The NFL's schedule, playoff proposal is awesome -- or is it?

The NFL season is long gone but the league just can't (or won't) stay out of the news. Suddenly we're talking about a 17-game schedule and two extra playoff teams?!?

Our first thought? YES, PLEASE! 

But it's not entirely as it seems, as Nancy Armour writes. While more football and more playoffs seems like fun, we can't forget about these major issues that will come with it. 

Next we turn our attention to Week 3 in the XFL and the NFL scouting combine. The combine's on-field workouts begin next Thursday and the player drills have been moved from the daytime to primetime to capture a wider television audience.

Before the combine gets underway, don't forget to check out our latest mock draft to see just how the first-round QB situation will play out. 

NFL scouting combine preview

• 11 players who could create big combine buzz: Several athletically gifted NFL draft prospects could seize the spotlight at the combine.
• 13 prospects with something to prove: There will be plenty at stake for these draft prospects looking to make the right impression.
• 11 combine sleepers: A whopping 337 prospects have been invited to the combine, leaving ample opportunity for some less-heralded players to stand out.  
• Updated mock draft: With the combine starting next week, here's an updated look at how the first round might play out. Previous mocks: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0
• 10 most head-turning combine performances: J.J. Watt and Aaron Donald are among those who put forth incredible combine efforts. 
• 10 combine stars who went on to be NFL busts: Sometimes what happens at the combine factors a bit too much into a draft evaluation.

NFL news, notes and analysis

• NFL on verge of major scheduling changes? Owners and players are in the midst of negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that could bring significant change to the game. Among the proposals on the table is an expansion of the playoff field and a 17-game season. More games = more money for all involved, but it's not that simple, our Nancy Armour says.  
• Drew Brees will return for 2020  season: The 13-time Pro Bowl quarterback will be back for a 20th NFL season.
• Chargers RB predicts Philip Rivers will sign with AFC team: Melvin Gordon says a coaching connection could be key in leading Rivers to sign with the Colts.
• Richard Sherman: One NFL CB 'doesn't get enough credit': Sherman has said several top NFL cornerbacks don't deserve their reputations, but he believes Darius Slay warrants top billing.
• Which team will be next to break long Super Bowl title drought? The Chiefs won their first Super Bowl victory in 50 years. Which long-suffered group could be next?
• 13 notable players could be out: Several big names and franchise mainstays (like Cam Newton and Andy Dalton) could be sent packing in cost-cutting moves.

Around the XFL

• The Mahomes of the XFL?: P.J. Walker is league's brightest emerging star thus far. Here's how he's done it. 
• Odds, spreads and picks: Breaking down all the Week 3 action in the XFL and making our picks against the spread. 
• Power rankings: With the novelty of the reinvented XFL league out of the way, players, coaches and fans can turn focus toward football. Here's how teams stack up.
• Week 2 winners and losers: After a rousing debut last week, the XFL's second week of play revealed some troubling issues, such as an attendance dip and sloppy offensive play.
• Leaving points on the board? The XFL has innovated with multiple point(s)-after-touchdown options that don't involving kicking. Unfortunately, the league's teams haven't been especially adept at converting any of them.  

XFL Week 3 schedule

(All times Eastern)

Saturday

Houston Roughnecks at Tampa Bay Vipers, 2 p.m. (ABC)

Dallas Renegades at Seattle Dragons, 5 p.m. (FOX)

Sunday

New York Guardians at St. Louis BattleHawks, 3 p.m. (ESPN)

DC Defenders at Los Angeles Wildcats, 6 p.m. (FS1)

Just because ...

 ...  here are the best uniforms in league history.

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