Polamalu eager to see if knee better
(Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:30:26 PDT)
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers know Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended for four games, they're about to get the answer to their second most-pressing question of the off-season.

Steelers' Polamalu eager to see if knee better
(Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:21:32 PDT)
Now that the Steelers know Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended for four games, they're about to get the answer to their second most-pressing question of the offseason. Can Troy Polamalu's twice-injured left knee stand up to the stress of another full NFL season? They'll start finding out Sunday, when the Steelers -- without Roethlisberger -- play Atlanta in their season opener.

Steelers Team Report
(Fri, 10 Sep 2010 06:40:22 PDT)

Pittsburgh's coaching staff plans to take the leash off quarterback Dennis Dixon they put on him in Baltimore last November and allow him to decide whether to run or throw when he opens the season against Atlanta at home Sunday.

Dixon was told not to run unless absolutely necessary last November, mostly because their two other quarterbacks were hurt.

"It's night and day from Baltimore last year to this ballgame," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians said. "First of all, we have a backup quarterback so you can do more. He's more than ready to go out and play well and score enough points to win the game."

Dixon has just that start in Baltimore on his resume as he begins his third season with the Steelers, who drafted him in the fifth round from Oregon in 2008.

Viking's focus turns to division rival
(Fri, 10 Sep 2010 06:13:00 PDT)
TE Visanthe Shiancoe will be paying close attention to how the Packers do in their season opener.

Falcons DE Biermann stays focused, even keeled
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:59:21 PDT)
Though Kroy Biermann has been named Atlanta's starting defensive end, he isn't taking anything for granted. Earlier this week Falcons line coach Ray Hamilton told Biermann that he had beaten out Jamaal Anderson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, and will start opposite right end John Abraham.

Week 1 NFL Capsules
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:01:46 PDT)
DETROIT (2-14) At CHICAGO (7-9) Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX OPENING LINE -- Bears by 7 RECORD VS. SPREAD -- Detroit 4-10-2; Bears 6-10-0 SERIES RECORD -- Bears lead 91-64-5 LAST MEETING -- Bears beat Lions 37-23, Jan. 3, 2010 LIONS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (26), RUSH (24), PASS (21) LIONS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (32), RUSH (25), PASS (32) BEARS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (23), RUSH (29), PASS (17) BEARS DEFENSE -- OVERALL...

Steelers hope offense takes off with Dixon at QB
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:40:35 PDT)
By ALAN ROBINSON AP Sports Writer

Thursday's National Football League Capsules
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:36:23 PDT)
DETROIT (2-14) At CHICAGO (7-9)

Shutdown Corner predicts the 2010 NFL season
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:12:34 PDT)
After 213 long nights of waiting, professional football is finally back. To prepare for the upcoming 2010 NFL...

Quick Hit football video game gets NFL makeover
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:54:12 PDT)
Thursday marks the kickoff of the 2010 NFL season, and along with it, a renewed interest in fantasy leagues and video games that let Monday-morning quarterbacks feel as if they're part of the action. The perennial champ of the genre, Electronic Arts Inc.'s "Madden," has already made its debut this year as a free Facebook application.

Zac's Backs: 2010 week 1 NFL picks (Associated Content)
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:50:02 PDT)
Welcome back to Associated Content's most read NFL picks; picks that have a new address. This is the 2010 week 1 edition of Zac's Backs . Just in case you ignore the NFL between the months of February and August, here's a brief rundown of what you may have missed heading into the 2010 regular season. Pete Carroll ran away to Seattle. Brett Favre did it again . A rookie quarterback was handed $50 million without ever throwing a football in the NFL.

Gonzalez tweeting his way toward 1,000 catches
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:42:25 PDT)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is tweeting his way toward 1,000 catches. Gonzalez launched a contest on his Twitter page (TonyGonzalez88) to reward one lucky fan after he becomes just the seventh player in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions in a career. He's already the leader among tight ends, going into Sunday's season opener at Pittsburgh with 999.

Dallas Cowboys aim to bust Super Bowl host jinx
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:11:10 PDT)
By JAIME ARON AP Pro Football Writer

PFW's preseason draft board (ProFootballWeekly.com)
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:54:06 PDT)
The draft board below will be updated until the start of the regular season. Quarterbacks Rk.

Source: Ravens tried out DLs Ra'Shon Harris, Joe Joseph (The National Football Post)
(Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:30:00 PDT)
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens auditioned two free agent defensive linemen this week, taking a look...

Saints plan to bring pain on champ's curse
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:35:00 PDT)
The Saints are boasting about being rougher this season as they look to repeat, a rarity in the NFL.

AccuScore: Saints, Chargers have best playoffs odds
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:42:00 PDT)
The '09 postseason participants are heavy favorites to win their divisions and get back to the playoffs.

NFL Power Poll: Packers' expectations soar, but Jets still No. 1
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:25:00 PDT)
NFL Power Poll: Packers' expectations soar, but Jets still No. 1 Green Bay is the smallest market in the NFL, but no team has created more buzz over the past month. Although last season's 7-1 finish has played a part, the attention is largely based on the unstoppable preseason performance of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense. The players have accepted the high expectations without letting the hype get to them. "I don't see a problem with it," tight end Jermichael Finley said.

Mendenhall knows run game a necessity
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:58:34 PDT)
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - For months, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emphasized upgrading their running game. Rashard Mendenhall is determined to prove all this buildup is a lot more than idle talk.

CB Dunta Robinson ready for his Falcons debut
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:49:58 PDT)
With dreadlocks flowing from under his helmet, Dunta Robinson swaggered around practice Wednesday with that knowing smile, that fearless little nod of the head, the look that lets everyone know: Don't bother throwing this way. No one can beat me. The Atlanta Falcons can't wait for him to show off some of that bravado against another team.

Mendenhall knows run game a necessity vs. Falcons
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:47:05 PDT)
For months, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emphasized upgrading their running game. Rashard Mendenhall is determined to prove all this buildup is a lot more than idle talk. With the Steelers starting the inexperienced Dennis Dixon at quarterback Sunday against Atlanta, Mendenhall knows that getting the running game going is a necessity to balancing an offense that simply can't be as pass-heavy as...

Vikings-Saints: Great way to get going
(Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:08:19 PDT)
By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer