NFL

After topping 49ers, Lions face short week in hosting Vikings in key game to close regular season

The Detroit Lions have a short week to prepare for a pivotal matchup against Minnesota, and they will not complain about that fact.

A 3rd MVP would put Lamar Jackson in pretty rare company, but he’s a slight underdog

Steelers center Zach Frazier began his rookie season with high expectations. He’s surpassing them

Cleveland threatens to use ‘Modell Law’ to keep Browns from leaving city, playing in proposed dome

Cowboys release Ezekiel Elliott in quiet end to running back’s illustrious Dallas career

On Football

Analyzing the biggest topics in the NFL each week.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Resting or playing running back Saquon Barkley is a tougher decision than it seems for Eagles

Saquon Barkley’s pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s 40-year-old rushing record could get grounded by his coach. Nick Sirianni’s decision is more difficult than it seems.

Past games

Giants beat the Colts but lost the coveted No. 1 draft pick

On Football: Nick Sirianni’s success is often overshadowed by self-inflicted distractions

Pro Picks

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games.

Pro Picks: Lions will beat the Vikings in showdown for the NFC’s No. 1 seed

NFL Injury Report

Purdy’s elbow injury will likely sideline him for Week 18, but isn’t long-term concern for 49ers

Netflix averages more than 30 million viewers globally for its NFL Christmas Day doubleheader

Chiefs’ Travis Kelce finishes first in fan balloting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games

Browns undecided on starting QB against Ravens, coach said Thompson-Robinson, Zappe could both play

Washington Commanders complete a turnaround from 4-13 to making the playoffs behind Jayden Daniels

Rookie QBs Nix, Penix denied major moments by head coaches’ curious calls in waning minutes

Brock Purdy’s elbow was ‘on fire’ after hit but he says his surgically repaired ligament is fine

Lions beat the 49ers 40-34 in a tune-up for Week 18 division showdown

Bowles, Bucs get outside help in bid for playoff berth and 4th straight NFC South title

Harbaugh, Chargers taking business-as-usual approach with 5th seed in AFC still up for grabs

NFL Inactive Report

Raiders TE Brock Bowers could be Offensive Rookie of the Year -- in a different season

Micah Parsons finds out how the other half lives, puts focus on getting Cowboys back to winning

Vikings with O’Connell clearly prefer to pass the ball, and Darnold has aced the test

Packers TE Tucker Kraft’s block on Vikings’ Jones creates debate, but no serious injury

Battered Saints limp into Week 18 of what is already the franchise’s worst season since 2005

Falcons are in good hands at QB, but making the playoffs may have to wait

One year after clinching playoff berth, Browns drop to new low as ugly season reaches final days

FBI issues warning to leagues about organized crime groups targeting pro athletes

Defensive inconsistencies remain Bills’ biggest question mark heading into the playoffs

Huntley will get more practice reps than injured Tagovailoa ahead of Dolphins’ must-win game at Jets

Vikings expose Packers struggles in pass defense without injured cornerback Jaire Alexander

Bowling Green All-America tight end Harold Fannin Jr. declares for NFL draft

NFL Playoff Guide: Postseason bracket much clearer with 1 week remaining in regular season

Colts face big offseason questions after latest inexplicable playoff-eliminating loss

If Jaguars owner Shad Khan cleans house, there’s plenty to like about the potential openings

Winning for the Giants was worth the cost of losing control of the No. 1 overall draft pick

Bears plan to have Caleb Williams start their season finale at Green Bay

Rodgers gets one more start for the Jets and then an offseason of uncertainty begins