FILE This Sept. 9, 2012 file photo shows New Orleans Saints football defensive end Will Smith (91) warming up before an NFL football game in New Orleans. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and lawyers for the league and the players' union have in Washington, Thursday for a hearing in the Saints bounties case.The NFC has some closer division races, including the NFC East, where the NY Giants (85) have a slim one game lead over Washington (76) and Dallas (76). Green Bay (94) has taken over the lead in the North with Chicago losing their last two games, but the Bears (85) have a big game this week against the Packers in a must win game for both teams. Atlanta (112) is tied with Houston for the best record in the NFL and the only team in the NFC to clinch a playoff spot, but the Falcons must regroup after a surprising loss to Carolina this week to gain back the confidence they will need to make a run at the Super Bowl.

MINNEAPOLIS The NFL and its lockedout players wrappe