Peyton has no plans to call it a day in Denver

NFL fans and fantasy football owners debating Peyton Manning's prowess and problems can continue that discussion well into the new year.

Broncos lead pro bowl picks

The AFC West champion Denver Broncos led the NFL with nine players selected for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday.

MMA moves help level rushers' field

Denver defensive end DeMarcus Ware considers himself a mixed martial artist on the football field.

NFL issues giant-sized fines

Game-breaking wide receiver Odell Beckham and five other New York Giants were fined a total of $72,400 for their actions in Sunday's melee-marred game in St. Louis.

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

A year of thrills, chills and spills

As 2014 draws to a close, we take a second look at some of the year's best sports photos. From Li Na to LeBron James, Luis Suarez to Rafael Nad-al, there was no shortage of photogenic super-stars and no limit to pulse-pounding action that included the seven-game NBA Finals, the World Cup in Brazil and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Truly a year of global sports glory!

LeBron opens Xmas presence

LeBron James plays in Miami for the first time since leaving the Heat for Cleveland when the Cavaliers visit on Thursday as one of five NBA Christmas clashes being televised globally.

Suitors line up to court Smith

The Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are the leading contenders to sign former Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith, who was waived on Monday with two years and at least $26 million remaining on his contract after this season.

Patience pays off for Peavy

Jake Peavy had no problem being patient as the San Francisco Giants pursued re-signing Pablo Sandoval and went after Jon Lester.

Hefty hike in average MLB paycheck

Major League Baseball's average salary shot up to more than $3.8 million this year following the steepest rise in more than a decade, putting big leaguers on track to top the $4 million barrier for the first time in 2015.

Score board

Fergie's faith fires van Gaal

Louis van Gaal said he feels under pressure to succeed at Manchester United to repay the generous support of Old Trafford legend Sir Alex Ferguson.