Super Bowl set?

Is it too early to call the Super Bowl matchup? The Patriots’ 24-20 victory over Indianapolis puts New England on track to reach the Super Bowl, since the Colts now need the Patriots to lose twice if Indy is to have a chance of hosting the Patriots in the AFC championship game. Meanwhile, Dallas’ rout of Philadelphia reinforces the long-standing belief that the Cowboys are the class of the NFC.

New England-Dallas would be among the most marquee of Super Bowls. America’s Team vs. the Team America Loves to Hate. Anything is possible, but I don’t see that matchup being derailed. New England is a scoring machine, and while the Colts held down the Patriots reasonably well, it will be much tougher to do so in Foxboro, Mass. New England’s victory means it is likely to finish with the best AFC record. And heck, the Pats could go unbeaten. Meanwhile, two games loom that will determine Dallas’ fate. Next Sunday, the Cowboys go to the Meadowlands and play the 6-2 Giants. Dallas, 7-1, can take total command of the NFC East with a win. On Nov. 29, the Cowboys host Green Bay. The Packers, 7-1, have been playing inspired football under Brett Favre. My guess? Even if Dallas loses to the Giants, the Cowboys will win the division and secure the best record in the NFC.