On Football

FILE - Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Pittsburgh. The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers on Saturday, March 16, 2024, according to a person informed of the deal. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Analysis: Despite low trade value, Justin Fields still has potential to be a special player

Justin Fields went from being considered a franchise quarterback to disregarded by the Chicago Bears in just three seasons.

Philadelphia Eagle's Saquon Barkley talks to the media during a press conference after signing with the NFL football team, Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Analysis: Eagles, Bucs, Packers and Commanders earn highest free agency grades; Cowboys get only F

Analysis: Big Ten and SEC power play undermines credibility of playoff, marginalizes ACC and Big 12

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up during a practice ahead of the Super Bowl 58 NFL football game Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Analysis: McCaffrey and Purdy finish 3-4 for AP NFL MVP but Super Bowl is the bigger prize

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid watches during the team's NFL football practice Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs will play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Analysis: Year 25 for Andy Reid might be the best coaching job yet for the 2-time Super Bowl champ

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FILE - Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick faces reporters during an NFL football news conference, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass., to announce that he has agreed to part ways with the team. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Analysis: Bill Belichick was passed over this coaching cycle but don’t count his career over yet

Bill Belichick has won more Super Bowls than any coach and more games than everyone except Don Shula. Still, he didn’t land a new job.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell reacts while speaking at a news conference after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Analysis: Hard to blame Dan Campbell for staying true to his aggressive self

Dan Campbell’s aggressiveness bit his team.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after defeating the Buffalo Bills in an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Analysis: Mahomes and the Chiefs must win a Super Bowl this season to challenge Patriots’ dynasty

If Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are going to challenge Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ unprecedented two-decade run of success, they have to win a Super Bowl this season.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after beating the Buffalo Bills in an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Analysis: Conference championships are set with familiar faces and new arrivals

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are back in the AFC championship game for a sixth straight season and probably taking Taylor Swift with them along with Travis Kelce’s older, shirtless brother.

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, and Patriots team owner Robert Kraft, right, stand together during an NFL football news conference, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass., to announce that Belichick, a six-time NFL champion, has agreed to part ways with the team. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Analysis: Building a Super Bowl champion starts with figuring how who gets all the power

There’s no shortage of accomplished head coaches available to NFL teams for this hiring cycle. Bill Belichick won six Super Bowls in New England.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hangs his head after turning the ball over on downs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Analysis: Philly will demand accountability for the Eagles’ collapse after playoff loss to Bucs

From 10-1 to one-and-done, the Philadelphia Eagles’ collapse is complete. The defending NFC champions won’t be going back to the Super Bowl.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones speaks to reporters following an NFL football game between the Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 48-32. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

Analysis: After another playoff failure by Dallas, maybe a call to Belichick can save the Cowboys

Jimmy Johnson showed more passion on television for winning than any of the Dallas Cowboys did on the field.

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick faces reporters during a news conference, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass., held to announce that he has agreed to part ways with the team. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Analysis: Love him or hate him, Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches in sports history

Bill Belichick is on to the next chapter of his life. The six-time Super Bowl champion and second-winningest coach in NFL history exited New England on Thursday after 24 years because his unprecedented, two-decade run of success didn’t continue when Tom Brady left the Patriots.

In a still frame from a Webex video news conference, in Foxborough, Mass., New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick takes questions from reporters, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Belichick is open to letting someone else handle personnel duties if he remains with the New England Patriots. The Patriots head coach also confirmed Monday during his season-ending news conference that he remains under contract, though he didn't specify the length of its current terms. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Analysis: More NFL teams could make coaching changes if they stumble early in the playoffs

It was a slow “Black Monday” across the NFL while everyone waits on Bill Belichick’s future with the New England Patriots.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) raises his arm as he heads off the field after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Landover, Md. Dallas won 38-10. (AP Photo/Jessica Rapfogel)

Analysis: Bills, Cowboys were the NFL’s biggest winners in Week 18, securing the No. 2 seeds

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys made sure they’ll start the playoffs at home, where they’re undefeated.

El mariscal de campo de los 49ers de San Francisco, Brock Purdy (13), lanza el balón durante los calentamientos previos al inicio de la primera mitad de un partido de fútbol americano de la NFL contra los Commanders de Washington, el domingo 31 de diciembre de 2023, en Landover, Maryland (AP Foto/Alex Brandon)

Analysis: Resting starters is an easy decision in the NFL

Resting starters to prevent injuries ahead of the playoffs is an easier decision in the NFL. Football is too violent to worry about a long layoff causing rust.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates with Patrick Ricard after their tocudhown against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Analysis: Falling short in the playoffs won’t cut it for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens played their best football in the biggest games of the regular season. Now, they’ve got to do it in the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) celebrate their touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Analysis: Cowboys got all the breaks while Ravens and 49ers were big winners, locking up No. 1 seeds

The Dallas Cowboys got another big victory without taking the field Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers took care of business to make sure they get an extra week of rest.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) smiles as he runs off the field after the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Dec. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Christmas was rough on Super Bowl contenders except for the Ravens

The Chiefs lost again. The Eagles struggled against the lowly Giants. The 49ers were embarrassed at home.

Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders, center, celebrates after kicking the game winning field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Analysis: Dolphins quiet critics with comeback win over Dallas, extending Cowboys’ road failures

The Dolphins finally defeated a winning team. The Cowboys still can’t beat winning teams on the road.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looks on from the bench during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Analysis: Eagles have bigger problems than a 3-game losing streak

The Philadelphia Eagles have bigger problems than a three-game losing streak. Jalen Hurts questioned the commitment of his teammates following a stunning 20-17 loss at Seattle on Monday night.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) waves to fans as he walks off the field after playing against the Dallas Cowboys in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Analysis: Josh Allen and the Bills show how quickly things can turn around in the NFL

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have quieted talk about coach Sean McDermott’s job security with a pair of impressive wins.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) runs in for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

Analysis: NFL playoff race defines parity, though competition doesn’t always equal quality football

The NFL playoff race defines parity. Thirty teams entered Week 15 still alive for a Super Bowl run. Of course, several of those teams had astronomical odds and a few more know they’re not going anywhere.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel reacts from the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Analysis: The AFC is up for grabs with four potential division races coming down to the final week

The AFC is up for grabs with four weeks remaining in the regular season. Three of the conference’s four division leaders lost in Week 14, tightening the playoff picture and keeping the race for the No. 1 seed wide open.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) laterals to teammate Kadarius Toney, not seen, as Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (39) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. Toney ran the ball into the end zone, but the play was nullified by an offside penalty by Toney. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Analysis: Officiating again stole the spotlight even though the call against the Chiefs was correct

Travis Kelce and Kadarius Toney had combined to make the play of the season to give the Kansas City Chiefs a late lead when the celebration quickly turned to silence.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrates after scoring against the Washington Commanders during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Analysis: If a kicker once won the AP NFL MVP award, Tyreek Hill or another non-QB can win it

Tyreek Hill’s record-breaking pace this season has led to a persistent question that’s become a hot topic on debate shows.

Florida State coach Mike Norvell throws an autographed football to fans in the stands after the team's NCAA college football game against North Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley)

Analysis: With expansion coming, good riddance to the 4-team playoff after unprecedented snub of FSU

A College Football Playoff with not enough spots to accommodate deserving teams? Good riddance.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field after a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers following an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Analysis: Patriots’ problems are bigger than quarterback, blame starts with Bill Belichick

The New England Patriots fell to 2-10 following a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that saw their offensive futility sink to historic levels.

FILE - New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up before playing against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL football game, Sept. 11, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. Rodgers spoke to local reporters Thursday, Nov. 30, and said he's not yet close to being able to play after tearing his left Achilles tendon four snaps into his debut with the Jets on Sept. 11. But he also left open the door for him to be back under center before his initial goal of Dec. 24, saying he plans to ramp up his practice activities next week. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Aaron Rodgers’ recovery sets new standard for players who tear Achilles tendon: Analysis

Aaron Rodgers defied conventional medicine by returning to practice just 77 days after surgery for a torn Achilles tendon.

FILE - Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich speaks during a news conference after their loss against the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. The Carolina Panthers fired coach Frank Reich on Monday, Nov. 27, with the team off to an NFL-worst 1-10 record in his first year in charge.(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)

Analysis: Frank Reich paid the price for a Panthers roster lacking talent

Frank Reich paid the price for a roster that lacked talent. The Carolina Panthers are 1-10 for several reasons, including poor coaching.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) walks off the field after a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Analysis: AFC’s race for the No. 1 seed is tight with 4 division leaders earning Week 12 wins

Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars took control of their division. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs shrugged off a big deficit.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle carries a turkey after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Analysis: The NFC goes through Philadelphia, but the 49ers and Cowboys aren’t far behind

The NFC goes through Philadelphia. The top three challengers showed where they stand on Thanksgiving. Detroit took a step backward.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is unable to catch a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Analysis: Winning another Super Bowl without Tyreek Hill won’t be easy for Mahomes and the Chiefs

Coach Andy Reid figured out his franchise quarterback needed a true No. 1 wide receiver after five seasons as a head coach and three straight losses in the NFC championship game.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

Analysis: 10 favorites found different ways to win Sunday around the NFL

Dallas dominated. Detroit and Denver rallied. Jacksonville and Buffalo rebounded. San Francisco cruised.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks down on the sideline in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Analysis: No Joe Burrow means no chance for the Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow shook his head, screamed and jogged to the locker room because the pain in his right wrist wouldn’t allow him to throw a football on the sideline.