Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
SportsTalk: Albert Pujols signs with the Angels and Prince Fielder joins the Tigers. Which team is better now?
Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto
Arc's five up, five down: After No. 11 Michigan State's 58-48 upset of No. 3 Ohio State, you'd be a fool to discount the Spartans' national title chances now.
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
Golf's dream pairing - Woods and Mickelson - is on the course in the final round at Pebble Beach. Jason Sobel has hole-by-hole reports.
The United States completed a 5-0 rout of Switzerland in the Davis Cup on Sunday, with 19-year-old Ryan Harrison and John Isner winning closing singles matches.
Zambia has won the African Cup of Nations, beating pre-tournament favorite Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties in a dramatic final at Stade de l'Amitie.
Tessa Worley of France fought off gusting winds to win a second consecutive World Cup giant slalom Sunday in the Andorran Pyrenees. Overall leader Lindsey Vonn was more than a second behind and finished eighth.
Robins: It’s the Year of the Dragon on the Lunar calendar, and this Chinese influence could extend to it also being the year of the Pekingese on the green carpet at the 136th Westminster Dog Show on Tuesday.
Getty ImagesQ: I know it's early, but how do you break down the MVP race so far? Any surprise candidates?
— Will, Los Angeles
A: I probably go with Kevin Garnett No. 1. He's had the biggest impact for what's been the best team and is working on an all-time turnaround. To me it's not even close. The big surprise has to be Brandon Roy of the Trail Blazers. His numbers don't suggest it, but he's been the glue for the surprise team of the season.
Q: Do you think Jason Kidd will be sent to Denver in a trade? Something is not right with the Nuggets. They need help.
— Nouri Marrakchi, Denver
A: They've had injuries, and Nene's illness is a blow to everyone around the organization. Yes, they could use a real point guard and get Allen Iverson off the ball. But they've already got one of the highest payrolls in the NBA and seemingly enough talent with what they've spent. I don't see them taking on another big contract.
Q: What do you think about the immediate future for T.J. Ford? Does he return to play within next January?
— Luca, Italy
A: It really remains uncertain. Going through all the opinions he has, there clearly is a question about the effect of another fall. If even one doctor told me I could be paralyzed, that would be it for me. I wouldn't play and I wouldn't allow him to play. He has a reckless style and isn't a passive jump shooter. He has to play his way to be effective. I'd be very careful on this one. He has a long life to live ahead of him.
Q: If you had to pick a surprise teams from each conference to make noise in the playoffs, who would they be?
— Frank Bilbao, Ojai, Calif.
A: The Lakers were the surprise until Andrew Bynum got hurt, but he should return in time to be ready for the postseason and they could have a serious run. I still find Portland hard to believe, but they're staying up there. In the East, I thought the Nets would, but they've given no reason to believe. I'd keep my eye on Orlando if they could somehow manage to pry a point guard away from someone.
Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto
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Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
Ryan Callahan scored for the fifth time in four days and defenseman Ryan McDonagh snapped a second-period tie to lift the New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Sunday.
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