NFL winners, losers not separated by much

With an 11-2 record, the Vikings are clear favorites to beat the Panthers, who are 5-8. But several Vikings testified to the razor-thin difference between winning and losing seasons in the NFL. They speak from experience.    Full Story

Who are the league's big-play passers? Why is this weekend's matchup pivotal and ironic for the Patriots? Colts RB Joseph Addai, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, the Seahawks rushing attack, NFL team rushing tendencies and more in Ed Thompson's NFL Quick Count.   Full Story

In Part Two of our pregame preview, Doug Farrar answers five Seahawks questions from Charlie Bernstein of BattleRedNation.com. Why have the Seahawks underperformed in recent years, has Aaron Curry lived up to the hype, and is it time for Jake Locker to move from Montlake to Renton?   Full Story

Aaron Rodgers admittedly played poorly when he faced the Ravens as a rookie in 2005. Now, with the playoffs within his grasp, Rodgers can go from fantasy stats machine to a true NFL star by propelling the Packers over these final five games. Publisher Bill Huber provides the commentary.   Full Story

Ryan Longwell’s wife and kids returned to their Florida home Monday and witnessed first-hand the media crush surrounding Tiger Woods. Longwell relayed the crazy scene and talked about celebrity temptations, family priorities and misidentified neighbors.   Full Story

The Vikings can clinch the division with a win and a Green Bay loss this week, and Minnesota can simply clinch a playoff spot with a win even if the Packers also win. It’s already that playoff-scenario time of year.    Full Story

Ryan Longwell wasn’t always an effective kicker from 50 yards out, but he has been the last two years. On Sunday, broke a franchise record for most fields of 50 yards or more.    Full Story

Seattle running back Justin Forsett put up 130 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and the Seahawks got their first road win of the season, a 27-17 defeat of St. Louis.   Full Story

The Vikings have a series of goals for the year, but the first is always to win the division. They can officially eliminate a second contender from NFC North hopes with a win over Chicago on Sunday, which would nearly wrap up the division.   Full Story

As NFL teams enter Week 12 of the NFL season, who are the top--and the worst--quarterbacks of 2009? Scout.com's Ed Thompson provides you with his Power Rankings of the league's signal-callers based on their stats and performances during the first eleven weeks of the season.   Full Story

After the Seahawks rushed for a franchise-worst 4 yards against Minnesota on Sunday, they may be facing St. Louis at the right time. Seattle ran for 167 yards in the regular-season opener against the Rams, a 28-0 win. The Rams rank 28th overall against the run, giving up an average of 146.4 yards per contest.   Full Story

For the second time in a five-game stretch, the Oakland Raiders hosted a playoff contender at the Coliseum and came away victorious. Silver & Black Illustrated photographer Shana Siler was on the sidelines for this contest and shares her up-close look at the action.   Full Story

Heading into each week's game, as a beat writer, you have some different themes you are looking for when writing a game summary. I could have written this story earlier in the week and been correct in my assumptions as Seattle was no match Minnesota's overall talent and explosiveness and suffered a 35-9 beat down in a game that wasn't even as close as the score would indicate.   Full Story

In the conclusion of their Vikings-Seahawks game preview, NorthwestFootball.net’s Doug Farrar answers five Seahawks questions from Viking Update’s Tim Yotter. Were the Vikings better off when T.J. Houshmandzadeh snubbed them, how is Seattle’s offensive line holding up, and what do the Seahawks need to do this offseason to get back to the top?   Full Story

In San Francisco, the 49ers erred by playing a spread-offense quarterback before either Alex Smith or his teammates were ready. In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers had the good fortune of waiting and Mike McCarthy got a second chance with a talented passer.   Full Story

The St. Louis Cardinals protected eight prospects from the Rule 5 Draft, including 2009 Player of the Year Allen Craig.   Full Story

An annual look at those prospects that may be added to the 40-man roster and those potentially left unprotected.   Full Story

Needing big-time performances by their best players, Charles Woodson and Aaron Rodgers delivered. Nobody on the field was better than Woodson, who is nothing less than one of the finest cornerbacks to ever play in the NFL.   Full Story

Coming into this week's game against the Cardinals on the road, Seattle essentially had to win the game to have any chance of keeping their playoff hopes alive. When they got out to 14-0 lead early in the game things looked good for the Seahawks, but they were outscored 31-6 the rest of the way, falling to 3-6 on the season while Arizona extended their lead in the division to two games...   Full Story

The Colts will have their hands full against the defensive front of the Patriots this week, and Greg Talmage focuses on three battles the Colts' offensive linemen will need to win if they want to move the ball down the field.   Full Story

Now that InsidePitchMagazine.com officially released its Top 50 list, we present the next collection that was on the cusp. These players are not placed in any value order, but are a group who were up for debate to include in the list. However, they fell just short.   Full Story

Tom Brady and Randy Moss paired up to take advantage of the Dolphins inexperienced secondary. Up next, another banged up secondary they can take advantage of, the Colts. With the Patriots 27-17 win on Sunday, they now have a 2-game lead in the division.   Full Story

Rich Gannon, the CBS analyst and 17-year NFL veteran, talks to Packer Report publisher Bill Huber about Aaron Rodgers, a quarterback’s time clock and walking the fine line between taking a sack and making a play.   Full Story

The off-season is a bit of a misnomer; There is very little "off" time for professional baseball players. That's especially true for young players working their way through the system.   Full Story

As the sack total continues to climb at a ridiculous rate, how much blame should fall on the shoulders of Aaron Rodgers? Last week’s loss to Minnesota illustrates the double-edged sword Rodgers straddles while playing his way.   Full Story