Raiders may punt on Lechler

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Shane Lechler has been a Pro Bowl punter, but the Raiders may decide to go another direction in 2013 now that his pricey contract has expired. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-May-Let-Lechler-Walk-185660601.html

Justin Smith returns to practice for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For the first time since an injury to his triceps Dec. 16, defensive line star Justin Smith returned to practice for the 49ers and says he will be ready for the playoff opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Justin-Smiths-Return-Has-49ers-Optimistic-185665221.html

In his fourth season, 49ers' Crabtree has caught on

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Michael Crabtree has now become a top-flight NFL receiver for the 49ers, finishing 2012 as the team's first 1,000-yard pass catcher in nine seasons. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Crabtree-Receiving-Accolades-185558652.html

Raiders hold valuable chip in No. 3 draft choice

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Come April, Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie may find that the No. 3 overall draft choice is too valuable to keep. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-No-3-Overall-Draft-Pick-Will-be-Valuable-Trade-Chip-185550282.html

Is Billy Cundiff the answer to 49ers' kicking question?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Having lost some confidence in kicker David Akers, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has signed Billy Cundiff and will have the two kickers compete for the job to kick in the playoffs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Cundiff-Will-Compete-With-Akers-185432992.html

Raiders will keep defensive coordinator Tarver

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Despite a rough first season, defensive coordinator Jason Tarver will be retained for 2013, says Raiders head coach Dennis Allen. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Will-Give-Jason-Tarver-a-Chance-to-Build-185426842.html

Which games rank among the best NFL playoff games since 2000? Among the best of the best, these 10 stand out

Since 2000, there have been some wild, crazy, unbelievable playoff games in the NFL. Yet these 10 stand out as perhaps the best of the best. My story for ESPN.com's Playbook section: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/16374/10-greatest-playoff-games-since-2000

Harbaugh may lose key assistants this offseason

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Coordinators Greg Roman, Vic Fangio and Brad Seely are hot properties this offseason. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Harbaugh-Likely-to-Lose-Key-Assistants-185363922.html

Raiders fire Knapp, scrap zone-blocking scheme

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp is shown the door after abysmal performance of running game in 2012. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Move-Forward-Without-Knapp-185363542.html

Niners have reason to be worried about Akers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Last season, kicker David Akers was almost flawless. This season, he's been plagued by inconsistency. Could 49ers release him before the playoffs? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Akers-Inconsistency-Has-49ers-Worried-185299862.html

It appears Raiders may soon eject Knapp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: According to reports, Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp may soon be looking for a new job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Indicate-Raiders-Will-Fire-Knapp-185293942.html

49ers beat Cards, earn NFC West title and first-round bye

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco rebounds after a tough loss to Seattle to beat Arizona in regular-season finale to capture NFC West title a second straight year. Plus, everything else goes the Niners' way to give them a first-round playoff bye, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Win-NFC-West-Earn-First-Round-Bye-185237922.html

Raiders lose finale, but Pryor makes it interesting

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor's first NFL start at QB provides some highs and lows -- and food for thought -- in final game of 2012, a loss to Chargers to drop team to 4-12. What's next? A lot of changes, no doubt. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/For-Raiders-Pryor-Makes-Final-Loss-Interesting-185235612.html

Musician feels "blessed" to have opened studio

Tina Rose never considered opening her own music studio. As a professional singer, she traveled the country performing, hopping from one place to the next. Then, five years ago, her sister suggested she open a studio and share her passion for music with others. Today, Rose says she feels blessed that her Desert Rose Studios in Santee has made a connection with so many others.  My story on Rose for the On the Job series for the Santee Patch website: http://santee.patch.com/articles/musician-feels-blessed-in-santee

For 49ers, game against Cards is crucial

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners already are in the playoffs, but how they do against Arizona Sunday could have a big impact on their playoff scenario (and mindset). http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Much-is-Riding-on-Sundays-Game-185053611.html

For some, Raiders' finale is a tryout for 2013 season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders will regroup and start working toward 2013 after this Sunday's finale, but some players (and coaches) can make a statement about their worth for the team's future. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Final-Game-Also-a-Lead-in-to-2013-185049101.html

Justin Smith's absence will hurt 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin Smith is the heart and soul of the 49ers defense. Without him, Niners will be hard pressed to be the same hard-nosed team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Justin-Smiths-Absence-Hurts-49ers-184942681.html

Raiders must start Pryor in finale

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders must start Terrelle Pryor in the season finale. They have nothing to lose and much to gain about the abilities of their young QB. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Should-Avoid-Pryor-Restraint-184937101.html

Suddenly, 49ers' injuries are mounting

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mario Manningham, Justin Smith injuries are latest in a recent series of injuries that are leaving the 49ers thin in several areas. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Injuries-Mounting-for-49ers-184823701.html

What will be fate of Raiders' coordinators?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If head coach Dennis Allen survives this offseason, what about his coordinators? Are Greg Knapp and Jason Tarver in trouble? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Season-of-Disappointment-Could-Spur-Changes-184819641.html