BARRY WILNER
New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) scrambles away from Tennessee Titans linebacker Monty Rice (56) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
It won't be easy for Cowboys nor Saints in Big Easy

By Barry Wilner 13 hrs ago
Yes, it's been a strange year on the field, with visiting teams 90-87-1, not

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) scores past Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Thanksgiving week: A good time to look at NFL unfortunates

By Barry Wilner Nov. 24, 2021 06:00 PM EST
And the meek shall inherit the first draft pick. Or not.

Former Chicago Bears returner Devin Hester smiles during a retirement ceremony Monday, April 23, 2018 at Halas Hall. Seven first-time eligible former players, including wide receivers Andre Johnson, Steve Smith and Anquan Boldin, are among 26 modern day semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2022. Joining them as candidates for induction next year are outstanding kick returner Devin Hester; pass-rushing standouts Robert Mathis and DeMarcus Ware; and run-stuffing defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Each last played in the 2016 season. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune via AP)
Andre Johnson, Steve Smith among Hall of Fame semifinalists

By Barry Wilner Nov. 24, 2021 01:04 PM EST
Seven first-time eligible former players, including wide receivers Andre

Graphic shows NFL team matchups and predicts the winners in Week 12 action; 3c x 4 inches
Traditional Thanksgiving Day games are tricky for Pro Picks

By Barry Wilner Nov. 24, 2021 10:53 AM EST
It's difficult enough choosing winners and point-spread coverers and upsets

FILE - Troy Vincent, executive vice president of football operations at the NFL, speaks to reporters during NFL meetings in New York, Oct. 26, 2021. While recent hiring numbers for NFL coordinators are encouraging, the overall journey to diversity and inclusion for head coaches remains a struggle. Who says? Two of the most prominent proponents of the Rooney Rule: Vincent and Rod Graves. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
NFL Coaching Pipeline: Hiring process broken for diversity

By Barry Wilner Nov. 19, 2021 01:14 PM EST
While recent hiring numbers for NFL coordinators are encouraging, the overall

Dallas Cowboys' La'el Collins (71) and Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrate with head coach Mike McCarthy, right, after Elliott scored a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Coaches Reid, McCarthy have teams priming for stretch run

By Barry Wilner Nov. 19, 2021 12:02 AM EST
Andy Reid has won a Super Bowl. So has Mike McCarthy. When

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Falcons fans might be shielding their eyes, ears vs Patriots

By Barry Wilner Nov. 17, 2021 12:53 PM EST
Even the most die-hard Atlanta fans might avoid watching Thursday night's

NFL Honors moves to Thursday night during Super Bowl week

By Barry Wilner Nov. 15, 2021 07:52 PM EST
NFL Honors, the prime-time television program during which The Associated Press

FILE - Darius Rucker poses for a photo before taking the stage for a pregame tailgate party before Super Bowl 54, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami. While singer/songwriter Darius Rucker notes that pretty much all athletes “want to be singers and all singers want to be sports guys,” the biggest similarity is how they all need to mesh with teammates. Or bandmates. (AP Photo/John Carucci)
Darius Rucker knows teamwork critical in football and music

By Barry Wilner Nov. 15, 2021 02:33 AM EST
Every quarterback on every NFL team readily acknowledges the importance of

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws under pressure from Houston Texans defensive tackle Maliek Collins (97) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Analysis: Can halfway award contenders sustain success?

By Barry Wilner Nov. 12, 2021 03:08 PM EST
In a most unpredictable of NFL seasons, with only the Detroit Lions showing

Allen Sills, Chief Medical Officer for the NFL, speaks to reporters during the NFL football owners meeting in New York, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Rodgers, Packers issues cloud NFL COVID-19 numbers progress

By Barry Wilner Nov. 12, 2021 12:58 PM EST
NEW YORK (AP) — When the reigning league MVP and several other key players

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
Titans look to beat another 2020 playoff team, New Orleans

By Barry Wilner Nov. 12, 2021 01:16 AM EST
Your best player gets sidelined for a lengthy period, perhaps the rest of the

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Packers won 24-21. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
EXPLAINER: Why Rodgers and Packers were handed COVID fines

By Barry Wilner Nov. 10, 2021 04:09 PM EST
The Green Bay Packers were fined $300,000 and quarterback Aaron Rodgers and

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (5) catches a touchdown pass in front of Cincinnati Bengals safety Vonn Bell (24) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Ravens figure to provide more angst for fans and another win

By Barry Wilner Nov. 10, 2021 12:48 PM EST
The Baltimore Ravens do nothing easily. Yes, they have the

This photo provided by the NFL shows NFL commissioner Roger Goodell laughing while meeting with Sam Rapoport, center left, the league's senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion, Jane Goodell, right, and Venessa Hutchinson, foreground, senior manager of football operations for the NFL in New York on Aug., 27, 2021. For decades, the road to the NFL for women has been filled with obstacles. It’s begun to open up in recent years, and the stories need to be told. Which leads to Sam Rapoport and “Earnin’ It: The NFL’s Forward Progress,′ a podcast launching Tuesday, Nov. 9.(NFL via AP)
"Earnin' It" an NFL podcast focusing on women in the league

By Barry Wilner Nov. 09, 2021 02:34 AM EST
The most rewarding path to success in pro sports is by earning it.

FILE - Tony Dungy looks on before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. Hall of Fame coach Dungy learned long ago the need to know how to handle credit and blame. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Analysis: Dungy, Cowher talk ins and outs of coach's success

By Barry Wilner Nov. 05, 2021 05:37 PM EDT
Sean Payton receives loud plaudits for guiding his team, with a third-string

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Packers won 24-21. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Rodgers sought treatments instead of COVID-19 vaccine

By Barry Wilner Nov. 05, 2021 02:42 PM EDT
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Friday he sought alternative

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) tries to push away Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) while looking to pass during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Titans, Rams: top conference teams with different outlooks

By Barry Wilner Nov. 05, 2021 12:17 AM EDT
They lead their divisions and have been prime contenders for the top spot in

Graphic shows NFL team matchups and predicts the winners in Week 9 action; 3c x 3 7/8 inches
Colts floundering in AFC South, but Henry injury gives hope

By Barry Wilner Nov. 03, 2021 02:17 PM EDT
Not all is lost for the Indianapolis Colts. Sure, they are

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) celebrates after making a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Rested offenses for Dallas and Minnesota could mean shootout

By Barry Wilner Oct. 28, 2021 11:53 PM EDT
Rested and ready to light up the scoreboard. That's what