IT WAS a helluva week for the Raiders. The team won, and it was announced by the Napa DA that no charges would be filed against head coach Tom Cable. Now, the skipper needs to write a book, “How to break someone’s jaw and get away with it,” featuring his chapter on “if you’re going to do it, make sure all the witnesses work for you and will back up your story.”

This week’s best bets

GO SEE IT IN PERSON: Philadelphia (3-2) at Washington (2-4); NFC East matchups are always good — it seems like each one is a bitter rivalry. Well, because it basically is. The NFL knew what it was doing when it kept Dallas in the NFC “East.” Anyway, back to this game — Washington is a great venue to watch a game. There are actually more interesting characters in the stands as are on the field.

GO TAILGATE: Atlanta (4-1) at Dallas (3-2); The dirty south meets the best western. Make a run by some Falcons fans and grab some sweet corn bread, then head on over to the silver-and-blue side for some beef ribs. Wash it down with a Shiner.

HAVE THE GUYS OVER: Chicago (3-2) at Cincinnati (4-2); OK, this one probably won’t be a killer game, but it’ll be good enough to keep you and your buddies entertained, especially if there are hotwings and beer enough to fill the slow points in the game.

WATCH IT FOR THE FOOTBALL: Minnesota (6-0) at Pittsburgh (4-2); Brett Favre vs. Big Ben, it doesn’t get any better than this, right? Despite a few early miscues, the Steelers are still one of the AFC’s best, and as long as the Vikes are unbeaten, it’s a show worth watching.

SURPRISE THRILLER: San Francisco (3-2) at Houston (3-3); Michael Crabtree makes his long-awaited debut for the 49ers. As San Francisco takes on the Texans, it’s a matchup of two teams that haven’t been all that good lately, but have seemingly turned things around this season.

THE SNOOZER: Indianapolis (5-0) at St. Louis (0-6); Undefeated vs. can’t win shit … need I say more?

AFTER THE GAME: Buffalo (2-4) at Carolina (2-3); Bills fans travel, nuff said. But, there are plenty of fine brew bars as well as a few decent dives in downtown Charlotte. Within a short walk from the stadium, you’re sure to be able to find something that fits your taste. Add that to the weather in North Carolina, where it’s still nice and warm even late in October, and you’ll have a good time no matter the game’s score.

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