In today’s Three and Out: Adrian Peterson wants more catches while EJ Manuel is playing catch-up; plus, Peyton Manning is feeling stronger.

In today’s Three and Out: Adrian Peterson is setting his goals very high; Le’Veon Bell is aiming to start and the Giants could add depth at RB.

Before Michael Vick, RG3 or Colin Kaepernick, there was Randall Cunningham. He did things at the quarterback position that fans of the NFL and fantasy football hadn’t seen before … and have rarely seen since.

We hope everyone has had a chance to recover from New Years’ Eve, and settle into those resolutions, as the NFL playoffs are finally upon us. To help get you prepped for the Wild Card games this weekend, or pass the time until your team takes the field, check out the wealth of prime content we’ve put together for your enjoyment:

Much like Clark Griswald in the holiday classic, Christmas Vacation, many NFL players and coaches are in need of a few relaxing days all to themselves (and that Christmas bonus!). Whether from a disappointing season, injury, poor performance or single-handedly carrying their team through the first 15 weeks, these players and coaches could use a little respite. And probably a large glass of egg nog.

Historically, players who are featured on the cover of the “Madden NFL” franchise experience significant drops in their offensive production. NFL.com is tracking the performance of Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions over the course of the 2012 season because we believe Johnson will debunk the Madden curse. Calvin Johnson on battling injury this season: “I’m feeling all right.” That’s all we needed to hear, Megatron. On to the game! ————————————————————————————————————————————– FIRST QUARTER ————————————————————————————————————————————– The Minnesota Vikings start off strong against a sleepy Lions defense. And offense. First Vikings possession of the game. Christian Ponder connects with rookie wide receiver Jarius Wright for a touchdown. On the following Lions possession, Matt Stafford is intercepted by Chad Greenway. Soon after the turnover, the Vikings […]

After being shredded for 377 yards and 4 TDs through the air, the Bucs’ defense is eager to rebound against Adrian Peterson and a run heavy Vikings offense.

Christian Ponder’s improvement in his second season has been huge, but it’s all about Adrian Peterson leading to the Vikings 5-2 start.

Vikings DE Brian Robison discusses the TNF matchup with the Buccaneers.

Is the “Madden” curse a reality or just hype? NFL.com tracks Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson to see how the cover boy fares on a week-to-week basis.

Who will be the best NFC North QB in week 1?

Jared Allen believes Christian Ponder will make big leap forward in 2012.

Ex-Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb told NFL Network’s Rebecca haarlow on Saturday that he has not yet decided whether he will retire or not and currently is weighing his options.

Wide receiver Jerome Simpson‘s one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings is worth a total of $2 million, according to a source with knowledge of the deal.

To follow up on what we’re hearing, a league source reinforced that the Minnesota Vikings are leaning toward drafting LSU CB Morris Claiborne. Minnesota has Claiborne rated highest on their draft board and the team reportedly likes him more than USC OT Matt Kalil.

Also, Cleveland appears to be leaning toward taking Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden with the No. 22 pick, league sources said.