The Latest on the 16th Sunday of the NFL regular season. (all times Eastern):

2 p.m.

The loss of Pro Bowl kicker Greg Zuerlein already has cost the Los Angeles Rams at least four points.

Sam Ficken, the replacement signed to replace Zuerlein when the Rams had to place him on injured reserve , missed an extra point in the first quarter. Then coach Sean McVay sent Ficken out to attempt a 35-yard field goal — his first career attempt — and the kick hit the right upright.

That might be why McVay chose to let punter Johnny Hekker throw from the Titans 32 on the opening drive. The Rams first took a delay of game penalty the Tennessee Titans declined, then Hekker threw deep to Michael Thomas only to have his pass knocked incomplete.

The Rams lead Tennessee 6-3 in the middle of the second quarter needing a win to clinch the NFC West for the first time since 2003.

— Teresa M. Walker reporting from Nashville, Tennessee

___

1:30 p.m.

Four NFL players protested during the national anthem before the early games in Week 16.

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.

___

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

___

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.

___

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL