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

Each of the Vikings 2009 draft picks has started at least one game for the 11-2 team. How is that possible? The veterans, and one suddenly vital rookie, explain.    Full Story

With 10 wins and two losses, the Vikings have shown they know how to put a win behind them and focus on the next game. Now they’re out to show they can rebound from a prime-time loss and beat another playoff team, and they say they’re confidence hasn’t been shaken. Plus get injury updates from Friday and more notes and quotes.   Full Story

Two Vikings offensive players were called out for tipping off defenses by a former player and coach. They and their coaches explained in-depth.   Full Story

The Cardinals probably will say all the right things this week, about respecting the 49ers, about how the 49ers play them as well as anyone. That all might be true, but it's also true the Cardinals have pointed to this game since losing to the 49ers in the season opener.   Full Story

Rookie Jasper Brinkley is expected to get an opportunity to show his skills on defense as the replacement for E.J. Henderson. Having a fifth-round rookie at middle linebacker might be considered a risky proposition, but teammates and coaches expressed confidence in his instincts.   Full Story

A day after a gruesome fractured femur for linebacker E.J. Henderson, his defensive teammates had him in their thoughts and prayers and talked about the emotional impact of the injury.   Full Story

Undersized Ryan Lilja goes up against the Titans' best pass rusher, and with Charlie Johnson possibly out, Tony Ugoh draws Tennessee's always-dangerous Kyle Vanden Bosch. The last time these two teams played, Vanden Bosch got the upper hand on Ugoh and several hard shots in on Peyton Manning. Can Ugoh right the ship this time? Greg Talmage takes a look at the matchups.   Full Story

Even with a 10-6 record last year, the Vikings didn’t have a winning record on the road. In fact, they haven’t had that since their 1998 season. A win over Arizona will secure that for them. The players talked about changing perceptions.   Full Story

Brett Favre is leaving a mark … on the butts of teammates. Favre’s penchant for a stinging butt-slap has carried over to the Vikings and his teammates are improving in their efforts to exact revenge.   Full Story

It’s that time of the year when we take stock of the Oakland A’s organization and analyze the top prospects. For the next few weeks, we will profile our top-50 prospect list in groups of five. Today, we continue the series with a review of prospects 40-36.   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

The Arizona Cardinals look to snap the Tennessee Titans four-game winning streak. The Cardinals also hope to stay perfect on the road under the guidance of veteran quarterback Kurt Warner. Here are five other players who will make that happen.   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

In the final part of our interview with 2009 Kane County Cougars manager Steve Scarsone, we discuss a number of the Oakland A's younger prospects, including Max Stassi, Rashun Dixon, Anthony Capra, Ben Hornbeck and more...   Full Story

The Chargers got their fifth consecutive victory and a spot atop the AFC West standings, but it came with a cost.   Full Story

Chargers players and coach Norv Turner talk about Sunday's 32-3 win over the Denver Broncos. Hear from Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Malcom Floyd and others about the atmosphere in Mile High, and get the latest injury updates from Turner.   Full Story

The San Diego Chargers rushed for 203 yards and ran away from the Denver Broncos in a 32-3 romp Sunday at Mile High. The win boosts the Chargers to 7-3 and leaves them alone in first place.   Full Story

The Vikings haven’t face many truly experienced quarterbacks this season, but Matt Hasselbeck fits that mold. See what Minnesota’s defenders had to say about going against the 11-year veteran and the problems he poses.    Full Story

This week, Bucsblitz.com’s Matthew Postins takes a look at Bucs news for this week, including Josh Freeman, Sabby Piscitelli, Carnell Williams, who should get the NFL’s next expansion teams and the Bucs’ rejuvated pass rush. Get Postins’ unique spin, plus his prediction, on the Bucs each week here at Bucsblitz.com.   Full Story

In Part Two of our look at the middles along he line of scrimmage, Greg Talmage focuses on the Colts' offensive line against the 49ers' defense. Where are the key matchups, and what will the Colts need to do to put points on the board? Find out inside ...   Full Story

After yet another embarrassing loss, the Buccaneers are looking to change things up. This time, Josh Johnson is moving back a spot after a horrid outing against the Patriots last week.   Full Story

After escaping the Black Hole with a narrow win in the season-opener, the Chargers are looking to lock in a comfortable win Sunday. Here's a look at five matchups -- one in each phase of the game -- that the Chargers must win to make that happen.   Full Story

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Former Wildcat and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer rookie quarterback Josh Freeman will earn his first career NFL start on November 8 when the Bucs play host to the Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris announced Wednesday.    Full Story

The San Diego Chargers look to put together back-to-back victories for the first time this season when they host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. This pre-game notebook sets the stage for the big game by going inside the numbers, highlighting some players to watch and much more.   Full Story