INTERESTING PLAYOFF OPTION FROM ARIZONA. From Tremayne of Phoenix: "Considering the Chargers may not make the playoffs, what do you think about the league switching to the 12 best teams for the playoffs instead of going by division and conference?''

Well, it's intriguing, but it's never going to happen. Even that wouldn't necessarily guarantee that the Chargers would make it this season. Suppose they finish 10-6 and lose out on tiebreakers to, say, the Redskins for the 12th spot? I'm open to the best teams making the playoffs, but usually the best teams do. This will be a once-in-a-decade rarity for a team that overwhelmed New England and beat Indy -- both on the road -- to miss out on the playoffs.

I LOVE ROD SMITH. From Matthew of San Francisco: "What are your thoughts on the NFL's most underrated player, Rod Smith?  The undrafted, consummate pro and self-made star, quiet, workaholic. Is he a darkhorse candidate for the Hall of Fame?''

Great question. In my opinion he is and he's someone I'll think long and hard about. He's productive, clutch, a great blocker ... sort of an Art Monk with significantly more explosiveness and big-play ability. The other night against Buffalo, he looked like the best player on the field, didn't he?

SHAWNE MERRIMAN'S A GOOD GUY, B.K. SAYS. From B.K. Malik of Annapolis, Md.: "Shawne Merriman was supposed to be a "bad character" guy with work ethic issues, mostly because he's flamboyant and outspoken. That may be why some teams passed on him. But as a Maryland alum, I can tell you he was always a stand-up guy. While in school, he organized winter coat drives to help out area family shelters.  His efforts collected over 3,500 coats for distribution. A true class act and he'll be a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.''

Thanks for writing. I've talked to Merriman a couple of times and he seems like a pretty good team guy. What a game he played on Sunday. He and Tiki Barber had the best games of any NFL players last weekend.

IT MAKES NO SENSE FOR ME TO HAVE DirecTV. From Jay Francis of Santa Clarita, Calif.: "Peter, in reference to your having to watch Sunday's game from a bar, why exactly don't you have DirecTV? Wouldn't it be an almost mandatory part of your job?''

It would, if I were home on NFL Sundays more than once or twice a year. But because I'm almost always at a game and my wife doesn't have the NFL Jones that I do (except, of course, for her beloved Steelers), getting DirecTV isn't mandatory for me. Thanks for your thoughts, though.

TOM THINKS THE BUCS ARE OVERRATED. From Tom of Phoenix: "OK, now it's the Bucs with the great defense. Is it a big surprise that the top two defenses are in the NFC and that when they play good AFC teams, they get creamed? Some kind of factor should be applied to NFC stats or maybe you shouldn't rank defenses by numbers alone.''

Interesting. The Bears and Bucs have had bad days against AFC teams the last two weeks. You're making me think now. I think you've got to give credit to Tom Brady for some ridiculous passes he made on Saturday -- all-time throws that very few quarterbacks can make. And remember, too, that the Redskins lit up Tampa Bay like a Christmas tree a few weeks ago. So it's not only the AFC teams that can be a handful for the toughest NFC defenses.

BROWNS NATION IS EXCITED. From Jon of Neenah, Wis.: "I'm a diehard Browns fan stuck in Northeast Wisconsin. I've noticed you have mentioned more than once this year the job Romeo Crennel is doing with the Browns. I think we can finish 6-10 this year if we beat the Ravens in two weeks. What would you think are reasonable expectations for the Browns going into the 2006 season? I know we need help on defense and need to keep Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards healthy. Thanks, Peter, and have a wonderful holiday season.''

You too, Jon. Reasonable? If Charlie Frye is the real deal, then I'd say 8-8, but you have to realize that you've got Denver, San Diego, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Carolina and Atlanta on the slate next year. Be careful in over-hyping your team this offseason.