NFL News and Notes - November 22nd, 2008

Here's your daily spin around the NFL:

AFC News and Notes

New England Patriots center Dan Koppen is reliable, knowledgeable and indispensable, writes Michael Vega. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would like to improve the camera angles on replay challenges.

Buffalo Bills guard Derrick Dockery is working overtime.

For many Miami Dolphins, tomorrow's big game against New England is a rarity, writes Harvey Fialkov. Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano could be in for a big game against the Patriots.

New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini would be comfortable with Ty Law starting at cornerback. Jets rookie quarterback Erik Ainge was suspended four games for violating the league's steroid policy.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is focused on the big picture. Bengals cornerback Jonathan Joseph was the 13th Bengal to land on injured reserve.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth thinks the Browns season would've been different had he stayed healthy. The Browns hope to repeat last year's success against Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Veteran Baltimore Ravens defensive backs Jim Leonhard, Fabian Washington and Frank Walker have stepped up when injuries sidelined the starters.

After playing on Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a "mini bye week". Heinz Field will be re-sodded after four high school games are played on the current surface today.

Houston Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson will start on Sunday against Cleveland. Texans rookie linebacker Xavier Adibi will be ready to play tomorrow.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson will play against Minnesota on Sunday.

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is a candidate for not only the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, but is up for the NFL MVP award, as well, writes Gary Estwick. Titans head coach Jeff Fisher declined to comment on his parachute jump onto the team's practice field on Thursday.

Protecting the football and forcing turnovers equates to wins for the Indianapolis Colts. Colts cornerback Kalvin Hayden will start against San Diego on Sunday night.

Denver Broncos rookie fullback/linebacker Spencer Larsen was named the NFL's Rookie of the Week and was fined $5,000 for a leg whip. In the last 10 years, there have been 26 field goal attempts of 60+ yards. Two of them were successful.

The Kansas City Chiefs are wary of the Buffalo Bills special teams. Chiefs rookie cornerback Brandon Flowers will be back in the starting lineup.

San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner was given votes of confidence by his bosses, but those can be overturned, writes Tim Sullivan. Opposing tight ends have had field days against the Chargers.

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry will start tomorrow against Denver.

NFC News and Notes

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens isn't backing down from his criticisms of the Cowboys offense. Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman is questionable with a groin injury.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will be a game-time decision. Giants tight end Kevin Boss' brother is the goalkeeper for the Red Bulls.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook didn't practice all week and his availability for tomorrow's game against Baltimore is unknown. Eagles guard Shawn Andrews may be placed on injured reserve.

Former Washington Redskins and current Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor has no divided loyalties this weekend. Redskins running back Clinton Portis will be a game-time decision.

Chicago Bears rookie left tackle Chris Williams' insertion into the lineup means someone has to go to the bench. Bears quarterback Kyle Orton learned football from current St. Louis Rams tight end coach Jim Chaney, who was the offensive coordinator at Purdue.

Detroit Lions fullback Moran Norris has helped improve the running game. Facing his former team is just another game for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia.

The Green Bay Packers defense has been opportunistic. Packers wide receiver Donald Driver returned to Green Bay after visiting his father in a Houston area hospital.

The Minnesota Vikings run defense expects to see a lot of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams returned to practice on Friday.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White has developed into a Pro Bowl talent. Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson's appeal of his four-game suspension was to be heard on Friday.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason was fined $5,000 for grabbing Daunte Culpepper's facemask last Sunday. Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has 5 sacks in the last two weeks.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore has been the Saints' most consistent receiver, writes Jeff Duncan. Saints running back Reggie Bush is questionable for Monday night's game against Green Bay.

There are plenty of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the Detroit Lions roster. Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams has a hamstring injury and is questionable.

Protecting quarterback Kurt Warner is the key for the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals lead the NFL in takeaways.

"Our season has been spoiled," Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu said, "so why not spoil the season for someone else." The Seahawks will play two games in five days next week.

After ripping his team's fans, St. Louis Rams guard Richie Incognito attempted to clear the air. The Rams will wear throwback uniforms in three home games next season.

San Francisco 49ers safety Michael Lewis will be covering Cowboys tight end Jason Witten tomorrow. 49ers head coach Mike Singletary grew up a Cowboys fan.