First there was the news of “Hard Knocks.”  Now the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders have gifted the Internet with a video cover of Carly Rae Jepsen‘s inescapable hit “Call Me Maybe.”

The ‘Fins are taking a short cut on the road to redemption.

The “Cover Two Podcast” is back up and running but it’s been re-tooled. It’s “The Cover Two Podcast: 2.0.”

Jason Smith of “NFL Fantasy Live” is my new co-host and we kicked off the re-birth of the podcast with some hot topics and the perfect person to address some of them: outspoken free-agent RB Clinton Portis.

The former Bronco/Redskin is trying to get back into the NFL after missing last season, and he disclosed that Redskins team doctors physically cleared him Monday from a groin injury that he was still recovering from when he was released last season. That clean bill of health, coupled with other medical clearances from private doctors, will hopefully help open the door for a return.

“I have all of my strength, everything is back … I’m ready,” Portis said.

A huge topic of discussion was the upcoming 2012 Scouting Combine.

“I think the combine actually hurts more guys than it helps,” Portis said. “The microscope is on to judge you, to figure out what you can’t do, they already know what you can do. Where in football does a broad jump mean anything? You don’t see anyone jump from the 5 to the end zone, standing off of two feet from a standstill. Give me a running start and let me dive across! I think it hurts more people than it helps.

“Going into this combine, you already know who is going to turn out to have the best NFL careers. You got Andrew Luck, you have RG3, you have Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller. You already know these guys are going to be great talents, because you’ve already seen them do it.”

Portis went on to say that Baylor QB Robert Griffin III, who won the Heisman Trophy, is the “real deal.”

“If it were up to me, Griffin would be the first pick in the draft,” Portis said. “Andrew Luck with the fundamentals and his career, he won every game he played. But on the flip side, if you look at the kid from Boise State (Kellen Moore), who is the same way, but he lost three games in his college career, how do you not take him?”

Portis didn’t steal the show. Smith and I had plenty to say about Ben Roethlisberger’s comment about not hearing from new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, free-agent QB Matt Flynn and the comments Brady Quinn made in a GQ article regarding Tim Tebow. 

 But here’s one last nugget from Portis, who for the most part agreed with Quinn.

“It’s obvious that the Broncos as a team won,” Portis said. “Tebow got all the credit because he came in and they began to win. It was his fourth-quarter effort that propelled them into victory that always ended in excitement and he was spectacular at that.

“But as a team, for the other three quarters, the Broncos defense played lights out. … Then all of the sudden you play as a team and one guy gets the credit. That kind of picked away into that locker room as you can see now. Did Tebow deserve all of the credit that he got? I don’t think so. But he handled it well.”

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If you really think about it, it’s not surprising athletes have attempted to cross over to the music world.

These are intensely successful people who’ve been told they’re God’s gift to everything since junior high. A celebrated college run and lucrative pro career only bolsters this confidence further.

So when a manager approaches them with the information that a record company wants to give them a sack of money to sing into a microphone for three hours, who’s going to tell them it’s a bad idea? Certainly not the cadre of yes-men that serve as handlers.

Of course, this is a bad idea. Ruben Studdard, American’s Idol’s “Velvet Teddy Bear,” cannot block Justin Tuck. We can’t expect Jets center Nick Mangold to nail Adele’s “Someone Like You.”

And yet, many a compact disc have been sacrificed at the altar of jock hubris. This spans across all sports, and the NFL isn’t immune. Consider the following list a cautionary tale for Victor Cruz, who’s probably scheduled to record his own salsa album sometime next week. Step away from the mic, VC.

Onto the list …

Terry Bradshaw: “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry”

Before he was best known for getting berated by Ann Mara on national television, Terry Bradshaw was a Super Bowl hero for the Steelers. This success swung the doors open to the world of country music, and Bradshaw released three albums between 1976 and 1981. His cover of the Hank Williams classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” reached No. 17 on the country charts.

This makes Bradshaw the Elvis of NFL recording artists. I hope this provides some perspective.

Deion Sanders: “Must be the Money”

Deion Sanders was the greatest cornerback on the planet when he released “Must Be The Money,” the lead single off his 1994 album “Prime Time.” The video was outstanding (as you can plainly see above), but the single failed to chart. AllMusic.com writer Dan LeRoy noted that Sanders’ “nasal rapping and inability to offer any references beyond his own rags-to-riches sports biography make this one a yawner almost from the outset.”

I’d add more, but NFL.com and NFL Network exist under the same roof.

Free Reign: One Step Away

Dolphins tackle Marc Colombo, Lions guard Leonard Davis and free agent guard Cory Procter formed this metal band in which Colombo handles vocals. The group released the album “Heavier Than Metal” last April. I can’t imagine they’re the first band to use that album title.

Anyway, Colombo cites Metallica frontman James Hetfield as a major influence, according to the good folks over at ultimate-guitar.com. In 2010, the group captured the “Most Metal Athletes” award at the Golden Gods Awards. I’d love to know who else was in the running (crossing my fingers it was Tyler Palko).

Ben Utecht: “I Pray”

Ben Utecht is a former NFL tight end who won a Super Bowl ring with the Colts in 2007. According to his official website, Utecht is a football player by trade, but a follower of Jesus by desire. This couldn’t have sit well with Peyton Manning.

Utecht released his self-titled debut album in 2009, and recently released a Christmas album. “I Pray” is off that record. What else can you really say about Ben Utecht?

Connersvine: “Lay Down”

Connervine is notable because former Colts punter Hunter Smith is one part of the two-man band. Another Christian rocker, Hunter’s music is described on Wikipedia as “acoustic-driven rock sound that communicates through worshipful melodies and passionate vocals.” Whatever you say, guys.

– Dan Hanzus

We put a moratorium on promoting instances of parents using their sobbing children as symbols for their teams’ failures, but we’ve made an exception for a young 49ers fan named Johnny.

The best part? A male figure we presume to be Dad barking out Jim Harbaugh‘s famous “Who’s got it better than us?” rally cry, followed by the boy’s wounded response. Niners president and CEO Jed York tweeted out the video with the message, “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

Add Johnny to the expanding database that includes the sobbing girl devastated by the Vikings’ ineptitude, the despondent boy just beginning his tortured existence as a Jets fan and the furious child who straight up hates Tom Brady.

– Dan Hanzus

Ball So Hard University has produced its first crop of graduates.

Matt Richey, Kenny Silkworth and Robert “McFreshington” Norton have put their heads together to pump out “Ravens Nation,” a song dedicated to Baltimore’s 12-4 jaunt through the regular season that continues Sunday with a home divisional playoff game against the Texans.

The anthem celebrates an expected cast of characters — Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Ray Rice and Ed Reed — but it is, we believe, the first rap song on the planet with a nod to defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano:

“We’ll protect this house, this home, castle, throne, battle zone
When the pass is thrown, even the pastor knows
Hail Marys can’t save you, we’ll crack you bones
Chuckie P’s got the scheme and my whole team knows
It’s ‘W.hat’s I.mportant N.ow’ “

The artists have seen “Ravens Nation” generate more than 60,000 clicks on YouTube, but it’s the 71,000-plus at M&T Bank Stadium they hope to reach next.

“If they played it at (the) stadium, honestly, I have no idea what would happen,” Silkworth told The Baltimore Sun. “I’d probably try to grab onto something so I wouldn’t fall over. I would probably jump out of my seat. Maybe I’d do laps around the stadium. Or maybe not that far, so I wouldn’t get kicked out.”

Hear that, guy who runs the iPod shuffle at M&T? Let’s make these young rappers run.

– Marc Sessler

Nestled inside Sunday’s frantic Packers win over the Lions was this minor gem:

A 15-year-old Green Bay fan bopping around Lambeau Field during a timeout, running free and flapping his wings before he was stopped cold by Packers LB Brad Jones.

“I don’t understand how 10 security guards can’t catch one little kid,” Jones told FOX Sports Wisconsin this week. “Really, I was just cold. It’s all good.”

Jones claimed to hear muffled cries of joy coming from the boy as he was deep-sixed into the frozen tundra.

“I think he was still laughing,” Jones said. “I think I could still hear him. Maybe not. I was just happy to get the game back going again.”

Here’s where the laughter ceased for the upstart who was handcuffed and turned over to his mother: Despite being characterized by authorities as “completely sober,” he is “no longer welcome at Lambeau Field,” police told the Appleton Post-Crescent.

Learn from this, young ones.

– Marc Sessler

NFL Network’s schedule of Thursday night games kicks off at 8 p.m. ET with an important divisional showdown, as Carson Palmer’s Oakland Raiders battle Philip Rivers’ San Diego Chargers for first place in the AFC West. Read a preview of this important rivalry game, and if you’re in the mood for nostalgia, watch a flashback of 1978′s infamous “Holy Roller” incident.

Here’s what else is on tap for Thursday:

• Joe Paterno sent scores of players and coaches to the NFL during his 46 years at the head of Penn State’s football program, and across the league on Wednesday many of them reacted with shock and sadness to the news of Paterno’s firing amid allegations of sexual abuse by one of his former assistant coaches. Tune into NFL Network throughout the day for more breaking coverage of the Penn State story.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again angry with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, this time for a $40,000 fine levied against safety Ryan Clark for his hit on Baltimore Ravens tight end Ed Dickson Sunday night.

• Forget the “one game at a time” cliche. The Green Bay Packers are 8-0, and Charles Woodson isn’t afraid to address the possibility of the defending Super Bowl champs running the table.

• Jets coach Rex Ryan told reporters where he ranks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, but while complimenting those QBs, he inadvertently dissed a certain Super Bowl MVP.

• With the NFL regular season at its midway point, we asked our panel of experts to choose the best game of the year thus far, and there were plenty of worthy candidates.

• Have your say in who wins top honors for last weekend’s games by voting for the NFL’s Hardest Working Man award, the Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Players of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don’t forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

• Get an exclusive first look at the next episode of “A Football
  Life,” which chronicles the one-of-a-kind life of legendary Raiders owner Al
  Davis. The full NFL Films documentary airs Friday night on NFL Network.

• There might not be a hotter RB in the NFL than Dallas rookie DeMarco Murray, who has 466 yards in his past three games. Michael Fabiano says you should start Murray in your fantasy league, and he has some other intriguing names to look for in Week 10.

• Come up with names for the week’s most exciting plays, and tweet your way into the NFL history books. We’ll pick our favorites, and let users pick the final winner each week.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

Time flies when you’re having fun, and the 2011 NFL regular season is already half over. With that in mind, we asked eight NFL.com and NFL Network analysts for their award winners at the halfway point and revised predictions for the postseason, and the results are in. Also, Steve Wyche handicaps the path to the playoffs for high-profile and upstart teams alike, our panel of experts presents their choices for the biggest story of the season so far, and we’ve got highlights of our picks for the five best catches of the year.

Here’s what else is on tap for Wednesday:

• If you’re looking for some bold predictions about what will happen over the season’s final two months, Jason La Canfora is your guy. Among them: Drew Brees will make history.

• NFL players who played for Penn State coach Joe Paterno reacted Tuesday to the growing sex-abuse scandal that will reportedly bring an end to the career of the 84-year-old coaching legend.

• Mike Shana-tan, the Baltimore Ravens’ unhealthy obsession with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New England Patriots’ long, slow decline are just a few of Dave Dameshek‘s deserving targets in the latest Shame Report.

• Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber and Texans receiver Derrick Mason have tangled a few times in their day. Watch NFL Network’s “Around The League Live” Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET to see these two veterans of the NFL wars bat around the hot topics of the day.

• Tune into NFL Network Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET for an enhanced replay of Monday night’s back-and-forth affair between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Have your say in who wins top honors for last weekend’s games by voting for the NFL’s Hardest Working Man award, the Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Players of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don’t forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

• Get an exclusive first look at the next episode of “A Football
  Life,” which chronicles the one-of-a-kind life of legendary Raiders owner Al
  Davis. The full NFL Films documentary airs Friday night on NFL Network.

• If Tim Tebow is on your fantasy team, you’re pretty happy with him — this week, anyway. Michael Fabiano has talk of Tebow and more in this week’s fantasy mailbag. And don’t miss Jason Smith‘s Touches List if you want to stay on top of your fantasy options.

• Come up with names for the week’s most exciting plays, and tweet your way into the NFL history books. We’ll pick our favorites, and let users pick the final winner each week.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

If you missed the New York Giants’ Super Bowl flashback against the New England Patriots, or Sunday night’s stirring final drive by the Baltimore Ravens against the Pittsburgh Steelers, shame on you. But never fear: NFL Network’s got you covered with a special edition of NFL Replay Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, focusing on the second halves those unforgettable comebacks and featuring enhanced sound from NFL Films. And at 9:30 p.m. ET, catch a replay of Sunday’s shootout in San Diego between Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and San Diego’s Philip Rivers.

Here’s what else is on tap for Tuesday:

• Rookie Philadelphia Eagles punter Chas Henry played quarterback in high school, but you’d never know it from the wounded duck he threw on a disastrous fake punt in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s loss to the Chicago Bears.

• The Eagles’ Monday night loss has local fans melting down faster than a Philly cheesesteak, and they’re taking to the airwaves to express their anger.

• See what the heroics of Eli Manning & Joe Flacco did to the latest NFL.com Power Poll, and find out where our experts ranked your favorite team.

• With the regular season at its midway point, the “NFL Total Access” crew projects who will win Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

• Have your say in who wins top honors for last weekend’s games by voting for the NFL’s Hardest Working Man award, the Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Players of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don’t forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

• Get an exclusive first look at the next episode of “A Football
  Life,” which chronicles the one-of-a-kind life of legendary Raiders owner Al
  Davis. The full NFL Films documentary airs Friday night on NFL Network.

• If your fantasy team needs a boost at running back, now might be the time to pick up Redskins rookie Roy Helu, who is Mike Shanahan‘s top choice for the moment.

• Fall may be in full swing, but the NFL’s cheerleaders are here to bring a little sunshine to an otherwise gray day. Check out our latest photo gallery.

• Come up with names for the week’s most exciting plays, and tweet your way into the NFL history books. We’ll pick our favorites, and let users pick the final winner each week.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

With Alabama and LSU gearing up for the latest Game of the Century Saturday night, tune into NFL Network’s “Around the League Live” at 5 p.m. ET Friday and have some fun with Cincinnati Bengals tackle Andrew Whitworth, who won a BCS title at LSU when Nick Saban coached the Tigers, and Buffalo Bills rookie defensive end Marcell Dareus, who played for Saban’s national championship club at Alabama.

Here’s what else is on tap for Friday:

• This is the last day to have your say in who wins top honors for last weekend’s games by voting for the NFL’s Hardest Working Man award, the Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Players of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don’t forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

• Peyton Manning has missed the entire season due to multiple neck surgeries, but still has aspirations to play in 2011. Find out Manning’s status update straight from the Colt’s mouth.

• Get ready for all of this weekend’s games with NFL.com’s exclusive Game Center, featuring previews, stats, videos and analysis of every Week 9 game

.

• With four interceptions this season, Brandon Flowers is making a name for himself in the NFL. But thanks to a certain rock star, the Chiefs CB is hardly making a dent where it counts — on the Internet. Jeff Darlington explains.

• Eli Manning leads one of two New York teams that will hit the road this weekend in hopes of securing a victory against a tough AFC East opponent.

• Dave Dameshek is joined by Adam Rank on his weekly podcast, and the dynamic duo discusses everything from Kim Kardashian‘s short-lived marriage to the Steelers-Ravens’ Week 9 showdown.

• How do you stop the 7-0 Green Bay Packers? NFL.com’s Elliot Harrison offers a formula, but no guarantees.

• Looking to solidify your fantasy lineup this week? Michael Fabiano offers 10 players, including Raiders RB Michael Bush, who have a chance to produce better-than-normal numbers.

• Come up with names for the week’s most exciting plays, and tweet your way into the NFL history books. We’ll pick our favorites, and let users pick the final winner each week.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

Tom Landry was one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and one of the league’s most iconic figures. Find out what made the man such a legend when the NFL Films documentary “A Football Life: Tom Landry” premieres Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on NFL Network. And watch a sneak preview here.

Here’s what else is on tap for Thursday:

• Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs is never short on opinions when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tune into NFL Network Thursday at 7 p.m. ET as Suggs joins “NFL Total Access” to further hype Sunday night’s showdown of AFC North rivals. And Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel will talk about his team’s incredible turnaround from 0-3 to 4-3.

• You can have a say in who wins top honors for last weekend’s games by voting for the NFL’s Hardest Working Man award, the Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Player of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don’t forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

• Who is the most intimidating player in the NFL? NFL Films talks with the top candidates to find out who scares them the most.

• Everybody knows about the big-name coaches potentially available for hire, but there also are some talented NFL assistants worthy of a promotion. Our analysts discuss which ones are most ready for their close-ups.

• The Cowboys presumably knew what they were getting when they hired Rob Ryan, but eight weeks into the season, NFL Network’s Jim Mora says Dallas’ defensive coordinator has been too much of a distraction.

• Jon Gruden won a Super Bowl as the Buccaneers coach eight years ago, but that didn’t endear him to some of his players, former QB Shaun King claimed in a recent radio interview.

• Eli Manning is quietly having the best fantasy season of his NFL career. In this week’s Start ‘Em & Sit ‘Em, Michael Fabiano explains why the Giants QB’s statistical success should continue in New England.

• Come up with names for the week’s most exciting plays, and tweet your way into the NFL history books. We’ll pick our favorites, and let users pick the final winner each week.

• The NFL’s sizzling sideline sensations are in midseason form. Take a look at the best action from Week 8 in our latest cheerleaders photo gallery.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

If you missed Monday’s night’s Halloween thriller in Kansas City, tune in to NFL Network Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET for an enhanced replay of the Chargers’ heartbreaking overtime loss to the surging Chiefs. And don’t miss the premiere of NFL Films’ “Tom Landry: A Football Life” Thursday at 10 p.m. ET.

Here’s what else is on tap for Wednesday:

• The Oakland Raiders signed free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Tuesday, reuniting him with his former quarterback, Carson Palmer, with whom he had his best seasons in Cincinnati.

• Peyton Hillis‘ troubled season continues, with the injured and disgruntled Browns running back now accused of skipping out on a planned Halloween event for the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club.

• If the season ended today, some familiar faces would be back in the playoffs, but several others would be left out in the cold. Check out our playoff picture as it stands after eight weeks.

• Week 8′s results caused Elliot Harrison to make changes behind the first-place Green Bay Packers in his weekly Power Rankings, including a seismic shift among the AFC’s best.

• The QB trio of Tim Tebow, Tony Romo and Philip Rivers headline this week’s Shame Report from Dave Dameshek that also includes the many faces of Jim Caldwell and Kim Kardashian.

• Philip Rivers made a huge mistake Monday night, but since misery loves company, Adam Rank offers the Chargers QB six reasons to feel better in his latest Pick Six.

• Is Cam Newton having the best rookie season in NFL history? It’s a good question and worthy of debate. But Newton’s 2011 performance isn’t a slam-dunk No. 1 when compared to other debuts.

• You can have a say in who wins top honors for last weekend’s games by voting for the NFL’s Hardest Working Man award, the Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Player of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don’t forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

• The NFL’s sizzling sideline sensations are in midseason form. Take a look at the best action from Week 8 in our latest cheerleaders photo gallery.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

When boredom strikes a two-time NBA scoring champion on a random Monday night in the fourth month of the league’s lockout, the choice of how to fill the time seems pretty obvious: flag football.

It turned out pretty well for the Thunder’s Kevin Durant, and even better for a group of Oklahoma State University students.

It all started with a random Tweet from Durant, followed by a plea from fan George Overbey that his squad needed a deep threat.

“Got a game tonight in Stillwater!! I need a deep threat!! RT @KDTrey5: This lockout is really boring..anybody playing flag football in Okc..”

Just like that, the Oklahoma State Sigma Nu flag football team found its ringer.

It”s really an impressive effort from Overbey, getting Durant a “35 KD” jersey and a police escort for his black party van in a matter of hours.

“When his car pulled up to my house, I was like ‘this is really happening.’” Overbey said in the YouTube video. “My friends didn’t believe me.”

Overbey added: “It’s probably the coolest moment of my life.”

As we would expect, Durant looks pretty sick matched up against a bunch of frat dudes, and his stat line read four touchdowns and three interceptions. But at 6-foot-9 and a listed weight of 230 pounds (we’re skeptical), we don’t expect his cameo to create a LeBron James-like buzz for a switch to an NFL uniform.

– Frank Tadych

One week after laying a prime-time egg in Jacksonville, the Baltimore Ravens were down and out at home, trailing the lowly Arizona Cardinals 24-6 as they were booed into the locker room at halftime. How did the Ravens turn it around? Find out when NFL Network replays Sunday’s thriller Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, followed at 9:30 p.m. by the clash of AFC powers New England and Pittsburgh.

Here’s what else is on tap for Tuesday:

• The surging Kansas City Chiefs, who started the season 0-3, claimed a share of first place in the AFC West by edging the San Diego Chargers in overtime Monday night.

• Find out who’s up and who’s down in this week’s NFL.com Power Poll, and see where our experts ranked your favorite team.

• If the season ended today, some familiar faces would be back in the playoffs, but several others would be left out in the cold. Check out our playoff picture as it stands after eight weeks.

• You can have a say in who wins top honors for last weekend’s games by voting for the NFL’s Hardest Working Man award, the Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Player of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don’t forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

• Relive the best plays of an action-packed month of October in this Halloween-themed highlight video.

• After a slow start that seemingly had coach Andy Reid on the hot seat, the Philadelphia Eagles are starting to look like the potent team of All-Pros we expected, Jeff Darlington writes.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers have heard the criticism all season. But they put it to rest in Sunday’s beatdown of the New England Patriots, Michael Lombardi writes as he rounds up what he loved and hated in Week 8.

• It’s time to put Week 8′s fantasy horror show behind you and start scouring the waiver wire for Week 9′s gems. Michael Fabiano will tell you if now’s the time to add Carson Palmer, who’s had an extra week to study Oakland’s offense.

• Come up with names for the week’s most exciting plays, and tweet your way into the NFL history books. We’ll pick our favorites, and let users pick the final winner each week.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

NFL fans embraced the Halloween spirit on Sunday by dressing up in crazy costumes to help cheer for their favorite teams. Check out some of the best costumes in our photo gallery, then — for a real scare — watch this spooky video.

Here’s what else is on tap for Monday:

• A few weeks after they were written off as overrated and over-the-hill, Pennsylvania’s two NFL teams made big statements on Sunday, with the Steelers establishing themselves as the AFC’s top team by beating the Patriots, and the Eagles flying back into the playoff picture with a blowout win over the Cowboys.

• Catch up on all of Sunday’s action with NFL.com’s exclusive Game Center, and watch every touchdown scored Sunday with NFL Network’s RedZone Recap.

• If the season ended today, there would be a dramatic shift in the AFC playoff picture, with the Patriots falling from the No. 1 seed to barely in the field after their loss to the Steelers, who now assume the AFC’s top spot.

• Tim Tebow‘s second game as the Denver Broncos starting quarterback went so badly that coach John Fox left some doubt as to whether Tebow will be under center for Denver’s next game.

• The St. Louis Rams proved that they’ve got plenty of fight in them by stunning the New Orleans Saints Sunday just when all seemed lost for their season, writes Steve Wyche.

• Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb was seen wearing a walking boot leaving M&T Bank Stadium. Check on all the latest injury updates from Sunday.

• NFL teams looking for disruptive pass rushers might as well pitch a tent in Chapel Hill, N.C., where they’ll find not one but two outstanding prospects, writes NFL.com draft expert Bucky Brooks.

• Steven Jackson and LeSean McCoy were among the heroes in Week 8, but who will be voted the Fantasy Player of the Week?

• Come up with names for the week’s most exciting plays, and tweet your way into the NFL history books. We’ll pick our favorites, and let users pick the final winner each week.

• Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.