Top News:
Jeff Duncan / New Orleans Times-Picayune:
A Christmas miracle? The Saints tried to lure Drew Brees out of retirement to save their season — 3 min to read - - - - - - - - - - - - — Desperate times call for desperate measures. — And the Saints' quarterback situation definitely qualifies as “desperate” right now.
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New York Post, Sun-Sentinel, ProFootballTalk, NESN.com and DraftKings Nation
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Dave Hyde / Sun-Sentinel:
It's best to be lucky and good as Miami Dolphins are out to prove — Here's the recipe for seven straight wins: A hot defense. An efficient quarterback. A coach who refused to let the season sink after a 1-7 season. — And 16 New Orleans Saints out with COVID-19. — Is it better to be lucky or good?
David Furones / Sun-Sentinel:
Dolphins' final stretch, beginning with Monday Night Football at Saints, to show what team really is — When the Miami Dolphins pulled off a stunning upset of the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 11, reaching this point appeared realistic. — With a defense that began showing its true potential …
Discussion:
ProFootballTalk, Boston Herald, Orange County Register and Sports Illustrated
David Furones / Sun-Sentinel:
Game time: Fast facts, odds, injury report and key info for Miami Dolphins (7-7) at New Orleans Saints (7-7) — DOLPHINS (7-7) vs. SAINTS (7-7) — Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., Monday, Caesars Superdome — TV: ESPN; RADIO: Westwood One, WQAM (560 AM), KISS (99.9 FM), WQBA (1140 AM, Spanish)
Discussion:
Boston Herald
Associated Press:
Saints' 4th-string QB Ian Book hails ‘unbelievable opportunity’ to make debut vs. Dolphins — NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Saints quarterback Ian Book says that because of the unpredictability of COVID-19, he and fellow reserve QB Trevor Siemian adopted the motto: “Stay ready.”
Walt Handelsman / New Orleans Times-Picayune:
Sean Payton is back, but another Saints player, 3 assistants test positive for COVID-19, sources say
Sean Payton is back, but another Saints player, 3 assistants test positive for COVID-19, sources say
Discussion:
NESN.com
David Furones / Sun-Sentinel:
Dolphins pivot to preparing for Saints former fourth-string QB Ian Book with Taysom Hill heading to COVID list
Dolphins pivot to preparing for Saints former fourth-string QB Ian Book with Taysom Hill heading to COVID list
Discussion:
Denver Post
Omar Kelly / Sun-Sentinel:
Here's what Dolphins have to do to defeat Saints
Here's what Dolphins have to do to defeat Saints
Discussion:
Mercury News
Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens QB Tyler Huntley placed on reserve/COVID-19 list, will miss game vs. Bengals; Josh Johnson set to start — Third-string Ravens quarterback Josh Johnson will start in Sunday's pivotal game against the AFC North-leading Cincinnati Bengals after Tyler Huntley was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list …
Discussion:
Ravens Wire, Sports Illustrated and Mercury News
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Ryan McFadden / Baltimore Sun:
Who is Josh Johnson? Ravens' third-string QB will start pivotal game vs. Bengals — With Lamar Jackson dealing with an ankle injury and Tyler Huntley recently testing positive for COVID-19, the Ravens will rely on third-string quarterback Josh Johnson to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday …
Discussion:
Orange County Register, ProFootballTalk and NESN.com
Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens S Chuck Clark activated from reserve/COVID-19 list, can play vs. Bengals — Ravens safety Chuck Clark was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, clearing the way for the defensive leader to return for Sunday's pivotal game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Childs Walker / Baltimore Sun:
Win or else: Ravens would face a steep climb to playoffs if they cannot upset Bengals in AFC North rematch
Win or else: Ravens would face a steep climb to playoffs if they cannot upset Bengals in AFC North rematch
Discussion:
NESN.com
Jonas Shaffer / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens QB Tyler Huntley questionable vs. Bengals with illness; Lamar Jackson still sidelined at practice
Ravens QB Tyler Huntley questionable vs. Bengals with illness; Lamar Jackson still sidelined at practice
Discussion:
NESN.com and Mercury News
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
Nick Foles will start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears on Sunday as Justin Fields continues his recovery from an ankle injury — Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles will start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field as rookie Justin Fields continues to deal with an ankle injury.
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Brad Biggs / Chicago Tribune:
The Chicago Bears made a full effort to acquire Russell Wilson in the offseason. Would they — and Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy — be better off if the deal was made? — In an alternate universe in which the Chicago Bears made a deal for Russell Wilson, would they be battling for a playoff spot Sunday …
Discussion:
NBC Chicago
Ryan McFadden / Baltimore Sun:
Ravens CB Anthony Averett ruled out after suffering chest injury vs. Bengals — The Ravens' secondary suffered another blow, as cornerback Anthony Averett was carted off the field after suffering a chest injury during the first quarter of Sunday's AFC North matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Discussion:
Mercury News
The Athletic:
Spurs assistant Becky Hammon being seriously pursued by Aces, Liberty for head coaching vacancies: Sources — The New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces are seriously pursuing San Antonio Spurs assistant and WNBA legend Becky Hammon to be their respective franchise's new head coach …
Discussion:
UPROXX, Pounding The Rock, Sportsnet.ca and NetsDaily
ESPN:
Sources: Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to 1-year, $17M deal before lockout — Slugger Cody Bellinger and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed on a one-year, $17 million to avoid arbitration before the Dec. 1 lockout that has shut down Major League Baseball and frozen transactions, sources familiar with the agreement told ESPN.
Discussion:
Talking Chop, Lookout Landing, Sports Illustrated, True Blue LA, Dodgers Nation, Sportsnet.ca, DraftKings Nation and MLB Trade Rumors