NFL Playoff News and Notes

Several Atlanta Falcons have playoff experience, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Chicago Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs is eager to face the Seahawks.

Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu is responding well to Saturday's concussion.

The Green Bay Packers offense is more balanced heading into their rematch with the Falcons.

After a four-week suspension, New England Patriots rookie linebacker Brandon Spikes will have to show he's ready to play this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin prefers to play at home in the playoffs.

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan has high praise for cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed has traveled to Louisiana to be with his family.

NFL News and Notes

The Dallas Cowboys' search for a defensive coordinator is heating up, writes David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.

New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will interview for the head coaching job with the Cleveland Browns today.

Fixing the defense should be the top priority for the Philadelphia Eagles this off-season, writes Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew has hit on some late-round picks.

Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune makes the case for the Minnesota Vikings to pursue Matt Hasselbeck this off-season.

The New Orleans Saints have a lengthy injury list as they head into the off-season.

Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times explains why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach and general manager have different contract lengths.

The Carolina Panthers are likely to hire Ron Rivera to be their next head coach.

If offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur leaves, the St. Louis Rams may look outside the organization to replace him, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The Arizona Cardinals may not have a chance to hire Steelers linebacker Keith Butler to coordinate their defense.

Finding and developing a quarterback will be the most important task for San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The Oakland Raiders have started the interview process for their head coaching vacancy.

With Ron Rivera headed to Carolina, the San Diego Chargers are compiling a list of internal and external candidates to replace him.

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison will interview for the Denver Broncos head coaching job today, reports Mike Klis of The Denver Post.

Sunday's illustrate the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of depth at wide receiver, writes Adam Teicher of The Kansas City Star.

Indianapolis Colts first-round defensive end Jerry Hughes' lack of effort contributed to Antonio Cromartie's long kick return on Saturday night.

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Tony Brown had his knee scoped recently, reports Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

Jacksonville Jaguars sixth-round running back Deji Karim had successful surgery on his right hand, Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants an aggressive and creative offense.

The Buffalo Bills young wide receivers have turned the position into a strength, writes Allen Wilson of The Buffalo News.

Today's NFL birthdays: Ravens wide receiver Marcus Smith (26), Lions guard Stephen Peterman (29), Texans center Cody Wallace (26), Colts safety Mike Newton (24), Giants tight end Kevin Boss (27), Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon (26), Redskins guard Mike Williams (31), and free agent defensive lineman Alfonso Boone (35).

Retired offensive linemen Stockar McDougle (34) and Richmond Webb (44), and wide receiver Freddie Solomon (58).