Monday Briefing: Super Bowl rematch, Justin Timberlake, Jerry Jones

Good morning.

Here’s what's making headlines:

Patriots continue mastery of Falcons

Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes and the New England Patriots toyed with the Atlanta Falcons - sound familiar? - 23-7 in a fog-filled Super Bowl rematch Sunday night that wasn't particularly super.

New England scored the final 31 points to win the NFL championship in February. Placards and shirts reading 28-3 were ever-present in and around Gillette Stadium as the Patriots (5-2) scored the first 23 points in this prime-time mismatch. The Falcons (3-3), who led New England by that 25-point margin in the third quarter of the Super Bowl before folding, were outplayed throughout this one.

T-Wolves outlast Thunder in wild finish

With no timeouts and 4.7 seconds remaining on the clock, Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Andrew Wiggins sprinted down the court and pulled up for a deep 3-pointer that banked in and sealed a 115-113 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Wiggins' shot immediately followed a 3-point dagger from Carmelo Anthony that gave Oklahoma City the lead.

Wiggins finished with a team-high 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting to go along with seven boards, four assists, and two steals in Minnesota's second straight win.

Dolphins, Cardinals lose QBs to injury

It was a tough day for quarterbacks on Sunday, as both Jay Cutler of the Miami Dolphins and Carson Palmer of the Arizona Cardinals exited their respective games early due to injury.

The Dolphins reportedly suspect Cutler suffered two cracked ribs in Sunday's 31-28 victory over the New York Jets. Matt Moore led Miami's fourth-quarter comeback, throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Kenny Stills and setting up Cody Parkey's game-winning 39-yard field goal with 22 seconds remaining.

Arizona will start Drew Stanton at quarterback for the remainder of the season after losing Palmer to a broken arm for at least eight weeks, head coach Bruce Arians confirmed following Sunday's 33-0 loss to the L.A. Rams.

Indianapolis Colts rookie safety Malik Hooker's first NFL campaign is reportedly over after he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Sunday's shutout loss to the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The 21-year-old was the 15th overall pick out of Ohio State in this year's draft.

And Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas saw his streak of 10,363 consecutive snaps end after being forced out of Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans with what could be a season-ending triceps injury.

Timberlake to take the big stage

It’s official. Justin Timberlake will be headlining this year’s Super Bowl halftime show.

The pop star made the announcement via Twitter on Sunday after reports surfaced in September regarding negotiations with the NFL.

Timberlake was part of a memorable halftime show in 2004 at Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston with Janet Jackson.

Red Sox tab Cora as manager

The Boston Red Sox have found their next manager, revealing Sunday they've agreed to a three-year contract with current Houston Astros bench coach Alex Cora.

The 42-year-old enjoyed a 14-year playing career with the Red Sox, L.A. Dodgers, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and Cleveland Indians. He becomes the 47th manager in Red Sox history.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers can expect to have Corey Seager back in the lineup when the World Series opens Tuesday. The shortstop participated in fielding drills and took bating practice Sunday, declaring himself "ready to go."

The 23-year-old was left off the NLCS roster after tweaking his back in the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Seager was one of the Dodgers' most productive players throughout the regular season, hitting .295/.375/.479 with 22 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 33 doubles.

Suns ditch Watson after 0-3 start

The Phoenix Suns have decided to move on from Earl Watson, announcing a coaching change following an 0-3 start which included two ugly blowouts.

Jay Triano will take over as interim head coach. Triano, 59, was hired as an associate coach ahead of last season, and previously served as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers and as head coach of the Toronto Raptors.

Watson compiled an overall record of 33-82 as the Suns’ head coach since being hired during the 2015-16 season.

Jerry Jones says NFL harmed by protests

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Sunday there's "no question the league is suffering negative effects" from national anthem protests.

Jones has been among the more vocal owners against player demonstrations during the anthem, and previously vowed to bench any player who participates in such displays.

"Now if all this makes you stronger to represent messages then let's don't do it in a way that tears down the strength of the NFL," he said.

Bonus round:

Can Antetokounmpo actually win NBA MVP this season?

Last year, Russell Westbrook became the first player to win the Maurice Podoloff Trophy on a sub-50 win team (lockout years excluded) since Moses Malone in 1982.

(Photos Courtesy: Getty and Action Images)