Baltimore Ravens 12/19/2006 9:20 AMThe Baltimore Sun reports the Ravens clinched the AFC North last night, although it came at a price. When the Indianapolis Colts came away with a 34-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens captured their first division title in three seasons, but their hopes of landing a first-round bye might have slipped through their grasp. The only way the Ravens (11-3) can improve from a No. 3 seed is if the San Diego Chargers (12-2) or the Colts (11-3) lose in the season's final two weeks. When laying out the three-week playoff schedule to his players, Ravens HC Brian Billick noticed what has become the primary goal for his team - and it wasn't a division title.Read more
Washington Redskins 12/19/2006 9:17 AMThe Washington Post reports even with RB Ladell Betts compiling 100-yard games each week lately, HC Joe Gibbs said there will be room for him and RB Clinton Portis in the Washington Redskins' offense next season. Betts is on the verge of his first 1,000-yard season, stepping up with Portis out for the season because of hand and shoulder surgeries. The Redskins have reemphasized the rushing attack since Portis, who set a franchise rushing record in 2005, went down. Betts has 196 rushes for 933 yards (4.8 per carry) this season, shattering his previous highs. Betts had never previously rushed more than 90 times or gained more than 371 yards. Should he reach 100 yards again Sunday, he would match Portis's run of five straight 100-yard games last season. Still, Gibbs said he looks forward to having both healthy and together, and, given their strong relationship, he believes they can handle role-sharing.Read more
Detroit Lions 12/19/2006 9:14 AMThe Detroit Free Press reports Lions defensive line coach Joe Cullen has been suspended for Sunday's game against Chicago and fined $20,000 by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for "conduct detrimental to the league," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday. The punishment is for the same two preseason arrests -- one for nude driving, one for drunken driving -- that got Cullen suspended by the Lions for the season opener against Seattle.Read more
Cincinnati Bengals 12/19/2006 9:11 AMThe Dayton Daily News reports the Indianapolis Colts resembled thoroughbreds â just call 'em the Circle City Stallions â racing up and down the field with the greatest of ease. The Cincinnati Bengals looked like Queen City Kitties ... punchless, toothless and clueless. QB Peyton Manning threw four touchdown passes, three to WR Marvin Harrison, as the Colts stretched their legs and romped to an easy 34-16 victory in front of 57,292 spectators, and millions more watching on national TV, at the RCA Dome. Indianapolis (11-3), the AFC South Division champ, stopped a two-game losing streak in style. Manning pinpointed the Bengals' weakness â pass defense â and exploited it.Read more
