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Hot-lanta eyes playoffs; Kalil eyes NFL; Billick eyes Dolphins

The Atlanta Falcons warmed up for a likely postseason appearance by making life miserable for the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night, building a 41-0 lead in the third quarter and cruising to their ninth victory of the season, 41-14.

Here's what else is on tap for Friday:

» NFL Network analyst Brian Billick said Thursday that he was open to discussions with the Miami Dolphins about their head-coaching job.

» All-American left tackle Matt Kalil of the USC Trojans, whose brother Ryan is the highest-paid center in NFL history, said Thursday he would skip his senior year of college and apply for entry to the 2012 NFL Draft.

» Among the NFL players who will appear on NFL Network programs later today to talk about this weekend's games: Giants WR Hakeem Nicks, Packers OT Bryan Bulaga and Chargers TE Antonio Gates.

» Speaking of this weekend's games, don't forget that tomorrow is the 2011 debut of Saturday night football, when the Dallas Cowboys travel to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers on NFL Network at 8:20 p.m. ET.

» Chicago Bears receiver Sam Hurd was locked up in federal custody Thursday as his stunned teammates learned he had been charged with trying to set up a cocaine-dealing network.

» Follow along on Twitter with NFL Network reporter Jeff Darlington as he tweets live from Denver in anticipation of the Broncos' Week 15 matchup with the Patriots.

» Friday is the last day to have your say in who wins top honors for last weekend's games by voting for the NFL's Hardest-Working Man, Rookie of the Week, Air & Ground Players of the Week, and Never Say Never Moment of the Week. And don't forget to fill out your Pro Bowl ballot.

» Get ready for all the weekend's games with NFL.com's Game Center, featuring videos, stats, previews and more.

» Happy birthday to the New York Giants' Antrel Rolle (29), former Giants center Bart Oates (53) and former Chicago Bears defensive lineman William "The Refrigerator" Perry (49).

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