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Drew Brees threw for 229 yards and three touchdowns passing and the New Orleans Saints took a 24-10 lead over the New England Patriots at the end of the first half on Monday night. His scoring passes went for 18 yards to Pierre Thomas, 75 yards to Devery Henderson and 38 yards to Robert Meachem. He completed 11 of his 13 passes.

The New Orleans Saints deactivated running back Reggie Bush and starting cornerback Jabari Greer for Monday night's game against the New England Patriots. Bush also missed the Saints' previous game with left knee swelling. Greer, replaced by Randall Gay, has missed three games with a pulled left groin.

The slumping New York Giants placed linebacker Antonio Pierce on injured reserve Monday with a bulging disk in his neck, ending the season for one of their defensive leaders. Pierce has missed two games since being ruled out indefinitely after an MRI exam Nov. 20 revealed the bulging disk. The Giants (6-5) decided to put Pierce on IR after he received a second opinion from Dr.

The NFL is keeping mum on the latest developments in the trash talking episode between Denver coach Josh McDaniels and San Diego linebacker Shaun Phillips. Phillips said after the Chargers' victory at Denver on Nov. 22 that McDaniels had sneered "We own you!" during warmups. McDaniels repeatedly declined to tell his side of the story but in the face of mounting criticism, he told ESPN…

Jim Caldwell has been preparing for the playoff questions since he was hired as Colts coach. Providing the answers before December, well, that is a surprise. One day after becoming the first NFL team to lock up a playoff spot this season, the rookie coach acknowledged he has been pondering how best to get Indianapolis ready for the postseason — even if he's not ready to announce those plans.

During the few rough patches the Pittsburgh Steelers encountered while winning the Super Bowl last season, they emphasized their camaraderie and selflessness pushed them through the tough times and set them apart from most teams. Linebacker James Farrior said they were more like a family than a football team.

The NFL is not switching the Denver at Indianapolis game on Dec. 13 to prime time even though it could be the Colts' record-setting 22nd straight regular-season victory. Instead, the Philadelphia Eagles-New York Giants matchup remains as the night game. The only change under the flexible scheduling policy for Dec.

Despite the New York Giants' recent slump and his own mediocre performances, quarterback Eli Manning says a stress reaction in his right foot is not affecting his play. Manning developed the injury while dealing with another problem on the bottom of his foot during a win Oct. 4 at Kansas City. The Giants were 4-0 after that victory, but are now 6-5 as Manning has struggled in recent weeks, even…

Kenny Britt caught the pass and jumped to his feet — only to be stripped of the ball with time ticking away. No worries. On the next drive, Vince Young gave the rookie a chance for redemption, and he came through by leaping up to grab Young's 10-yard pass at the back of the end zone as time expired to cap the Tennessee Titans' stunning rally to a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on…

In a fierce rivalry that has featured several of the most notable NFL players over the past 10 years, a couple of backups made their mark in memorable fashion. Add third-string quarterback Dennis Dixon to a list of notable Pittsburgh Steelers that includes Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, Plaxico Burress and Troy Polamalu.

Matchup between New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints discussed

Indianapolis Colts defeat Houston Texans, 35-27, to clinch American Football Conference South title; Cincinnati Bengals defeat Cleveland Browns, 16-7, to win AFC North; Tennessee Titans defeat St Louis Cardinals, 20-17; Philadelphia Eagles defeat Washington Redskins, 27-24; Buffalo Bills defeat Miami Dolphins, 31-14; Atlanta Falcons defeat Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-17; Minnesota Vikings defeat Chicago Bears, 36-10; San Diego Chargers defeat Kansas City Chiefs, 43-14; San Francisco 49ers defeat J…

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints are still unbeaten and have joined the Indianapolis Colts in making NFL history.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Rams’ run defense has been horrible lately, even though the personnel’s pretty much the same. It’s becoming a weekly sore spot for rookie coach Steve Spagnuolo, who built his reputation on stopping opponents.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Two games into the season, the Dallas Cowboys defense had allowed nearly 900 yards and 54 points while creating plenty of concern. They were the only team in the league without a sack or a forced turnover.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Todd Haley insisted Monday that the team has not contacted Charlie Weis about joining the staff in Kansas City.