Colts Need to Search for Their Lucky Horseshoe

Times NFL writer Robyn Norwood poses--and answers--the burning questions for this week’s games:

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1. Question: Are the Indianapolis Colts about to be put out to pasture?

Answer: At 7-5, the once-upon-a-time Super Bowl favorites will all but doom their playoff hopes if they lose to the New York Jets today. Their final three games are against Buffalo, Miami and Minnesota.

2. Q: Kurt Warner is back, but will he and the St. Louis Rams be the same?

A: Coach Mike Martz said Warner didn’t miss a beat in his first practice and was impressed with the accuracy and zip on his passes. It might take a bit of time for the Rams to get their timing back, but they’re on their way. They only hope the defense and special teams join them.

3. Q: Will the Saints keep marching in?

A: Denver at New Orleans is the toughest call of the week. Say defense and the home-field advantage win it.

4. Q: The Raiders’ first visit to Three Rivers Stadium since 1980 will stir memories of the Raider-Steeler rivalry of the 1970s. But how old was, say, Jerome Bettis when Franco Harris made his Immaculate Reception?

A: Bettis, 28, was 10 months old on Dec. 23, 1972.

5. Q: “Monday Night Football” has been spectacular this season. Will ABC ever get a real dog of a game?

A: Yes. Monday night, Kansas City (5-7) plays at New England (3-9).