NFL: Raiders release QB Matt Flynn

The Oakland Raiders released quarterback Matt Flynn on Monday, just six months after bringing him in to be the starter.

Oakland acquired Flynn in April from Seattle for a 2014 fifth-round draft pick and a conditional pick in 2015. The Raiders also reworked Flynn's contract to give him $6.5 million in guaranteed money this season.

But Flynn was beaten out for the starting job in the preseason by Terrelle Pryor and then fell to third string behind undrafted free agent Matt McGloin last week, leading to his eventual release.

"It just didn't work," coach Dennis Allen said. "Terrelle came in and he took over the job. He's earned the position that he's in. So, we just felt like it's probably best to move on from that."

Sports Illustrated first reported the move.

Flynn made two appearances for Oakland (2-3) for all that money. He came in late in a loss at Denver on Sept. 23, after Pryor was knocked out with a concussion, and then started against Washington the following week.

He was booed by the home crowd from the start of that game and struggled mightily as the Raiders lost 24-14. He threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, lost a fumble in the second half and was sacked seven times as he lacked pocket presence.

Pryor came back to regain the starting job and led the Raiders to a 27-17 victory Sunday night over the Chargers as Flynn sat watching.

Broncos favored by 28 vs. Jaguars

The Denver Broncos are the biggest favorite ever in an NFL game, a 28-point pick to beat Jacksonville at home on Sunday. Though the Las Vegas' legal sports books don't keep historical records on such things — and the NFL refuses to even acknowledge that betting lines exist — those in the industry say the lopsided point spread surpasses the 26-point margin for favored Pittsburgh against Tampa Bay in 1976 when the Buccaneers were an expansion franchise and the Steelers got within a game of the Super Bowl.

Around the league

Bills • Quarterback Thad Lewis was promoted from Buffalo's practice squad to start against Cincinnati on Sunday. The Bills had only one other quarterback on their roster, undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel, who struggled in replacing the injured EJ Manuel in a 37-24 loss to Cleveland on Thursday.

Niners • Coach Jim Harbaugh expects top 2012 receiver Michael Crabtree to return to game action in mid to late November after recovering in quick fashion from a torn right Achilles tendon that required surgery. Crabtree suffered the injury during practice in May.

Vikings • Minnesota finalized a contract with quarterback Josh Freeman, who is expected to compete with Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel for the starting job.

Packers • Linebacker Clay Matthews broke his right thumb during Sunday's 22-9 victory over Detroit, and coach Mike McCarthy said Monday afternoon that he was unsure how long his star defensive player would be sidelined.

Panthers • Receiver Steve Smith is still upset with the officiating in Carolina's 22-6 loss to Arizona, calling a member of Sunday's crew "garbage." The 34-year-old Smith took aim Monday at umpire Dan Ferrell, saying Ferrell was "the sorriest referee I've ever met."

Smith, a former Utah Ute, acknowledged his comments would likely draw a fine from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, but added that he doesn't care. The receiver was upset over several calls, including one where he was flagged for offensive pass interference and another where he felt Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson grabbed the back of his jersey on a route and used that momentum to "slingshot" past him to break up a pass.