Much is on the line for Raiders, McGloin vs. Broncos

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can the Raiders clinch AFC West title with Matt McGloin at QB? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McGloin-Steps-Into-the-Raiders-Spotlight-Sunday-408798195.html

Mercifully, 49ers' season will come to an end Sunday

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners' season of misery will come to an end vs. Seahawks on Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Sad-Season-Will-Come-to-a-Merciful-Close-Sunday-408800175.html

Raiders' Edwards ready to build on debut

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. played 19 snaps vs. Colts and should play much more vs. Broncos Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Edwards-Ready-to-Build-on-Debut-Contribute-More-to-Defense-408607015.html

Will 49ers say goodbye to Kelly this Monday?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is Chip Kelly about to coach his final game with San Francisco? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Will-Sunday-be-Kellys-Last-Game-as-49ers-Head-Coach-408605115.html

Niners' rookie Buckner is finishing strong

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie defensive end DeForest Buckner is living up to his advance billing. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buckner-is-Finishing-Strong-in-Rookie-Year-408410395.html

Raiders' running game will have to carry bigger load

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Carr out, Raiders' ability to run the ball will be crucial. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Carr-Out-Strength-of-Raiders-Run-Game-is-Crucial-408408655.html

Knee injury will leave Hyde short of 1,000 yards

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Carlos Hyde tore a knee ligament vs. the Rams and will finish 2016 just under 1,000 yards rushing. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Injured-Hyde-Will-Fall-Just-Short-of-1000-Yards-408321865.html

With Carr gone, McGloin now is ready to carry the load

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt McGloin gets a vote of confidence from his team as he steps in for Derek Carr. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McGloin-Says-Hes-Ready-to-Help-Raiders-Win-408323145.html

Raiders lose Carr for season in victory over Colts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr, having an MVP-type season, is lost to a broken leg in victory over Colts, clouding Oakland's hopes in the playoffs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Lose-Carr-in-Victory-Over-Colts-408177945.html

Kaepernick leads 49ers' winning rally over Rams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick scores a TD and a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter to help Niners beat Rams 22-21. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Score-Late-to-Beat-Rams-Again-408179735.html

Can Raiders keep their momentum rolling?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders need another win vs. Colts to maintain AFC West lead. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/AFC-West-Leading-Raiders-Hope-to-Keep-Momentum-Rolling-408055175.html

49ers get rematch with their only 2016 victim

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the 49ers want to get one more win, the Rams are their only real chance. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Get-Rematch-With-Only-Team-Theyve-Defeated-408051685.html

Raiders have the red-zone blues

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Recently, Oakland has had trouble converting red-zone trips into TDs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lately-Raiders-Have-Been-Stuck-in-the-Red-Zone-Blues-407917465.html

Carlos Hyde shining in an otherwise horrible year

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In a dark season, Carlos Hyde sheds a ray of light. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Hyde-Showing-He-Can-Be-Part-of-Long-Term-Plan-407912055.html

The good & bad of 49ers' DeForest Buckner

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's No. 1 pick, DeForest Buckner, has had some outstanding games. He's also had some ugly ones. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Buckner-is-Riding-Through-Rollercoaster-Rookie-Year-407615565.html

All those screens and devices are adding up to hours and hours of focused eye use. Does it have consequences?

Americans now spend an average of 10.5 hours per day on screens and/or devices. All those hours can add up to eye fatigue, lost sleep and other related issues for some people. My story for the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-screen-time-20161219-story.html

Allen has been nice insurance policy for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After releasing safety Nate Allen in the offseason, they re-signed him. It's been a smart decision. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Allen-Has-Been-a-Nice-Insurance-Policy-407610105.html

Irvin is complementing Mack to perfection

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Bruce Irvin is Robin to Khalil Mack's Batman in 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Irvin-and-Mack-Have-Formed-a-Dynamic-Duo-407452915.html

Kelly's 49ers en route to franchise's worst season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Until now, no 49ers team ever has won just one game in a season. Chip Kelly's 2016 team may go 1-15. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-on-Track-for-Worst-Record-in-Franchise-History-407459015.html

Raiders get tough at end for win to break playoff drought

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland outscores the Chargers in the fourth quarter to pull out 19-16 victory and a ticket to the postseason for the first time in 14 years. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Rally-for-Victory-to-Clinch-Playoff-Spot-407370065.html

Falcons pour it on early to beat 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Falcons jump out to 21-0 lead en route to lopsided victory over Niners. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Falcons-Score-Early-and-Often-to-Pound-49ers-407367135.html

With win vs. Chargers, Raiders will gain playoffs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland hopes to rebound from loss vs. Chiefs to pick up important win in San Diego. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Playoff-Drought-Can-End-With-Victory-Sunday-407090075.html

Niners will need perfect game to beat Falcons

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can 49ers beat Atlanta Sunday? Only if they play a perfect game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Need-to-Play-a-Complete-Game-407084535.html

Sean Smith turned a corner, became good again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: At first, cornerback Sean Smith was horrible. But he rebounded to form and is proving his worth. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Sean-Smith-Turned-a-Corner-to-Regain-His-Form-406840245.html

Mismatch: Falcons offense vs. 49ers defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco defense may get shredded Sunday in Atlanta. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defense-May-be-No-Match-for-Falcons-Playmakers-406831495.html

At age 7, Jesus Serrano became a fan of the Cleveland Browns. Now, at age 45, he has season tickets for his team and flies from Mexico for nearly every home game

Like any devoted Cleveland Browns fan, Jesus Serrano says he suffers while watching his football heroes fail every year. But Serrano is even more dedicated than the folks who inhabit the Dawg Pound. He lives in Mexico, yet flies with his family to Cleveland for home games. Some day, he says, the Browns will be winners. My story on Jesus and his family for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18272555/why-family-mexico-cleveland-browns-most-dedicated-fans

Moments to remember: The top 16 American stories at the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janeiro

Michael Phelps (of course), the wrestling upset of the Games, a comedian, a hurdles sweep and Katie Ledecky's dominance are among the most memorable moments from this summer's Olympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2016/December/13/Celebrating-Team-USAs-Top-16-Moments-At-The-Rio-2016-Olympic-Games

Osemele back after suffering a kidney stone

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kelechi Osemele missed the Chiefs game because of a kidney stone, but is ready to play vs. Chargers this Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Once-Again-49ers-Lose-Center-Daniel-Kilgore-406542485.html

Once more, 49ers lose center Daniel Kilgore to injury

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It seems center Daniel Kilgore can't get through a season without going on IR. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Once-Again-49ers-Lose-Center-Daniel-Kilgore-406542485.html

Michelle Gormley combined love of history, sports and education into job with Boston's The Sports Museum

Michelle Gormley originally wanted to be a teacher. But one thing led to another, and the Massachusetts native and Celtics fan eventually became the director of education for The Sports Museum in Boston. Her story for ESPNW's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/18246522/michelle-gormley-cool-sports-job-sports-museum-director-education

Carr needs to bounce back Sunday vs. Chargers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr had the worst game of his season last week in loss to Kansas City. The Raiders need him to bounce back in a big way at San Diego. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Need-Carr-to-Bounce-Back-vs-Chargers-406282955.html

McDonald's best season comes to an early close

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Vance McDonald, who just signed a long contract extension, is out for the 49ers' last three games because of injury. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Signing-Extension-49ers-McDonald-is-Lost-for-Year-406291205.html

49ers snatch defeat from jaws of victory

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers jumped out to a good lead against the Jets, then frittered it away, losing in OT. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Give-up-Lead-to-Jets-Fall-in-Overtime-405934455.html

Jets are nearly as feeble as the 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco, at 1-11, actually is favored in Sunday's game with the 3-9 Jets. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-May-Have-a-Chance-to-Pick-Up-Second-Victory-405640146.html

Raiders' road to postseason now a little rockier

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland had the inside track to a top seed, a bye and home-field advantage in the playoffs ... until losing to Kansas City again. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Road-Through-Postseason-May-be-Harder-Now-405635816.html

Chiefs get the best of Raiders again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: For the second time in 2016, Raiders fall to the Chiefs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Chiefs-Again-Have-the-Solution-to-Raiders-405556956.html

After benching, Kaepernick will be back in the lineup

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Colin Kaepernick will start Sunday vs. the Jets, even though he was pulled from Bears game and replaced by Blaine Gabbert. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Benching-vs-Bears-Kaepernick-Will-Start-vs-Jets-405455885.html

So who's boss of AFC West? Raiders hope to show K.C.

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders go into Kansas City with a one-game lead in the AFC West, hoping to turn the tables on a Chiefs team that handed them their last loss. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Hope-to-Show-Whos-Boss-in-the-AFC-West-405240786.html

San Diegan Joe Pacheco uses a diet of kickball, softball and football to become healthier and more active

A combination of work and family kept Joe Pacheco so busy that he found himself out of shape and much less active than he used to be. Now he's having more fun and is healthier and in better shape with a steady diet of team sports to his weekly schedule. My story for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-pacheco-20161205-story.html

Raiders excited to see Edwards back on the field

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A surging Oakland team may soon get its young defensive end, Mario Edwards Jr., back in the lineup. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Edwards-is-Back-and-Eager-to-Contribute-to-Raiders-405019215.html

Bad 49ers team is getting worse because of penalties

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As the season has progressed, 49ers have committed penalties at a problematic rate. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Flag-Warning-49ers-Play-is-Getting-Sloppier-405013035.html

What do parents need to know about helmets and mouthguards for their young athletes? Plenty.

A helmet in youth sports is no good if it isn't properly fitted. Also, mouthguards are essential for athletes, even in sports where they aren't required. My two stories for the first issue of the new magazine, MVP Parent: http://fliphtml5.com/xyea/xzlw

Carr benefitting from Raiders' premier pass protection

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr wasn't hit even once in the win over Buffalo, thanks to an O-Line that has become dominant. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Offensive-Line-is-Leading-the-Way-404783905.html

Loss to Bears means 49ers will likely draft first or second

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now that 49ers have fallen to the Bears, it's very likely the Niners will draft first or second this coming spring. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Loss-49ers-Strengthen-Position-at-Top-of-2017-Draft-404790655.html

Raiders come up big in second half for sixth straight win

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After trailing big in the third quarter, the Raiders rally for 29 straight points to beat the Bills. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Rally-Score-Four-Unanswered-TDs-in-Second-Half-to-Beat-Bills-404660675.html

49ers snowed by Bears in Chicago

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The battle between two bad teams wasn't even, as the Chicago Bears stomped the 49ers at snowy Soldier Field. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buried-on-a-Snow-Day-in-Chicago-404634775.html

As an occupational therapist, Sheri Branum helps others to walk. Her own passion is to run, swim and bike in national- and international-level triathlons

Occupational therapist Sheri Branum always has been active and athletic. But she found her true calling about 13 years ago when she found triathlon. My story on her for ESPNW.com's Weekend Warriors series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/18182137/weekend-warriors-elite-triathlete-sheri-branum-helps-others-re-learn-how-walk-run

49ers-Bears game is a battle of the basement

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will anyone care when the 1-10 49ers face the 2-9 Bears Sunday? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Bears-Set-for-Battle-of-the-Basement-404272596.html

Raiders face Buffalo's top-ranked running attack

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: LeSean McCoy and the Bills run the football better than any team in the NFL, and now stand in the way of the 9-2 Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Norton-Raiders-Defense-Must-Play-Together-vs-Bills-404264586.html

Ex-Raider Streater getting chance with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Rod Streater is getting a chance to prove himself with Niners after injuries sideline other pass catchers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Rod-Streater-Working-His-Way-Into-49ers-Offense-404037186.html