NIners' Person will return for playoffs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Guard Mike Person, out for two games with a sore neck, will start the team's first playoff game on Jan. 11. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/niners-should-get-starting-right-guard-back-for-playoffs/2208513/

Raiders give Incognito 2-year extension

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders give guard Richie Incogntio a contract extension for two years after fine season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-give-incognito-a-2-year-extension/2208503/

The era of the Oakland Raiders is now over

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With one final, heartbreaking loss, the Raiders' final season in Oakland comes to an end. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-long-era-in-oakland-comes-to-a-bitter-end/2207987/

Rookie Greenlaw saves 49ers vs. Seattle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It was a tackle for the ages. Rookie LB Dre Greenlaw stops the Seahawks at the 1-inch line to preserve a win, the NFC's No. 1 seed and the NFC West title. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/dre-greenlaw-earns-place-in-49ers-lore/2207968/

Raiders hope for miracle end to schedule

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders need a win Sunday in Denver -- plus much more -- to gain a playoff spot. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/can-raiders-pull-off-a-miracle-ending/2206082/

Carr will set several career-best marks

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr will finish off a strong season Sunday in Denver. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-carr-in-position-to-set-several-career-best-marks/2205286/

Raiders hope Jacobs can play in Denver

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Josh Jacobs be healthy enough to play against the Broncos in final regular-season game? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-hope-jacobs-can-play-vs-broncos/2204533/

Can Raiders depend on kicker Carlson?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2018, Daniel Carlson was a reliable kicker for Oakland. In 2019, not so much. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/are-raiders-in-good-hands-with-kickers-foot/2203946/

It's a happy return for Hunter Renfrow

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie WR Hunter Renfrow returns from injury to have a big day in Oakland's win over the Chargers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/renfrow-shows-how-important-he-is-to-raiders-offense/2203241/

Rookie Ferrell is ending 2019 with a rush

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Clelin Ferrell doesn't have dazzling sack totals, but he's grading out recently as one of the NFL's most solid edge defenders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-rookie-ferrell-is-coming-on-strong/2201192/

Trent Brown injury a big loss for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has lost star right tackle Trent Brown for the remainder of this season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-trent-brown-lost-for-rest-of-season/2200257/

Shanahan has 49ers on a rising arc

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his third season, Kyle Shanahan has remade the 49ers into a successful team again. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/victory-in-seattle-would-mark-another-step-for-49ers/2206053/

49ers will face an old foe Sunday

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marshawn Lynch will play for the Seahawks Sunday vs. 49ers after coming out of retirement. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/can-marshawn-lynch-be-a-factor-for-seahawks-against-49ers/2205273/

Garoppolo ready for hostile environment

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Jimmy Garoppolo says he's ready for a loud, volatile atmosphere in Seattle Sunday night. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/garoppolo-knows-seattle-will-be-a-hostile-environment/2204540/

49ers-Seahawks moved to prime-time slot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners' season finale vs. Seattle will now be on Sunday Night Football. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/niners-seahawks-showdown-moves-to-sunday-night/2203943/

Warner's first interception proves to be huge

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fred Warner's first interception as a pro turns into a decisive TD in victory over Rams. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/warner-picked-the-right-time-for-his-first-pick/2203219/

Kwon Alexander hopes to hurry back

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Kwon Alexander believes he may be able to come back from injury in the postseason. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/niners-alexander-telling-teammates-hell-soon-be-back/2201176/

Rams still a dangerous foe

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Rams have stumbled but remain dangerous for the 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/rams-remain-a-dangerous-opponent-for-49ers/2200238/

Niners say they still control their destiny

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: They're still kicking themselves for throwing away a victory in late loss to Atlanta, but the 49ers say they're re-focused and ready to win the NFC West now. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/niners-are-re-focusing-after-loss-to-falcons/2199340/

Waller denied Pro Bowl invitation

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Darren Waller deserved a Pro Bowl trip, but instead was made an alternate. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-great-expectations-for-waller-came-true/2199323/

Sherman's loss has ripple effect on 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In missing Falcons game, 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman showed just how valuable he is. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/without-sherman-49ers-secondary-is-a-much-weaker-unit/2198372/

Raiders have 1 percent chance for playoffs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After four straight losses, Raiders' playoff hopes are 99 percent dead. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-playoff-hopes-arent-dead-yet/2198393/

The 49ers fall in a trap game

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners survived a tough three-game trial, only to flop to the 4-9 Falcons. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/niners-stumble-after-surviving-three-game-test-vs-elites/2197604/

Jacobs impressive, even in defeat

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website:  Josh Jacobs returned after missing a game, and -- still with the injury -- performed very well in the Raiders' home finale. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/jacobs-keeps-producing-even-with-injury/2197577/

Shanahan's fingerprints all over 49ers offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As the season has evolved, the 49ers offense has grown into a classic Kyle Shanahan offense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/niners-offense-has-evolved-into-one-of-nfls-best/2195722/

Can Raiders exit Oakland with a victory?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sunday will be the Raiders' final home game in Oakland before departing for Las Vegas. The Jaguars offer a potential cream puff matchup. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/jaguars-may-provide-a-victory-for-raiders-in-oakland-finale/2195733/

Adding Sanders has been brilliant move by 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders has helped transform the 49ers offense. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers/niners-trade-for-emmanuel-sanders-gave-offense-a-boost/2194754/

Dion Jordan reviving career with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders signed defensive lineman Dion Jordan out of desperation, but he's produced beyond expectations. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-excited-by-contributions-from-dion-jordan/2194792/

Gruden shakes up roster with release of three players

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After his defense gave up 42 points, Jon Gruden cuts three defensive players. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/after-defensive-collapse-raiders-release-three-players/2193754/

Suddenly, 49ers' Mostert is in a starring role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Raheem Mostert is coming on strong late this season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers/mostert-has-rushed-into-a-starring-role/2193809/

Raiders lose productive rookie tight end Moreau

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Another high-impact rookie, tight end Foster Moreau, has been lost for the season. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-lose-another-high-value-rookie/2192741/

49ers lose center Richburg, a painful development

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Center Weston Richburg is out for the year with a knee injury. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/niners-suffer-major-blow-with-loss-of-center-richburg/2192783/

Is there a fork now stuck in the Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With a third straight loss, the Raiders are on their death bed, awaiting a miracle. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/raiders-are-on-the-ropes-after-third-straight-loss/2191984/

Gould remains golden with a game on the line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's been a rough season for kicker Robbie Gould, but it turned sweet with a game-winning kick over the Saints. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/gould-still-golden-with-a-game-on-the-line/2192009/

Niners get Dee Ford back in the lineup vs. Saints

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Dee Ford returns Sunday to help the 49ers get pressure on Saints QB Drew Brees. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Return-of-Dee-Ford-Could-be-a-Big-Plus-vs-Drew-Brees-565888942.html

Raiders will finally be at home this Sunday

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The good news for the Raiders is they have consecutive home games for a key stretch of their playoff drive. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Have-Pair-of-Home-Games-to-Get-Back-on-Track-565887272.html

Big Derrick Henry will be a handful for Raiders D

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle-breaking running back Derrick Henry will come right at the Raiders Sunday. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Derrick-Henry-Will-be-Titanic-Test-for-Raiders-565838582.html

Staley excited to be back playing

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After missing a lot of games this season, tackle Joe Staley is back practicing and excited for his return. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Joe-Staley-is-Back-and-Eager-to-Start-Contributing-565836732.html

49ers can lock up playoff spot this weekend

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If things go their way Sunday, the 49ers could clinch a postseason berth. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Could-Lock-Up-Playoff-Spot-This-Weekend-565783392.html

Critics surface, but Carr has Gruden's support

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: As soon as Derek Carr has a couple of bad games, critics emerge to question his future with Jon Gruden. Gruden isn't buying it. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-Backs-Carr-as-Quarterbacks-Critics-Again-Surface-565786012.html

49ers' outside run game powered by McGlinchey, Kittle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Mike McGlinchey and tight end George Kittle have evolved into elite run-blockers, as they showed vs. the Ravens. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McGlinchey-Kittle-Are-Key-Cogs-in-49ers-Running-Attack-565736101.html

Raiders are reeling after two straight wipeouts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Losses to the Jets and Chiefs have punctured Raiders' playoff hopes. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Consecutive-Losses-Raiders-Are-on-the-Ropes-565686932.html

Raiders need Zay Jones to contribute

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Zay Jones hasn't contributed much since being acquired by the Raiders, but that needs to change this Sunday in K.C. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Need-Zay-Jones-to-Step-Up-vs-the-Chiefs-565609002.html

Armstead finally having a breakout season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive lineman Arik Armstead is finally living up to his billing as a first-round pick. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Armstead-and-the-49ers-are-Cashing-in-on-His-Breakout-Season-565610202.html

Can Lamar Jackson be contained?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers have a terrific defense, but even that unit will be hard-pressed to stop Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Will-Try-to-Contain-the-Uncontainable-Lamar-Jackson-565583361.html

Raiders' only route vs. Chiefs is on the ground

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running with Josh Jacobs, early and often, is Oakland's only course vs. the Chiefs. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Route-to-Victory-Over-Chiefs-is-on-the-Ground-565582751.html

Niners' Warner growing into a special player

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year linebacker Fred Warner is becoming an elite player. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Warner-Evolving-Into-a-Special-Linebacker-565536651.html

Mountain biking is much more than a sport or exercise for Susie Murphy and her whole family

Since taking up mountain biking more than 25 years ago, Susie Murphy and her husband, Sean, have competed in races, volunteered to maintain trails and taken their kids to some of the best riding spots in the U.S. Biking is a huge part of how she stays active and healthy. My story for the Health section of the Union-Tribune and the "Active San Diego" series: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/story/2019-12-02/mountain-biking-is-a-family-plan