New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch will likely be a big part of any win over the Jets, writes Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.

Inactive much of the season, Buffalo Bills third-round defensive end Alex Carrington has moved into the line rotation.

The New York Jets will seize control of the AFC East, writes Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

Miami Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling was activated off the non-football injury list on Tuesday.

The Baltimore Ravens can put a stranglehold on the AFC North with a win over the Steelers on Sunday night.

Pittbsurgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says James Harrison may have to change his technique due to the multiple fines.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jordan Norwood has been elevated from the practice squad.

Clint Stitser beat out three other kickers to receive a contract offer from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Texas-born members of the Indianapolis Colts are looking forward to Sunday's trip to Dallas, writes Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt will not be charged after an October bar fight.

Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Eugene Monroe passed his concussion test, Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union.

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing is the pulse of the defense, writes Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley wants his team to display mental toughness as they head down the stretch.

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels thinks adjustments can be overrated.

Ten key players, including safety Eric Weddle, on the San Diego Chargers will be unrestricted free agents after the season.

Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski will likely miss the remainder of the season with a separated shoulder.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne signed a one-year contract extension late last week.

One-third of the San Francisco 49ers' offensive production was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt is not changing starting quarterbacks, writes Kent Somer of The Arizona Republic.

The St. Louis Rams have a chance to earn a season-defining win against Arizona on Sunday, writes Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams signed a four-year contract extension, Bob McGinn of the Journal-Sentinel reports.

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe marches to his own beat, writes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune.

Detroit Lions quarterback Shaun Hill may miss the rest of the season with a broken index finger on his throwing hand.

Quarterback Jay Cutler's development in Mike Martz's system makes the Chicago Bears a dangerous team in the NFC playoff picture, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Dallas Cowboys interim head coach Jason Garrett likes Dez Bryant's competitive fire.

Wide receiver Devin Thomas hopes to find a home with the New York Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel practiced again on Tuesday, but is questionable for Thursday night's game against Houston.

The last five weeks of the Washington Redskins' season are a chance to evaluate the young talent on the roster, writes Jason Reid of the Washington Post.

Even with Jimmy Clausen on the roster, the Carolina Panthers may not be able to pass on Andrew Luck, Darin Gantt of The Charlotte Observer writes.

Nearly unbeatable at home, the Atlanta Falcons need to improve on the road.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released under-performing safety Sabby Piscitelli on Tuesday.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was named Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year" for 2010.

Today's NFL birthdays: Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens (24), Broncos wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (30) and linebacker David Veikune (25), Lions running back Maurice Morris (31), Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (24), 49ers offensive tackle Barry Sims (36), free agent linebacker Dan Cody (29), wide receiver Chris Davis (27), offensive tackle Marcus Johnson (29), linebackers Edgar Jones (26) and Anthony Trucks (27), cornerback Terrail Lambert (25), and guard Carlton Medder (26). Retired linebacker Duane Bickett (48), offensive tackle Todd Steussie (40), and quarterback Steve Walsh (44).