Redskins to the playoffs?

Believe it.

It’s time to warm up the diesel:

If Washington can win at Dallas this week, and the following pieces fall into place, the Redskins would be able to control their own fate and qualify for the playoffs with a Week 17 victory at home against Minnesota (which may already have the NFC North and a No. 3 seed wrapped up at that point):

First, the Redskins have to beat the Cowboys (which is plausible).

Tampa Bay would have to win at home against Carolina (could happen).

Cincinnati would have to beat the visiting Giants (should happen).

Atlanta would have to win at New Orleans (might happen).

And Philadelphia would have to win at St. Louis (will happen).

We’ll pause a moment as you pick yourself back up off the floor. How about that scenario, football fans? Didn’t you just know Joe Gibbs would return the franchise to greatness? True, there were a few doubters at 4-9, but hey, that was more than a week ago. It’s a worst-to-No. 6-seed league these days.

Still in doubt? The scenario gets better as Green Bay beat Minnesota 34-31 yesterday.

WE WANT DALLAS!

WE WANT DALLAS!

WE WANT DALLAS!

And just think, if it wasn’t for that lousy pass interference call against T.O. two weeks ago, the bad call during the Green Bay game denying Clinton Portis is touchdown, and the horrible refereeing during the first Redskins-Cowboys game, we’d be 8-6 right now. Add to it the fact that the Skins are playing the best defense and offense of the year, the fact that Ramsey is quarterbacking, and the Redskins are hungry for wins. . . man, it could happen folks. . .

GO SKINS!!!!!