Vince Marriott: Once again I find myself writing about the NFL, but then again, it might just be the only professional sport that matters anymore. With the current ESPN poll saying that 63 percent of people would rather watch yesterday's game between the Saints and the Broncos than Game Four of the World Series, why not go with the sure thing? This week I'm excited for the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the San Diego Chargers on Thursday. Even though the matchup doesn't look very exciting on paper, it's a Thursday night, and you're not doing anything else. Besides, regardless of what else is on, I know I'd hate to miss watching the most important game of the evening. (Thursday, 8:20 p.m., NFL Network)
Dong Zhao: After a busy offseason of blockbuster trades, mega free-agent signings, non-stop Dwight Howard rumors and the reincarnation of King James, the NBA is finally back. The regular season will tip off on Tuesday in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Finals as the reigning-champion Miami Heat takes on newcomer Ray Allen's former team, the Boston Celtics. After finally getting the giant monkey off his back last year, LeBron James will embark on the next chapter of his career. From this season on, James' career will only be judged in comparison to those of the NBA immortals Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and even Kobe Bryant and his quest for a second ring and a spot in the "best NBA player ever" conversation will start in the national spotlight against the aging but still dangerous Celtics. (Tuesday, 8 p.m., TNT)
Jonathan Gault: The University of Alabama football team is playing so well that I sometimes wonder how they've ever lost a game. The No. 1 Crimson Tide is 8-0 this season and has won 21 of its last 22, including last year's BCS Championship Game. The only team to defeat Alabama during that time span was Louisiana State University, who won 9-6 in overtime in Tuscaloosa, Ala., last November. Coincidentally, the fifth-ranked Tigers happen to be hosting Alabama on Saturday in a contest that basically doubles as the SEC West championship game. The Crimson Tide defense is stupidly good, allowing just 8.1 points per game (tops in the nation) and 203.1 yards per game (ditto). The offense isn't chopped liver either Alabama averages 40.6 points per game (11th nationally), and the tailback tandem of T.J. Yeldon and Eddie Lacy perfectly complements error-free quarterback A.J. McCarron, who has thrown 18 touchdowns and no interceptions this season. I don't think 'Bama can be stopped, but LSU will offer one of their biggest tests. (Saturday, 8 p.m., CBS)
