Defense, and cheerleaders, highlight wild-card weekend

While offense (and cheerleaders) are everyone's favorites, TMQ knows it's the ball stoppers that rule the NFL.

Getting back to work, NFL playoffs style

With a little help from the NFL playoffs, DJ Gallo has some hints on how to return to work.

...ORLEANS - DECEMBER 07: Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons...defeated the Falcons 29-25. (Photo by Paul Spinelli/Getty Images...

Falcons coach just an everyday man

In his first season, Mike Smith has led the Atlanta Falcons to an 11-5 regular-season finish and a trip to Arizona for the playoffs. And as ESPN.com's Elizabeth Merrill writes, he's done it the old-fashioned way, by earning his players' respect.

...Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints on December 7, 2008 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Falcons 29-25. (Photo...

Running down the odds on Super Bowl hopefuls

DJ Gallo runs down the odds to win the Super Bowl for each of the 12 playoff participants.

Week 17: Eagles, Dolphins make playoff cut; Cowboys bottom out

Eric Hartline/US Presswire Thanks to a dominating victory over the Cowboys -- and some help from the Raiders and Texans -- Philadelphia secured the...

Sublime meets ridiculous in holiday mailbag

How did Bill Simmons spend Christmas? Sorting through one of his weirdest mailbags in recent memory.

Who's worst ever -- '08 Lions or '76 Bucs?

Who's the worst NFL team ever -- the '76 Bucs or the '08 Lions? Let's settle this once and for all.

'Twas the Sunday before Christmas ...

It was a wild Week 16 in the NFL -- so wild that a special poem has already been written about it.

NFL gifts that keep on giving

Bill Simmons is making a list (and checking it twice) of the worst NFL gifts you can give.

Week 14: Steelers, others come up big; Cowboys lack finishing touch

AP Photo/Julie Jacobson Thanks in large part to Brian...for three quarters against Randy Moss. Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel rarely hit a deep pass, preferring to...

Rambling toward Week 14

Bill Simmons weighs in on Plaxico, "Entourage" and the Jonas Brothers before making his Week 14 NFL picks.

Week 13: Fourth-and-1 fallout; Panthers fix first-quarter woes

...fumbled on a sneak. AP Photo/Amy Sancetta Robert Mathis' fourth...resilient football team.'' Falcons QB Matt Ryan said the key is staying...

Week 12: Jets solve Titans' D; Eagles in crisis

...little bit of their pass rush.'' Few are running the short passing game better than the Patriots' Matt Cassel. Coming into Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Cassel, relying on Wes Welker's ability to...