espn.com Ali Contest
Whodunit? Was it Colonel Mustard, in the library, with a candlestick? Was it Professor Plum, in the conservatory, with a wrench? In his NFL Uncensored Thought Balloons, Page 2's Ralph Wiley takes testimony from the principals to discover it was the Pats and the Panthers, in the stadium, with a hammer of a defense.
WILEY: INNOCENT QUARTERBACK VICTIMS




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The Georgia Supreme Court heard Marcus Dixon's appeal on Wednesday, and is expected to rule eventually that the 19-year-old former high school star should be released. But Bomani Jones says a happy ending for this young athlete depends on the saving grace of his talent on the football field.

Super Bowl Code Saturday Night Athletes
The barrage of bad, boring Super Bowl press conferences is about to begin again for Bill Belichick and the others. But Page 2's Eric Neel says if you listen closely, you'll hear the real questions and answers.
 It's a glorious tradition, this connection between "Saturday Night Live" and athletes. So where does Justin Timberlake-in-drag fit? Page 3 has answers. Plus, more Simpsons, and the Clicker Picker.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
The Daily Quickie says Al Davis has only way to go now in his star-crossed search for a coach, but he'll have to wait two more weeks to 'Raider' the Pats' staff. Plus, the Quickie's own (private) mock draft.


Now that talk of Peyton Manning's fairy-tale playoffs has ended, it's time for an appreciation of the greatest postseason quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era. And maybe, just maybe, the man who beat Manning in the AFC Championship Game ought to be considered. But is Tom Brady's 5-0 postseason record good enough to make our list?
10]  Roger Staubach, Dallas (18 games)
His statistics won't put him in the playoff record books, but the man was a winner -- first, last and in-between. Captain Comeback was spectacular in compiling a 12-6 postseason record.
9]  Joe Theismann, Washington (8 games)
Theismann's postseason QB rating of 91.4 is among the highest in NFL history, even if his other numbers weren't prolific. By expertly managing his postseason opportunities, he compiled a 6-2 record.
8]  Brett Favre, Green Bay (19 games)
Favre holds the record for consecutive playoff games with a TD pass (15 and counting), and moved into third place on the all-time playoff passing yardage list. Doesn't hurt that he won Super Bowl XXXI, either.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NFL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Feb. 1 Patriots 6½ Panthers 38


 
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Tarnished Reputations
Peyton Manning couldn't win the big game. Then he could. Then he couldn't. As his reputation skyrocketed with two huge playoff ones, the WB wondered who has seen their reputation change the most in the past year.

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    HOLLYWOOD JOCK
    As Pooky makes his point up close and personal with Rasha, Hollywood Jock fights for his script and a promise of help.

    THE SPORTS GUY
    On the eve of the NFL's conference championships, Page 2's Bill Simmons shares a few thoughts.
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    From the archives and in honor of NASCAR's new scoring system, it's a guy who drives a car and the guy who drives Train: NASCAR star Jeff Gordon, left, and Pat Monahan, lead singer of Train. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


    Men's Hoops: UNC at Florida State
    7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
    Seminoles seek eighth win in 38 tries.
     
    My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance
    9 p.m. ET, FOX
    Title aside, doesn't star Warren Sapp.
     
    NBA: Lakers at Mavericks
    11 p.m. ET, TNT
    It's Josh Howard vs. Kareem Rush.
     
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