>>Patriots Outlast Ravens On “MNF”
(Foxboro, MA) — The Patriots sit alone atop the AFC. Tom Brady threw for 406 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Patriots to a 30-23 win over the Ravens on “Monday Night Football.” At 11-and-2, the Pats are now tied with the Cowboys for the best record in the NFL.
>>Rams Fire Fisher
(Los Angeles, CA) — Jeff Fisher’s time with the Rams is over. Los Angeles fired its head coach in the aftermath of Sunday’s 42-14 home loss to the Falcons. The Rams went 4-and-9 this year and 31-45-and-1 in four-plus seasons under Fisher.
>>Colts Put Three Players On IR
(Indianapolis, IN) — The injury bug is continuing to bite the Indianapolis Colts. Indy announced linebacker Curt Maggit, left guard Jack Mewhort, and safety Clayton Geathers have been placed on season-ending injured reserve. In response, the team signed safety Duke Williams, cornerback Charles James, and elevated receiver Devin Street to the active roster.
>>Gore Named Finalist For Rooney Sportsmanship Award
(New York, NY) — Frank Gore is one-of-eight players named a finalist for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. One player from each of the 32 teams was nominated, with the NFL Legends Committee reducing it to eight finalists. The winner will be announced February 4th.
>>Garrett Sticking With Prescott
(Irving, TX) — The Cowboys are sticking with rookie Dak Prescott at quarterback. Head coach Jason Garrett made the announcement a day after Dallas’ 10-7 loss to the Giants. Tony Romo will continue to serve as Prescott’s backup.
>>Jeffery Back With Bears
(Lake Forest, IL) — Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is back with the Bears after completing his four-game suspension. Jeffery was hit with the ban for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Jeffery will be able to play when the Bears host the Packers on Sunday.
>>Report: FAU To Hire Lane Kiffin
(Boca Raton, FL) — Lane Kiffin is heading back to the head coaching ranks. ESPN.com reports Kiffin has agreed to become the next head coach at Florida Atlantic University. The 41-year-old Kiffin will remain Alabama’s offensive coordinator through the College Football Playoff.
>>Cardinals Agree To Minor League Deal With Fryer
(St. Louis, MO) — The Cardinals are bringing back catcher Eric Fryer. The 31-year-old has agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Fryer drove in 13 runs in 60 combined games with the Cardinals and Pirates last season. He was claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh in June.
>>Dodgers Re-Sign Closer Jansen, Third Baseman Turner
(Los Angeles, CA) — The Dodgers are bringing back two key members of their team. Multiple reports say closer Kenley Jansen has agreed to a five-year deal worth 80-million-dollars. He had 47 saves in 2016. Third baseman Justin Turner has reportedly agreed to a four-year pact worth around 64-million.
>>Illinois Plays BYU Saturday
(Champaign, IL) — Illinois returns to the court Saturday against BYU. The teams meet in the Chicago Legends Basketball Tournament at the United Center. The Fighting Illini beat Central Michigan this past Saturday for their fourth straight win to improve to 8-and-3. The Cougars are 7-and-3 on the season.