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Playoffs. It's a pretty simple concept right? I mean, what better way to determine who will lift the championship trophy than by settling it on the field. Sure, the "best" team may not always win the title, but that is what makes the playoff system so great.
Concussions, injuries and illegal hits seemed to be the focus during this NFL season. Penalties for unnecessary roughness rose from 2009 to 2010 as a result. With the NFL playoffs kicking off Saturday, these kinds of calls will be put to the test throughout the postseason.
Every next story about TV ratings for the NFL is full of so many new records and superlatives that it's hard to keep track of which network is doing boffo numbers with which games.
The NFL playoffs start this weekend and the NFL is putting new overtime rules into effect.
As the Bears head into a bye week, we couldn't help but share with you some amusing quotes from the NFL season. Who said he was the best but didn't want to say it? What did the Cowboys' adviser have to say about the team's $54,896 dinner? How did Jay Cutler feel about throwing four picks to DeAngelo Hall?
It seems everyday brings a new outlook for the 2011 NFL season. Yesterday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he was hopeful a new deal could be reached. Today, comes a less optimistic outlook.
The NFL is trying to increase the amount of games in the regular season, as well protect the players' safety and avoid a lockout of next season.
This season, head injuries have been a huge topic of conversation in the NFL, college and high school football levels.
Earlier this season Devin Hester set the NFL record for career punt and kickoff return touchdowns. After Sunday's season finale, you can add another NFL record to Hester's resume.
So far this season, the NFL has been getting plenty of headlines about their rules, player conduct policy and the potential lockout of the 2011 season.
This has been a season of distractions and controversy for the New York Jets. From the show to the reporter to the knee to the feet, the Jets haven't been able to stay away from controversy.
The Chicago Bears made an impressive push for the playoffs since their bye week. Their offensive line's improvements have been part of the reason, but the line is still ranked last in the NFL.
While the NFL can't prove that Brett Favre in fact sent the inappropriate messages to Jenn Sterger, they still felt they had enough information to fine him $50,000.
Some quarterbacks take their lineman out to dinner after for keeping them protected during a game. Running backs have been known to buy their lineman watches after a 1,000-yard season.
Bears' fans are starting to like what they see on the field. The team's newest star, Julius Peppers, has been as advertised and the offense is starting to put up some points.
Since their bye-week in November, the Bears have shown a different side of the team. Chicago is happy with their position and could earn a bye-week before they face Green Bay.
This has been the year of NFL fines, and most of them have been focused on defensive players.
Devin Hester etched his name into the NFL record books Monday night in the Bears 40-14 NFC North clinching beat down of the Minnesota Vikings.
Devin Hester has taken Chicago by storm. And over the course of his five NFL seasons, he has established himself as the greatest returner to ever play the game. But you might be surprised to find out who his biggest fan is.
The Chicago Bears have beaten the Minnesota Vikings and have won the NFC North Division.
Hester set the NFL record for all-time return touchdowns with his 14th. Hester nearly set the record with the opening kickoff of the second half when he returned the ball all the way to the Minnesota Vikings' five-yard line.
"Um, we kinda don't want to play on the ice, because, well, it's hard, and we might get hurt. But we know we have to, if you say so."
There has been plenty of back-and-forth and speculation as to the location of the Bears-Vikings Monday night football game
The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings are determined to have Monday night's Bears-Vikings game played at TCF Bank Stadium
Minneapolis received 17 inches of snow over the weekend. As Minneapolis residents shoveled out their sidewalks, car and driveways, the Metrodome's roof was collapsing.
A man was ordered detained Thursday after the shooting death of an employee at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Matteson, Illinois, earlier this week.
A man was ordered detained until trial Thursday in the sexual assault of a woman at the western edge of Chicago's 606 Trail.
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Burglars crashed a sport-utility vehicle into a convenience store in Chicago's Loop early Thursday morning.
The men charged with attacking a CBS News Chicago crew near the Adler Planetarium were due in court for a detention hearing on Thursday.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch is making moves to remove state Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) from office.
Special Agent-in-Charge Douglas DePodesta, who has led FBI Chicago for the past three years, is leaving his post on July 6.
Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling announced Wednesday that he is retiring later this month.
More than 1,000 grand jury presentations are under review after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to grand jury abuses and prosecutorial misconduct, Chicago's top federal prosecutor said.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker vowed the state will continue to protect transgender Illinoisans and athletes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Tuesday.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed several new consumer protections into law, including a ban on junk fees.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
An Illinois law banning "swipe fees" on taxes and tips — already delayed twice by lawmakers — appears to be on life support after a federal judge that once permitted it issued a permanent injunction against it this week.
A new study from the Cook County Treasurer's office underlines growing concerns about the impact the Illinois megaprojects bill could have on the county's property tax base and overall fiscal health.
In a major turnaround in the opioid crisis, overdose deaths are falling across Chicago and Cook County.
The north Chicago suburb of Glenview became the latest Illinois municipality this week to confirm mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus this year.
Environmental and community groups are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to act on a petition challenging U.S. Steel Gary Works operating permit renewal.
In the four years since Roe v. Wade was overturned and Illinois became a destination for abortion care, Illinois providers and advocates have rebuilt the state's infrastructure to support the tens of thousands of people who travel to the state for abortion services every year.
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, raising awareness of a disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, write, and understand both spoken and written language.
The Chicago Bears this weekend said they are assessing land at Wolf Lake Terminals in Hammond, Indiana, for a possible new stadium.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
Daley's Restaurant, known as Chicago's oldest, has served Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood for more than 130 years.
Walgreens is set to close in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on Thursday, and there's growing concern about where families will get their medications.
The owners of Gene & Georgetti steakhouse are suing a concessions operator over their expansion at Midway International Airport.
Victor Willis, lead singer of the disco group Village People, whose hit "Y.M.C.A." became a fixture at rallies for President Trump, has died at the age of 74, his wife and the band said.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding plans include a rehearsal dinner and a late-night celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City, according to sources familiar with the security planning.
Chicago rapper Twista has pleaded guilty to willfully failing to pay income taxes.
Lionel Richie's Chicago concert at the United Center has been postponed after the singer became sick at his tour opener in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
Mary Sowers of Reach Rescue joins Marie Saavedra and David Yeomans with Hardee, a puppy from a litter of 10.
Meteorologist David Yeomans has your 11 a.m. First Alert Weather forecast for Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Attorneys for Felicea Williams said earlier Wednesday, her family reported she had died after spending six months in a coma.
The men charged with attacking a CBS News Chicago crew near the Adler Planetarium were set to appear for a detention hearing Thursday. Lauren Victory reports.
Preparations are underway in New York for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
Four people were injured in a mass shooting near a gas station in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood overnight.
The men charged with attacking a CBS News Chicago crew near the Adler Planetarium were due in court or a detention hearing on Thursday.
Chicago Cubs superfan known as "The Pink Hat Guy" has died at the age of 81, according to family members.
July 4th fireworks and celebrations in 2026 will mark the United States' 250th birthday. Here's where to see Independence Day fireworks in Chicago, surrounding suburbs and in Northwest Indiana.
A man was ordered detained Thursday after the shooting death of an employee at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Matteson, Illinois, earlier this week.
In a major turnaround in the opioid crisis, overdose deaths are falling across Chicago and Cook County.
An Uber driver who was assaulted during a ride said he begged Chicago police officers not once but twice for help, but was left to fend for himself.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office has been a part of Illinois' enhanced CTA security plan and state-led task force dedicated to making it safe since the end of March. Their officers have worked more than 4,000 hours a month.
A rideshare driver was shot in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood on Monday night.
The Cubs (49-38) have won five straight after sweeping the Padres (43-42), who have lost five in a row.
Dean Kremer pitched six impressive innings in his return from a quad injury, and the Baltimore Orioles avoided a sweep Wednesday with a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
Alex Bregman, Michael Busch and Pete Crow-Armstrong added homers to help the Cubs win for the 10th time in 12 games.
Colson Montgomery and Junior Perez homered during Chicago's seven-run third inning and the White Sox pounded the Baltimore Orioles 9-3 on Tuesday night.
A 9-year-old boy from Arizona won a nice chunk of change recently, thanks in part to the signature of Chicago White Sox infielder and slugger Munetaka Murakami.
A man was ordered detained Thursday after the shooting death of an employee at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Matteson, Illinois, earlier this week.
A man was ordered detained until trial Thursday in the sexual assault of a woman at the western edge of Chicago's 606 Trail.
Burglars crashed a sport-utility vehicle into a convenience store in Chicago's Loop early Thursday morning.
The men charged with attacking a CBS News Chicago crew near the Adler Planetarium were due in court for a detention hearing on Thursday.
An alleged member of a criminal cyber hacking group had been extradited to Chicago face federal charges after being arrested in Finland.
