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This article previews the divisional playoff round of the National Football League. There is a game between the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots and a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Seattle Seahawks will face the Chicago Bears outside in Chicago, Illinois while the Baltimore Ravens host the Indianapolis Colts. INSETS: LASER POINTER ON... Tommie Harris;LASER POINTER ON... Brian Urlacher;LASER POINTER ON... Cedric Benson;LASER POINTER ON... Devin Hester

In this article the author examines the football playing skills of Brian Urlacher, a middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Urlacher's ability in playing his position is praised. The author explores reasons for the player's significant popularity with Chicago fans and his impact on the game of football.

This article profiles San Diego Chargers football linebacker Shawne Merriman. The article notes that Merriman, at 6'4" and 275, is uniquely quick for his size, and provides matchup problems for every football team he faces. Merriman's was given the nickname "Lights Out" for his propensity towards knocking his opponents unconscious. INSET: He giveth pain--and taketh it away.

The article discusses the role of Walter Jones as a dominant force as an offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks football team. Because of his consistent efforts, he is ranked as the number one football player in the NFL. Miami Dolphin left tackle L. J. Shelton says he enjoys watching Jones because he makes his job look so easy. He also has become an effective run blocker and even ran opponent Mike Rucker 20 yards downfield during the NFC championship game. INSETS: Why the best are the best;Backs get axed;New for 2007;A 'we' sport

The article presents information related to the defense of the football team Carolina Panthers. With all due respect to Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Plummer and Ben Roethlisberger, Jake Delhomme is the most dangerous quarterback still standing. Left tackle Travelle Wharton is vulnerable to speed rushers. Steve Smith was the best receiver in the NFL this season, a matchup nightmare because of his speed, elusiveness and toughness. INSET: NFC championship game matchup.

The article focuses on the football team San Diego Padres' fullback Lorenzo Neal. He first started playing fullback 20 years ago as a high school freshman in Lemoore, California. He went to Fresno State and was drafted in the fourth round by the team New Orleans Saints in 1993. His offseasons, he says, are 10 times more physically grueling than his seasons. Of all the running backs, quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends and defensive backs on the team, only Neal wears an extra-large helmet shell, according to equipment manager Bob Wick. INSET: Blocker for the stars.

The article presents information on various football teams. The football team Indianapolis Colts have gone from averaging 6.7 yards per play a year ago to 5.7 this year. And they have gone from averaging 4.75 plays of 20 yards or more per game to 2.85. Pass rusher Dwight Freeney has developed into the game's most dominating defender. The team Pittsburgh Steelers' power running game usually becomes more effective as the weather changes. The team Seattle Seahawks will benefit from playing in the weak NFC West, and only three of the Seahawks' remaining games are against teams with records better than .500.

The article presents information about Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots. Belichick preaches the need to be very aggressive offensively and score repeatedly. Belichick is not one of those coaches who sits back like a water-skier and lets his coordinators drive the speedboat. He defines each unit's priorities for every opponent and then assigns the detail work to assistants. Experts say he is the most analytical coach around. The point is not that Belichick is smarter than everyone else, though he probably is; it is that he is better prepared. INSETS: This is . . . BILL BELICHICK;Injuries? Pats show they can handle them.

The article presents information related to the National Football League's best players. Peyton Manning set an NFL record with 49 touchdown passes last season and won his second straight MVP. After him comes Tom Brady. Right behind Manning and Brady comes Daunte Culpepper, No. 5 overall. He hasn't always received his due, but there isn't a more complete quarterback. No. 96 Marc Bulger beats out Chad Pennington. No. 38 Edgerrin James can beat defenses with the run or the catch. INSETS: TSN's top 100 for 2005;The gist of the list;Give 'em another year.

The article presents an analysis of various football stadiums in the U.S. Americans don't get romantic and poetic about their football stadiums like they do their baseball stadiums. A football stadium is a place to drink beer and scream, not get misty-eyed and nostalgic. A great football stadium can salvage a nice day out of a bad game. It can be a cauldron for passion and create a dramatic environment. The NFL offers some exceptional jewels--as well as some exceptional dumps. After visiting all 31 NFL stadiums here is the ranking, from the best to the worst.

The article presents analysis of football players and their rankings. Statistics abound for draft prospects, as scouts chart everything from speed to smarts. But some measurables matter more than others, and they vary by position. Even though quarterbacks are expected to be chosen high in the first round, this class lacks a true franchise prospect. The overall depth also is a bit suspect. The strength of this class is in the late first-round to second-round area. Some of the players analyzed are Alex Smith, Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Orton and Jason Campbell among others.

This article presents information on Michael Vick, a sports personnel. It is opined that the no one will argue Vick is more valuable than Peyton Manning, save for Vick's agent, Joel Segal, and Detroit News football writer Mike O'Hara, the only voter who tabbed Vick in the AP's most valuable player balloting. It is informed that Vick's $130 million deal, signed last month, is the richest in NFL history, based on total value. Based on guaranteed money and average yearly salary, it is second to Manning's deal. However, it is safe to say that no team is more dependent on one player than the Falcons are on Vick. INSET: NFC championship game matcup.

The article reports that audible is the word on the AFC playoffs, where the play-changing prowess of quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Chad Pennington will help determine the Super Bowl representative. In San Diego last weekend, all the talk was about the strength or weakness of Pennington's arm. As Pennington strolled to his postgame press conference at Qualcomm Stadium, he revealed he actually misread the team San Diego Chargers' defense on the play. The team New York Jets actually had cut down on their audibles for the game because they anticipated a rowdy lot of Southern Californians. INSET: AFC divisional playoff matchups.

The article presents a debate between tumpers Paul Attner and Dan Pompei. The focuses is on 2004 NFL campaign. Joe Gibbs can fix the team Washington Redskins' problems with a new quarterback Since Gibbs is not playing Patrick Ramsey despite Mark Brunell's struggles, it appears the Redskins will look for a new quarterback in the offseason. Now, with fewer Ahman Green fumbles, a lot more Brett Favre completions and a bit of Mike Sherman play selection. Gunther Cunningham, and the offense is hitting its stride as everyone knew it would. INSETS: THE INCUMBENT;PRIMARY GAMES SWING STATES.

This article presents information on the football players. Playing behind what probably was the worst line in the National Football League (NFL) and with no threat of a passing game to prevent safeties from creeping up, LaDainian Tomlinson did whatever it took to move the ball last season. He ran for an average of 5.3 yards per carry, which might have been about 10.3 if he had played behind the Chiefs' line. Often, this meant making like a mouse and squeezing through impossibly small crevices. Oh, and he also led the AFC with 100 receptions. INSETS: Ready to shine and rise;FALL GUYS.

This article focuses on the National Football League (NFL). There will be football teams that rise from nowhere this season, as the Panthers did a year ago. And there will be teams that fall fast and hard, as the Raiders did in 2003. This year's Panthers could be the Jets, a team that dipped last season in part because quarterback Chad Pennington missed seven starts. The Patriots won two of the last three Super Bowls in part because their team chemistry was the best in the NFL. They threatened that chemistry this season by trading for player Corey Dillon, who has a history of making waves. INSET: Super Bowl 39 Patriots---again.

According to the article author, football team Indianapolis Colts will dispel the misconceptions and beat New England Patriots in the AFC championship game. Colts player Peyton Manning has won every big game he has played this season, beating the Tennessee Titans twice during the regular season and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a Monday night. Manning could play another 50 years and not be under more pressure than he was in the Colts' 41-10 wild-card victory over Denver Broncos. INSET: Expert picks.

This article presents information about football in the United States as of November 3, 2003. After a volatile first half, National Football League (NFL) market will be in for more surprises in the next two quarters. The first half of NFL season has provided a volatile market, full of unexpected upswings and surprising downturns. At the halfway point, every portfolio needs to be re-evaluated. Some stocks are about to go through the roof, others are about to bottom out. INSET: TSN's midseason all-NFL team.

There was a time when most quarterbacks called all their own plays at the line, but it has become a dying art. Until Peyton Manning came along, Jim Kelly of the Bills was the only quarterback who called his own plays at the line through the 1980s and 1990s. Now, the Indianapolis Colts' system is a focal point and trigger for criticism because it's different from every other offense in the league. But the truth is it usually gives Indianapolis an advantage over opponents, as it did against Tennessee in a 33-7 victory Sunday. Though there is a modicum of validity to some of the complaints, others are entirely off base. INSET: The RANGE of audibles.

This article presents information about 100 best football players of National Football League (NFL) in the United States as of September 8, 2003. The player Brett Favre might be talking about retirement but his skills haven't diminished—not even close. His career winning percentage of .665 is third-best among quarterbacks with at least 100 starts since 1970 merger behind players Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw. Montana was throwing to Jerry Rice arguably the best player in NFL history and they were coached by Bill Walsh arguably premier offensive mind in NFL history. INSETS: Age discrimination;Wait 'til next year.

Focuses on the performance of football teams in the 2002 National Football League in the United States. Increase in average scoring per game; Game strategy adopted by several football teams; Improvement in average passing rates of football teams using more number of receivers; Advantage for football teams adopting the strategy of spread offense.

Features the top 100 players in the National Football League for 2002. Accomplishments of top-ranked player, quarterback Kurt Warner of the New England Patriots; Offensive ability of New England's runningback and No. 2 in the rank, Marshalll Faulk; Athleticism of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and No. 3-ranked, Randy Moss.

Reports the role of football player Julius Peppers on the National Football League in the U.S. Strategies used on athletism; Goal of the teamplayers; Recognition of award.

Presents a list of the top 100 players in the National Football League for the 2001 season. Wide receiver Randy Moss of the Minnesota Vikings; Quarterback Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers; Running back Marshall Faulk of the Saint Louis Rams; Defensive tackle Warren Sapp of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Examines the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team's chances of winning the 2002 Super Bowl. Inspiring leadership of Tony Dungy; Diligent planning and careful crafting of general manager Rich McKay; Analysis of the performance of the Buccaneers' front seven, led by defensive tackle Warren Sapp and weakside linebacker Derrick Brooks; Sports analysts' picks for the Super Bowl.

Focuses on the American Football Conference playoffs between the Baltimore Ravens and the Oakland Raiders for the 2000-01 season. Performance of both teams during the season; Games that led to both teams' appearance in the playoffs; Prospects of either team for winning the playoff.

Reports on news and developments pertaining to the National Football League in the United States as of October 2, 2000. Post-game analysis; Game previews; Team standings; Outstanding plays and other game highlights.

Assesses the running game of the New York Giants football team. Personnel groups assigned to the team's running backs; Change in the Giants' blocking technique; Analysis of the team offense; Use of a misdirection in a game against the Chicago Bears.

Deals with developments in the United States-based National Football League (NFL), current as of September 4, 2000. Breakout season for quarterback Kurt Warner; List of injured players; Front office news; Personnel changes.

Presents a critique of the best and worst of the year 2000 football league draft in the United States. Tampa Bay Buccaneers' trading of the two first-round picks for receiver Keyshawn Johnson; Players drafted by the Cardinals to address instability in its defensive front; Eagles' drafting of defensive tackle Corey Simon and receiver Todd Pinkston.

Profiles various players of teams of National Football League of the United States. Includes Chad Pennington; Chris Redman; Giovanni Carmazzi.

Reports on the talent search of the National Football League (NFL) of the United States. Importance of character in the drafting process with so many players having run afoul with the law; Comparison between the junior class of 1999 and 2000; Conventional wisdom regarding kickers. INSET: Inside dish..

Reports on highlights of the National Football League's (NFL) 34th Super Bowl. Saint Louis Rams' victory over the Tennessee Titans; Performance of certain players; Television networks' coverage of the game; Enhancement of the sport's popularity; Modern offense techniques employed by the Rams. INSETS: The better half.;The tackle..

Reports on the possible replacement of Bill Cowher as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Performance of the team; Coaching style of Cowher; Performance of other football teams. INSETS: Keep an eye on this guy.;Draft watch..

Reports on the game between the Titans and Jaguars for the American Football Conference playoffs. Details and highlights of the game; Scorers; Game plan. INSETS: J.J. leaves Dolphins -- and Marino -- to Wannstedt.;Analyzing the AFC and NFC championship games.;Observations on the second round of the playoffs..

Presents news items related to the National Football League as of December 20, 1999. Includes contributions made by rookie quarterback Shaun King to the victories posted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Football players that would possibly be drafted by the Detroit Lions; Leadership traits exhibited by Miami Dolphins quarterback Bret Favre. INSETS: Who will be the Motown man?;Inside dish.;Draft watch..

Profiles Tennessee Titans rookie defensive end Jevon Kearse. Ability to block opposing offensive teams despite relative inexperience; Lack of variety in his pass-rush moves; Effects of his strength, quickness and determination.

Presents news briefs related to the National Football League as of December 6, 1999. Includes analysis of the Chicago Bears football team; Los Angeles Raiders coach Jon Gruden's relationship with team owner Al Davis; Centers applying for the draft who could develop into good performers.

Points out the contribution of Edgerrin James to the success of the Indianapolis Colts football team in the United States. Support from team mate, Peyton Manning; Team performance in the American Football Conference; Offensive and defensive strategies used by the team. INSETS: Depth at defensive end by Dan Pompei.;Inside dish.;Draft watch by Dan Pompie..

Reports on developments in professional football in the United States, specifically the National Football League. Preponderance of come-from-behind victories from underdog teams; Green Bay Packers' Brett Favre; Pivotal second-half players; Revised predictions for the midseason. INSETS: Inside dish.;Musical hot seats.;Draft watch.;This goose was golden.

Presents National Football League-related news in the United States for the week of October 25, 1999. Includes the effect of an injury on the playing skills of Peter Boulware; Attempts to deal defensive end Roy Barker; Scores registered by the game's quarterbacks.

Reports on news developments concerning the National Football League (NFL) as of September 20, 1999. Includes highlights of the match between the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings; End of conflict between Carl Pickens and the Cincinnati Bengals; Baltimore Ravens' plan to trade Tony Banks.

Discusses issues of relevance to different football teams playing in the National Football League as of September 6, 1999. Optimism that rookie running back Ricky Williams will be able to carry the Saints in the 1999 season; Green Bay Packers' attempt to make up for the loss of tackler Reggie White; Offensive capabilities of Miami Dolphins running back Cecil Collins.

Reports on the victory of the Denver Broncos football team over the New York Jets. Highlights of the game; Comments from the players; Game statistics.

Provides an update on National Football League-related issues, with emphasis on the playing performance of football quarterback Kordell Stewart of Pittsburgh Steelers. Ways on how Stewart's performance can be maximize by the team; Draft picks; Performance of Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. INSETS: Oilers' loss is the Dolphins' gain;Discovering the costs of free agency;Inside the draft;inside dish

Presents various developments on the National Football League in the United States. Game performances of the Kansas City Chiefs; Details on several football players; Comparison between the defensive line-up of football players.

The article reports on the 2006 return to the playing field of professional football player Takeo Spikes after a torn achilles' tendon sidelined him in September of 2005. It explores the emotionally painful rehabilitation period that followed the injury he acquired as linebacker for the Buffalo Bills (New York). It reports on his comeback game against the New England Patriots on opening day of the National Football League 2006 season.

The article reports that the football team Cleveland Browns are now drafting their players. The team's player personnel director won't let tackle Haloti Ngata go. Browns general manager Phil Savage says he would take Ngata if he were available at No. 12. Kamerion Wimbley was the only 4-3 end in the draft the Browns were sure could make the transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker. Under coach Romeo Crennel, the defense switched from a four-man front to a three-man front, so linebackers and linemen who fit the scheme were the first priority. INSET: Trying to burst the bust label.

This article presents information related to the National Football League's draft. Several candidates including Boston College's Will Blackmon, Colorado's Jeremy Bloom, Virginia's Marques Hagans, Miami's Devin Hester and Fresno State's Adam Jennings are primarily return specialists. Others that includes of UCLA running back Maurice Drew, Kansas cornerback Charles Gordon and wide receivers Skyler Green, Willie Reid, Cory Rodgers and Brandon Williams have value as position players, too.

The article focuses on the football team Denver Broncos. After changing personnel and strategy, the Broncos believe they're better suited to play the Indianapolis Colts. In the dark, imposing shadows of players John Elway and Peyton Manning, the Broncos finally see cracks of light. The Broncos tied for the second-best record in the regular season even though they played in the league's toughest division the AFC West. This team's most significant improvements are to the defense, the same defense that gave up 90 points to the Colts in their last two postseason meetings. INSET: AFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF MATCHUPS.