Kiz, you and Sean Payton have got to quit meeting like this.

– Walt, giving peace a chance

Kiz: Love is in the air! How folks jumped to the conclusion that Payton and I don’t get along is beyond me. Sure, Payton celebrated the Broncos earning the No. 1 seed last weekend by walking into his postgame press conference to snipe at me for telling the truth. But Payton admitted Friday that perhaps he got a little salty. Way more importantly: Upon further review, Payton decided, “I like Mark.” Back at you, big guy. And you can call me Kiz, coach. Let’s make a date real soon to have a latte – or two. If you fly, I’ll buy. Across the table at your favorite coffee shop, we can look each other in the eye. Deal?

Mel Kiper Jr. insisting that everything about Shedeur Sanders screams he should be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback proves two things. No. 1: Kiper’s ego is too big to admit Sanders is a bum. No. 2: We already knew you were a bum, Kiz. But you agreeing with Kiper’s belief in Sanders proves you’re even more of a bum now.

– B.C., Denver

Kiz: Methinks that Mr. Payton could learn a thing or two from you about being salty. But at the risk of bumming you out, let me add: If Las Vegas had been smart enough to draft Sanders in the second round last year, the Raiders would already have their starting quarterback for the next 10 years and could’ve fleeced a QB-needy team for a treasure trove of picks by trading the No. 1 overall selection in this year’s draft.

No matter what team or which quarterback the Broncos face in the next round of the playoffs, Bo Nix will have the advantage of the home crowd, a ferocious defense and a group of reporters doubting Denver.

– Jeremiah, Bluefield, W. Va.

Kiz: Who knew that Broncos Country extended all the way from the Rockies to the Appalachian Mountains? Maybe you should convince the mayor to rename your hometown OrangeandBluefield? But let’s move on to more pressing concerns. Nix is going to be hard-pressed to earn his first career playoff victory, no matter which quarterback he faces. From a distinguished list of Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, C.J. Stroud and Aaron Rodgers, the analytics suggest Nix was more effective than only one of those four QBs in 2025. And that guy is headed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. So let’s hope young Bo draws old-man Rodgers and the Steelers in the divisional round. 

I heard ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum say earlier this season that he would leave the country if a Southeast Conference football team didn’t win the national championship. I wonder where he’s going?

– D.G., Denver

Kiz: Instead of leaving the country, I’ve heard an unsubstantiated rumor that Finebaum is entering the transfer portal at age 70 to play quarterback next season for either Indiana or Miami, because maybe that’s the only way any SEC team can win a tough playoff game.

And today’s parting shot wishes me nothing but the best in 2026.

Go fall off a cliff, buddy.

– Randall, Vancouver, B.C.