Favre Makes List of NFL Hall Finalists

Brett Favre is one step away from entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Favre, who left the NFL after the 2010 season as the leader in most career passing categories, is among three players in their first year of eligibility to make the list of 15 finalists. The others are receiver Terrell Owens and guard Alan Faneca.

The class of 2016 will be decided on Feb. 6, the day before the Super Bowl, with inductions scheduled for August.

Also making the cut to 15 are Morten Andersen, Steve Atwater, Don Coryell, Terrell Davis, Tony Dungy, Kevin Greene, Marvin Harrison, Joe Jacoby, Edgerrin James, John Lynch, Orlando Pace and Kurt Warner.

Two senior finalists, players whose careers ended more than 25 years ago, were announced last August: Ken Stabler and Dick Stanfel.

A contributor finalist announced in September was Edward DeBartolo Jr., owner of the San Francisco 49ers from 1977 to 2000.

To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum of 80 percent of the votes cast by the selection panel. A maximum of eight inductees are allowed per year.

Mannning Will Be Denver QB In Playoffs

Peyton Manning will be the Denver Broncos' quarterback in the playoffs, coach Gary Kubiak told the team Thursday morning.

Manning, who missed six consecutive starts because of a tear in his plantar fascia near his left heel, was used for 29 plays in relief of Brock Osweiler in Sunday's regular-season finale and led the Broncos on four scoring drives in the 27-20 victory.

"I'm just looking forward to being able to contribute," Manning said Thursday. "No issues coming out of the game Sunday."

Kubiak said Monday he had "no timeline" to name a starter for the Broncos' Jan. 17 playoff opener, but many of the players had hoped to hear a decision Thursday, when they returned to work after three days off.

Kubiak told the two quarterbacks of his decision, then told the team in a morning meeting.

"Looking forward to Peyton leading our football team, feel very good about that," Kubiak said. "Best for our football team, but I also know Brock will be ready to play."

Saturday, January 9 Schedule (All Times Central)

Kansas City at Houston, 3:20 p.m.

AFC WILD CARD PLAYOFF

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 7:15 p.m.

AFC WILD CARD PLAYOFF

Sunday, January 10 Schedule (All Times Central)

Seattle at Minnesota, 12:05 p.m.

NFC WILD CARD PLAYOFF

Green Bay at Washington, 3:40 p.m.