>>Raiders Avoid Meltdown Against Panthers And Chiefs Top Broncos
(Oakland, CA) — Raiders quarterback David Carr played through a gruesome pinky injury to his throwing hand as they pulled off a 35-32 win against the Panthers. Oakland is in first in the AFC West at 9-and-2. They’re up a game on the 8-and-3 Chiefs, who beat the Broncos, 30-27, on “Sunday Night Football.” Denver is 7-and-4.
>>Titans Down Bears
(Chicago, IL) — Marcus Mariota threw for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Titans held off the Bears, 27-21, at Soldier Field. Chicago’s Matt Barkley made his first career start, throwing for 316 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Jordan Howard led the ground attack with 18 carries for 84 yards. The Bears dropped to 2-and-9 with the loss.
>>Dolphins Take Over Final AFC Wild Card Spot
(Miami, FL) — The Dolphins are closing in on making the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Miami held off the 49ers 31-24 and took over the second Wild Card spot in the AFC at 7-and-4 with its sixth straight victory. They have a one-game lead on a handful of 6-and-5 teams.
>>”Monday Night Football” Preview
(Philadelphia, PA) — Two NFC teams heading in the wrong direction clash on “Monday Night Football.” The 4-and-6 Packers travel to Philadelphia to play the 5-and-5 Eagles. Green Bay has lost three straight, while the Eagles have dropped three-of-four.
>>Colts Face Jets Next Monday
(Indianapolis, IN) — The Colts will visit the New York Jets next Monday as they attempt to gain ground in the AFC South. Indy is 5-and-6 after falling to the Steelers on Thanksgiving. The Texans lead the division at 6-and-5, while the Titans moved to 6-and-6 with a win yesterday. The Jaguars are in the cellar at 2-and-9.
>>Report: Luck Could Have Played Sunday
(Indianapolis, IN) — Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is expected to play next Monday after sitting out Thursday’s game against the Steelers with a concussion. Multiple reports state Luck would have been able to play if the Pittsburgh game was yesterday instead of Thanksgiving. Scott Tolzien started in Luck’s place, going 22-of-36 for 205 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in defeat.
>>Number-TwoOhioState Drops Number-Three Michigan
(Columbus, OH) — Number-two Ohio State got it done against its biggest rival again. The Buckeyes defeated number-three Michigan, 30-27, in double OT at Ohio Stadium on Saturday. OSU will not play in the Big Ten Championship Game though. Penn State clinched the Big Ten West when they crushed Michigan State, 45-12.
>>College Football Roundup
(Undated) — In college football action over the weekend, Notre Dame was embarrassed by rival USC, 45-27, to end the season 4-and-8. Northwestern doubled up Illinois, 42-21. The Wildcats are 6-and-6, while the Fighting Illini went 3-and-9.
>>College Basketball Roundup
(Undated) — In local college basketball action over the weekend, Illinois lost its third straight game, 72-61, to Florida State on Friday. The 4-and-3 Fighting Illini return to action tomorrow night hosting NC State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Northwestern beat Bryant, 86-66, on Friday to improve to 4-and-2. The Wildcats play Wake Forest tonight in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Notre Dame is still undefeated after beating Chicago State by 31 on Saturday. The Fighting Irish take part in the same event facing Iowa at home tomorrow night.
>>College Football Coaching Carousel
(Undated) — The college football coaching carousel is starting to spin. Texas hired head coach Tom Herman from Houston and fired Charlie Strong. LSU, which also wanted to hire Herman, has removed the interim tag off Ed Orgeron. The “USA Today” reported Oregon is planning to move on from head coach Mark Helfrich.