Times NFL Writer T.J. Simers Poses--and Answers--The Burning Questions on : GAME DAY

1. Question: What’s the big deal about Denver losing the division title, if that happens, and missing a first-round bye?

Answer: Since 1978, when the NFL began awarding first-round byes, 100 teams have played on wild-card weekend. Only three have reached the Super Bowl, and only the 1980 Raiders won.

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2. Q: What’s the story behind Jimmy Johnson’s release of Miami Pro Bowl guard Keith Sims?

A: Johnson signed Sims to a five-year, $8.5-million contract before the 1996 season, but Sims, who had started 70 consecutive games, played poorly in 1996 because of a sore toe and incurred Johnson’s wrath. Johnson began to get on him in training camp this season, but Sims hurt an elbow, underwent surgery and after coming back picked up three holding calls in one game.

He began to make excuses, blaming the penalties on the officials, and then reported before last week’s game with flu. Johnson cut him.

“It just wasn’t meant to be,” Sims said. “Not everybody gets along, for whatever reason. It’s kind of tough when you don’t get along with the big guy.”

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3. Q: Why is it important that Mike Ditka return to coach the Saints next season?

A: For comic relief. Asked if his return has been what he expected, he said, “I thought we’d be on our way to the Super Bowl right now, but it didn’t happen. I thought there would be ticker-tape parades here, all over the country, hailing the Saints. My goodness, it didn’t happen that way. That doesn’t mean it won’t.”

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4. Q: What do the 49ers, Packers, Chiefs and Broncos have in common, besides being four of the best teams in the league?

A: They have lost a combined 11 games--all on the road.

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5. Q: Why should the Chargers and Saints seriously consider scoring a bunch of first-half points against the Chiefs the next two weeks?

A: That may be their only shot to win. The Chief defense has not given up a touchdown in the second half in nine consecutive games, breaking the record of the 1934 Detroit Lions.

“The defense has a tremendous amount of confidence right now,” Coach Marty Schottenheimer said. “When you know you can go play and if you make a mistake somebody is going to cover your tail, it’s very helpful.”