NFL

FILE - Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sept. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. The Detroit Lions have agreed to a deal with three-time Pro Bowl tight end Ertz, a person familiar with the decision the told The Associated Press on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

Lions agree to sign 3-time Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz, AP source says

The Detroit Lions have agreed to a deal with three-time Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz. That’s according to a person familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the signing.

FILE - Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, right, talks with quarterback Joe Burrow on the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dec. 4, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Tennessee Titans have agreed to hire Callahan as their head coach, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Titans agree to hire Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as head coach, AP source says

FILE - Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees works with his players as they warm up before Alabama's A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage on April 22, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is close to hiring Rees to coach the Browns tight ends, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)

Browns set to hire Alabama offensive coordinator Rees as new tight ends coach, AP source confirms

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Lions hoping to make more history, seeking first road playoff win since 1957

FILE - Carolina Panthers assistant general manager Dan Morgan stands on the sideline prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jan. 7, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have promoted Morgan to president of football operations/general manager in hopes that the team’s former star linebacker can help turn around the struggling franchise. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt, File)

Panthers hire familiar face in Dan Morgan as president of football operations and general manager

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after beating the Buffalo Bills in an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Analysis: Conference championships are set with familiar faces and new arrivals

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are back in the AFC championship game for a sixth straight season and probably taking Taylor Swift with them along with Travis Kelce’s older, shirtless brother.

Past games

Analysis: Building a Super Bowl champion starts with figuring how who gets all the power

Analysis: Philly will demand accountability for the Eagles’ collapse after playoff loss to Bucs

Pro Picks

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Pro Picks: Ravens, Bills, 49ers, Lions will advance to conference championship games

Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer answers questions during a news conference after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Bills pack up while confident they will get past Mahomes and Chiefs in the playoffs one day

Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer has watched his team grow from being an also-ran seven years ago to a perennial contender today.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) leaves the field after an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. The Baltimore Ravens won 34-10. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

C.J. Stroud, Texans encouraged for future after remarkable turnaround

C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans couldn’t reach the AFC Championship game for the first time in franchise history.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield addresses the media after an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Baker Mayfield’s future is Buccaneers’ top priority entering offseason for NFC South champs

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers feel they’ve built a strong foundation for continued success.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks to fans after an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. The Baltimore Ravens won 34-10. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Now one win from a Super Bowl, the Ravens face a big hurdle in Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs

The Baltimore Ravens are trying to reach their first Super Bowl in 11 years. The last team standing in the way is the Kansas City Chiefs.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) scores a rushing touchdown during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The front-running 49ers showed off their comeback ability in their playoff opener

The San Francisco 49ers spent most of the season as dominant front-runners, racing out to early leads and putting teams away with relative ease.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) rolls out of the pocket during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Packers must follow up a surprising season by dealing with heightened expectations

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur began the offseason with a message for a team that overcame inexperience to reach the divisional round of the playoffs.

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32), center, runs for a first down against Jacksonville Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) and Tyson Campbell (32), right, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Jaguars hire Ryan Nielsen as defensive coordinator and task him with turning around woeful unit

The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen for the same position.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after beating the Buffalo Bills in an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Chiefs defense continues to overcome mistakes as their march to a Super Bowl defense continues

The Kansas City Chiefs relied on their defense again in Sunday night’s divisional playoff win in Buffalo to overcome the kind of mistakes that have plagued them all season.

Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry speaks to the media about the 2023 season in Berea, Ohio, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Joshua Gunter/Cleveland.com via AP)

Browns GM says he would ‘absolutely love’ to re-sign Flacco, even as Watson’s backup

Joe Flacco’s short, surprising stint with the Browns could lead to a second season in Cleveland — maybe as Deshaun Watson’s backup.

Today in Sports - Klay Thompson sets an NBA record for the most points in a quarter with 37

Today in Sports, January 23 - Klay Thompson sets an NBA record for the most points in a quarter with 37

Buffalo Bills place kicker Tyler Bass (2) reacts after missing a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Bills have a familiar feeling, eliminated by the Chiefs in playoffs for third time in four years

The Buffalo Bills’ season ended in familiar fashion. For the third straight year, the Bills were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after beating the Buffalo Bills in an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Mahomes, Kelce and Chiefs end Bills’ season again. Lions reach first NFC title game in 32 years

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Travis Kelce caught two touchdown passes from Patrick Mahomes, and the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to their sixth straight AFC championship game with a 27-24 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Kelce scores twice and Chiefs beat Bills 27-24 to advance to face Ravens in AFC championship

Travis Kelce caught two touchdown passes and the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to their sixth straight AFC championship game following a 27-24 divisional round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills.

FILE - Stanford coach David Shaw looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah, Nov. 12, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Former Stanford coach Shaw interviewed for Los Angeles Chargers coach Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Titans interview former Stanford coach David Shaw as 10th candidate for open job

The Tennessee Titans interviewed former Stanford coach David Shaw in person Sunday and made him the 10th different candidate for their head coaching vacancy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (78) walk to the bench after a pass by Mayfield was intercepted by the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. The Lions won 31-23. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Buccaneers defense falters in second half of 31-23 loss to Lions in NFC divisional round

Tampa Bay’s defense slowed down one of the NFL’s leading offenses for a half. The Buccaneers had no answer in the second half Sunday as the Detroit Lions scored three touchdowns on their way to a 31-23 victory and a trip to the NFC championship game at San Francisco.

Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai has been fired by coach Nick Sirianni, AP source says

A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has fired defensive coordinator Sean Desai.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) celebrates with teammates Jameson Williams (9) and Jared Goff (16) after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

Jared Goff throws 2 TD passes, Lions advance to NFC title game with 31-23 win over Buccaneers

Jared Goff threw two touchdown passes and the Detroit Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 in a divisional-round playoff game, lifting the long-suffering franchise into the NFC championship for the first time in 32 years and just the second time in franchise history.

Taylor Swift, right, and Brittany Mahomes react during the third quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Taylor Swift’s NFL playoff tour takes her to Buffalo for Chiefs game against Bills

Taylor Swift blew a kiss after someone greeted her by yelling “Bills by a billion,” upon arriving at Highmark Stadium to watch boyfriend Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills 27-24 in a divisional playoff game.

Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard inactive for playoff game against Chiefs

Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Terrel Bernard was listed as inactive because of a right ankle injury for the team’s divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson addresses the media, at the NFL football team's training facility, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Falcons interview offensive coordinators Ben Johnson of Lions and Bobby Slowik of Texans

The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed their 12th and 13th candidates for their head coaching vacancy, adding Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik to the growing list.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta reacts after a 2-yard reception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Lions’ James Houston and Kalif Raymond inactive; Bucs Shaquil Barrett and Chase Edmonds active

Detroit Lions edge rusher James Houston is inactive against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in an NFC divisional playoff game.

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey walks the sideline prior to an NFL football game, Oct. 30, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Cleveland Browns may bring back one of their many former starting quarterbacks to oversee their offense. The team interviewed Dorsey on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 a person familiar with the meeting told The Associated Press on Sunday. (AP Photo/Bryan Bennett)

Browns interview former QB and Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey for opening, AP source says

The Cleveland Browns may bring back one of their many former starting quarterbacks to oversee their offense.

Today in Sports - Kobe Bryant scores a staggering 81 points; second-highest total in NBA history

Today in Sports, January 22 - Kobe Bryant scores a staggering 81 points; second-highest total in NBA history

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love speaks at a news conference after an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

Jordan Love’s strong 1st season as Packers QB ends with disappointing playoff loss

For all that went well in Jordan Love’s first season as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, the end proved disappointing.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates his rushing touchdown with teammates during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Christian McCaffrey’s go-ahead TD rallies 49ers to 24-21 playoff win over Packers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Christian McCaffrey scored his second touchdown on a 6-yard run with 1:07 to play, and the San Francisco 49ers mounted their first second-half comeback of the season to beat the Green Bay Packers 24-21 in a divisional-round playoff game on Saturday night.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates his rushing touchdown with teammates during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Christian McCaffrey’s 2nd TD rallies the 49ers to 24-21 playoff win over Jordan Love and the Packers

Christian McCaffrey scored his second touchdown on a 6-yard run with 1:07 to play, and the San Francisco 49ers mounted their first second-half comeback of the season to beat the Green Bay Packers 24-21 in a divisional-round playoff game.

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) poressures Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Ryans says loss to Ravens was ‘not a moral victory.’ But Stroud and Texans proud of their season

The Houston Texans ended their season the same way they started it: with a loss in Baltimore. When the sting of Saturday’s 34-10 playoff defeat wears off, the Texans will appreciate how well they played between those setbacks against the Ravens.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) walks off the field after an injury during the first half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

49ers receiver Deebo Samuel leaves playoff game vs. Packers with shoulder injury

San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel left Saturday night’s playoff game against the Green Bay Packers with a shoulder injury.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Lamar Jackson and Ravens pull away in the second half to beat Texans 34-10 and reach AFC title game

Lamar Jackson threw two touchdown passes and ran for two scores and the Baltimore Ravens pulled away in the second half for a 34-10 win over the Houston Texans to advance to the AFC championship game.

Cornerback Jaire Alexander activated by Packers for playoff game vs. 49ers

Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander was active for Green Bay’s divisional-round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.