Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Carolina Panthers 3

Last night's win all but sealed up a first-round bye for the Steelers...Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was bloodied, but did not re-break his schnoz.

In the third-coldest game in franchise history, the Panthers' offense posted the second-lowest yardage total in team history...Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson added two quarterback sacks to his career-year total.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington hasn't been overwhelmed by his starting assignment.

The interior of the Buffalo Bills' offensive line will be tested by Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

Due to his injured right shoulder, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez may be a game-time decision on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Karlos Dansby may not play on Sunday against Detroit.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarrett Johnson will break a franchise record when he plays in his 112th consecutive game on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns third-round quarterback Colt McCoy returned to the practice field on Thursday after a bout with the flu.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis thinks his comments about Chad Ochocinco have been blown out of proportion.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai hopes his eight-game absence ends on Sunday.

Despite being a healthy scratch last week, tight end Bo Scaife has no ill will towards the Tennessee Titans.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew could play hurt on Sunday against Washington.

Pressed into a starting role, Houston Texans fourth-round linebacker Darryl Sharpton has impressed his coaches, writes John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson has evolved into "The Man" in the middle of the defense, writes Randy Covitz of The Kansas City Star.

There are plenty of holes on the Denver Broncos' defense, writes Mike Klis of The Denver Post.

San Diego Chargers tight end Randy McMichael has done a good Antonio Gates impression the last few weeks.

If Richard Seymour can't play, Oakland Raiders defensive end Matt Shaughnessy will be counted on to pick up the pass-rushing slack.

The Seattle Seahawks' 2010 season is in the hands of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, writes Danny O'Neil of The Seattle Times.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary named Troy Smith the starting quarterback for Sunday's must-win game in St. Louis.

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell has had an inconsistent season.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson wants to put the team on his back.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews' return to 11-on-11 drills this week is a good sign, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson hopes the power of positive energy allows him to play on Sunday.

Detroit Lions quarterbacks Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton continued to share first-team reps in practice.

The Chicago Bears defensive line stunts are wreaking havoc on opposing passing offenses, writes Dan Pompei of The Chicago Tribune.

New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck took issue with the comments made by former teammate Michael Strahan.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is quietly having an outstanding season.

Washington Redskins defensive linemen Adam Carriker and Jeremy Jarmon were involved in a locker room altercation, Jason Reid of the Washington Post reports.

The Dallas Cowboys are used to playing on holidays, writes Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Chris Ivory's hamstring still isn't 100%.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Preston Parker has been playing safety during practices.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez admitted to thinking about retirement after this season.

Today's NFL birthdays: Bills wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt (23), Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (27), Jaguars practice squad linebacker Alvin Bowen (27), Dolphins practice squad defensive end Rob Rose (23), Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (29), Saints practice squad tight end Tyler Lorenzen (25), Chargers linebacker Kevin Burnett (28) and nose tackle Ogembi Nwagbuo (25), and free agent wide receiver James Hardy (25). Retired wide receiver Michael Haynes (45) and linebacker Winston Moss (45).