espn.com Ali Contest
Two of the most unpredictable things in life are sports and the weather. Every year since 1792, The Old Farmer's Almanac has dared to forecast the weather for a full 365 days. Now, Page 2's Jim Caple dares to do the same for the sports world, which, when you really think about, is a lot more predictable than you realize.
CAPLE: MARK THE DATES FOR '03




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Would Wilt be able to drop 30 and 20 on Shaq? Is Kobe the best all-around player in the NBA? What's the most spectacular shot in NBA history? Is John Stockton the best pure point guard ever? And is Kevin Garnett a legit superstar? Page 2's Charley Rosen opened up his mailbag this week, and hundreds of questions came pouring in. Check out his answers to the most worthy.

Jason Whitlock Sportoon
When Willis McGahee went down with that horrifying knee injury late in the Fiesta Bowl, the immediate reaction was, "Well, guess that poor kid won't be turning pro this year." Page 2's Jason Whitlock, however, says that the 2003 NFL Draft remains the best option for the 'Canes star. After all, there's no better place to get well.
 Every NFL junkie can identify the referee's signals -- even for weird plays like chop blocks or illegal forward passes. But can you identify the new set of refs' signals that have been implemented for the playoffs after the debacle in San Francisco? Page 2's Kurt Snibbe offers an illustration for each new call.

DAILY QUICKIE
Elvis would have been 68 yesterday, which seems like a perfect theme for today's edition of the Daily Quickie now that Livan Hernandez is swinging to the tune "Jailhouse Rock." Plus, find out why Shawn Kemp has been DQ'd.


After watching all those thrilling playoff games over the weekend, Page 2 couldn't help but think about the 10 greatest NFL playoff performances of all-time. Check out our list of the 10 best individual efforts and vote in the poll to pick the best postseason performance ever.

10]  Jim Plunkett in the 1980 AFC Championship
Against the Chargers, Oakland's Plunkett throws just 18 passes, but 14 are completions for 261 yards and two TDs. Plunkett also scores another TD on a five-yard run as the wild-card Raiders beat the Chargers 34-27 in San Diego.
9]  Kurt Warner in the 1999 NFC divisional playoffs
A virtual unknown before the season began, Warner continues to amaze as he leads the Rams to a 49-37 victory over the Vikings and a trip to the NFC title game. Warner throws 33 times, connecting on 27 to 10 different receivers while racking up 391 passing yards.
8]  Terry Bradshaw in the 1976 AFC divisional playoffs
The Steelers QB sets a playoff record with a perfect passer rating of 158.3, as he completes 14 of 18 passes for 264 yards and three TDs and the Steelers rout the Colts 40-14.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Titans 4 Steelers 44
Saturday Eagles 7½ Falcons 39
Sunday Bucs 5 49ers 39
Sunday Raiders 5½ Jets 47
All Times ET | Bold indicates home team
Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


THE SPORTS GUY
Valued sports world member Page 2's Bill Simmons is retiring. In other words, he'll see you next week.

POSTSEASON PLANS
For some, the postseason starts a little earlier than planned and Page 2's Eric Immerman has the details of how NFLers are spending their free time.

TUESDAY MORNING QB
Sure, the blitz sounds like a good idea, but when TMQ breaks it down -- you'll probably have second thoughts.

ARMED & DANGEROUS
QBs were once just pawns in the physical scheme of gridiron grit -- but palisades are so passé. Physical QBs are now at a premium.

HEY, RUBE
After writing up divorce papers, The Good Doctor and his beloved Niners have agreed to reconcile.

SEX & SPORTS '02
From Serena's catsuit to naked Romanian gymnasts, Page 2's Jeff Merron revisits the sexiest sports stories of 2002.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


These guys have "All the Small Things" in common. It Dallas Stars forward Brenden Morrow, left, and Blink 182 frontman Mark Hoppus. This match was submitted by Doug Kellogg of New York. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Men's Hoops: Ohio State at MSU
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Showdown for first Big Ten win.
 
Kings at Nets
7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Nets seek 11th straight victory.
 
Spurs at Trailblazers
10 p.m. ET, TNT
Rasheed, Bonzi and Pip have been hot.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., Jan. 8: Say It Ain't So
• Tues., Jan. 7: Suicide Kings
• Mon., Jan. 6: Final Curtain
• Fri., Jan. 3: Gang Green

Other featured content:
• 10 Burning Questions with The Bachelorette
• The 10 biggest shockers in the NBA
• Ranking sports cities for '02
• "Win a Date with Anna" winners
Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003
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