Today is the day that the 32 NFL owners are expected to award Super Bowl XLVIII to the new Meadowlands Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area. Some feel that it's all but a formality at this point, though there are enough "Nay" votes to make it interesting.

Personally, I think the Super Bowl should rotate between six United States locales--San Diego, Arizona, Dallas, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and Miami--and that regardless of how much money is spent on new stadiums, all northern stadiums, regardless of the presence of a roof, should be excluded from the process. But if New York/New Jersey gets Super Bowl 48, as I suspect it will, I'm not going to bore you with feigned outrage.

I will, however, gleefully point out how grim the weather is that week, and if one of the teams is clearly struggling with the elements (cold, rain, sleet, snow, ice, high winds--or all five) on that early February day, I'll happily point out how nice the weather is closer to the equator.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft tells the Boston Globe that the team will announce improvements to Gillette Stadium.

Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch will attend the team's OTAs this week.

New York Jets second-round offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse is excited to be working with the first-team offensive line, writes Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger.

The Miami Dolphins shuffled their offensive line, trading guard Justin Smiley to the Jacksonville Jaguars and signing veteran center/guard Cory Procter.

Smiley will need to pass his physical with the Jaguars for the deal to go through.

Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Greg Knapp is encouraged by what he sees in backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky.

Tennessee Titans tight end Bo Scaife reported to the team's facility on Monday, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean reports.

A.J. Foyt IV failed to qualify for what may have been his last Indianapolis 500, as he embarks on a new career working for his father in-law, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Baltimore Ravens cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb received good news about their surgically-repaired knees on Monday.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is not expected to get clearance to return to the team for this week's practices.

Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer predicts which members of the Cleveland Browns are in for breakout seasons in 2010.

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer looks at the Cincinnati Bengals' special teams units.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley had a "long conversation" with wide receiver Dwayne Bowe in the last week.

Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels will use multiple options to replace the production gap created by the departure of Brandon Marshall.

San Diego Chargers safety Kevin Ellison was arrested on Monday for suspicion of possession of a controlled substance.

Yesterday's Supreme Court ruling could provide another incentive for the Oakland Raiders to win games, writes Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback J.P. Losman could push Charlie Whitehurst for the team's top backup job to Matt Hasselbeck.

Several members of the San Francisco 49ers are training on their own in Arizona.

The Arizona Cardinals shuffled their scouting department on Monday.

St. Louis Rams minority owner Stan Kroenke's bid to purchase the remaining 60% of the franchise received an endorsement from New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson.

Saints All-Pro guard Jahri Evans is excited about his seven-year, $56.7 million dollar contract.

A return to the power running game would play to the strengths of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line, writes Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution looks at the five areas the Atlanta Falcons attempted to upgrade this off-season.

Though it was closed the media, Carolina Panthers restricted free agent cornerback Richard Marshall was reportedly on the field on Monday.

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss' situation could open doors for third-year receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.

Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Michael Vick wants to start, but understood why other NFL teams weren't interested in acquiring him.

New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss had successful ankle surgery on Monday.

Dallas Cowboys restricted free agent defensive end Marcus Spears says he'll fight for his starting job.

Safety Chris Harris is happy to be back with the Chicago Bears, writes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

The Green Bay Packers are taking the week off.

Former Minnesota Vikings safety Willie Offord is working with the team as a minority coaching intern.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson envisions a non-losing 2010 regular season for the Lions.

Today's NFL birthdays: Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (32), Chiefs undrafted rookie safety Andre Jones (25), Dolphins center Joe Berger (28), Saints fourth-round defensive tackle Al Woods (23), Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (24), Jets quarterback Kevin O'Connell (25), Raiders fourth-round offensive tackle Bruce Campbell (22), Eagles undrafted rookie cornerback Devin Ross (22), Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman (26), and 49ers quarterback Nate Davis (23).