Deion Branch returned to the Patriots last season after four-plus years in Seattle and learned one thing in a hurry: Whimsical chatter about Super Bowl XLII is a nonstarter in New England.

We hear a lot of banter from the public about the “Playbook” crew’s picks every week, especially when fans ardently disagree with a choice of a winner.

Tune into NFL Network at 12:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday to hear coverage of the NFL Fall Meeting in Houston, where the league will announce who will host Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015.

Sometimes it’s nice just to be wanted. Just ask Matt Hasselbeck.

There are numerous examples of teams being accused of faking injuries to slow down the no-huddle offense. Here’s just a few.

Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer reported Sunday that Sidney Rice is fighting through a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Dez Bryant isn’t a sure thing to play on Sunday, meaning other Cowboys receivers could benefit against San Francisco.

Seahawks signal-caller Tarvaris Jackson, playing behind the NFL’s youngest offensive line, was sacked a league-leading five times in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers.

The Dolphins worked out running back Thomas Clayton on Tuesday, according to a league source.

Veteran WR Sidney Rice and OL Robert Gallery, two of the Seahawks’ biggest free-agent signees, were listed as inactive for Sunday’s season opener against the NFC West rival 49ers because of injuries.

Free-agent RB Clinton Portis will visit the Seahawks this week, according to league sources.

The Seahawks have released defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer, according to a league source.

Seattle wide receiver Mike Williams made one of the more remarkable comebacks to the NFL last year, grabbing 65 catches after being out of football for two seasons. His maturation and recognition of what nearly cost him his career are among the subjects he speaks to on the Cover Two Podcast this week.

Veteran DB Atari Bigby visited the Seahawks on Monday, according to a league source.

Seahawks starting left tackle Russell Okung didn’t make it through the first quarter of his team’s opening preseason game against the Chargers on Thursday night before running into more injury problems.