Q: All is well in good weather and domes, but which teams can play well in bad weather (Dec & Jan)? Will Indy and N.O. still be the best or will it be Cincy, Pitts, and N.E. and Philly?
— Rick Niles, Arva, On Canada

A: It might not matter. With the way the Colts and Saints are rolling, chances are good they will never have to step foot outdoors until the Super Bowl.

If they do have to play a playoff game in a northern climate, I would think both could be affected — especially the Colts, given the way they have struggled to run the ball.

No question there are playoff-bound teams that are better built for winter ball. Among them are the Vikings, Bengals and Patriots.

Q: Hey Dan, do you think the NFC East is overrated? Those teams get way too much publicity.
— Darrell D., Phoenix

A: There might not be a great team in the East, but it is a pretty balanced division with three playoff contenders.

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The Giants certainly have been disappointing, but they still could rally and become a great team late. Sometimes, a balanced division doesn’t look as strong as it is because the teams beat up on one another. That could be the case with the NFC East.

Q: Does JaMarcus Russell have a future in Oakland? There’s no way the Raiders can go back to him, right?
— Sharika Hutton, Kansas City, Mo.

A: Russell’s best hope probably will be with another team, but never say never. I would say it would be unlikely that Russell would resurface with the Raiders.

Then again, stranger things have happened. For evidence, all you need to do is look across the Bay, where Alex Smith is starting and not doing badly for the 49ers. There was a time—more than one time — when Smith appeared to be finished in San Francisco.

Q: I think winning in the overtime with a field goal seems unfair. Will the NFL end this? Winning by a touchdown seems more fair or give each team a chance like College football which is very exciting.
— Frank Black, Calgary

A: This is a topic that has been beaten to death by the NFL’s competition committee, and my sense is there will not be any change to the rule anytime soon. The main impediment to making a change is the league does not want longer games. Keeping games as brief as possible will be even more important if the schedule expands to 18 games, as is expected.