The goal is, if not officially, then for all honest intents dead. A 10-6 week 15 left my yearly take at 130-94, making the annual target of 167 wins all but unattainable.
Coming into view is the 2011 season, that unending and agonizing trip to humiliation that ended with a 152-115 record (.569). At 130-94 (.580) one slip in either of the last two weeks would rear the ugly visage of ’11 all over again.
Many of the games this week have severe playoff implications (are there are other kind?) so drama might — might — be at a fever pitch.
With that, off we go …
Thursday’s Game
CHARGERS at RAIDERS, 7:25 p.m., NFLN
Notice how the networks pawned off this game, and Saturday’s as well? They must understand the audience is likely to be otherwise occupied … OAKLAND 20-16.
Saturday’s Game
REDSKINS at EAGLES, 7:25 p.m., NFLN
The Eagles will be done for sure with a loss, which would give the Redskins a great chance at winning the NFC Least while a Philly win would really make a mess of things. Why not? … PHILADELPHIA 27-21.
Sunday’s Games
PANTHERS at FALCONS, 12 p.m., FOX
The Black Cats seize home field advantage … CAROLINA 31-17.
COWBOYS at BILLS, 12 p.m., FOX
Kellen Moore will start at QB for Dallas. Enough said … BUFFALO 24-10.
FORTY-NINERS at LIONS, 12 p.m., FOX
The Lions might be able to avoid the basement of the NFL Norris with a win here … DETROIT 28-27.
BROWNS at CHIEFS, 12 p.m., CBS
The streak reaches nine … KANSAS CITY 35-14.
COLTS at DOLPHINS, 12 p.m., CBS
Indy must be dying for this season to simply end … MIAMI 23-13.
GIANTS at VIKINGS, 12 p.m., FOX
A New York win and a Philly win creates total chaos in their division, but the Vikings are looking at a division win of their own … MINNESOTA 26-20.
JAGUARS at SAINTS, 12 p.m., CBS
This is one of those games where, when you are watching a different game, the stats along the bottom of screen from this one always seem to pop up right when you want to know about some other game you cannot get where you live … NAWHLINS 33-19.
PATRIOTS at JETS, 12 p.m., CBS
Fans in Pittsburgh and Kansas City get a delayed Christmas gift … BOSTON 24-14.
BEARS at BUCCANEERS, 12 p.m., FOX
I root for Chicago, so I can say this: Somebody blow up Da Bears so we can start all over … TAMPA BAY 27-17.
TEXANS at TITANS, 12 p.m., CBS
If the Colts lose the Texans can win the AFC South with a victory … HOUSTON 23-16.
PACKERS at CARDINALS, 3:25 p.m., FOX
The Redbirds probably know they will not catch the Panthers, while the Packers — who will learn the outcome of the Viking game right about kick-off, might have a little extra motivation. Will not matter … ARIZONA 30-27.
RAMS at SEAHAWKS, 3:25 p.m., FOX
Everyone is hoping the Rams can cool off the Seahawks. Fat chance … SEATTLE 38-17.
STEELERS at RAVENS, 7:30 p.m., NBC *
When the schedule came out, this game had the possibility to have a lot of postseason significance. It still does, but only for … PITTSBOIGH 35-21.
Monday’s Game
BENGALS at BRONCOS, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
The Broncos defense will help the Patriots seize home field advantage … DENVER 31-16.
Last week: 10-6. Season: 130-94 (.580).
