Titans to Start Dobbs vs. Jaguars; Seahawks' Brooks Suffers Torn ACL

Dec 24, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) and quarterback Malik Willis (7) walk to the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday, Dec. 27

Sean Payton Linked to Broncos HC Job

Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton is rumored to be linked to the Denver Broncos coaching vacancy, Sports Illustrated reported.

Payton, the 2006 NFL Coach of the Year and Super Bowl XLIV champion, stepped down as coach of the Saints following the 2021 season. Rumors of his return to the coaching ranks have persisted since before the start of the 2022 regular season.

Denver moved on from coach Nathaniel Hackett following the team's crushing Week 16 defeat at the hands of the injury-ridden Los Angeles Rams, leaving the door open for Payton to take over his second NFL team.

However, as Payton is still technically under contract with the Saints (his deal had two remaining years at the time of his stepping down), any team hoping to acquire Payton's services will almost certainly need to compensate the Saints to do so.

Playoff-Clinching Scenarios for Week 17

Playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 17 were released by the league following the conclusion of Week 16. Ranging from chances to lock up home field in the playoffs (Bills, Eagles) to simple win-and-you're-in scenarios for the playoffs (Giants, Buccaneers).

The 33rd Team covered all of the potential scenarios and provided an outlook for each team still in the hunt.

Derwin James In Concussion Protocol

Chargers safety Derwin James is in concussion protocol, coach Brandon Staley told reporters. His status for Week 17 is still uncertain.

James was ejected during the second quarter of Monday night’s game for a vicious hit on Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin. Following the hit, James appeared to show signs of Ataxia — James was stumbling and struggling to maintain his balance upon standing up after the hit. The standout Chargers defender exited the game to the blue medical tent before heading back to the locker room when his ejection was announced.

The hit that got Chargers’ S Derwin James ejected: pic.twitter.com/uBZFD88sjg

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2022

James will not receive a suspension for the hit but does still face a potential fine, NFL Media reported.

Colts Sticking With Foles

The Indianapolis Colts will continue to start Nick Foles at quarterback, Jeff Saturday told reporters. Foles started in the team's 20-3 loss against the Chargers on Monday night. Monday night was first Foles' first start since the end of the 2021 season. He finished with just 143 yards and threw three interceptions.

Next Broncos HC to Report to Owner

The next head coach of the Denver Broncos will be reporting to Owner and CEO Greg Penner instead of general manager George Paton, NFL Media reported.

The team will have Paton intimately involved in the process of hiring his second head coach during his tenure with the Broncos. This announcement comes on the heels of the team firing Nathaniel Hackett on Monday after going 4-11 in the team's first 15 games.