My goal is to hit the .600-.660 mark with the predictions this season, but it’s going to be tough. I went 3-3 last week. The season record is at 41-32 (just a bit below .570).  To the Express!

-When I saw the Indianapolis Colts’ Peyton Manning playing in the second half last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars I knew it was over. Wasn’t he supposed to be resting for the playoffs? This type of competitive spirit may be enough to take the Super Bowl, folks.

-The New Orleans Saints lose their first of the season to the inconsistent Dallas Cowboys. While the Cowboys passed the gut check, they are still the inconsistent Cowboys. Just watch.

-The Brett Favre/Brad Childress mini-drama derails the Minnesota Vikings’ chances for a Super Bowl berth.

-The Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles are two playoff teams, but they are going in separate directions. Eagles win this weekend. Denver’s playoff chances may be going down the drain.

-The Tennessee Titans’ wild card shot will take a major hit this weekend as the visiting San Diego Chargers show why they are two or three notches above the competition. The Chargers winning streak is the perfect set-up for the inevitable playoff stumble (the Norv Factor).

-Two 7-7 teams, the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans meet this weekend. Whoever wins keep possible wild card dreams alive.  Home team rules: go with Miami.

-Will the Carolina Panthers spoil the New York Giants’ come-from-behind push to make the playoffs? No. The Giants are setting up another run through the playoffs (almost coming out-of-nowhere) and hitting their stride just when it matters.

-The Baltimore Ravens travels to play the Pittsburgh Steelers, who somehow still have a shot at the playoffs. Baltimore could slide out of their current wild card slot with a loss. This may be the last hurrah for Pittsburgh’s season. They are at home and they need to make up for an overtime loss to the Ravens in November. Steelers take this one.

Happy Holidays to all! Let’s hope the Chargers and Titans give us a gift on X-mas Day!