New York is filled with stories this morning about how Giants QB Eli Manning will be the next $100 million quarterback. And there’s no doubt that Manning’s deal will be in that exclusive neighborhood. It’s just that he might not be next. San Diego’s Philip Rivers could beat him there.

The Super Bowl has appeal to casual and hardcore fans alike. But for the thinking man, nothing beats championship-game weekend. Two Super Bowl-caliber games in one day. Some long-term, festering rivalries and new ones possibly being born. Who can beat that? Sure, you don’t have the awesome commercials, but that’s only a minor drawback. The specter of two teams fighting just for the chance to go to the Super Bowl is compelling.

For the second consecutive season, the Chargers were eliminated from the playoffs while star RB LaDainian Tomlinson watched from the sideline.

Tomlinson, who had no history of injury problems prior to the 2007 NFL Playoffs, suddenly can’t seem to stay healthy for the postseason. And with his 30th birthday looming on the horizon, there’s a chance that the Chargers could do the unthinkable and release Tomlinson.

The Seattle Seahawks introduced Jim Mora as their new head coach in a Tuesday press conference, where he discussed his plans for the team’s future.

During his 61-minute question-and-answer session, Mora talked about his vision of the Seahawks’ offense under new coordinator Greg Knapp. It includes a greater emphasis on the run, at least in comparison to the 60-40 pass-to-run ratio used under former coach Mike Holmgren.

Turns out that Chicago’s all-time great Super-Bowl-shuffle defense could dance and it could coach.

Any aspiring safety needs to watch Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. The two best in the game will be squaring off.

Of the many great matchups in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, the one that stands out is this: Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald vs. Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel.

To understand how significant the hire of Scott Pioli was, simply read through the quotes that the Patriots released after the Chiefs hired him.

It has become a ritual all around the league — team loses playoff game, team makes coaching changes. The Chargers made a handful of coaching changes on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, it was expected that former Lions defensive coordinator Joe Barry would be taking the linebacker’s coaching job in Seattle.

Now that the Chiefs have hired Scott Pioli, sweeping changes are expected to follow him to Kansas City.

The Raiders have fired receivers coach James Lofton and have promoted quality control Sanjay Lal to receivers coach. The Raiders signed Lal to a two-year contract extension Tuesday.

One day after Detroit invited back Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for a second interview, it did the same with Miami assistant head coach Todd Bowles, who is the sleeper in this race. The fact that Bowles is the second head coaching candidate to be brought back, and to meet with Lions owner William Clay Ford, speaks volumes.

The Chiefs have hired Scott Pioli to be the general manager. Pioli, 43, was considered one of the masterminds behind the Patriots dynasty.

A day after introducing new coach Josh McDaniels, the Broncos hired former 49ers coach Mike Nolan on Tuesday as defensive coordinator.