Sports

With a young offensive core led by Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, last year's Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack and the return to the NFL of local hero Marshawn Lynchafter a one-year retirement, the Raiders are considered one of the top challengers to New England in the AFC after last year's breakthrough 12-win season.

Shanahan and new general manager John Lynch were each given six-year contracts this offseason in a sign that San Francisco is committed to stability for a change. Though the 49ers know the process of going from two wins in 2016 back to Super Bowl contender won't be a quick one.

The Denver Broncos traded tackle Ty Sambrailo to the Atlanta Falcons on Friday for a fifth-round pick in 2018.

Jaqui Lopez had 24 assists, Julie Che finished with 12 kills and the Pajaro Valley High Grizzlies swept the Gonzales High Spartans 25-14, 25-19, 25-17 on Tuesday in non-league play.

Minnesota rookie running back Dalvin Cook took a swing pass from Sam Bradford and was immediately met by Foster, who read the play perfectly and flattened Cook for a 5-yard loss that set the tone Sunday for San Francisco.

As the franchise quarterback, Carr is too important a piece to risk to injury in an exhibition game against Seattle just 10 days before the start of the real season. But don't tell Carr these games are meaningless.