The 2012 Denver Broncos have the makeup to be the best team that Peyton Manning has ever been a part of. This is not because of their explosive offense, or impressive but rather the emergence of their defense as one of the league’s premier units. In Manning’s days as a Colt, he had a defense that was referred to as a ‘play ahead’ defense. That is not the case in Denver, as this Broncos’ defense is primed for success regardless of the situation. The quarterback position was the missing piece to this team in 2011, and now they have one of the league’s best ever.

Aaron Schobel has done a fine job filling the “is he retiring or un-retiring this week?” quota for our blogs during the moments where Brett Favre isn’t being Brett Favre.

Wes Welker has been taking positive steps in his recovery from knee surgery, but that doesn’t include playing in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Saints.

The Ravens listed QB Joe Flacco as probable with a hip injury for Sunday’s AFC wild-card playoff game against the Patriots, but he’s also suffering from a quadriceps injury, NFL Network’s Kara Henderson reports.

The Patriots will face the Texans on Sunday without five starters.

Patriots RB Fred Taylor is active and will face his former team, the Jaguars, on Sunday.

Patriots DE Ty Warren, who has been battling ankle problems, is scheduled to play against the Jaguars on Sunday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

As teams around the league prepare for Week 16, here’s an update on some notable names from injury reports updated Thursday.

As teams around the league prepare for Week 16, here’s an update on some notable names from injury reports released Wednesday.

The Patriots will be thin along both lines during Sunday’s game against the Bills.

The Patriots listed QB Tom Brady as missing practice Wednesday with injuries to his right shoulder, rib and a finger on his throwing hand.

Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware, Titans QB Vince Young and Lions RB Kevin Smith were among the notable players who sustained injuries in Week 14.

The Patriots are missing injured regulars DT Vince Wilfork, DE Ty Warren and RT Nick Kaczur during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

The New England Patriots will be without a number of starters for Sunday night’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, including DE Ty Warren, LT Matt Light and CB Shawn Springs.

It was a tough day for wide receivers, as Houston’s Andre Johnson, Minnesota’s Bernard Berrian and Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne all sustained injuries. Johnson and Berrian didn’t return, although Wayne did.