Teams that fired coaches already are turning in slips to request interviews with other candidates. One of the first teams to turn in a slip was the Detroit Lions, who requested an interview with Washington Redskins secondary-cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray.

After a history-making 0-16 season, the only consolation for Detroit are these words: The Lions are now on the clock. In fact, the teams at the top of the draft are. The official order of the first round of the draft still is being worked up and finalized, but here is the order of the first nine picks in the April 25-26 NFL draft.

What had been suspected now is confirmed — Cleveland owner Randy Lerner said at his press conference Monday that he has received permission to speak with Patriots Executive Vice President Scott Pioli about the Browns general manager role.

In his first attempt to upgrade his franchise for next season, Browns owner Randy Lerner already has been rebuffed.

Lerner was in New York on Saturday to meet with and to try to persuade former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher to come to Cleveland. But Lerner apparently got the same message that this space has been reporting since the beginning of the season.

Hey Kurt Warner, where was that last week? The Cardinals’ QB had 30 last week. No, not 30 points, but rather 30 passing yards against the Patriots in Week 16 — championship week in most fantasy formats. So many of you likely rode the Warner machine to the fantasy playoffs, only to watch him take to the snow like the Titanic took to the iceberg.

This is looking like a boxing match, with punches followed by counter-punches. Philip Rivers did a good job of staying composed after the cheap shot. Here are more observations from San Diego.

A look at the best and worst performances of Week 17, including a trio of running backs who set single-season franchise rushing marks.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was as confident as ever as he ran into NFL Network’s Derrin Horton prior to Sunday night’s game.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Just like the crisp, white jerseys they wore Sunday, the Miami Dolphins showed the New York Jets what a cleaner brand of football looks like, feels like. The Dolphins showed the Jets just what it can bring.

Terms of what the Jets will surrender to the Packers for Brett Favre are now complete. Green Bay will receive New York’s third-round pick in April.

The Broncos will start Tatum Bell at running back. Hopefully you have exhausted other options today. The Broncos figure to throw the ball a lot.

The Dolphins and Ravens took control of their playoff futures on Sunday. Both won, and both are in the AFC playoffs.

The final look of the NFC playoff picture rests on the results from Lincoln Financial Field, where the Cowboys have unraveled and trail the Eagles 44-3.

The Cleveland Browns have fired general manager Phil Savage, a team official confirmed Sunday night. The Browns will officially announce the move Monday, the same day Browns coach Romeo Crennel is scheduled to meet with team owner Randy Lerner.

With Philadelphia going ahead 41-3 and Dallas committing its fourth turnover, there are Eagles fans from this city known for its boxing savvy calling for a stoppage.