Football (NFL)

Lamar Jackson put his hands up next to his head as if he might cover his ears. He was being asked about one of the more remarkable stats in his impressive career — a 17-1 record against NFC teams as a starter.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — It seemed unfathomable not that long ago for the Denver Broncos to pin their hopes of ending a six-year run of losing records on a defense that surrendered 10 touchdowns in their historic meltdown in Miami .

Braelon Allen arrived at Wisconsin in 2021 as a hard-hitting safety who had bulked up enough to become a linebacker for his home-state school.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets offensive tackle Duane Brown returned to practice and was a full participant Thursday, beginning the 21-day window for him to be activated from the injured reserve list.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — At the bottom of the AFC standings and in the throes of his worst start since his first season in New England, Bill Belichick and the Patriots could have easily been sellers at the trade deadline. They weren’t.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts were struggling mightily on offense last season when owner Jim Irsay decided to fire coach Frank Reich in the middle of his fifth season.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts could spend hours dissecting their defensive breakdowns on film. All they really need to do is look at the ugly numbers. They have the NFL's worst scoring defense, 28.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons have more in common than the 4-4 records they take into Sunday's game.

HOUSTON (AP) — C.J. Stroud didn’t let last week’s tough loss to the previously winless Panthers get to him. Quite the opposite.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson practiced Thursday for the second straight day and signs point to him starting Sunday against Arizona after missing most of the past month with a right shoulder injury.