NFL FRANCHISE NOTES ROASTING BY AN OPEN FIRE ...

          In Boston, Tina Cassidy calls the insurance policy CT
     is taking out to protect itself from unsold luxury seats at
     the Patriots new stadium "one of the more complicated and
     interesting policies ever taken out" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/22). 
     ....The Cardinals sold 7,000 tickets yesterday to Sunday's
     Chargers game, at which the Cards could clinch their first
     playoff berth since moving to AZ.  A team official called
     Monday "the most active day in the history of the team" (AZ
     REPUBLIC, 12/22)....The Rams' average attendance is down
     19.5%, from 66,000 last year to 53,159 in '98.  Before this
     season, the Rams had three straight years of "near sellouts"
     (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 12/22)....The Ravens sold out their
     December 27 finale against the Lions, marking the second
     season every home game has sold out (Baltimore SUN, 12/19).