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Following the most impressive win of the early NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons arent exactly being rewarded.One week after going into Denver and handling the defending league champion Broncos 23-16, the Falcons stayed out west and headed to Seattle. Coming back with a road victory over the Seahawks (3-1 and coming off a bye) would stamp Atlanta (4-1) as a Super Bowl favorite.Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!Atlanta started 6-1 last season and finished 8-8. While this team looks more balanced, more polished and more dangerous than the 2015 version, it still has plenty to prove. On the scoreboard, and in the standings.I think that we are mentally tougher, a more resilient group for sure, Matt Ryan says.You learn from that. Obviously, we started fast last year and things didnt go our way in the second half of the season. I think what you learn is that the difference between wins and losses is a handful of plays and youve got to be on the right end of them. Weve done a really good job of being opportunistic early in the season.No kidding. Ryan leads the NFL with a 121.6 passer rating, and Julio Jones has averaged a phenomenal 21.5 yards a catch. This is a matchup of the Falcons No. 1-ranked offense against the Seahawks top-ranked defense. Very juicy indeed.You get caught up in the peaks and the valleys just like Pete (Carroll) always says, star cornerback Richard Sherman notes, treat everything like a championship opportunity. You always treat it like youre playing the No. 1 offense. You start treating it like the No. 32 offense, and if the No. 32 offense, they (might) go put up 500 yards on you because theyre still pros, theyre still getting paid to do this. So we dont get caught up in any of that.But Sherman did admit facing Jones and Ryan would be fun.The action began Thursday night with San Diegos 21-13 home victory over Denver.Philip Rivers threw for 178 yards and a touchdown, passing Hall of Famer Dan Fouts to become San Diegos career passing leader.The victory may have saved embattled coach Mike McCoys job. The Chargers (2-4) were coming off a mistake-filled loss at Oakland.The Super Bowl champion Broncos (4-2) were coached by special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis after Gary Kubiak was ordered by doctors to sit out because of a migraine condition that mimics strokes.Off this week are Minnesota, at 5-0 the NFLs only unbeaten team, and Tampa Bay (2-3).Dallas (4-1) at Green Bay (3-2)There remain enough doubters about the Cowboys that this is another prove-it game. The way Dak Prescott is throwing it (155 passes without a pick) and Ezekiel Elliott is running it (league-high 546 yards), Dallas is proving you can win behind rookies .There are certainly a lot of areas where we have to get better, coach Jason Garrett says, but were doing a good job coming off the ball, getting into blocks and finding places for runners to run. The runners are running well.Still, the Packers hold opponents to 42.8 yards rushing per game. If the Cowboys, 4-11 at the Packers, come close to their 155.2 yards per game on the ground, it will be impressive. And possibly decisive.San Francisco (1-4) at Buffalo (3-2)With Colin Kaepernick now the starter, hes going to attract attention for more than his refusal to stand during the national anthem. It took a four-game slide with Blaine Gabbert showing little at quarterback for coach Chip Kelly to make the change.We need to move the football offensively and thats why we made the decision to do what we were doing, Kelly says. So, hopefully we can get a little more consistency on the offensive side of the ball and thats what I think we need.Critical things in third down I think have been the things that weve really tried to emphasize and work on as we get moving forward here. Thats what were hoping for and thats why we made the move.Buffalo is hoping to keep streaking after going 3-0 since elevating Anthony Lynn to offensive coordinator and firing Greg Roman.Cincinnati 2-3) at New England (4-1)Tom Bradys first regular-season game in Foxborough after serving his four-game Deflategate suspension. Listen for wild cheers of support -- and some nasty chants about Roger Goodell -- and look for Brady to fill the air with regulation footballs. Many of those are likely to land in the hands of Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and a new favorite, TE Martellus Bennett, who had three TD catches last week.The Bengals were humiliated in Dallas, and they havent won in New England in 30 years. Brady is 5-1 against them with 12 TDs and a 101.2 passer rating.Kansas City (2-2) at Oakland (4-1)One of the NFLs great rivalries resumes -- this is game 115, KC leads 60-52-2 -- with the Chiefs needing to maintain their dominance in the AFC West. Theyve won three straight vs. Oakland and six straight within the division. Alex Smith loves seeing the Raiders on the other side of the line of scrimmage: Hes 7-1 with 18 TDs, three interceptions and a 106.1 passer rating in this matchup.These are the new Raiders, though, formidable and, at last, a threat to make the playoffs, a place they last visited 14 years ago. They rank fourth in total offense, a necessity considering they are last in defense.Philadelphia (3-1) at Washington (3-2)Another long-term rivalry (Washington leads 84-73-5), and this one should say a lot about the NFC East race.Philly stumbled at Detroit after losing its momentum from a 3-0 start by having an early bye. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has been terrific, but its the Eagles defensive performance that has been just as crucial. They havent allowed a touchdown in the second half and just six points overall.Washington dropped its first two games, but Kirk Cousins throwing to DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder and Jordan Reed has sparked the attack.Pittsburgh (4-1) at Miami (1-4)For the first time, twins Maurkice (Steelers) and Mike Pouncey (Dolphins) are opponents. Their showings on the offensive line will be critical, especially for Miami, which has been awful with the ball, struggles to protect Ryan Tannehill, and is a minus-7 in turnover margin; only the Jets are worse.Just what Ben Roethlisberger needs is another dangerous receiver.Well, hes got one: Sammie Coates is averaging an NFL-best 22.1 yards per catch, with at least one reception of 40 yards or more in each game. Big Ben leads the league with 15 touchdown passes, the most through five games in Steelers history, and WR Antonio Brown is tops with 37 catches.Baltimore (3-2) at New York Giants (2-3)Unlike their AFC North brethren, the Ravens have stalled on offense, leading to the firing this week of coordinator Marc Trestman.Barring falling into an early hole, look for plenty of balance with the ball from Baltimore, with Terrance West toting the ball.Odell Beckham Jr. finally got into the end zone last week at Green Bay, but that didnt do much for New York, which has dropped three in a row.Even more worrisome: New York is minus-7 in turnover differential, with only three takeaways. All that money spent on the defense has yielded minimal returns thus far.Los Angeles (3-2) at Detroit (2-3)The Lions might have benefited from a missed call by officials in their comeback win against the Eagles. They expect DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) back after missing three-plus games, and cornerback Darius Slay comes off a strong performance in which he had a clinching interception.To get to .500, Detroit will need to figure out Todd Gurley. The 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year went for 140 yards on 16 carries and had two TDs in last years win over the Lions in St. Louis. Gurley has yet to break out this season, though, with only a 2.7-yard average. But he has rushed for three scores.Indianapolis (2-3) at Houston (3-2)Given the other matchups this Sunday, its a shame the flex schedule hasnt begun yet.Still, this is for first place in a division, albeit the mediocre AFC South.The Colts are 23-5 against Houston, and Andrew Luck has won 14 of his past 15 starts within the division. He might need a big game because Indy is not likely to shut down receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Jaelen Strong and rookie Will Fuller.New York Jets (1-4) at Arizona (2-3), Monday nightThe Jets crucible of five 2015 playoff teams in six weeks ends here. It hasnt been pretty, and with Carson Palmer expected back from his concussion, the Cardinals will be a difficult opponent.But Arizona also has lost both starting guards, Mike Iupati and Evan Mathis, and New York has a good defensive line.Jets coach Todd Bowles is close with Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, having played for Arians at Temple (1982-85) and serving as his defensive coordinator with Arizona in 2013-14.Jacksonville (1-3) at Chicago (1-4)Back from London after their first win and then a bye, the Jaguars believe they could make some inroads in the AFC South. Getting by Chicago is a must.But they are 4-21 on the road in coach Gus Bradleys four seasons, including 0-6 against NFC teams.The Bears have gotten good enough play from backup QB Brian Hoyer -- three straight 300-yard games, six TDs, no picks -- that Jay Cutler might not get back his job once fully healthy. Helping Hoyer has been RB Jordan Howard, whos second among NFL rookies with 296 yards rushing.Carolina (1-4) at New Orleans (1-3)How the mighty have fallen. Carolinas chances of winning a fourth consecutive NFC South are fading after losing their first two division matchups. A third one could be devastating, and they go against the prolific Drew Brees with an underachieving secondary and defense on the whole.But at least they figure to have 2015 league MVP Cam Newton back at quarterback after he missed the loss to Tampa Bay with a concussion.As always, New Orleans chances ride on Brees arm. He seems more comfortable every week with his current group of targets: Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Coby Fleener and rookie Michael Thomas.Cleveland (0-5) at Tennessee (2-3)Down Nashville way, theyre singing optimistic songs about the Titans in the AFC South. Dont laugh too hard: a win and a Colts victory creates a three-way tie at the top.The Titans can run the ball, with DeMarco Murray second in the NFL with 461 yards rushing and 633 yards from scrimmage. Murray leads everyone with 33 first downs.Cleveland is gutsy, but so banged-up. The Browns believe this is a good opportunity to get off the schneid, but theyll need to figure out how to close out a victory if they get in position.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFLErik Karlsson Jersey . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Logan Couture Sharks Jersey . Louis Blues teammates who would also be participating in the Olympics, Alex Pietrangelo felt right at home, no different in some ways to the travel experience of any old road trip – save for the length of the journey, that is. http://www.officialsharksnhlshop.com/kevin-labanc-jersey/ . -- Mike Smith never saw his first NHL goal go in. Timo Meier Jersey . The 25-year-old Japanese star has officially been posted by his club team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Antti Suomela Jersey . Radwanska, making her debut in the Seoul tournament, hit eight aces in a match that lasted 1 hour, 4 minutes at Olympic Park tennis stadium. "It was definitely a very good match -- I was playing really good tennis," Radwanska said.SHANGHAI -- In a room full of bright-colored cubes and giant mattresses, giggling children climb bars, try somersaults and walk gingerly on a low balance beam. Some stand on their hands, showing off their bellies under the guidance of four coaches.It was pure fun for 8-year-old Lucy Huang, a chubby-cheeked, cheerful and talkative girl. Her parents have modest goals for her progress: they hope the lessons help her stay fit, improve her balance, and help brain development.I love it here because theres lots of fun. I love doing flips forward and backward, and I like the rings, she said in one breath while sitting on the balance beam, her legs dangling.The scene in downtown Shanghai might be common in western countries but is a rare sight in China, where parents have eschewed gymnastics lessons for their children. The mere mention of gymnastics usually evokes stereotypical, decades-old images of little boys and girls tearfully practicing splits, living away from home under the watch of strict coaches, all for the chance at an Olympic gold.This summer, Chinese athletes that primarily grew up in the decades-old state sports system are still expected to dazzle the world and scoop up dozens of medals when the Summer Games open in Rio de Janeiro.But at home there are strong efforts to reform the state-led system, which is struggling to recruit the next generation of stars despite its glorious records of churning out hundreds of Olympic gold medalists and world champions.The current system is to rally national resources to train a few to win the Olympic golds and win honors for the country, said Xiong Xiaozheng, a retired sports professor in Beijing. But this strategy no longer works with todays society, and is losing its advantages.Without change, Chinas spot among the worlds elite in sports is in danger.---Established in the 1950s, Chinas state-led sports training system was tasked with rallying national pride. The poor, communist country was in need of international accolades, and bringing potential stars into one place was a cost-efficient way to train athletes.When the country did not have the resources to popularize any sport, when families were still struggling to feed themselves, the only way to train top athletes was to pool all the resources the country had then, said Ye Zhennan, who will travel to Rio as manager for Chinas national gymnastics team.For a long time, it worked. The system pushed China into top place in the gold medal hunt, peaking in the 2008 Beijing Olympics with 51 golds. Four years later, China grabbed 38 golds in London, trailing only behind the sports powerhouse United States.In the system, local governments scout out potential talent at very young ages, often in pre-school. The children are separated from their families but corralled in state sports schools -- overseen by sports authorities rather than education officials- to go through strict training programs for the sole purpose of winning world titles or Olympic golds.The young athletes must go through rounds of elimination as they advance to the city team, the provincial team and eventually the national team. They must reach the top of the podium at the Olympics, or are considered failures.The path is extremely narrow, recalled Cheng Liang, a former national all-around champion in artistic gymnastics. Because of injuries, he dropped out before the 1996 Atlanta Games.Less than one percent of athletes reach the apex and are generously rewarded with fame and cash. They become household names, or even national heroes, with glowing reports published in state media. Those who fall off the path often find themselves tossed back into a bewildering society with inadequate academic preparations or social skills.Training is always the top priority, instead of school, Cheng said.Chinese families, especially poor rural households, were willing to send their children to the all-expenses-paid sports schools, and young athletes eliminated usually were able to find jobs in a state-planned economy.But after decades of rapid growth, China has become the worlds second largest economy. Its people have much fatter wallets and far more life choices for themselves and their children. Sports schools, and their slim shot at success, are not as alluring. Add to that allegations that China has used underage gymnasts -- they were ordered to return a bronze medal won in the Sydney Games -- and parents decide to opt out.Parents these days want their children to enjoy a normal life, Cheng said.---It is a far fetch to think Lucy, the giggly girl in the Shanghai gym, and her playmates may one day compete for China on a world stage. Yet the reason she can learn gymnastics at all is a reflection of changges that have made the sport recreation, instead of a career choice.ddddddddddddCriticism of the state system has grown louder in the past decade, as members of the Chinese public are increasingly rebelling against the notoriously ruthless, rigid training regimes, exploitation of young athletes, and proclivity for dishonest practices such as game rigging.Taking cues from gymnastics powerhouses such as the United States and Japan, Chinese sports officials believe the answer lies with popularizing sports.Already, Beijing has ordered the countrys football association to be divested from the government and has issued policies to promote the sport on school campuses. The country has commercialized football and basketball through leagues, with varying degrees of success. Road running and swimming are also beginning to take root among the public and are especially popular with members of Chinas growing middle class.Gymnastics is a bigger challenge. Chinese officials must popularize the sport after decades of keeping it from the public, reserved only for a chosen few.In the public eye, gymnastics is an elite sport. How can you popularize a sport that is widely considered to be extremely difficult, tiring and dangerous? said Wang Tongjie, director of gymnastics at Chinas General Administration of Sport.There are only 7,000 registered Chinese gymnasts, Wang said. The United States -- with a population only one-fourth of Chinas -- has nearly 150,000 competing gymnasts at all levels.There is a huge gap in talent between China