EARTH CITY, Mo. -- As we move closer to the Dec. 30 deadline for home markets of St. Louis, Oakland and San Diego to have their final stadium proposals ready for the NFL's review, more and more details of the St. Louis project are emerging.

On Monday afternoon, stltoday.com's David Hunn wrote that the estimated cost of the proposal for the city's north riverfront has jumped another $10 million to a cool $1.01 billion.

According to Hunn's report, the bonds issued by the stadium authority could cover the increase and city taxes on concessions on game days would help pay off those bonds. The report also offers updated increases in other costs as well as decreases in some that the stadium task force believes will offset.

While the overall cost of the project might continue to change, the only thing that really matters now is whether the St. Louis Board of Aldermen will pass the city portion of the financing. The Ways and Means committee is is expected to vote this week on that measure. If it passes, it's likely there will be a special session called for the entire board to vote a week or so later.

The NFL informed the home markets last week that they had until Dec. 30 to have detailed, actionable plans in place for consideration at the next round of owners meetings on Jan. 12-13 in Houston.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Monday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... We began the morning with a look at the St. Louis Rams' search for answers in another lost season. ... The Ram-blings examined whether Rams owner Stan Kroenke's proposal to share the Inglewood site is too little, too late. ... It was a tough weekend for Rams kickers which resulted in a busy day for their punter. ... We looked back at the Rams' inability to repeat the efforts of their win against the Cardinals. ... The Rams fired offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti and replaced him with Rob Boras. ... That move doesn't come anywhere close to solving the Rams' problems on offense. ... We closed the day with the news on Stedman Bailey's status and Jeff Fisher's take on whether Bailey will play again.

Elsewhere:

Here's the updated NFL playoff picture.

One week later, Austin Davis is already back on the bench for the Cleveland Browns.

At 101sports.com, Bernie Miklasz writes that the Rams can't afford to keep Fisher as head coach.

At stltoday.com, Ben Frederickson writes that Cignetti was made a scapegoat.

Jim Thomas breaks down Cignetti's time as offensive coordinator.

Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback offers some interesting takes on the NFL and Los Angeles.