If the first weekend of NFL action was not enough of a warning to those who insist on backing favourites, then the second round should certainly have persuaded such punters to take a closer look before picking candidates for the Super Bowl. Even on game-by-game basis, going for the short odds is not bringing a return.

Mark Burton reports on a dramatic opening round of NFL games in which a revered wide receiver ran into trouble

At Florida's Dolphins Plus, it's the humans who provide the entertainme nt, as David Sandhu found out

A judge ordered OJ Simpson to turn over his American football Heisman Trophy, art works, jewels and other items worth more than pounds 250,000 to satisfy part of the civil award against him, according to court papers released yesterday.

Bill Parcells can begin coaching the New York Jets immediately after Paul Tagliabue, the NFL commissioner, brokered a deal on Monday between the Jets and New England Patriots, who he left last month after taking them to the Super Bowl.

Bill Parcells, who took the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl last week, is stepping down after four years as head coach. His resignation comes two days after the NFL commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, ruled that Parcell's contract with the Patriots prohibits him from working for another NFL team next season without permission. Parcells has been strongly linked with the vacant New York Jets post.

SUPER BOWL XXXI: Packers' special team deliver the decisive punch. Matt Tench reports from New Orleans

Super Bowl XXXI: Loyalty bonus puts small-town America back in the big-time. John Carlin reports

Can Super Bowl history repeat itself? Matt Tench reports from New Orleans

DREW BLEDSOE of the New England Patriots

And six other questions and answers that arise out of the 1996 season. By Matt Tench

Super Bowl XXXI New England Patriots v Green Bay Packers Preview by Matt Tench

Super Bowl XXXI New England Patriots v Green Bay Packers Preview by Matt Tench

For four years the New England Patriots have performed in a way so at odds with the instincts of their head coach that at times he has seemed in need of psychiatric help. For their most important game of the period, however, at least half the side remembered his roots, and played like a Bill Parcells team.