NFL youth programs launch careers, teach life lessons (AP)

Growing up, Jared Gaither was talented enough with a basketball to entertain legitimate hopes of earning a college scholarship and playing in the NBA. Gaither had just finished seventh grade when he began scouting Maryland high schools. During a visit to DeMatha, home of one of the nation’s most successful basketball programs, Gaither ran into the school’s football coach.

Ravens appear to be getting healthy (Yahoo! Sports)

The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday afternoon that cornerback Chris McAlister, linebacker Jarret Johnson, tight…

32 Questions: Tuned out (Yahoo! Sports)

The Cowboys and Packers vie for NFC supremacy on Thursday, but not all local fans will get to watch.

Many fans won’t be able to watch Thursday’s big Packers-Cowboys game (AP)

Chuck Woehler doesn’t understand the intricacies of the feud between the NFL Network and the big cable companies, nor does he care to. All he knows is he won’t be able to watch his beloved Dallas Cowboys from his San Antonio home as he can every other week — and he faults the NFL for that. Football fans will feel the impact of the wrangling like never before when two teams with 10-1 records and…

NFL Power Poll: The best game you can’t watch at home (SportingNews.com)

The Cowboys and Packers square off in the second biggest game of the regular season, and two thirds of America won’t be able to watch at home.

‘07 rankings: Total exposure (Yahoo! Sports)

The Pats’ narrow win Sunday left the writers wondering if future foes can repeat Philly’s game plan to perfection.

Ogden likely done (Yahoo! Sports)

Barring a miracle, it appears that Baltimore Ravens left tackle Jonathan Ogden will retire at the end of this…

Neuheisel, Nutt among possible candidates for Ole Miss (Yahoo! Sports)

The University of Mississippi’s list of possible candidates to succeed Ed Orgeron includes Rick Neuheisel, the…

With nothing to lose but another game, Ravens focus on Patriots (AP)

Mired in the worst skid in franchise history, the last-place Baltimore Ravens have little left to play for this season. The playoffs are out of reach, reaching .500 is a long shot and there are few attainable personal goals left for those healthy enough to go full tilt. It’s a sad situation for a team that expected to be playing well into January.

Winners, losers and more: Generous contenders (Yahoo! Sports)

Getting into the holiday spirit meant 60 minutes of giving for several NFL teams Sunday.