National Football League

BC-FBN--NFL Features Digest,1st Ld-Writethru, FBN

Published Dec. 13, 2013 4:09 p.m. ET

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Digest of NFL stories for weekend use, moving for Dec. 14-15. For questions, please call (212) 621-1630. For repeats, call the service desk at (800) 838-4616.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

FBN-EAGLES-DOMINANT O-LINE

PHILADELPHIA - Chip Kelly rattles off the numbers of his offensive linemen when asked why the Philadelphia Eagles have had so many long running plays. Jason Peters, Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, Todd Herremans and Lane Johnson may not get much outside recognition, but coaches and teammates know the big guys upfront are a main reason LeSean McCoy and the Eagles lead the NFL in rushing. Their dominant performance against Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Detroit's stout defense may finally get them more notice.

By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. SENT: 800 words, photos, moved in advance for Dec. 14 release.

GAME OF THE WEEK

FBN--PACKERS-COWBOYS

ARLINGTON, Texas - The return of Aaron Rodgers is looking unlikely with Green Bay Packers set to visit Dallas in a game crucial to the playoff hopes of both teams. Facing a backup quarterback didn't help the Cowboys last week because Chicago's Josh McCown accounted for five touchdowns in a blowout that knocked Dallas out of first place in the NFC East.

By Schuyler Dixon. SENT: 900 words, photos, moved in advance for Dec. 14 release.

FBN--NFL THIS WEEK

The Eagles can be assured of one warming thought as they head to Minneapolis this weekend: There won't be 6 inches of snow on the field.

Nope, the game will be indoors.

Not that Philadelphia would mind playing in inclement weather after its 34-20 victory over Detroit in blizzard-like conditions last Sunday. Seems odd, doesn't it, that the team at a disadvantage in wintry weather in this matchup hails from Minnesota.

By Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner. SENT: 1,600 words, photos, moved in advance for Dec. 14 release.

ON FOOTBALL-COACHING CAROUSEL

With Gary Kubiak the first NFL coach released from his duties, who else is on the firing line with three weeks remaining in the regular season? From North (Leslie Frazier) to South (Mike Munchak), from East (Mike Shanahan) to West (Dennis Allen), there are plenty of candidates.

By Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner. SENT: 850 words, photos, moved in advance for Dec. 14 release.

FBN--JETS-SUDFELD'S PERSEVERANCE

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Zach Sudfeld could have given up on football a few years ago, just as many people told him to. There were various setbacks along his road to the NFL, including breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle during his senior season at Nevada. ''I'm a football player,'' the 6-foot-7 tight end said. ''I couldn't let it end that way.'' Inspired by his experiences with his family helping orphaned children in underprivileged countries, a determined Sudfeld came back for a sixth year at Nevada, had a breakthrough season, and after a few more bumps in the road, is playing with the New York Jets as a backup. The metal dog tag he wears under his football pads that he got from his grandfather with the Winston Churchill quote engraved on it epitomizes his journey: ''Never, never give up.''

By Dennis Waszak Jr. SENT: 1,200 words, photos, moved in advance for Dec. 14 release.

ALSO:

FBN--NFL NOTES. SENT: 1,300 words, photos, moved in advance for Dec. 14 release.