Published: 13:22 EST, 24 December 2017 | Updated: 13:58 EST, 24 December 2017
The Latest on the 16th Sunday of the NFL regular season. (all times Eastern):
1:30 p.m.
Four NFL players protested during the national anthem before the early games in Week 16.
Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Robert Quinn (94) raises his fist during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters stayed off the field until after the anthem was played in Kansas City, while Dolphins Kenny Stills and the injured Michael Thomas kneeled as they have been doing much of the season.
Titans receiver Rishard Matthews stayed off the field until after "The Star-Spangled Banner" in Nashville, while Rams linebacker Robert Quinn raised his fist while Lee Greenwood sang. Three Titans, Wesley Woodyard, Jurrell Casey and Brian Orakpo raised their fists after the song.
Several Saints kneeled before the anthem in New Orleans, but stood during the song.
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1:05 p.m.
After a week of uncertainty, Brock Osweiler is starting at quarterback for the Denver Broncos at the Washington Redskins.
Coach Vance Joseph had refused to name his starter between Osweiler and Paxton Lynch. Joseph on Friday said Lynch, who was listed as questionable with an ankle injury, was about 90 percent healthy and was good enough to back up.
It's Osweiler's fourth start and sixth appearance of the season. He has completed 55.2 percent of his passes for 895 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
– Stephen Whyno reporting from Landover, Maryland
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12:30 p.m.
The Christmas Eve NFL schedule is full of games with playoff implications, and as many as six teams could be out with a loss.
The highlight of the early afternoon is the NFC South matchup with the Falcons in New Orleans. Tampa Bay travels to Carolina, and those results could decide the division, though it might come down to the Panthers at Falcons next week.
The Titans need a win at home against the Rams to stay in the AFC South race. The Bills are the No. 6 AFC wild card, but need a win over the Patriots and some help to stay there.
The Chargers would be out of the playoff race if they lose at the Jets, as would the Lions with a loss at Cincinnati. The Dolphins need a win at Kansas City to stay alive.
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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (98), inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) and defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) raise their fists after the playing of the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Denver Broncos quarterbacks Brock Osweiler (17) and Paxton Lynch (12) warm up before an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, warms up beside backup quarterback Brian Hoyer before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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