IT'S DALLAS WEEK!!!

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Where: Fed-Ex Field, Washington, D.C.

When: Sunday, Dec. 18, 4:15 pm EST

What it means: I have to get up at 6 am on Monday.

For the first time in God knows how long, the Redskins are playing a meaningful game in December. Add to that the fact that this upcoming game is an absolute must win for the relatively mediocre 7-6 Redskins. In addition, we're playing the hated Cowboys. This is a time for Redskin fans the world over to start collectively wringing their hands and biting their nails. To put things in perspective, the Redskins must win their last three games, all against tough division opponents: Dallas, NY Giants, and the Eagles, if they want any hope of making the playoffs. If the Skins lose to Dallas, kiss the season goodbye.

The Redskins beat the Cowboys earlier this year in a stunning 4th quarter comeback in Dallas (the first time the Skins have won in Dallas in the past 500 years give or take). That victory sent Skins fans, myself included, into spasms of joy and gave rise to typical "We're going to the Superbowl" euphoria. The Skins, in a fashion that has become all too familiar in the past 14 or so years, quickly squashed the enthusiasm by playing just well enough to lose in subsequent games; snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in several games they were squarely in control of going into the 4th quarter. While I am cautiously optimistic of the Redskins chances to pull out another win at home over the Cowboys, Mark Brunell's tendency to throw the ball to members of the opposing team (three times last weak against a really bad Arizona defense) has me a bit worried.

So, I'll spend the next few days worrying, drinking, and sporting Redskins gear in a vain attempt to influence the Gods.