The New Orleans Saints are resting during their bye week, so what should fans be watching? If they’re still in the mood for more football, then Week 14’s prime-time matchups are intriguing. Both games featured on Sunday night and Monday evening are highlighting teams that have been linked to ex-Saints head coach Sean Payton, who is on the look for a new squad in 2023.
Sunday night’s kickoff on NBC will showcase the Los Angeles Chargers (6-6) against the visiting Miami Dolphins (8-4). The Chargers have been an obvious fit for Payton as a warm-weather team with a young franchise quarterback and a talent-rich roster; they’d be an ideal landing spot for him, and they shouldn’t have any hangups in trading valuable draft assets given everyone already in their building. The shine has come off of head coach Brandon Staley quickly, and another loss here could put quarterback Justin Herbert just a little closer towards working with Payton someday.
And Monday night’s game on ESPN sees the New England Patriots (6-6) favored on the road against the reeling Arizona Cardinals (4-8). Reports also put Arizona on Payton’s radar, and they’re a good fit, too: young quarterback Kyler Murray signed a multiyear contract extension this offseason and they’re replete with receiving depth and a talented defense. Fourth-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury has led the Cardinals to just one season with a winning record, and a loss here guarantees he’ll finish below .500. Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim signed inexplicable extensions of their own this summer, but Payton would be a big upgrade if ownership wants to make a move.
So if you’re rooting against other teams in hopes of putting them in the market for Payton, tune in to the national broadcasts this week. Other games worth watching include the Denver Broncos (3-9) game with the Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) in the late-afternoon slot; Denver has a 2023 first round pick they could barter with (acquired from the Miami Dolphins for star pass rusher Bradley Chubb, who had it via the San Francisco 49ers) if they fire Nathaniel Hackett after this season, and Payton would be a strong match with Russell Wilson. They shouldn’t be overlooked as Payton’s sweepstakes heat up.
