'America's team' is also richest team

Not only are the Dallas Cowboys the most valuable team in the NFL, they are worth more than any franchise in sports.

Forbes' NFL valuations show the Cowboys worth $4.2 billion, easily topping the league for the 10th straight year. Next closest are the New England Patriots at $3.4 billion.

The average NFL team is worth $2.34 billion, a 19 percent increase over last year. That increase is primarily due to more rights fees for Thursday night games, the Rams' relocation from St. Louis to Los Angeles, the Vikings moving into their new stadium in Minneapolis and the Falcons nearing completion of their new stadium.

Stan Kroenke's Rams made the biggest change in value, up 100 percent.

The Vikings are ranked 17th in value at $2.2 billion, a 38 percent increase over last year.

Team values are determined by equity plus net debt and based on each team's current stadium (with adjustments for pending new stadiums and renovations). Revenue and operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) are for the 2015 season, including any net of stadium debt service.

Revenue from non-NFL events such as concerts and stadium tours, is included when such revenue goes to the team owner or owners.

Buffalo has the lowest team worth at $1.5 billion.

The NFL says it will spend an additional $100 million to develop new technology and support more medical research into the growing problem of head injuries.

Under the initiative, $60 million will be devoted toward developing technology such as improved helmets and $40 million will be allotted for medical research. There will be four pillars to the program: protecting players, advanced technology, medical research, and sharing progress with the public.

LaDainian Tomlinson, Hines Ward and Brian Dawkins are among the 94 players and coaches nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2017. Joining those first-time eligible nominees are Jason Taylor, Donovan McNabb, Chad Johnson, Olin Kreutz, Joey Porter, Derrick Mason and Bob Sanders.

Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall was fined $24,309 and safety Darian Stewart $18,231 — but not suspended — for helmet-to-helmet hits on Cam Newton in Thursday's night's 21-20 Denver victory.

• Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower did not practice because of a knee injury and tight end Ron Gronkowski still is nursing a hamstring.

• Chargers rookie linebacker Joey Bosa, who held out for much of the preseason, has not been cleared to practice yet.