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Both the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions have been eliminated from playoff contention this season, but each of them will be hoping to close out 2015 with something to feel good about as they look to the future towards 2016.
There's been chatter in recent weeks that the Saints might look to trade quarterback Drew Brees and/or head coach Sean Payton after 2015, but neither one of those scenarios seem very likely at this point. The team doesn't have a backup plan in place should Brees get dealt, and with two years left on Payton's contract and all of the changes the team has endured this year, it's likely that he'll come back for at least one more run in 2016.
For Detroit, head coach Jim Caldwell is on the hot seat, but a strong finish in the Lions final three games will determine his fate for 2016. Rumors have swirled that if he is gone, Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase could get the call, but the primary source to those rumors has been Jason La Canfora, so take that for what it's worth.
So while this game might not be a heavy draw from an overall league standpoint, plenty is on the line for each team competing tonight.
This is your Monday Night Football Open Thread... Have fun!