Even with the lure of double points, most owners shied away from starting players on bye weeks in the first run of the NFL Playoff Challenge. But there were some interesting names that found their way into lineups.

Did Falcons coach Mike Smith make the right decision by going for it on fourth-and-inches in overtime against the Saints? Brian Billick and Jim Mora discuss this and all the hot topics around the league, including the rise of the 49ers and collapse of the Ravens in this week’s Coaches Show podcast.

You have to wonder how Matt Ryan felt seeing thousands of red-and-white Michael Vick jerseys scattered throughout a raucous Georgia Dome crowd Sunday night.

Atlanta Falcons starting nose tackle Corey Peters was carted off the practice field with an apparent lower left leg injury on Sunday. Head coach Mike Smith said he did not have an immediate update. If Peters, a second-year player who established himself as a rookie, is unable to return soon, former first-round pick Peria Jerry is expected to step in.

Hey NFL fan! It’s Ralph Lanier Jr., your NFL Director of Fandemonium here to tell you all about my phenomenal experiences at the 2011 Pro Bowl and also Super Bowl XLV. It’s been a busy and exciting couple of weeks and sadly, these are my final two entries.

The week in Hawaii is almost over, with the Pro Bowl set to happen on Sunday at Aloha Stadium.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, in concert with head coach Mike Smith, has unearthed some gems who have paid big dividends this season.

With an assist from the NFL Network research desk and the crew at @NFLfootballinfo, here’s a look at the most notable numbers and performances from Sunday’s games in Week 12.

Nothing like starting your fantasy league with three points heading into the weekend. As much fun as it is playing guys with Monday night matchups, this is the horror of playing guys on Thursday night. One bad game kind of ruins the start of your weekend.

An assortment of NFL reaction to Wednesday’s trade that sent Randy Moss back to the Vikings.

Rich McKay, Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith came together to assemble a team built in the image of hustle, and the Falcons are living up to it.

The Jaguars have pulled RB Maurice Jones-Drew for the rest of the preseason. Which is a good thing. The Jaguars should be trend setters here.

Apparently Falcons coach Mike Smith did not run Michael Turner enough in 2008, now he is determined to get Turner involved into the passing game, too.

The Atlanta Falcons will hold out a number of starters in Thursday night’s preseason game against the Patriots, including starting cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson.

The Falcons are showing some significant interest in a pair of standouts from Los Angeles. Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff, head coach Mike Smith, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton will work out UCLA DT Brian Price and USC DE Everson Griffen on Saturday morning.