis Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon was named the team's MVP by his teammates.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady acknowledged this historical implications of Saturday night's game.

Young quarterbacks and a lack of weapons are two of the reasons why the Buffalo Bills passing offense ranks near the bottom in the NFL.

New York Jets punter Ben Graham was stunned by his benching.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor said some goodbyes just in case Sunday is his last day in south Florida.

Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel doesn't plan on using rookie quarterback Brady Quinn in Sunday's game.

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun believes that the Baltimore Ravens need left tackle Jonathan Ogden to return for another season.

With the teams meeting this Sunday, all parties are downplaying the off-season fight between Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter and Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Levi Jones.

Could Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders be the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year?

Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae appeared to aggravate an injury during practice on Wednesday.

The Houston Texans rookies are looking towards the off-season.

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers doesn't understand why the Denver Broncos got so upset about his trash-talking on Monday night.

Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam may pull double-duty on Sunday.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was placed on injured reserve.

Oakland Raiders rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell is preparing to make his 1st start in the NFL.

NFL Network, CBS and NBC To Simulcast Patriots-Giants Game

The NFL has announced that the NFL Network, CBS and NBC will simulcast Saturday night's New England Patriots-New York Giants game.

“We have taken this extraordinary step because it is in the best interest of our fans,” Commissioner Goodell said. “What we have seen for the past year is a very strong consumer demand for NFL Network. We appreciate CBS and NBC delivering the NFL Network telecast on Saturday night to the broad audience that deserves to see this potentially historic game. Our commitment to the NFL Network is stronger than ever.”

Smart, clever move by Commissioner Goodell. He comes off as the good guy in the "NFL Network vs. Holdout Cable Companies" debate, as well as exposes his sports league to the widest audience possible.

It's just too bad that, with the Giants having nothing to play for, the game will likely feel like a pre-season game.

2008 NFL Playoff Picture - Updated with Scenarios

2008 NFL Playoff Picture with Scenarios (as of 12/26/2007 - 335pm)

AFC

#1 - New England (15-0)
#2 - Indianapolis (13-2)
#3 - San Diego (10-5)
#4 - Pittsburgh (10-5)
#5 - Jacksonville (11-4)
#6 - Cleveland (9-6)

New England has clinched the #1-seed in the AFC and will have home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Indianapolis has clinched the #2-seed in the AFC.

San Diego would clinch the #3-seed in the AFC with a win on Sunday over Oakland OR if Pittsburgh loses to Baltimore.

Pittsburgh would clinch the #3-seed in the AFC with a win on Sunday over Baltimore AND if San Diego loses to Oakland.

Jacksonville has clinched the #5-seed in the AFC and will travel to either Pittsburgh or San Diego on Wild Card Weekend.

Tennessee would clinch the #6-seed in the AFC with a win on Sunday over Indianapolis.

Cleveland would clinch the #6-seed in the AFC with a Tennessee loss on Sunday night.

Buffalo, Houston, Denver, Cincinnati, Oakland, Baltimore, Kansas City, New York and Miami have been eliminated from the playoffs.

NFC

#1 - Dallas (13-2)
#2 - Green Bay (12-3)
#3 - Seattle (10-5)
#4 - Tampa Bay (9-6)
#5 - New York Giants (10-5)
#6 - Washington (8-7)

Dallas has clinched the #1-seed in the NFC and will have home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Green Bay has clinched the #2-seed in the NFC.

Seattle has clinched the #3-seed in the NFC and will host either Washington, Minnesota or New Orleans on Wild Card Weekend.

Tampa Bay has clinched the #4-seed in the NFC and will host the New York Giants on Wild Card Weekend.

New York has clinched the #5-seed in the NFC and will travel to Tampa Bay on Wild Card Weekend.

Washington (8-7) currently holds the "head-to-head" tiebreaker over Minnesota and would clinch the #6-seed in the NFC playoffs with a win on Sunday over Dallas OR if both Minnesota and New Orleans lose.

Minnesota (8-7) would clinch the #6-seed in the NFC playoffs with a win on Sunday over Denver AND a Washington loss to Dallas.

New Orleans (7-8) would clinch the #6-seed in the NFC playoffs with a win on Sunday over Chicago AND losses by both Washington and Minnesota. In this scenario, New Orleans would hold the "Conference Record" tiebreaker.

Philadelphia, Arizona, Detroit, Carolina, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta and St. Louis have been eliminated from playoff contention.

NFL News and Notes - December 26th, 2007

If you're not out battling the early-morning sales at the mall, here are some links from around the NFL to help you look busy in the office today.

As Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe notes, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has turned to the backups early in season finales.

The Buffalo Bills defense hasn't tackled very well.

How will the Meadowlands crowd react when Herm Edwards comes back to town?

Miami Dolphins rookie center Samson Satele has made the biggest impact of the Dolphins Class of 2007.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will host a competition for the 3rd down running back role this week.

Cleveland Browns tight end Darnell Dinkins wouldn't be in the NFL if it weren't for NFL Europe.

You know it's the day after a major holiday when the Cincinnati Enquirer prints a Q&A with the Cincinnati Bengals equipment manager.

The Baltimore Ravens do what they can to help their players eat healthy away from the team's facility.

Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday is the brains of the team's offensive line.

Get to know Jacksonville Jaguars fullback Greg Jones.

The Houston Texans could go winless within the division this season.

The San Diego Chargers want the #3 seed.

The "Chicago Collapse" ruined the Denver Broncos season.

Linebacker Kendrell Bell is one of the worst free-agent signings in Kansas City Chiefs history.

Will former Oakland Raiders punter Ray Guy make the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Jennifer Floyd Engel of the Star-Telegram wonders if this is a bad time to point out that Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has never won a playoff game?

Newsday's Bob Glauber thinks the New York Giants need to hold their key players out of Saturday's night game against New England.

Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs has a timeless style, according to David Elfin of the Washington Times.

The Philadelphia Eagles aren't very good at home.

Green Bay Packers tight end Bubba Franks says he's close to 100%.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress knows his players are going to keep an eye on the out-of-town scoreboard on Sunday.

For the second consecutive off-season, Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones will face a long rehab.

Despite having two years left on his contract, Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune thinks the Chicago Bears should show return man Devin Hester the money.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Jerramy Stevens is making his presence known.

Carolina Panthers rookie Ryne Robinson models himself after teammate Steve Smith.

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer thinks he's earned consideration for a head coaching job.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney has a great deal of respect for his former employer.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt did alter the offense to mesh with what quarterback Kurt Warner does best.

Even with more federal cash to clean up a former Navy shipyard, which is also a proposed site for a new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers, the team's co-owner John York doubts that land is a viable option for a new stadium by 2012.

Like most St. Louis Rams, cornerback Tye Hill has had a forgettable season.

Browns Squander Opportunity to Clinch Playoff Spot

Kellen Winslow stands 6-4 and weighs 250 pounds. His father is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He's big, he's fast, he has solid hands. After two seasons squandered by injury and stupidity, Winslow will likely produce back-to-back 80-catch seasons.

Yes, it's true that Winslow's football skills, background and production can be eye-popping. Then he opens his mouth and your eyes can't help but begin to roll.

The ridiculous "I'm a (bleepin') soldier" rant from his days at the "U" is one thing. That was a 20-year old kid talking just after a football game, so the combination of testosterone, leftover adrenaline and the brashness of youth is totally forgivable. And you can buy that a 22-year old athlete didn't understand that he was putting his career in jeopardy after tearing his ACL while messing around on a motorcycle.

However, you would expect a 4th-year pro, who has been through those PR gaffes, to be savvy enough to not say that his team deserves the final playoff spot in the AFC immediately after his team just squandered an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot.

"We deserve to be in the playoffs," said Winslow. "We think we're the better team, if we were to go against Tennessee. We have a lot to prove, and we deserve it."

Wrong, Kellen. Your team had a golden opportunity to not only clinch a playoff spot, but to remain in the driver's seat in the AFC North. That's no longer the case.

Now Cleveland is at the mercy of the Tennessee Titans. No matter how badly the Browns defeat the San Francisco 49ers at home next Sunday, they'll still have to wait to see how the Tennessee Titans do against an Indianapolis Colts team that is going to have their key players in baseball hats by halftime. If Tennessee wins, Cleveland's season is done.

NFL News and Notes

The New England Patriots used a vanilla approach to get to 15-0, possibly by design.

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Marshawn Lynch topped 1,000 yards on Sunday.

Yesterday may have been the last time quarterback Chad Pennington starts for the New York Jets.

Ethan Skolnick writes that Miami Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon won't be a part of the QB equation next season.

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