Let’s move directly to the important news of the weekend – the NFL TV lineup.

The Eagles don’t play until 4:15 with their annual visit to the nation’s capital to play the Redskins.

But things actually start on Saturday night, when the Cowboys entertain the Ravens. Baltimore’s defense is brutal, but you would think Dallas should prevail at home. You almost have to root for the ‘Boys. I’ll tell you why in a minute.

At 1 you’ll want to check out the Chargers in Tampa Bay game. Let’s go, ‘Bolts. Just don’t bet the house on it. Tampa has not lost at home yet this year.

The Eagles need a loss by either the Bucs or the Falcons. Maybe the Chargers can muster one more decent effort before packing it in for the year. I wouldn’t count on it, though.

That takes us to 4. At the same time the Eagles and Redskins are tangling on Fox-29, the Falcons will be playing in Minnesota. This is the one we should pin our hopes on.

The Vikings need the game to clinch the NFC North title. The Falcons do not play well on the road. We’ll be on the edge of our seats every time they break away from the Eagles game for one of those updates by Curt Menefee, along with Howie and Terry.

Of course, none of this means a thing if the Eagles don’t win their game against the Redskins. After a decent start under first-year coach Jim Zorn, the ‘Skins have fallen apart. Now the finger-pointing is starting.

The Eagles would be wise to take control of this game early, put their cleats on the Redskins’ throat and not let up. If they get an early lead, the Redskins might just pack it in.

If all the dominos fall into place, we could be looking at the perfect Christmas week extravaganza. A full week of buildup before the Eagles and Cowboys meet on the last day of the season to decide the final playoff spot.