Practice does not necessarily make perfect. Not many things make perfect, to tell the truth.
Sinatra does make music perfect, no questions asked. No matter the song, either, though those arranged by Nelson Riddle are especially so.
Beef stew on a cold winter's day? Perfect.
Actually, beef stew on a warm summer's day is perfect, too.
The Patriots are one game away from something that has never been done since the NFL went to the 16-game schedule - a perfect regular season - and while there is an increasing number of people who want to offer disclaimers, none are needed. Perfect is perfect and should be applauded with great vigor. That's because it doesn't come around all that often, though when it does, what a treat.
Like Grace Kelly in "To Catch a Thief."
Actually, Grace Kelly. Perfect beauty.
And the same goes for Ingrid Bergman.
Incomparable that he was, Perry Mason wasn't perfect, or perhaps you don't remember chilling episodes entitled "The Case of the Terrified Typist" or "The Case of the Deadly Verdict."
There was also Mary Poppins, who seemed to be without flaw, but even she conceded she was only "practically perfect in every way," which was to say she wasn't perfect.
Not that you can be disappointed in her, because how often have we crossed paths with perfection? The Dolphins from 1972 fit the bill, but not so the Browns of the late '40s and early '50s, the Packers of the '60s, the Steelers of the '70s, the 49ers of the '80s, or the Cowboys of the '90s. They were good - heck, they were great - but they weren't perfect. Neither was the greatest of all teams, the 1980 US Olympic hockey entry, perfect, because let the record show it tied one game, 2-2, against Sweden.
Miracle, yes. Perfect, no.
That just shows you how hard perfect is, although one must concede that perfection is sometimes subjective. The Who, for instance, offered perfect rock, as does Springsteen, and crab cakes present the perfect appetizer. Ditto Thai lettuce wraps and clam chowder. And the perfect day is devoid of any mention of Paris Hilton or Britney Spears.
Viewpoints, but here's something based on fact: 16 wins in 16 games is perfect.
The picks
New England (-13 1/2) at New York Giants - Yes, the Giants' best players will be resting. Not that they have any choice, because they're on injured reserve. Pick: Giants.
Seattle at Atlanta (-1) - Not a memorable year for Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington. Actually, you could say the same thing about his six-year NFL career, as he's been with three teams that have combined for a 28-67 record. Had he been a basketball player, he'd have been drafted by the Washington Generals. Pick: Seahawks.
Dallas at Washington (-9) - Terrell Owens has a high ankle sprain. Disconcerting, yes, but he's just happy it isn't laryngitis. Pick: Cowboys.
New Orleans (-2) at Chicago - To make the playoffs, the Saints have to win, then hope the Vikings lose to the Broncos, the Redskins lose to the Cowboys, and the Kiwis regain the America's Cup. Actually, the Kiwis winning back the America's Cup isn't part of the equation, but it affords me the chance just to get the blood percolating about another go-round with Alinghi in 2009. Pick: Bears.
Buffalo at Philadelphia (-7 1/2) - Good seats still available. Pick: Eagles.
Cincinnati (-3) at Miami - All seats still available, good and bad. Pick: Dolphins.
Kansas City at New York Jets (-6 1/2) - Now that he's done working political avenues to move the Patriots-Giants game onto free TV, John Kerry has been asked to get this game off of free TV. Pick: Jets.
San Diego (-8 1/2) at Oakland - Warren Sapp is aghast at the personal fouls and ejection he was hit with last week. "I never put my hand on nobody. Never bumped nobody. Never did anything," said Sapp, who broke into tears and was accompanied by members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, for which he apparently is qualified for membership. Pick: Chargers.
St. Louis at Arizona (-6) - For those keeping score at home, it's now one playoff appearance in the last 25 seasons for the Cardinals. Paraguay's Alpine ski team is more competitive. Pick: Cardinals.
Jacksonville at Houston (-6 1/2) - If "60 Minutes" handles the Roger Clemens interview in as timely a manner as it did last week's Tom Brady effort - you know, the one with Deion Branch - we'll probably see the Rocket warming up with "teammate" Rich Gedman. Pick: Jaguars.
Carolina (-3) at Tampa Bay - The Buccaneers are 4-6 outside the division, but headed to the postseason thanks to a 5-0 record in the NFC South. Proving once again that in the NFL, as with real estate, it's location, location, location. Pick: Buccaneers.
San Francisco at Cleveland (-10) - The Browns' defensive line is banged up, but Bobby Hamilton has been signed as a free agent, and Orpheus Roye from Greek mythology helps the cause, too. Pick: Browns.
Detroit at Green Bay (-4) - Brett Favre concedes his team was adversely affected by the bitter cold in Chicago last Sunday. Then again, he's saying that to Packers fans who are still thawing out from "The Ice Bowl" 40 years ago. Pick: Packers.
Pittsburgh (-3 1/2) at Baltimore - The Ravens are in line to lose their 10th straight. I'm in line to return a pair of argyle socks, but that's another story. Pick: Ravens.
Minnesota (-3) at Denver - Only days removed from cutting punter Todd Sauerbrun, the Broncos released Paul Ernster after boots of 17 and 33 yards against San Diego Monday night. Coach Mike Shanahan threatened to do the job himself, but he'd be better advised to get out there and play some run defense. I mean, has tackling been outlawed in the Rockies? Pick: Broncos.
Tennessee (-6) at Indianapolis - With injuries and a desire to rest everyone, the Colts have sought permission from the NFL to activate Roosevelt Leaks and Mike Pagel off their old-timers' roster to play in this game. Pick: Colts.
Last week: 8-7.
Season: 108-132-8.
Jim McCabe can be reached at jmccabe@globe.com.
