MCN sports pages look book

L O S

A N G E L E S

All games on FOX All times 8 p.m. (EDT)

D O D G E R S

GAME 1 at L.A. Dodgers Tues., Oct. 24

*If necessary

GAME 2 at L.A. Dodgers Wed., Oct. 25

•

THE

1 1 3 TH

GAME 3 at Houston Astros Fri., Oct. 27

WORLD

S E R I E S

GAME 4 at Houston Astros Sat., Oct. 28

• H O U S T O N

GAME 5* at Houston Astros Sun., Oct. 29

A S T R O S

GAME 6* at L.A. Dodgers Tues., Oct. 31

GAME 7* at L.A. Dodgers Wed., Nov. 1

First Fall Classic matchup of 100-win teams since 1970 sets up a ...

Heavyweight battle O

nce bitter rivals in the National League West, the Dodgers and Astros will renew acquaintances in the World Series marking the first time two 100-win teams face each other on this Series stage since the Reds and Orioles in 1970. With a major league-high $226 million payroll, Los Angeles rolled to an MLB-best 104 wins this season and its fifth straight NL West title. Justin Turner and the Dodgers then went 7-1 in the playoffs against the Diamondbacks and defending champion Cubs to win their first pennant since the club’s last championship in 1988. The 101-win Astros, who ousted the Yankees in Game 7 of the ALCS, will try for their first World Series title, thanks in large part to Jose Altuve, the diminutive second baseman who swings a potent bat, and ALCS MVP Justin Verlander, who switched teams for the first time in his career to chase a ring. Houston led the majors in runs scored, finished second in home runs, and had the lowest strikeout rate in baseball. Let’s get ready to rumble!

TURNER’S TIME Established himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the postseason. His walk-off home run against the Cubs in the NLCS was the Dodgers first in the postseason since Kirk Gibson in 1988.

Batted .333 with two homers and seven RBIs to share the NLCS MVP along with teammate

HOME COOKIN’

Teams playing at home are enjoying success during the 2017 postseason.

Home teams are 23-8 (.742) heading into the World Series. The Dodgers will hold home-field advantage this year due to a better regular-season record.

Dodger Stadium 395 ft.

385 ft.

385 ft.

Home BA

330 ft.

HR

Justin Turner

ERA

Away .252 .246 115 106

330 ft.

3.01 3.77 SEATING CAPACITY

2017 record at home 57-24*

Projected starters

LOS ANGELES DODGERS CATCHER

FIRST BASE

Austin Barnes

Cody Bellinger

8 38 1 3

Fresh off his third batting title (.346), he Minute Maid Park was the engine 409 ft. that powered 373 ft. this offense all 362 ft.

Away Home year and is a solid favorite to win the .279 BA .284 AL MVP award.

326 ft.

115 315 ft.

The five-time HR 123 All-Star can 3.65 ERA do amazing 4.61 things with SEATING both bat 2017 CAPACITY and glove.

HOME/AWAY DURING THE 2017 REGULAR SEASON

56,000

.267 39 97 .278 2 4

SECOND BASE

BATTING AVERAGE • HOME RUNS • RUNS BATTED IN (2017 regular season and postseason stats) NOTE: The designated hitter will only be used at Minute Maid Park. Evan Gattis/Carlos Beltran will DH for Astros; Dodgers TBD. THIRD BASE

Corey Seager

Justin Turner

Enrique Hernandez

Chris Taylor

Yasiel Puig

.295 22 77 .273 0 2

.322 21 71 .387 3 12

.215 11 37 .417 3 7

.288 21 72 .281 2 4

.263 28 74 .414 1 6

6 36 0 3

Split w/C. Utley

Split w/Y. Grandal

41,168

SHORTSTOP

Logan Forsythe .224 .316

record at home 48-33

Jose Altuve

(Reg. season)

(Reg. season) *Led MLB

.289 .261

HIT MACHINE

LEFT FIELD

CENTER FIELD

RIGHT FIELD

PROJECTED ROTATION

LH Clayton Kershaw 18-4 2-0

2.31 3.63

Split w/A. Ethier

RH Yu Darvish

CLOSER

LH Alex Wood

10-12 3.86 2-0 1.59

16-3 0-1

2.72 5.79

LH Rich Hill 12-8 0-0

3.32 3.00

RH Kenley Jansen 41/42 sv 1.32 3/3 sv 0.00

With Rangers and Dodgers

HOUSTON ASTROS

Brian McCann

Yuli Gurriel

Jose Altuve

Carlos Correa

Alex Bregman

Marwin Gonzalez

George Springer

Josh Reddick

LH Dallas Keuchel

.241 18 62 .156 0 5

.299 18 75 .366 0 4

.346 24 81 .400 5 8

.315 24 84 .295 3 9

.284 19 71 .190 2 5

.303 23 90 .162 0 2

.283 34 85 .233 1 2

.314 13 82 .171 0 2

14-5 2.90 2-1 2.60

RH Justin Verlander 15-8 4-0

RH Lance RH Charlie McCullers Jr. Morton

3.36 1.46

7-4 0-0

4.25 2.08

14-7 3.62 1-1 6.23

RH Ken Giles 34/38 sv 2.30 2/3 sv 7.50

With Tigers and Astros

MANAGERS

(Regular season stats)

WON LOST

Padres: 0-1 (2015) Dodgers: 195-129 (2016-present) TOTAL: 195-130 The 45-year-old Dave reigning NL manager Roberts led the majors with 104 wins, swept Arizona in the NLDS and quickly dethroned the champion Cubs in the NLCS. SOURCE: Major League Baseball

WON LOST

D-backs: 89-123 (2009-10) Astros: 271-215 (2015-present) TOTAL: 360-338

A.J. The third-year skipper, Hinch helped turn around a franchise that lost a club-record 111 games in 2013. Houston led the majors in scoring (896 runs) this

BETWEEN THE LINES Regular • Postseason OFFENSE (record) AVG HR

FIELDING

PITCHING

RUNS/GM

SB/CS (PCT.)

E

ERA

BB/GM SO/GM

BBA

DODGERS (104-58) .249 (7-1) .273

221 13

4.8 6.0

77/28 (73.3) 5/3 (62.5)

88 2

3.38 2.28

2.7 1.5

9.6 10.1

.228 .169

ASTROS (101-61) .282 (7-4) .247

238 12

5.5 4.0

98/42 (70.0) 1/1 (50.0)

99 4

4.12 3.79

3.2 2.8

9.8 9.4

.240 .236 AP

nhl 2016-17 >>> eastern conference ATLANTIC Teams listed in last season’s order of finish, with regular-season record player spotlight

Steven Stamkos, Lightning 2015-16 stats Goals: 36 Assists: 28 Points: 64

Florida Panthers

Tampa Bay Lightning

Detroit Red Wings

Boston Bruins

47-26-9, 103 points

46-31-5, 97 points

41-30-11, 93 points

42-31-9, 93 points

LAST SEASON: Won Atlantic Division. Lost to New York Islanders in Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: Gerard Gallant (third season, sixth NHL season).

ADDED: D Keith Yandle, G James Reimer, G Reto Berra, D Mark Pysyk, D Jason Demers, LW Jared McCann.

LOST: D Erik Gudbranson, D Willie Mitchell, D Dmitry Kulikov, D Brian Campbell, G Al Montoya, LW Lawson Crouse, C Dave Bolland, RW Jiri Hudler.

OUTLOOK: For older — but still crucial — players like Jagr and Roberto Luongo, the window to hoist the Stanley Cup isn’t as open as it once seemed. The team must win big now.

LAST SEASON: Second place Atlantic Division. Lost to Pittsburgh Penguins in Eastern Conference finals.

COACH: Jon Cooper (fourth full season, 147-90-25).

ADDED: None. Focused on keeping roster intact.

LOST: D Matt Carle.

OUTLOOK: After reaching the Stanley Cup Finals two years and making it back to the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost to Pittsburgh last season, anything short of another deep run in the playoffs will be a major disappointment. General manager Steve Yzerman re-signed Steven Stamkos and locked up defenseman Victor Hedman with an eight-year, $63 million deal as part of plan to keep a young, talented roster together.

LAST SEASON: Finished third in Atlantic Division. Lost to Tampa Bay in first round.

COACH: Jeff Blashill (second season) ADDED: C Frans Nielsen, LW Thomas Vanek, C Steve Ott. LOST: C Pavel Datsyuk, C Brad Richards, D Kyle Quincey.

OUTLOOK: The Red Wings will likely find a way to get into a 26th postseason, but will probably have a first-round exit for a fourth straight year. They need to make up for a lack of stars with several players producing up to their potential offensively to offset a relatively mediocre defense and solid, not spectacular, goaltender Petr Mrazek.

LAST SEASON: Fourth in Atlantic Division. Failed to qualify for playoffs.

COACH: Claude Julien (10th season, 14th NHL season) ADDED: F David Backes, F Riley Nash, F Dominic Moore, G Anton Khudobin.

LOST: F Loui Eriksson, G Jonas Gustavsson, D Dennis Seidenberg.

OUTLOOK: The Bruins seem to be caught between rebuilding and contending as they come off two straight seasons without qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs by a combined three points.

With Backes their only major addition during the offseason, the Bruins are again looking like a bubble team that will be playing for its life right down to the final weekend of the season.

Ottawa Senators

Montreal Canadiens

Buffalo Sabres

Toronto Maple Leafs

38-35-9, 85 points

38-38-6, 82 points

35-36-11, 81 points

29-42-11, 69 points

LAST SEASON: Missed playoffs.

COACH: Guy Boucher (fourth season, 97-79-20).

ADDED: RW Mike Blunden, C Derick Brassard, C Chris Kelly, D Patrick Sieloff.

LOST: RW Alex Chiasson, D Mark Fraser, D Chris Phillips, D Patrick Wiercioch, C Mika Zibanejad.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Erik Karlsson. The two-time Norris Trophy winner has long been the subject of intense debate among hockey fans. Traditionalists argue Karlsson is a subpar defender, who yields scoring chances. Others counter that Karlsson’s turnovers are overshadowed by his puck possession and the scoring opportunities he creates for his team. Karlsson is undoubtedly one of the league’s top offensive stars.

LAST SEASON: Finished sixth in Atlantic Division.

COACH: Michel Therrien (fifth season, 12th NHL season).

ADDED: D Shea Weber, RW Alexander Radulov, F Andrew Shaw, G Al Montoya LOST: D P.K. Subban, C Lars Eller.

OUTLOOK: If Price is on top of his game and Weber strengthens Montreal’s defense, this is a playoff team again. Goal-scoring continues to be an issue, but captain Max Pacioretty and center Tomas Plekanec should lead the way and Radulov is on a prove-it contract to produce and prove he deserves big money back in the NHL.

LAST SEASON: Finished 23rd overall in NHL after two consecutive last-place finishes, and missed playoffs for fifth consecutive season.

COACH: Dan Bylsma (second season, eighth NHL season) ADDED: F Kyle Okposo, D Dmitry Kulikov, G Anders Nilsson.

LOST: F David Legwand, D Mark Pysyk, G Chad Johnson.

OUTLOOK: The expectations are higher for a Sabres team that made the jump from rock bottom to being relevant by finishing 23rd last season following two consecutive last place finishes. Buffalo showed signs of jelling by closing last year with a 16-10-7 run.

LAST SEASON: Finished last in Atlantic Division and NHL. COACH: Mike Babcock (second season, 14th NHL season) ADDED: C Auston Matthews, D Roman Polak, G Frederik Andersen.

LOST: F P.A. Parenteau, F Brad Boyes, G Jonathan Bernier.

OUTLOOK: The Maple Leafs will be much better, as Babcock predicted. They will fail, however, to make the playoffs for the 11th time in 12 years. Toronto is committed to rebuilding slowly, trying to focus on drafting and developing while avoiding the temptation to overspending for free agents.

player spotlight

Erik Karlsson, Senators 2015-16 stats Goals: 16 Assists: 66 Points: 82

player spotlight

metropolitan Teams listed in last season’s order of finish, with regular-season record

Sidney Crosby, Penguins

Washington Capitals

Pittsburgh Penguins

New York Rangers

New York Islanders

2015-16 stats Goals: 36 Assists: 49 Points: 85

56-18-8, 120 points

48-26-8, 104 points

46-27-9, 101 points

45-27-10, 100 points

LAST SEASON: Won Metropolitan Division. Lost to Pittsburgh Penguins in second round.

COACH: Barry Trotz (third season, 18th NHL season).

ADDED: C Lars Eller, F Brett Connolly.

LOST: LW Jason Chimera, C Mike Richards, D Mike Weber.

OUTLOOK: Running back almost an identical lineup from last season when they won the Presidents’ Trophy with the most points in the regular season, the Capitals shouldn’t be far off that pace again. Players know after not making it past the second round that they’ll be judged on April and May performance — and perhaps June when the Stanley Cup is decided.

LAST SEASON: Finished 2nd in Metropolitan Division.

Beat San Jose Sharks in six games to win Stanley Cup. COACH: Mike Sullivan (second season, fourth NHL season).

ADDED: D David Warsofsky.

LOST: G Jeff Zatkoff, F Beau Bennett, D Ben Lovejoy.

OUTLOOK: The Penguins did little to tinker with a formula that led them back to the top for the first time since 2009. Crosby and teammate Evgeni Malkin remain the heart of the franchise and there’s plenty of young legs (and a few older ones) in key supporting roles. The biggest question will be how the goaltending situation gets settled between Marc-Andre Fleury and Matt Murray.

LAST SEASON: Third in Metropolitan Division. Lost to Pittsburgh Penguins in Eastern Conference first round.

COACH: Alain Vigneault (fourth season, 15th NHL season).

ADDED: F Jimmy Vesey, F Mika Zibanejad, F Brandon Pirri, F Pavel Buchnevich, F Michael Grabner.

LOST: F Derick Brassard, D Keith Yandle, F Eric Staal, D Dan Boyle, F Viktor Stalberg.

OUTLOOK: After an inconsistent regular season and an underwhelming performance in the first-round loss to eventual champion Pittsburgh, the Rangers are mostly sticking with their veteran core to make another run at a title in front of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who turns 35 in March10

LAST SEASON: Fourth in Metropolitan Division. Lost to Tampa Bay Lightning in Eastern Conference semifinals.

COACH: Jack Capuano (seventh season, seventh NHL season).

ADDED: LW Andrew Ladd, LW Jason Chimera, RW P.A. Parenteau, D Dennis Seidenberg..

LOST: C Frans Nielsen, RW Kyle Okposo, LW Matt Martin, D Marek Zidlicky.

OUTLOOK: With the distractions of the move to Brooklyn behind them, the Islanders have high expectations in their second season at Barclays Center after a successful debut. They’ll be looking to build off their second straight postseason appearance and first playoff series win since 1993.

Philadelphia Flyers

Carolina Hurricanes

New Jersey Devils

Columbus Blue Jackets

41-27-14, 96 points

35-31-16, 86 points

38-36-8, 84 points

34-40-8, 76 points

LAST SEASON: Fifth in Metropolitan Division. Lost to Washington Capitals in first round.

COACH: Dave Hakstol (4127-14, second NHL season) ADDED: F Dale Weise, C Boyd Gordon.

LOST: D Evgeny Medvedev; F Ryan White, F R.J. Umberger.

OUTLOOK: The Flyers are celebrating their golden anniversary with a bang.

There are tributes and alumni games planned and few teams showcase their history quite like the Flyers. But it’s been 40 years since the Flyers last won a Stanley Cup and that number should grow by one this year. The Flyers should make the playoffs as a wild-card entry.

LAST SEASON: Sixth place in Metropolitan Division.

COACH: Bill Peters (third season, third NHL season).

ADDED: RW Lee Stempniak, RW Sebastian Aho, LW Teuvo Teravainen.

LOST: C Riley Nash, LW Nathan Gerbe, D James Wisniewski.

OUTLOOK: Carolina is tired of hearing about its longestin-the-East postseason drought, and might have the team to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

The Hurricanes will need Teravainen, Sebastian Aho and the rest of their young forwards to play beyond their ages — like their inexperienced defensemen did a year ago — if they want their season to finally extend past mid-April.

LAST SEASON: Seventh in the Metropolitan Division.

Missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

COACH: John Hynes (second season, second NHL season).

ADDED: LW Taylor Hall, D Ben Lovejoy, C Vernon Fiddler, RW Beau Bennett, D Kyle Quincey, D Yohann Auvitu.

LOST: D Adam Larsson, D David Schlemko, F Jordin Tootoo, C Stephen Gionta, F Bobby Farnham.

OUTLOOK: The secondseason of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ model is in place.

This is by far the fastest team the Devils have had in years. They improved six points in Hynes’ first season and now have more offense to support All-Star goaltender Cory Schneider.

LAST SEASON: Last in the Metropolitan Division, missed the playoffs.

COACH: John Tortorella, second year, 34-32-8 ADDED: C Sam Gagner, D Scott Harrington, LW Pierre-Luc Dubois.

LOST: RW Rene Bourque, RW Jared Boll, D Fedor Tyutin, D Justin Falk.

OUTLOOK: Columbus made no blockbuster deals in the off-season, meaning it is starting the season with the same group of players that made it one of the NHL’s sad sacks last year.

But team president John Davidson believes his players will perform up to their potential under Tortorella, who replaced Todd Richards after seven games last season.

player spotlight

Cory Schneider, Devils 2015-16 stats W-L: 27-25 Shots against: 1,597 Goals against: 122

COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL GUIDE 2016-17

Everything you need to know to get ready for — and through — bowl season:

Compiled by Patrick Stevens/special to gatehouse media

PEACH BOWL >>> NATIONAL SEMIFINAL Alabama (13-0) vs. Washington (12-1) Date: Dec. 31 Site: Atlanta Time: 3 p.m. EST TV: ESPN Quick slant: Can Washington — or anyone — upend the scary good Crimson Tide?

Player bowl swag: $300 Visa gift card

DEC. 17

FIESTA BOWL >>> national semifinal Clemson (12-1) vs. Ohio State (11-1) Date: Dec. 31 Site: Glendale, Ariz. Time: 7 p.m. EST TV: ESPN Quick slant: Deshaun Watson, ACC champion Tigers look to get back to title game Player bowl swag: PS4 game and accessory bundle

Time: 2 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

NEW MEXICO BOWL

Quick slant: Roadrunners make their postseason debut on Lobos’ home field Player bowl swag: Oakley sunglasses

Time: 3:30 p.m. EST TV: ABC

LAS VEGAS BOWL

Quick slant: Major Applewhite’s head coaching debut; TB Donnel Pumphrey’s Aztec finale Player bowl swag: Oakley backpack

Time: 5:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

CAMELLIA BOWL

Quick slant: Sneaky-good Group of Five pairing on bowl season’s opening night Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 5:30 p.m. EST TV: CBSSN

CURE BOWL

Quick slant: Golden Knights went from winless to bowling under new coach Scott Frost Player bowl swag: Sports watch

Time: 9 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

NEW ORLEANS BOWL

Quick slant: At least it’s a relatively short trip for both fanbases to the Superdome Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

DEC. 19

Time: 2:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

MIAMI BEACH BOWL

Quick slant: Dane Evans and the explosive Golden Hurricane should score plenty Player bowl swag: Under Armour backpack

DEC. 20

Time: 7 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

BOCA RATON BOWL

Quick slant: C-USA champ Western Kentucky’s presence ensures a high-scoring game Player bowl swag: Gift suite

DEC. 21

Time: 9 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

POINSETTIA BOWL

Quick slant: Classic old WAC rivalry renewed after Wyoming’s breakout season Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

DEC. 22

Time: 7 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

IDAHO POTATO BOWL

Quick slant: Might be Idaho’s last bowl bid; Vandals moving to FCS in 2018 Player bowl swag: Proof Eyewear sunglasses

DEC. 23

Time: 1 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

BAHAMAS BOWL

Quick slant: First bowl bid for Eastern Michigan since 1987 California Bowl Player bowl swag: Jabba Bluetooth speakers

Time: 4:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

ARMED FORCES BOWL

Quick slant: Midshipmen down to third-string QB after multiple injuries Player bowl swag: Finrod’s Festive Wear holiday sweater

Time: 8 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

DOLLAR GENERAL BOWL

Quick slant: Troy was nationally ranked before dropping two of its last three Player bowl swag: Leather duffel bag

DEC. 24

Time: 8 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

HAWAII BOWL

Quick slant: Rainbow Warriors one of three sub-.500 teams in the postseason Player bowl swag: Tori Richard aloha shirt

DEC. 26

Time: 11 a.m. EST TV: ESPN

ST. PETERSBURG BOWL

Quick slant: Miami is the first team in FBS history to start 0-6 and finish 6-6 Player bowl swag: Oakley Turbine sunglasses

Time: 2:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

QUICK LANE BOWL

Quick slant: Renewal of an old ACC rivalry few showed much interest in Player bowl swag: Life-sized Fathead decal in each player’s likeness

Time: 5 p.m. EST TV: ESPN2

INDEPENDENCE BOWL

Quick slant: Both teams won Thanksgiving weekend rivalry games to go bowling Player bowl swag: Timely Watch Co. watch

Time: Noon EST TV: ESPN

HEART OF DALLAS BOWL

Quick slant: Rematch of Mean Green’s 35-18 October victory at West Point Player bowl swag: Amazon Echo Dot

Time: 3:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

MILITARY BOWL

Quick slant: Temple returns to Annapolis after winning AAC title game there Dec. 3 Player bowl swag: Under Armour backpack and beanie

Time: 7 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

HOLIDAY BOWL

Quick slant: Plodding Gophers face polar opposite in pass-happy Cougars Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 10:15 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

CACTUS BOWL

Quick slant: Fair to wonder if the Bears even want to be here after dropping six straight Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 2 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

PINSTRIPE BOWL

Quick slant: NFL-bound TB James Conner plays his final game for Pitt Player bowl swag: New Era products

Time: 5:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

RUSSELL ATHLETIC BOWL

Quick slant: First matchup of the old Big East rivals since Miami joined the ACC Player bowl swag: $300 Best Buy shopping trip

Time: 8:30 p.m. EST TV: Fox

FOSTER FARMS BOWL

Quick slant: New Indiana coach Tom Allen makes his debut vs. stingy Utes Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 9 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

TEXAS BOWL

Quick slant: Aggies make the short trip to Houston to face old Big 12 foe K-State Player bowl swag: Belt buckle

Time: 2 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

BIRMINGHAM BOWL

Quick slant: Bad offense (South Carolina) against bad defense (South Florida) Player bowl swag: ESPN beanie

Time: 5:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

BELK BOWL

Quick slant: Hokies go for first 10-win season since 2011 against erratic Razorbacks Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 9 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

ALAMO BOWL

Quick slant: Pac-12 South champ Buffaloes set to face a former league foe Player bowl swag: Apple Watch Nike+

Time: Noon EST TV: ESPN

LIBERTY BOWL

Quick slant: Neither team played up to their usual standards this season Player bowl swag: Bass Pro Shops shopping trip

Time: 2 p.m. EST TV: CBS

SUN BOWL

Quick slant: Stanford TB Christian McCaffrey likely to feast vs. weak Tar Heel rush D Player bowl swag: Timely Watch Co. Silvertone watch

Time: 3:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

MUSIC CITY BOWL

Quick slant: Both teams faded late, but Cornhuskers can still get to 10 wins Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 5:30 p.m. EST TV: ASN

ARIZONA BOWL

Quick slant: Air Force can add bowl win to Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Player bowl swag: Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats2 headphones

Time: 8 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

ORANGE BOWL

Quick slant: Best non-playoff team (Michigan) can make a statement in south Florida Player bowl swag: Tourneau watch

Time: 11 a.m. EST TV: ABC

CITRUS BOWL

Quick slant: Heisman winner Lamar Jackson takes on imposing Tiger defense Player bowl swag: $305 Best Buy shopping trip

Time: 11 a.m. EST TV: ESPN

TAXSLAYER BOWL

Quick slant: Expect lots of rushing attempts from these two teams Player bowl swag: Bobblehead with player’s face, name and uniform number

Time: 1 p.m. EST TV: ABC

OUTBACK BOWL

Quick slant: Pairing of great defense/mediocre offense teams the day after New Year’s Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 1 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

COTTON BOWL

Quick slant: P.J. Fleck’s Broncos go for a perfect season against scrappy Badgers Player bowl swag: N/A

Time: 5 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

ROSE BOWL

Quick slant: Arguably two of the four best teams nationally since start of October Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

Time: 8:30 p.m. EST TV: ESPN

SUGAR BOWL

Quick slant: Baker Mayfield, Dede Westbrook and Sooners go for 10 in a row Player bowl swag: Fossil watch

DEC. 27

DEC. 28

DEC. 29

DEC. 30

DEC. 31

JAN. 2

Texas-San Antonio (6-6) at New Mexico (8-4) Houston (9-3) vs. San Diego State (10-3) Appalachian State (9-3) vs. Toledo (9-3) Arkansas State (7-5) vs. Central Florida (6-6) Southern Mississippi (6-6) vs. UL Lafayette (6-6) Central Michigan (6-6) vs. Tulsa (9-3) Memphis (8-4) vs. Western Kentucky (10-3) Brigham Young (8-4) vs. Wyoming (8-5) Colorado State (7-5) vs. Idaho (8-4) Eastern Michigan (7-5) vs. Old Dominion (9-3) Louisiana Tech (8-5) vs. Navy (9-4) Ohio (8-5) vs. Troy (9-3)

Middle Tennessee (8-4) vs. Hawaii (6-7) Miami Ohio (6-6) vs. Mississippi State (5-7) Boston College (6-6) vs. Maryland (6-6) N.C. State (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6) Army (7-5) vs. North Texas (5-7) Temple (10-3) vs. Wake Forest (6-6) Minnesota (8-4) vs. Washington State (8-4) Boise State (10-2) vs. Baylor (6-6) Northwestern (6-6) vs. Pittsburgh (8-4) Miami (8-4) vs. West Virginia (10-2) Indiana (6-6) vs. Utah (8-4) Kansas State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (8-4) South Carolina (6-6) vs. South Florida (10-2) Arkansas (7-5) vs. Virginia Tech (9-4) Colorado (10-3) vs. Oklahoma State (9-3) Georgia (7-5) vs. Texas Christian (6-6) North Carolina (8-4) vs. Stanford (9-3) Nebraska (9-3) vs. Tennessee (8-4) Air Force (9-3) vs. South Alabama (6-6) Florida State (9-3) vs. Michigan (10-2) LSU (7-4) vs. Louisville (9-3) Georgia Tech (8-4) vs. Kentucky (7-5) Florida (8-4) vs. Iowa (8-4) Western Michigan (13-0) vs. Wisconsin (10-3) Penn State (11-2) vs. Southern California (9-3) Auburn (8-4) vs. Oklahoma (10-2)

6x3 ad position

SEASON PREVIEW INSIDE ONE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S PREMIER CONFERENCES | COMPILED BY PATRICK STEVENS, SPECIAL TO GATEHOUSE MEDIA

what to watch for This season’s most compelling storylines

The red menace

CIRCLE IT ON THE CALENDAR Games of note throughout the SEC this season

Florida vs. Michigan (Arlington), Sept. 2: The Gators saw their 2015 season end with a 41-7 thud against Michigan in Citrus Bowl. They’ll try to start out 2017 with a more promising result.

Alabama vs. Florida State (Atlanta), Sept. 2: Is this the first of two meetings in Atlanta between these teams? It’s certainly an appetizing opener for a pair of national title contenders.

Alabama’s Jalen Hurts leads a Tide offense that again should be among tops in the SEC.

Auburn at Clemson, Sept. 9: Clemson won’t be the same without Deshaun Watson at QB, but this is still a tremendous barometer for Auburn before it ventures into conference play.

[associated press file photos]

The Tide just keeps on rollin’ This isn’t the SEC of even 5-10 years ago, when Louisiana State, Florida, Alabama and Auburn could take turns winning national titles. Only one team in the league — Alabama — reached the 10-win plateau, and the Crimson Tide came within a play of claiming their fifth national title of the Nick Saban era.

With a loaded backfield, QB Jalen Hurts, WR Calvin Ridley and the usual array of defensive stars, Alabama is the clear-cut favorite to win the SEC and earn yet another playoff berth.

Malik Zaire

Matt Luke

Derrius Guice

Kevin Sumlin

Florida, Georgia lead the East

The Mississippi mess

Coach O’s second shot

The Rebels have already taken a one-year postseason ban, and coach Hugh Freeze was fired in July for reasons more connected to possible tawdry behavior than running afoul of the NCAA. In any case, it’s up to former assistant Matt Luke — an Ole Miss grad — to coax what he can from a team that tumbled from a preseason No. 11 ranking to a 5-7 record last year. It’s a tough spot, and the offense has plenty of holes, but a forgiving nonconference schedule makes a run at .500 possible.

Ed Orgeron’s stint at Mississippi did not go so well. But some work as an assistant, as well as interim stints at Southern California and Louisiana State, have rehabilitated his image a bit. Now the full-time coach at LSU after going 6-2 down the stretch last year, Orgeron is tasked with galvanizing a program that has lost at least three games in five consecutive seasons. Even if the offense is more wide-open than in the past, look for TB Derrius Guice to play a major role in the Tigers’ success.

When 8-5 might not be good enough

With Tennessee taking its share of graduation hits, the usual suspects in the SEC East are the best bets to win the division. Florida has claimed a place in the league title game in coach Jim McElwain’s first two seasons, and the hope is Notre Dame transfer QB Malik Zaire is enough to nudge the Gators to their first top-10 finish since 2012. Georgia’s Kirby Smart went 8-5 in his rookie year, and the Bulldogs will lean on a tested defense to get them back to the SEC title game for the first time in five seasons.

Number to know

PLAYERS TO WATCH A LOOK AT TOP RETURNING STARS

• TB Nick Chubb, Georgia: The senior rumbled for 1,130 yards as part of a backfield tandem with Sony Michel, and both are back this year to provide help for sophomore QB Jacob Eason.

There isn’t a more predictable team in the country than Texas A&M, which has parlayed starts of 5-0, 5-0 and 6-0 into 8-5 finishes in each of the last three seasons.

Credit some of that to the schedule; the Aggies lost to Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss in the second half of each of those years. But at some point, the late-season fades could precipitate the end of Kevin Sumlin’s tenure. A divisional crossover game against Florida (a week after facing Alabama, no less) is not particularly helpful.

• QB Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State: He wasn’t Dak Prescott, but Fitzgerald turned in some excellent performances in his first year as a starter and will be among the SEC’s top QBs.

• CB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama: The junior picked off six passes last year, and he is well on his way to becoming the next Crimson Tide defensive back to make a splash on Sundays.

3,347

Career rushing yards for Vanderbilt TB Ralph Webb, the most in school history. The senior will try to pad that number after collecting 1,283 yards last season.

6x3 ad position

Tennessee at Florida, Sept.

16: Almost by default, this remains one of the most riveting games in the SEC East. The Vols are looking for their first two-game winning streak against the Gators since 2003-04.

Auburn at LSU, Oct. 14: Who in the SEC West will be the best situated to make a run at Alabama? Probably the winner of this game. Auburn brought an end to Les Miles’ run in Baton Rouge with an 18-13 victory last year.

LSU at Alabama, Nov. 4: Points will be at a premium, especially with both defenses revved up with the help of a bye week to close out October.

Alabama at Auburn, Nov. 25: The Crimson Tide owns three consecutive Iron Bowl victories, all by double-digit margins. Auburn will look to turn that around in the regular-season finale for both teams.

OTHER NOTABLE GAMES Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (Arlington), Sept. 23 Georgia at Tennessee, Sept. 30 Florida vs. Georgia (Jacksonville), Oct. 28

Al spring training glance AL East

Boston Red Sox Manager: John Farrell (fifth season).

2016: 93-69, first place, lost to Cleveland in ALDS. Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida.

Park: JetBlue Park.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: LHP Chris Sale, RHP Tyler Thornburg, 1B Mitch Moreland.

He’s Outta Here: DH David Ortiz, 3B Travis Shaw, RHP Clay Buchholz, RHP Koji Uehara, RHP Junichi Tazawa, RHP Brad Ziegler, C Ryan Hanigan, C Bryan Holaday, 3B-2B Aaron Hill.

Going campin’: Things will be a little different in Florida as the Red Sox begin their first spring training in 14 years without Ortiz, who retired after a monstrous 2016 send-off.

They might not be able to replace Big Papi’s presence in the clubhouse, but they should continue to get plenty out of a young core that features All-Stars Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts.

Boston also has high hopes for OF Andrew Benintendi. The 22-yearold played 34 games as a rookie in 2016, hitting .295 with an .835 OPS. In addition, 3B Pablo Sandoval returns to action after missing all but three games last season.

Toronto Blue Jays Manager: John Gibbons (fifth season).

2016: 89-73, tied for second place, wild card, lost to Cleveland in ALCS. Training Town: Dunedin, Florida.

Park: Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: DH Kendrys Morales, INF-OF Steve Pearce, LHP J.P. Howell, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, INF-OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr., RHP Glenn Sparkman.

He’s Outta Here: 1B-DH Edwin Encarnacion, OF Michael Saunders, LHP Brett Cecil, RHP Joaquin Benoit, RHP R.A. Dickey, RHP Scott Feldman, C Dioner Navarro, C Josh Thole.

Going campin’: A potent offense was the primary catalyst for Toronto’s playoff successes in 2015 and 2016, when the Blue Jays made consecutive losing appearances in the ALCS. Josh Donaldson is still at third base, and free agent outfielder Jose Bautista returned on a one-year contract — but Toronto lost its most consistent slugger when Encarnacion signed a threeyear, $60 million deal with rival Cleveland.

Baltimore Orioles

New York Yankees

Manager: Buck Showalter (eighth season).

2016: 89-73, tied for second place, lost wild-card game to Toronto.

Training Town: Sarasota, Florida.

Park: Ed Smith Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: C Welington Castillo, OF Seth Smith, RHP Logan Verrett, OF Aneury Tavarez, OF Anthony Santander, RHP Gabriel Ynoa.

He’s Outta Here: C Matt Wieters, DH-3B Pedro Alvarez, RHP Yovani Gallardo, OF Steve Pearce, LHP Brian Duensing, OF Nolan Reimold, RHP Vance Worley, OF Michael Bourn, RHP Tommy Hunter, OF Drew Stubbs.

Going campin’: The Orioles hope the formula for success they employed last season will work again in 2017.

They brought back major league home run leader Mark Trumbo to anchor a lineup that led the bigs in long balls. The trade for Smith (16 HRs, 0 steals with Seattle in 2016) only hammers home the point that Baltimore intends to power its way into the playoffs for the fourth time in six years. Objectives for spring training include making Trumbo comfortable at first base and improving the outfield defense.

Manager: Joe Girardi (10th season).

2016: 84-78, fourth place.

Training Town: Tampa, Florida.

Park: Steinbrenner Field.

First Workout: Feb. 15/19.

He’s Here: LHP Aroldis Chapman, OF-DH Matt Holliday, 1B-DH Chris Carter, INF Ruben Tejada, C Wilkin Castillo, INF Pete Kozma.

He’s Otta Here: 1B Mark Teixeira, C Brian McCann, RHP Nathan Eovaldi, RHP Kirby Yates, RHP Nick Goody, INF Dustin Ackley, OF Billy Butler, OF Eric Young Jr. Going campin’: The Yankees began their youth movement last August, bringing up catcher Gary Sanchez, outfielder Aaron Judge and first baseman/outfielder Tyler Austin after trading Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran. Chapman returned during the offseason as a free agent, and Holliday and Carter are the chief additions, both right-handed bats to balance a lefty-dependent batting order.

Greg Bird, back from shoulder surgery that sidelined him for all of last season, will have to beat out Austin and Carter at first base.

Kansas City Royals

Chicago White Sox

Manager: Ned Yost (eighth season).

2016: 81-81, third place.

Training Town: Surprise, Arizona.

Park: Surprise Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: OF Jorge Soler, RHP Jason Hammel, RHP Nate Karns, DH Brandon Moss, RHP Al Alburquerque, RHP Bobby Parnell, RHP Brandon League.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Wade Davis, DH Kendrys Morales, OF Jarrod Dyson, RHP Luke Hochevar, RHP Peter Moylan, LHP Tim Collins.

Going campin’: After back-to-back World Series trips, the Royals dropped back to .500 last season.

But they still believe they have the pieces to make another postseason run, even after RHP Yordano Ventura’s tragic death in a car accident in the Dominican Republic.

The starting lineup returns largely intact, with the exception of Soler taking over as the everyday right fielder and Moss replacing Morales at DH. The Royals will also get 3B Mike Moustakas back from reconstructive knee surgery. The margin for error is slim for Kansas City, but with a bevy of players hitting free agency next year, this could be the last good chance to compete for an AL Central title for a while.

Manager: Rick Renteria (first season).

2016: 78-84, fourth place.

Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.

Park: Cameback Ranch.

First Workout: Feb. 14/18.

He’s Here: RHP Lucas Giolito, INF Yoan Moncada, LHP Derek Holland, RHP Reynaldo Lopez, C Geovany Soto, OF Peter Bourjos.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Robin Ventura, LHP Chris Sale, OF Adam Eaton, OF Austin Jackson, DH Justin Morneau, C Alex Avila, RHP Matt Albers.

Going campin’: The rebuild is underway. After four straight losing seasons, the White Sox decided it was time for a makeover. That meant trading their ace (Sale) and a quality outfielder (Eaton). In return, they loaded up on prospects. Moncada, acquired from Boston, is considered one of the top young talents in baseball. But the White Sox remain open for business. Todd Frazier could be on the move coming off a 40-homer season, and closer David Robertson could be an attractive piece for a contender. Renteria, known for his patience and positive outlook, is getting another chance to manage in Chicago after serving as Ventura’s bench coach last year.

Tampa Bay Rays Manager: Kevin Cash (third season).

2016: 68-94, fifth place.

Training Town: Port Charlotte, Florida.

Park: Charlotte Sports Park.

First Workout: Feb. 14/19.

He’s Here: C Wilson Ramos, OF Colby Rasmus, RHP Shawn Tolleson, OF Mallex Smith, OF-INF Rickie Weeks, RHP Jose De Leon, C Jesus Sucre.

He’s Outta Here: LHP Drew Smyly, 2B Logan Forsythe, RHP Kevin Jepsen, LHP Enny Romero, RHP Steve Geltz, INF Alexei Ramirez, OF Mikie Mahtook.

Going campin’: After reaching the playoffs four times in six seasons, the Rays have missed out for three consecutive years.

New Rays OF Colby Rasmus hit 15 home runs last season with Houston.

[Associated press file photo]

AL central

Cleveland Indians

Manager: Terry Francona (fifth season).

2016: 94-67, first place, AL champions, lost to Chicago Cubs in World Series.

Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.

Park: Goodyear Ballpark.

First Workout: Feb. 14/19.

He’s Here: 1B-DH Edwin Encarnacion, OF Austin Jackson, LHP Boone Logan, RHP Carlos Frias, OF Wily Mo Pena, CF Bradley Zimmer, SS Eric Stamets.

He’s Outta Here: 1B-DH Mike Napoli, OF Coco Crisp, OF Rajai Davis, C Chris Gimenez, 1B Jesus Aguilar, OF Marlon Byrd, RHP Jeff Manship.

Going campin’: The Indians were aggressive in free agency and landed one of the biggest prizes on the market, signing Encarnacion to a $60 million, three-year contract — the richest for a free agent in club history. One of baseball’s most feared hitters, Encarnacion has averaged 39 homers over the past five seasons and his presence alone will help Francona’s lineup.

For the second year in a row, left fielder Michael Brantley’s right shoulder will be a hot topic during camp. He played just 11 games last season, but following another surgery, there is hope he can return on a full-time basis.

Detroit Tigers Manager: Brad Ausmus (fourth season).

2016: 86-75, second place.

Training Town: Lakeland, Florida.

Park: Publix Field At Joker Marchant Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/18.

He’s Here: C Alex Avila, OF Mikie Mahtook.

He’s Outta Here: OF Cameron Maybin, SS Erick Aybar, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 3B Casey McGehee.

Going campin’: The Tigers said at the beginning of the offseason they’d be open to cutting payroll, but that never really happened. So the same expensive roster is back for another shot at a postseason berth. Now two seasons removed from its four-year run atop the AL Central, Detroit still has enough stars to be a factor. Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton lead the offense.

Miguel Cabrera’s line in 2016?

An absurd .316/38/108.

[Associated press file photo]

Minnesota Twins Manager: Paul Molitor (third season).

2016: 59-103, fifth place.

Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida.

Park: Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex.

First Workout: Feb. 14/19.

He’s Here: C Jason Castro, RHP Matt Belisle, RHP Ryan Vogelsong, SS Ehire Adrianza, OF Drew Stubbs.

He’s Outta Here: 3B Trevor Plouffe, C Kurt Suzuki, LHP Tommy Milone, RHP Pat Light.

Going campin’: After the club compiled its most losses since the franchise moved to Minnesota in 1961, the Twins are starting fresh, but they’re not starting over.

New baseball chief Derek Falvey, with new GM Thad Levine as his top lieutenant, has been using a measured, patient approach with his attempt to turn around a team that hasn’t reached the postseason in seven years. With still-budding young talent in the lineup like 3B Miguel Sano, CF Byron Buxton and RF Max Kepler, and the return of 2B Brian Dozier after trade talks didn’t yield enough for Falvey and Levine’s liking, significant runscoring potential remains. The Twins ranked a respectable sixth in the AL in total bases and eighth in OPS despite their abysmal record.

AL west

Texas Rangers

Manager: Jeff Banister (third season).

2016: 95-67, first place, lost to Toronto in ALDS. Training Town: Surprise, Arizona.

Park: Surprise Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/21.

He’s Here: RHP Andrew Cashner, RHP Tyson Ross, 1B James Loney.

He’s Outta Here: LHP Derek Holland, CF Ian Desmond, DH Carlos Beltran, 1B Mitch Moreland, RHP Colby Lewis.

Going campin’: The Rangers won an AL-high 95 games last year and have been West champions in both seasons under Banister, but they are five seasons removed from back-to-back World Series appearances (2010-11). New additions Ross and Cashner are former Padres teammates. Moreland, a Gold Glove winner, Desmond and Beltran left in free agency. Mike Napoli is set to rejoin the team for a third stint to play first base.

Carlos Gomez will move to center field, where he was a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner in Milwaukee, after hitting eight homers in 33 games for Texas at the end of last season. The DH spot will be flexible, and possible options include 2010 AL MVP and five-time All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton, in camp on a minor league deal and working at first base after missing last season following three operations on his left knee.

Seattle Mariners Manager: Scott Servais (second season).

2016: 86-76, second place.

Training Town: Peoria, Arizona.

Park: Peoria Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/19.

He’s Here: SS Jean Segura, OF Jarrod Dyson, 1B-3B Danny Valencia, OF Mitch Haniger, RHP Yovani Gallardo, LHP Drew Smyly, C Carlos Ruiz, RHP Shae Simmons, LHP Marc Rzepczynski, RHP Casey Fien.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Taijuan Walker, 1B Adam Lind, OF Nori Aoki, 1B Dae-Ho Lee, OF Franklin Gutierrez, LHP Wade Miley, RHP Nathan Karns, LHP Vidal Nuno, RHP Tom Wilhelmsen, RHP Drew Storen, C Jesus Sucre.

Going campin’: The Mariners are coming off a surprising 86-win campaign that kept them in the playoff chase until the next-to-last day of the regular season. Servais accomplished his first-year task of changing the culture in the clubhouse, buoyed in part by huge seasons from Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz. But the roster makeover by general manager Jerry Dipoto didn’t stop after one season. The Mariners were extremely active in the offseason, completing 12 trades in an attempt to get younger and more athletic.

The outfield is completely changed with the additions of Dyson and Haniger, and the starting rotation is deeper thanks to the acquisitions of Gallardo and Smyly.

Houston Astros Manager: A.J. Hinch (third season).

2016: 84-78, third place.

Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.

Park: The Ballpark of Palm Beaches.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: OF Josh Reddick, C Brian McCann, DH-OF Carlos Beltran, RHP Charlie Morton, OF Nori Aoki, LHP Ashur Tolliver.

He’s Outta Here: C Jason Castro, RHP Pat Neshek, OF Colby Rasmus, 3B Luis Valbuena, RHP Doug Fister.

Going campin’: A slow start of 7-17 left the Astros in a deep hole early last season, and despite steady improvement throughout, that proved too much to overcome. They spent significant money to bring in some veterans for the first time in years by adding Beltran, Reddick and McCann to their talented young core. The infield should again be the strength of the team behind the work of AL batting champion Jose Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa.

Jose Altuve was third in MVP voting in 2016. [Associated press file photo]

Los Angeles Angels Manager: Mike Scioscia (18th season).

2016: 74-88, fourth place.

Training Town: Tempe, Arizona.

Park: Tempe Diablo Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: OF Cameron Maybin, 2B Danny Espinosa, INF Luis Valbuena, OF Ben Revere, RHP Jesse Chavez, C Martin Maldonado.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Jered Weaver, LHP C.J. Wilson, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, INF Gregorio Petit, C Jett Bandy.

Going campin’: The Angels return from their worst season of Scioscia’s long tenure with hopes for a quick rebound. Despite the salary constraints caused by owner Arte Moreno’s free-spending past, GM Billy Eppler capably addressed the Angels’ two biggest lineup problems by putting the well-rounded Maybin in left field and Orange County native Espinosa at second base. Eppler even added veteran depth behind them with Revere and Valbuena, who could also play extensively at first base if Albert Pujols returns slowly from offseason foot surgery. Scioscia must figure out his rotation this spring, and the Angels might still be looking to add starting pitching. The Angels’ goal is to capitalize on the prime of two-time AL MVP Mike Trout, who says he still has room to improve.

Oakland Athletics Manager: Bob Melvin (seventh season).

2016: 69-93, fifth place.

Training Town: Mesa, Arizona.

Park: Hohokam Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/19.

He’s Here: 3B Trevor Plouffe, RHP Santiago Casilla, RF Matt Joyce, CF Rajai Davis, 3B Adam Rosales, RHP Paul Blackburn, LF Alejandro De Aza. He’s Outta Here: 3B Danny Valencia, CF Brett Eibner, LHP Dillon Overton.

Going campin’: The A’s are coming off a second straight last-place finish and the worst two-year run for the franchise since 1978-79, before Billy Ball, the Bash Brothers or Moneyball. Oakland spent much of last season shedding some of its top players like Josh Reddick, Rich Hill and Coco Crisp before losing them in free agency. New team president Dave Kaval has helped excite the fan base with talk of a potential new stadium in Oakland and more amenities. Improving the product on the field would help even more. LF Khris Davis (42 homers) and SS Marcus Semien (27 homers) provide the power in a lineup that gets a jolt of speed with Davis’ return to Oakland. The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum is generally regarded as one of the worst in baseball. The Athletics share the expansive facility with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, at least for now.

nl spring training glance NL east

Wash. Nationals Manager: Dusty Baker (second season).

2016: 95-67, first place, lost to Dodgers in NLDS. Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.

Park: The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

First Workout: Feb. 16/19.

He’s Here: CF Adam Eaton, C Derek Norris, LHP Enny Romero.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Mark Melancon, C Wilson Ramos, INF Danny Espinosa, CF Ben Revere, LHP Marc Rzepczynski.

Going campin’: After winning the NL East for the third time in five years, and once again losing their opening playoff series, the Nationals made just a couple of significant offseason additions. Instead, GM Mike Rizzo brings his team to its new spring training facility (shared with the Houston Astros) counting on the returning core to be productive, including RF Bryce Harper (coming off a disappointing season), and INFs Daniel Murphy and Anthony Rendon. Another key question is whether, at age 32, first baseman Ryan Zimmerman can bounce back from a season in which he hit .218.

New York Mets Manager: Terry Collins (seventh season).

2016: 87-75, second place, lost to San Francisco in wild-card game.

Training Town: Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Park: Tradition Field.

First Workout: Feb. 14/19.

He’s Here: LHP Tom Gorzelanny, LHP Adam Wilk, RHP Ben Rowen, 3B coach Glenn Sherlock.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Bartolo Colon, 1B James Loney, OF Alejandro De Aza, RHP Jim Henderson, LHP Jonathon Niese, INF-OF Kelly Johnson, RHP Logan Verrett, RHP Gabriel Ynoa, CF Justin Ruggiano, 3B coach Tim Teufel.

Going campin’: There aren’t many new faces in the clubhouse as the Mets, 2015 NL champs, set out to make three straight playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history. New York quickly re-signed slugger Yoenis Cespedes for $110 million over four years and barely touched last season’s injuryriddled squad during the winter.

That could change this spring, with GM Sandy Alderson still looking to clear space in a crowded outfield by trading Jay Bruce.

Miami Marlins Manager: Don Mattingly (second season).

2016: 79-82, third place.

Training Town: Jupiter, Florida.

Park: Roger Dean Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: RHP Dan Straily, RHP Edinson Volquez, RHP Brad Ziegler, RHP Junichi Tazawa, LHP Jeff Locke, C A.J. Ellis.

He’s Outta Here: LHP Mike Dunn, INF Chris Johnson, C Jeff Mathis, RHP Andrew Cashner, RHP Fernando Rodney, OF Jeff Francoeur.

Going campin’: The Marlins must move on without ace Jose Fernandez, killed in a boat crash the week before the end of the 2016 season.

The starting lineup returns intact and will be anchored by slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who batted a career-low .240 in 2016. Also back is 43-year-old reserve outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, now a member of the 3,000-hit club. Frugal owner Jeffrey Loria, who has a preliminary agreement to sell the team, has increased the payroll to about $100 million in hopes of ending a 13-season playoff drought. Last season’s payroll was just over $80 million, ahead of only the Brewers and Rays.

Philadelphia Phillies Manager: Pete Mackanin (third season).

2016: 71-91, fourth place.

Training Town: Clearwater, Fla. Park: Spectrum Field First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: LF-INF Howie Kendrick, OF Michael Saunders, RHP Clay Buchholz, RHP Joaquin Benoit, RHP Pat Neshek, OF-INF Chris Coghlan, OF Daniel Nava, C Ryan Hanigan, LHP Sean Burnett.

He’s Outta Here: 1B Ryan Howard, OF-3B Cody Asche, OF Peter Bourjos, 1B-OF Darin Ruf, RHP Charlie Morton, RHP David Hernandez.

Going campin’: The Phillies are coming off their fourth straight losing season and looking to take another step forward in their rebuilding process after an eightgame improvement last year.

Howie Kendrick had nearly 500 atbats last season with the Dodgers.

Atlanta Braves Manager: Brian Snitker (second season).

2016: 68-93, fifth place.

Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.

Park: Champion Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP R.A. Dickey, LHP Jaime Garcia, C Kurt Suzuki, INF Sean Rodriguez, 2B Micah Johnson, LHP John Danks, RHP Kris Medlen, C Tuffy Gosewisch, OF Alex Jackson, OF Emilio Bonifacio, LHP Rex Brothers, LHP Luiz Gohara, RHP Blaine Boyer, RHP Luke Jackson, LHP Jacob Lindgren.

He’s Outta Here: OF Mallex Smith, C A.J. Pierzynski, RHP Shae Simmons, RHP Tyrell Jenkins, RHP Williams Perez, RHP Chris Withrow, RHP John Gant, RHP Ryan Weber, RHP Rob Whalen.

Going campin’: Rodriguez could push Jace Peterson and possibly Johnson at second base, but otherwise the starting eight appears set. The trade for left fielder Matt Kemp and the promotion of shortstop Dansby Swanson boosted the lineup and led to a strong 2016 finish that earned Snitker the fulltime job. A rookie to watch is third baseman Rio Ruiz.

[Associated press file photo]

NL central

Chicago Cubs

Manager: Joe Maddon (third season).

2016: 103-58, first place, World Series champions.

Training Town: Mesa, Arizona.

Park: Sloan Park.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: RHP Wade Davis, OF Jon Jay, RHP Koji Uehara, LHP Brett Anderson, RHP Eddie Butler, LHP Brian Duensing.

He’s Outta Here: CF Dexter Fowler, OF Jorge Soler, LHP Aroldis Chapman, RHP Jason Hammel, LHP Travis Wood, C David Ross, RHP Trevor Cahill, OF Chris Coghlan, RHP Joe Smith.

Going campin’: There are a couple of intriguing questions, but the Cubs are a legitimate threat for baseball’s first repeat World Series winner since the New York Yankees won three in a row from 1998-2000. NL MVP Kris Bryant leads a deep lineup that could be even better if Kyle Schwarber can put together a full season. There is an opening in center field, where Jay and Albert Almora Jr. could split time after Fowler signed with St. Louis. The leadoff spot in the lineup also is worth watching, but the world champion Cubs begin spring training in great shape for their title defense.

St. Louis Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates

Milwaukee Brewers

Manager: Mike Matheny (sixth season).

2016: 86-76, second place.

Training Town: Jupiter, Florida.

Park: Roger Dean Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: CF Dexter Fowler, LHP Brett Cecil.

He’s Outta Here: OF Matt Holliday, OF-1B Brandon Moss, LHP Jaime Garcia, RHP Seth Maness, RHP Jerome Williams, OF Jeremy Hazelbaker.

Going campin’: The Cardinals missed the postseason for the first time since 2010 last year, the first time that’s happened under Matheny.

Seeking a return to October, St. Louis signed Fowler to an $82.5 million, five-year contract — weakening NL Central rival Chicago in the process. Fowler’s arrival is expected to provide stability at the top of the order and in the outfield, as well as bring some muchneeded athleticism to a lineup that was last in the National League in stolen bases last season. With Matt Carpenter expected to move to first base in the spring, and St. Louis committed to Kolten Wong at second, expect a competition for playing time at third base between veterans Jedd Gyorko and Jhonny Peralta.

Manager: Clint Hurdle (seventh season).

2016: 78-83, third place.

Training Town: Bradenton, Florida.

Park: McKechnie Field.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: RHP Daniel Hudson, RHP Pat Light.

He’s Outta Here: LHP Jeff Locke, RHP Ryan Vogelsong, RHP Neftali Feliz, INF-OF Sean Rodriguez, OF Matt Joyce, INF Jason Rogers, C Eric Fryer.

Going campin’: The Pirates fell off the pace in 2016 following three straight playoff appearances but did little in free agency to try to close the gap on St. Louis or the World Series champion Chicago Cubs. The team’s most notable move was one it didn’t make — holding onto star center fielder Andrew McCutchen after exploring trade options in December. McCutchen tried to brush off the prospect of leaving and even agreed to slide over to right field this season, part of a retooled outfield that puts Gold Glove winner Starling Marte in center and Gregory Polanco in left. The outfield, however, is the least of Pittsburgh’s concerns heading into camp. Pittsburgh expects third baseman Jung Ho Kang to be in camp following his offseason arrest in Korea on DUI charges.

Manager: Craig Counsell (third season).

2016: 73-89, fourth place.

Training Town: Phoenix.

Park: Maryvale Baseball Park.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: 1B Eric Thames, 3B Travis Shaw, RHP Neftali Feliz, C Jett Bandy, LHP Tommy Milone.

He’s Outta Here: 1B Chris Carter, RHP Tyler Thornburg, C Martin Maldonado, RHP Blaine Boyer.

Going campin’: The rebuilding project appears to be moving along on schedule entering the second full season under general manager David Stearns. Ryan Braun has the largest veteran contract left to move, though the slugger making $20 million this season is also content in Milwaukee. Slick-fielding Orlando Arcia, the first key piece to arrive in the majors, enters his first full season as the starting shortstop.

The future is here for the Brewers, in SS Orlando Arcia.

[Associated press file photo]

Cincinnati Reds Manager: Bryan Price (fourth season).

2016: 68-94, last place.

Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.

Park: Goodyear Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: RHP Scott Feldman, RHP Drew Storen, RHP Austin Brice, OF Desmond Jennings.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Dan Straily, C Ramon Cabrera, RHP J.J. Hoover, OF Steve Selsky, RHP Alfredo Simon, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Keyvius Sampson.

Going campin’: The Reds have stabilized after two years of trading away core players as part of a massive rebuild. They opened last season with five starters on the disabled list, and their decision not to sign an experienced closer turned out to be ruinous.

Once their starters got healthy, they became competitive, going 36-37 after the All-Star break. The bullpen was one of the worst in major league history, so the Reds signed Storen in the offseason to bring in an experienced closer.

The everyday lineup is anchored

by Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton.

After losing 98 and 94 games in the last two years, the Reds are hoping they’ve bottomed out and will be in contention come September.

NL west

L.A. Dodgers

Manager: Dave Roberts (second season).

2016: 91-71, first place, lost to Cubs in NLCS. Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.

Park: Camelback Ranch.

First Workout: Feb. 16/21.

He’s Here: 2B Logan Forsythe, 1B-OF Darin Ruf, OF Brett Eibner, LHP Vidal Nuno.

He’s Outta Here: INF-OF Howie Kendrick, C Carlos Ruiz, 2B Chase Utley, RHP Louis Coleman, RHP Jose De Leon, RHP Carlos Frias.

Going campin’: The Dodgers are coming off their fourth consecutive NL West title and making the NL Championship Series, so they have to be considered favorites to repeat as division champions.

SS Corey Seager hit .308 with 26 home runs to become the franchise’s 17th NL Rookie of the Year.

Seager enters this season as a legitimate MVP candidate. OF Yasiel Puig will be in the spotlight again after nearly being traded at the midseason deadline. He could be relegated to a platoon role in the deep outfield corps unless he consistently plays at the level he showed in his first two seasons.

As has been the case lately, the Dodgers continue to lead MLB in payroll spending. Los Angeles has more than $230 million committed to payroll this season, according to spotrac.com.

S.F. Giants Manager: Bruce Bochy (11th season).

2016: 87-75, second place, wild card, lost to Cubs in NLDS. Training Town: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Park: Scottsdale Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 14/17.

He’s Here: RHP Mark Melancon, C Nick Hundley, 3B Jae-gyun Hwang, RHP Josh Johnson, RF Justin Ruggiano, LHP Alberto Rodriguez.

He’s Outta Here: RHP Santiago Casilla, RHP Sergio Romo, LHP Javier Lopez, LF Angel Pagan, RHP Jake Peavy, RF Gregor Blanco, INF Ehire Adrianza, RHP Joe Nathan.

Going campin’: San Francisco’s run of even-year championships ended when the Giants were beaten in the Division Series by the eventual champion Cubs. The Game 4 elimination loss went the way much of the season did, with Bochy using five relievers in the ninth inning in search of any success. Instead, Chicago scored four runs to win 6-5 and end San Francisco’s season.

The Giants are counting on ex-Nat Mark Melancon to help them back to the top of the West. [Associated press file photo]

Colorado Rockies Manager: Bud Black (first season).

2016: 75-87, third place.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Park: Salt River Field at Talking Stick.

First Workout: Feb. 14/20.

He’s Here: 1B Ian Desmond, LHP Mike Dunn, RHP Greg Holland, INF Alexi Amarista.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Walt Weiss, LHP Jorge De La Rosa, C Nick Hundley, LHP Boone Logan, 1B-OF Ben Paulsen, OF Ryan Raburn, INF Daniel Descalso, RHP Eddie Butler.

Going campin’: Black signed a threeyear deal to take over for Weiss, who stepped down when his contract expired after four years in charge of the Rockies. They finished 75-87 last season, their best record since 2010. Black is respected for his pitching acumen, which will come in handy at Coors Field. Last season, 215 home runs were blasted out of Coors, at an average distance traveled of 420 feet. That’s a lot of feet. This team has the offense and starting pitching to stay in contention for a playoff spot late into the season.

The lineup includes baseball’s RBI leader from a year ago, Nolan Arenado, as well as Carlos Gonzalez, Trevor Story, NL batting champion DJ LeMahieu and Desmond, the All-Star outfielder/shortstop who’s learning to play first base this season.

Arizona D’backs Manager: Torey Lovullo (first season).

2016: 69-93, fourth place.

Training Town: Scottsdale, Arizona.

Park: Salt River Fields.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: RHP Taijuan Walker, RHP Fernando Rodney, C Chris Iannetta, C Jeff Mathis, SS Ketel Marte, INF Daniel Descalso, OF Jeremy Hazelbaker, OF Gregor Blanco, RHP Tyler Jones.

He’s Outta Here: Manager Chip Hale, 2B-SS Jean Segura, C Welington Castillo, RHP Daniel Hudson, OF Rickie Weeks, OF Mitch Haniger, OF Peter O’Brien.

Going Campin’: The cast of players isn’t much different, but there’s a new regime running things this spring. The Diamondbacks thought they had the makings of a contender last year, but the team faltered badly as one of the season’s major disappointments, leading to the firing of Hale and general manager Dave Stewart, and the reassignment of Tony La Russa from chief baseball officer to chief baseball analyst.

The Diamondbacks went to Boston for new leadership, luring GM Mike Hazen to fill the general manager’s job and Red Sox bench coach Lovullo to serve as manager. The new men in charge did only minor tinkering with the roster, though, believing the team’s core had the talent to compete. The top position battle is at shortstop between Chris Owings, Nick Ahmed and Marte.

San Diego Padres

Manager: Andy Green (second season).

2016: 68-94, fifth place.

Training Town: Peoria, Arizona.

Park: Peoria Stadium.

First Workout: Feb. 15/18.

He’s Here: RHP Jhoulys Chacin, RHP Trevor Cahill, C Luis Torrens.

He’s Outta Here: CF Jon Jay, C Derek Norris, RHP Tyson Ross, INF-OF Alexi Amarista, RHP Edwin Jackson, RHP Carlos Villanueva, 3B Adam Rosales, RHP Brandon Morrow.

Going campin’: The Padres are in a deep rebuilding mode and executive chairman Ron Fowler doesn’t expect them to be competitive for at least two seasons. Padres manager Andy Green is entering his second season in San Diego with a different outlook. Despite all the young players in camp, Green asserts spring training is not a classroom and that players better be ready to execute at a high level. “We’re here to create a curve of expectation,” Green said Tuesday, reporting day for pitchers and catchers. “This is not a development level but an expectation level.

Players need to differentiate their different curves and possess the ability to recognize where they are in the process.” Last season, it was necessary to learn about his players and establish a pattern. “Now, I know what to expect,” Green said.

“There will be a quicker pace to the camp and many things I set up last year that took time are now in place.”

NBA 2017 | EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW

Atlantic Division

Central Division

Capsules by The Associated Press

Southeast Division

BOSTON CELTICS

CHICAGO BULLS

ATLANTA HAWKS

LAST SEASON: 53-29, lost in Eastern Conference finals.

COACH: Brad Stevens (fifth season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Kyrie Irving (25.2 ppg, Cleveland), G Gordon Hayward (21.9 ppg, Utah), F Jaylen Brown (6.6 ppg), F Marcus Morris, (14.0 ppg, Detroit), C Al Horford (14.0 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G Isaiah Thomas, G Avery Bradley, F Jae Crowder.

KEY ADDITIONS: Irving, Hayward, Morris, F Jayson Tatum.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: All eyes will be on Irving and Hayward after Ainge wooed Hayward away from Utah in free agency and made the blockbuster trade with Cleveland, dealing Thomas for Irving. On paper it is an upgrade at point guard, adding a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot.

OUTLOOK: This group has plenty of talent, but there are also has some questions to solve. Rebounding is a big one, and another is how exactly how this new “positionless” starting five will fare on the defensive end.

LAST SEASON: 41-41, lost in first round of playoffs.

COACH: Fred Hoiberg (third season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Kris Dunn (3.8 ppg, 2.4 apg), G Justin Holiday (7.7 ppg), F Denzel Valentine (5.1 ppg), F Bobby Portis, (6.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg), C Robin Lopez (10.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg).

KEY LOSSES: G Jimmy Butler, G Dwyane Wade, G Rajon Rondo.

KEY ADDITIONS: Dunn, G Zach LaVine, F Lauri Markkanen.

PLAYER TO WATCH: The Bulls need to get production from a trio of players — Dunn, Markkanen and guard Zach LaVine — they acquired from Minnesota for Butler on draft night. A two-time slam dunk champion, LaVine, who averaged 18.9 points last season, is working his way back from a torn ACL and won’t be ready for the start of the season.

OUTLOOK: The Bulls went all-in on rebuilding and are banking on a high lottery pick next spring. That means no more plugging holes to try to stay competitive and plenty of losses this season.

LAST SEASON: 43-39, lost in Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: Mike Budenholzer (fifth season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Dennis Schroder (17.9 ppg, 6.3 apg), G Kent Bazemore (11.0 ppg), F Taurean Prince (11.2 ppg in playoffs), F Ersan Ilyasova (13.1 ppg), C Dewayne Dedmon (6.5 rpg).

KEY LOSSES: F Paul Millsap, C Dwight Howard, G Tim Hardaway Jr., F Thabo Sefolosha, F Mike Scott, G Jose Calderon.

KEY ADDITIONS: Dedmon, F John Collins, G Marco Belinelli, F Luke Babbitt, C Miles Plumlee, G-F Nicolas Brussino.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Schroder will have to carry an even bigger load than he did a year ago, when he led the Hawks in assists and ranked second behind Millsap in scoring.

OUTLOOK: The Hawks will be hard-pressed to continue their streak of 10 straight playoff appearances.

New general manager Travis Schlenk decided to dismantle the roster, setting up a long-range and, in all likelihood, painful rebuilding process.

BROOKLYN NETS

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

LAST SEASON: 20-62, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Kenny Atkinson (second season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Jeremy Lin (14.5 ppg), G D’Angelo Russell (15.6 ppg), F DeMarre Carroll (8.9 ppg), F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, (8.7 ppg), C Timofey Mozgov (7.4 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: C Brook Lopez.

KEY ADDITIONS: Russell, Carroll, Mozgov, G/F Allen Crabbe PLAYER TO WATCH: Russell. It’s not often a player who was the No. 2 pick in the draft becomes available after just two seasons, but the Nets found one when the Lakers were looking to move on from the point guard.

OUTLOOK: The Nets still don’t have any superstars, and teams need those to win big in the NBA. But they bolstered their roster enough that they shouldn’t lose as much as last season.

LAST SEASON: 51-31, lost in NBA Finals.

COACH: Tyronn Lue (third season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Derrick Rose (18.0), G Dwyane Wade (18.3), F LeBron James (26.4), F Jae Crowder (13.9), C Kevin Love (19.0).

KEY LOSSES: Kyrie Irving, James Jones.

KEY ADDITIONS: Rose, Wade, Crowder, G Isaiah Thomas, G Jose Calderon, F Jeff Green.

PLAYER TO WATCH: There are enthralling story lines throughout Cleveland’s roster, but James is at the heart of everything. He barely took a deep breath after losing in his seventh straight Finals before getting back in the gym. He’s as motivated as ever, fueled by Irving’s trade demand and finishing fourth in the MVP voting.

OUTLOOK: Despite losing Irving, the Cavs remain the class of the Eastern Conference and it’s hard to imagine any team denying them a fourth straight Finals appearance.

LAST SEASON: 36-46, missed the playoffs COACH: Steve Clifford (fifth season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Kemba Walker (15.1 ppg), G Nic Batum (12.5 ppg, injured), F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (9.2 ppg), F Marvin Williams (11.2 ppg), C Dwight Howard (8 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G Marco Belinelli. C Miles Plumlee, PG Ramon Sessions.

KEY ADDITIONS: Howard, PG Michael Carter-Williams, G Malik Monk, G-F Dwayne Bacon.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jeremy Lamb will start the season at shooting guard with Batum out at least two months with a torn ligament in his left elbow.

OUTLOOK: The loss of Batum to start the season is a big one for the Hornets as he was expected to trigger the pick and roll game with Howard. The feeling is the Hornets can return to being a playoff contender for the third time in five years if Howard returns to an All-Star level.

NEW YORK KNICKS

DETROIT PISTONS

MIAMI HEAT

LAST SEASON: 31-51, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Jeff Hornacek (second season, fifth NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Ramon Sessions (6.2 ppg), G Tim Hardaway Jr. (14.5 ppg), F Courtney Lee (10.8 ppg) F Kristaps Porzingis (18.1 ppg), C Enes Kanter (14.3 ppg) KEY LOSSES: F Carmelo Anthony, G Derrick Rose, G Justin Holiday.

KEY ADDITIONS: Hardaway, Sessions, Kanter, G Frank Ntilikina, F Doug McDermott, F Michael Beasley.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Hardaway. The Knicks gave their former first-round pick a $71 million deal to come back to New York after trading him to Atlanta two years ago, and if he’s not worth it there aren’t many other places they can find offense from after trading Anthony and letting Rose leave.

OUTLOOK: The Knicks moved on from Anthony and Phil Jackson, so there should be less drama this season.

LAST SEASON: 37-45, missed the playoffs COACH: Stan Van Gundy (fourth season, 12th NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Reggie Jackson (14.5 ppg), G Avery Bradley (16.3 ppg), F Tobias Harris (16.1 ppg), F Stanley Johnson (4.4 ppg), C Andre Drummond (13.6 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F Marcus Morris, C Aron Baynes.

KEY ADDITIONS: Bradley, G Luke Kennard, G Langston Galloway, F Anthony Tolliver.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Drummond has been Detroit’s franchise player but hasn’t always lived up to those expectations.

OUTLOOK: After a playoff appearance in 2016, the Pistons took a step back last season. There was plenty of blame to go around. Drummond took a lot of the criticism, but Detroit also needed better play from Jackson, who was bothered by knee issues.

LAST SEASON: 41-41, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Erik Spoelstra (10th season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Goran Dragic (20.3 ppg), G Dion Waiters (15.8 ppg), F Rodney McGruder (6.4 ppg), F James Johnson (12.8 ppg), C Hassan Whiteside (17.0 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: C Willie Reed, F Luke Babbitt, F Josh McRoberts.

KEY ADDITIONS: F Kelly Olynyk, F Bam Adebayo.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Dragic found a new gear this summer when he led his native Slovenia to its first European championship, and the Heat hope he carries that same momentum into this season.

OUTLOOK: Miami went 30-11 in the second half of last season, and kept the core of that team together after giving long-term deals to Waiters and James Johnson, plus finding the space needed to pick up Wayne Ellington’s option. Olynyk does some things in pick-and-roll situations.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

INDIANA PACERS

ORLANDO MAGIC

LAST SEASON: 28-54, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Brett Brown (fifth season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Markelle Fultz (rookie), G J.J. Redick (15.0 ppg), F Ben Simmons (rookie), F Robert Covington (12.9 ppg), C Joel Embiid (20.2 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G Gerald Henderson KEY ADDITIONS: Redick PLAYER TO WATCH: Embiid will play under the expectation of the $148 million contract extension signed shortly before the season. He is clearly a difference maker and his health could determine if the Sixers contend for a playoff spot or spend another year in the draft lottery.

OUTLOOK: The Sixers haven’t made the playoffs since 2012 but could sneak in as an eighth seed if Embiid, Simmons and Fultz stay healthy and productive.

LAST SEASON: 42-40, lost in Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: Nate McMillan (second season, 14th NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Darren Collison (13.2 ppg), G Victor Oladipo (15.9 ppg), F Bojan Bogdanovic (13.7 ppg), F Thaddeus Young, (18.3 ppg), C Myles Turner (11.0 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: F Paul George, G Jeff Teague, F C.J. Miles.

KEY ADDITIONS: Oladipo, Collison, Bogdanovic, G Cory Joseph, F Domantas Sabonis.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Oladipo. While Turner replaces George as the face of the franchise, Oladipo is a defensive stopper who can provide the consistent energy Indiana was missing last season.

OUTLOOK: George’s departure completely changed Indiana’s game plan.

LAST SEASON: 29-53, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Frank Vogel (second season, eighth NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Elfrid Payton (12.8 ppg), Evan Fournier (17.2 ppg), G Terrence Ross (12.5 ppg), Aaron Gordon (12.7 ppg), C Nikola Vucevic (14.6 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: F Jeff Green, G Jodie Meeks, G C.J. Watson.

KEY ADDITIONS: F Jonathan Isaac, F Jonathon Simmons, G Arron Afflalo, C Marreese Speights.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Simmons. He comes over from the San Antonio Spurs. He gives the Magic a defensive toughness and explosiveness from the guard position that has been missing.

OUTLOOK: After another disappointing non-playoff season, even though the Magic didn’t overhaul the roster as had become the norm the last several years.

TORONTO RAPTORS

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

LAST SEASON: 51-31, lost in Eastern Conference semifinals.

COACH: Dwane Casey (seventh season, ninth NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Kyle Lowry (careerhigh 22.4 ppg),G DeMar DeRozan (career-high 27.3 ppg), F C.J. Miles (10.7 ppg with Indiana), F Serge Ibaka (14.2 ppg in 23 games), C Jonas Valanciunas).

KEY LOSSES: F DeMarre Carroll, G Cory Joseph, F Patrick Patterson, F P.J. Tucker.

KEY ADDITIONS: F C.J. Miles, F OG Anunoby.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Miles posted a career-high .413 shooting percentage from 3-point range with the Pacers last season. The Raptors hope Miles will be a reliable outside threat that opens up the floor for his teammates.

OUTLOOK: Toronto spent big to re-sign Lowry and Ibaka and keep them alongside three-time All-Star DeRozan. The Raptors have plenty of talented youngsters DeMar behind the big three, DeRozan but no experienced veterans.

LAST SEASON: 42-40, lost in Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: Jason Kidd (fourth season, fifth NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: F Giannis Antetokounmpo (22.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.4 apg, 1.9 bpg), F Khris Middleton (14.7 ppg), C Thon Maker (4.0 ppg), G Malcolm Brogdon (10.2 ppg, 4.2 apg), G Tony Snell (8.5 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: F Michael Beasley KEY ADDITIONS: Rookie F D.J. Wilson PLAYER TO WATCH: Antetokounmpo. The 6-foot-11 forward with the freakishly athletic skills became an All-Star last season, thriving as the team’s primary ball-handler.

OUTLOOK: The Bucks essentially stuck with the same roster after making the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

They’re still young, but expectations are on the rise, especially with Antetokounmpo becoming an All-Star.

He’ll get more help at midseason with the expected return of Giannis forward Jabari Parker Antetokounmpo from a knee injury.

LAST SEASON: 49-33, lost in Eastern Conference semifinals.

COACH: Scott Brooks (second season, ninth NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G John Wall (23.1 ppg, 10.7 apg), G Bradley Beal (23.1 ppg), F Otto Porter Jr. (13.4 ppg), F Markieff Morris, (14 ppg), C Marcin Gortat (10.8 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: F Bojan Bogdanovic.

KEY ADDITIONS: G Tim Frazier, G Jodie Meeks, F Mike Scott.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Porter will be expected to keep improving after signing a $106.5 million, four-year contract. He emerged as a top 3-point shooter last season, making 43.4 percent, and should get more touches as the team’s third option behind perennial All-Star Wall and Beal, who could finally get his first AllStar nod.

John OUTLOOK: After tinWall kering with its bench, Washington is relying on the same starting lineup in a bid to reach the conference finals for the first time in nearly 40 years.

NBA 2017 | wesTeRN CONFeReNCe PReVIew

Capsules by The Associated Press

Northwest Division

Pacific Division

Southwest Division

DENVER NUGGETS

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

DALLAS MAVERICKS

LAST SEASON: 40-42, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Michael Malone (third season, fifth NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Gary Harris (14.9 ppg), G Jamal Murray (9.9 ppg, 2.1 apg), F Wilson Chandler (15.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg), F Paul Millsap (18.1 ppg, 3.7 apg), C Nikola Jokic (16.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 4.9 apg).

KEY LOSSES: F Danilo Gallinari.

KEY ADDITIONS: Millsap, F Trey Lyles, F Tyler Lydon, F Josh Childress.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Milsap. The All-Star signed a three-year deal worth about $90 million. He should fit in seamlessly with fellow big man Jokic.

OUTLOOK: The Nuggets improved by seven games in 2016-17, but still missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season. Murray, Jameer Nelson and Emmanuel Mudiay are competing for minutes at point guard.

If one of the trio can take command at the point and the Nuggets can improve on the defensive end, Denver could make the leap to a playoff-caliber squad.

LAST SEASON: 67-15, won the championship.

COACH: Steve Kerr (fourth season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Stephen Curry (25.3 ppg, 6.6 apg, 4.5 rpg), G Klay Thompson (22.3 ppg), F Kevin Durant (25.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.8 apg), F Draymond Green (12.1 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 5.5 apg), C Zaza Pachulia (6.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg).

KEY LOSSES: G Ian Clark.

KEY ADDITIONS: G Nick Young, F Omri Casspi, rookie F Jordan Bell.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Young is still getting up to speed but his teammates have been urging him to shoot when he has a chance.

OUTLOOK: With so many returners and great depth, the Warriors should dominate again — if they can keep their edge. Kerr is challenging them to do many things better than they did during last season’s run to a second title in three years. Durant has a year in the system and is coming off his NBA Finals MVP honors, he seems poised to take his game up another notch.

LAST SEASON: 33-49, missed the playoffs COACH: Rick Carlisle (10th season, 16th NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Dennis Smith Jr. (rookie), G Yogi Ferrell (11.3 ppg, 4.3 apg), G Wesley Matthews (13.5 ppg), F Harrison Barnes (19.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg), C Dirk Nowitzki (14.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) KEY LOSSES: None.

KEY ADDITIONS: Smith.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Smith was taken ninth overall, highest draft position for Mavericks since getting Nowitzki in 1998. Already touted by Carlisle as point guard with skills Mavericks have never had at that position, Smith will have to assimilate to NBA game quickly for team to be competitive. Turns 20 in November.

OUTLOOK: Mavericks will have to overachieve to avoid missing playoffs in second straight season for first time since abysmal decade of 1990s was wrapping up. They need big contribution from center Nerlens Noel.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

PHOENIX SUNS

HOUSTON ROCKETS

LAST SEASON: 31-51, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Tom Thibodeau (second season, seventh NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Jeff Teague, G Andrew Wiggins, F Jimmy Butler, F Taj Gibson, C Karl-Anthony Towns.

KEY LOSSES: G Ricky Rubio, G Zach LaVine, G Kris Dunn.

KEY ADDITIONS: G/F Jimmy Butler, F Taj Gibson, G Jamal Crawford, G Aaron Brooks.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Butler was brought in from the Bulls via trade to speed up to the team’s development. He is the prototype for a Thibodeau player — intense, demanding and defensive-minded.

OUTLOOK: Playoffs or bust, which sounds crazy for a team that has not made the postseason since 2004.

The West is stacked, but Thibodeau made the moves he did with the express purpose of ending the longest active playoff drought in the league.

LAST SEASON: 23-59, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Earl Watson (second full season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Eric Bledsoe (21.1 ppg), G Devin Booker (22.1 ppg), F T.J. Warren (14.4 ppg), F Marquese Chriss (9.2 ppg), C Tyson Chandler (8.4 ppg, 11.5 rpg).

KEY LOSSES: G Leandro Barbosa.

KEY ADDITIONS: G Troy Daniels, F Josh Jackson.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Jackson. He was the fourth overall pick in the draft out of Kansas and has made an immediate impression with his scoring, defense and rebounding in the preseason.

OUTLOOK: The Suns are resisting any urge to add high-salary veterans, if they could, for a quick fix to maybe contend for the last one or two playoff spots in the tough Western Conference. Instead, they are sticking with the young core that they hope will develop into a contender, although it may take a few years.

LAST SEASON: 55-27, lost in Western Conference semifinals.

COACH: Mike D’Antoni (second season, 14th NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Chris Paul (18.1 ppg), G James Harden (29.1 ppg), F Ryan Anderson (13.6 ppg), F Trevor Ariza, (11.7 ppg), C Clint Capela (12.6 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G Patrick Beverley, G Lou Williams, F Montrezl Harrell, F Sam Dekker, F Kyle Wiltjer.

KEY ADDITIONS: Paul, F P.J. Tucker, F Luc Mbah a Moute.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Paul. It will be interesting to see how D’Antoni’s offense runs with both Paul and Harden in it. Paul gets a fresh start in Houston after being dogged by criticism in recent years for failing to get the Clippers out of the second round of the playoffs.

OUTLOOK: After being eliminated by the Spurs in the conference semifinals the Rockets made a bold move by trading for Paul to give Houston another All-Star to play with Harden and try to narrow the gap in the Western Conference.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

SACRAMENTO KINGS

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

LAST SEASON: 47-35, lost in Western Conference first round.

COACH: Billy Donovan (third season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Russell Westbrook (31.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 10.4 apg), G Andre Roberson (6.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg), F Paul George (23.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg), F Carmelo Anthony (22.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg), C Steven Adams (11.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg).

KEY LOSSES: G Victor Oladipo, C Enes Kanter.

KEY ADDITIONS: George, Anthony, G Raymond Felton, F Patrick Patterson, G Terrance Ferguson.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Anthony. He has been the focal point of the offense throughout his career, and even at 33 years old, he still is an elite scorer.

OUTLOOK: George and Anthony will provide the scoring help Westbrook so desperately needed last season.

George and Roberson are elite perimeter stoppers, and Westbrook and Adams are capable defenders. Adams is an emerging force in the paint, and Felton and Patterson are critical additions to the bench.

LAST SEASON: 32-50, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Dave Joerger (second season, fifth NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G George Hill (16.9 ppg), G Buddy Hield (10.6 ppg), F Bogdan Bogdanovic (14.6 ppg for Fenerbahce in Turkey), F Zach Randolph, (14.1 ppg), C Kosta Koufos (6.6 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: F Rudy Gay, G Darren Collison, G Ty Lawson, G Arron Afflalo, G Ben McLemore.

KEY ADDITIONS: G De’Aaron Fox, Hill, Randolph, F Justin Jackson, Bogdanovic, G Vince Carter, G Frank Mason III, F Harry Giles.

PLAYER TO WATCH: The Kings got the point guard they wanted in the draft when Fox was there at No. 5 after a stellar freshman season at Kentucky.

OUTLOOK: More than half the projected opening roster will consist of players on their rookie deals making this another rebuild year in Sacramento. The Kings haven’t made the playoffs since 2006.

LAST SEASON: 43-39, lost in Western Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: David Fizdale (second season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Mike Conley (20.5 ppg), C Marc Gasol (19.5 ppg), F JaMychal Green (8.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg), F Chandler Parsons (6.2 ppg), G Wayne Selden Jr. (5.1).

KEY LOSSES: F Zach Randolph, G Tony Allen, G/F Vince Carter.

KEY ADDITIONS: G Mario Chalmers, G Ben McLemore, G Tyreke Evans, F Rade Zagorac, F Ivan Rabb, G/F Dillon Brooks.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Parsons. He signed a four-year, $94 million deal a year as the player the Grizzlies hoped finally would be the outside shooting threat they’ve so wanted for years.

OUTLOOK: The Grizzlies’ streak of seven straight playoff appearances could come to an end. The Western Conference is more competitive and Memphis needs Parsons to be healthy and shooting at his best to complement Conley and Gasol.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

LAST SEASON: 41-41, lost in the first round of the playoffs.

COACH: Terry Stotts (sixth season with Portland, 10th NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Damian Lillard (27 ppg), CJ McCollum (23 ppg), Maurice Harkless (10 ppg), AlFarouq Aminu (8.7 ppg) and Jusuf Nurkic (10.2 ppg) KEY LOSSES: G Allen Crabbe, G Tim Quarterman, C Festus Ezeli.

KEY ADDITIONS: C Zach Collins, F Caleb Swanigan.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Nurkic. The 7-footer known as the Bosnian Beast dropped lost about 35 pounds over the offseason in an effort to become quicker and more agile.

OUTLOOK: The Blazers made few changes in the offseason, sticking with a nucleus of backcourt duo Lillard and McCollum, along with Nurkic, who joined the team via trade last season and helped fuel a push to the playoffs.

LAST SEASON: 51-31, lost in Western Conference first round.

COACH: Doc Rivers (fifth season, 18th NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Patrick Beverley (9.5 ppg), G Austin Rivers (12.0 ppg), C DeAndre Jordan (12.7 ppg), F Blake Griffin (21.6), F Danilo Gallinari (18.2 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G Chris Paul, G J.J. Redick, G Jamal Crawford, C Marreese Speights, F Luc Mbah a Moute KEY ADDITIONS: Beverly, Gallinari, G Lou Williams.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Teodosic. He may be one of the most intriguing new players in the league. The 30-year-old rookie and six-time all-Euro-League point guard finally makes his NBA debut on a team that lost one of the league’s best point guards in Paul.

OUTLOOK: The Clippers are one of league’s great mystery teams. The Clippers are expected to start the season with nine new players.

LAST SEASON: 34-48, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Alvin Gentry (third season, 15th NBA season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Jrue Holiday (15.4), G E’Twaun Moore (9.6), F Dante Cunningham (6.6), F Anthony Davis (28), C DeMarcus Cousins (24.4).

KEY LOSSES: F Donatas Motiejunas, G Tim Frazier.

KEY ADDITIONS: G Rajon Rondo, G Tony Allen, G Ian Clark, F Darius Miller, G Frank Jackson.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Davis is the key to everything for New Orleans because of his dynamism, which allows him to score from inside and out, run the floor and defend the perimeter as well as block shots in the lane.

OUTLOOK: If Davis and Cousins mesh well, if Holiday improves as a scorer, and most importantly, if New Orleans doesn’t have much more bad luck with injuries, the Pelicans could contend for a playoff spot.

UTAH JAZZ

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

LAST SEASON: 51-31, lost in Western Conference semifinals.

COACH: Quin Snyder (fourth season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Ricky Rubio (10.6 ppg), G Rodney Hood (12.7 ppg), F Joe Ingles (7.1 ppg), F Derrick Favors (9.5 ppg), C Rudy Gobert (14.0 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G/F Gordon Hayward, G George Hill, F Boris Diaw.

KEY ADDITIONS: Rubio, F Thabo Sefolosha, G Donovan Mitchell, F Jonas Jerebko.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Hood enters his fourth season on a contract year with much more responsibility on his shoulders.

When Hayward and Hill left they took a combined 38.8 points per game with them and the Jazz didn’t sign any true scoring threats.

OUTLOOK: The Jazz will be challenged to secure a second consecutive playoff berth, which would mean back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time this decade.

LAST SEASON: 26-56, missed the playoffs.

COACH: Luke Walton (second season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Lonzo Ball (rookie), G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (13.8 ppg), F Brandon Ingram (9.4 ppg), F Julius Randle, (13.2 ppg), C Brook Lopez (20.5 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: G D’Angelo Russell, G Nick Young, F Metta World Peace, F Tarik Black, C Timofey Mozgov, G David Nwaba.

KEY ADDITIONS: Ball, Caldwell-Pope, Lopez, F Kyle Kuzma.

PLAYER TO WATCH: All eyes are on Ball, the heralded playmaker with the attention-grabbing father. The Southern California native starred at UCLA for one season before becoming the second overall pick.

OUTLOOK: The Lakers appear to be improved after the worst four-year stretch in franchise history, but only a stunning rookie season from Ball is likely to get them anywhere near D’Angelo playoff contention Russell this year.

Derrick Favors

LAST SEASON: 61-21, lost in Western Conference finals.

COACH: Gregg Popovich (22nd season).

PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: G Dejounte Murray (3.4 ppg), G Danny Green (7.3 ppg), F Kawhi Leonard (25.5 ppg), F LaMarcus Aldridge, (17.3 ppg), C Pau Gasol (12.4 ppg).

KEY LOSSES: C Dewayne Dedmon, F David Lee, G Jonathon Simmons.

KEY ADDITIONS: F Rudy Gay, C/F Joffrey Lauvergne, G Brandon Paul, G Derrick White.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Leonard. The Spurs will need another year of growth from their quiet MVP candidate after he set career highs in scoring and assists while earning All-NBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team honors.

OUTLOOK: The Spurs are essentially the same team that won the Southwest Division Kawhi last season and led Leonard Golden State by 21 points in Game 1 of the West finals before Leonard was lost for the postseason to an ankle injury.

NCAA TOURNAMENT Tuesday

11 Providence (20-12)

16 New Orleans (20-11)

11 USC (24-9)

First Round

March 18-19

Thursday

11 Kansas St. (20-13)

16 UC Davis (22-12)

11 Wake Forest (19-13)

Sweet 16

Sweet 16

March 23-24

March 23-24

March 18

8 Wisconsin (25-9) Thursday

9 Virginia Tech (22-10)

March 18-19

Elite 8 March 25-26 March 23

5 Iowa St. (23-10) Thursday

12 UNC Wilmington (29-5)

12 Nevada (28-6)

FINAL FOUR

March 18

4 Florida (24-8)

March 18

Phoenix

Thursday

EAST

6 SMU (29-4)

New York

4 Purdue (25-7) Thursday

April 1

13 Vermont (29-5)

MIDWEST Kansas City, Mo.

March 25

6 Creighton (25-9)

March 26

Friday

11 Providence/USC

11 Rhode Island (24-9) March 19

March 19

3 Baylor (25-7)

3 Oregon (29-5)

Friday

Friday

14 New Mex. St. (28-5)

14 Iona (22-12) March 23

March 23

March 19

2 Duke (27-8)

Friday

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

10 Marquette (19-12)

7 Michigan (24-11) 10 Oklahoma St. (20-12) March 19

April 3

Friday

15 Troy (22-14)

2 Louisville (24-8) Friday

15 Jacksonville St. (20-14)

Friday

16 Texas So. (23-11)

16 So. Dakota St. (18-16) March 18

March 18

8 Arkansas (25-9) Friday

Thursday

Greenville, S.C.

1 North Carolina (27-7)

Thursday

8 Northwestern (23-11)

Indianapolis

Friday

9 Seton Hall (21-11)

9 Vanderbilt (19-15) March 24

March 24

5 Minnesota (24-9) Milwaukee

Thursday

Thursday

12 Middle Tenn. (30-4)

12 Princeton 23-6) 4 West Virginia 26-8)

March 18

March 18

4 Butler (23-8) Thursday

Thursday

13 Bucknell (26-8)

WEST

13 Winthrop (26-6)

Memphis, Tenn.

6 Cincinnati (29-4)

March 26

March 25

Thursday

SOUTH

Friday

11 Kan. St./Wake Forest

11 Xavier (21-13) March 19

March 19

3 Florida St. (25-8)

3 UCLA (24-9) Friday

Thursday

14 Kent St. (22-13)

14 FGCU (26-7) March 24

March 24

7 Saint Mary’s (28-4)

7 Dayton (24-7) Friday

10 VCU (26-8)

Indianapolis

Thursday

10 Wichita St. (30-4) March 19

March 19

2 Arizona (30-4) Thursday

Dakota (22-9) 15 North most Final Four appearances

12 uke 12 CLA 11 North Carolina Conference call appearances 8 North Carolina, most FinalKansas Four Michigan BreakingState down the number of 20177bids,12 uke 7 rovidence, Kentucky, Louisville 12 league by league: CLA 6 ouisville 11 North Carolina 6 8 entucky AMERICA EAST (1): Vermont North Carolina, Kansas 6* entucky, Memphis*, UMass* AMERICAN ATHLETIC (2): Cincinnati, SMU 7 Michigan State ATLANTIC 10 (3): Dayton, Rhode Island, 5 VCU ndiana 7 rovidence, Kentucky, Louisville ATLANTIC COAST (9): Duke, Florida State, 56 Houston ouisville Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, Notre 5 Dame, owa, Arizona entucky Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest 6 56* yracuse entucky, Memphis*, UMass* ATLANTIC SUN (1): Florida Gulf Coast

BIG 12 (6): Baylor, Iowaby State, Kansas, 5 Kansas ndiana ur appearances vacated the NCAA State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia 5 Houston BIG EAST (7): Butler, Creighton, Marquette, 5 owa, Arizona most Final Four appearances Providence, Seton Hall, Villanova, Xavier 5 yracuse 19 BIG SKY (1): North Dakota

17

BIG TEN (7): Maryland, Michigan, Michigan 16 State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, 14 Wisconsin BIG WEST (1): UC Davis 19 COLONIAL (1): UNC Wilmington10 9 CONFERENCE USA (1): Middle Tennessee 17 8 HORIZON (1): Northern Kentucky 16 IVY LEAGUE (1): Princeton 14 6 METRO ATLANTIC (1): Iona use MID-AMERICAN (1): Kent State 10 rgetown, 9 Central 5 N.C. MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC (1): n**, Oklahoma 8 State MISSOURI VALLEY (1): Wichita LSU, UNLV,WEST (1): Nevada MOUNTAIN 4 onsin NORTHEAST (1): Mount St.6Mary’s use OHIO VALLEY (1): Jacksonville State uette, rgetown, 2 Oregon, 5 PACIFIC-12 (4): Arizona, UCLA, USC co, Texas n**, Oklahoma PATRIOT LEAGUE (1): Bucknell LSU, UNLV, ot included in total.

SOUTHEASTERN (5): Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, 4 onsin South Carolina, Vanderbilt not included in total.

SOUTHERN (1): ETSU uette, 2 SOUTHLAND co, Texas (1): New Orleans SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC (1): Texas Southern ot included in total.(1): South Dakota SUMMIT LEAGUE SUN BELT (1):inTroy not included total.

WEST COAST (2): Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s (Cal) WESTERN ATHLETIC (1): New Mexico State

most Final Four appearances

High seed

#1 vs. #16

Win-loss

15 N. Kentucky (24-10) Low seed

128

High seed

107 128 102 120 82 107 82 102 78 82 65 82

Win-loss

100%

8

93.75%

Low seed

21 0 26 8 46 21 46 26 50 46 63 46

83.59% 100% 79.69% 93.75% 64.06% 83.59% 64.06% 79.69% 60.94% 64.06% 50.78% 64.06%

High seed Win%

#7 vs. #10

78

50

60.94%

#8 vs. #9

65

63

50.78%

61 33

#2 #3

16

Final Four appearances by seed Recent champions 14 #4 #1 #5 #2 #6

7 6 3

#3 #7 #4 #8

#5 #9 #6 #10 #7 #11 #8 #12 #9 #13 #10 #14 #11 #15 #12 #16 #13

6 7

2 16 3 3 6 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0

33 16 14

61 NCAA Tournament champs since 1985: 2016: Villanova 2015: Duke 2014: Connecticut 2013: Louisville 2012: Kentucky 2011: Connecticut 2010: Duke 2009: North Carolina 2008: Kansas 2007: Florida 2006: Florida 2005: North Carolina 2004: Connecticut 2003: Syracuse 2002: Maryland 2001: Duke

Coaches with the most Final Four appearances Mike Krzyzewski John Wooden Dean Smith Roy Williams Tom Izzo Rick Pitino Denny Crum Adolph Rupp John Calipari Bob Knight Guy Lewis Lute Olson Jim Boeheim

12 12 11

Duke UCLA North Carolina North Carolina, Kansas Michigan State

8 7 7 6 6 6*

Providence, Kentucky, Louisville

Louisville Kentucky Kentucky, Memphis*, UMass*

5 5 5 5

Indiana Houston Iowa, Arizona Syracuse

*Memphis and UMass Final Four appearances vacated by the NCAA

Schools with the most Final Four appearances

Final Four appearances by seed #1

AP

High seed Win%

0

#2 vs. #15 by seed 120 matchup Record #3 vs. #14 #1 vs. #16 #4 vs. #13 #2 vs. #15 #5 vs. #12 #3 vs. #14 #6 vs. #11 #4 vs. #13 #7 vs. #10 #5 vs. #12 #8 vs. #9 #6 vs. #11

2 Kentucky (29-5) Friday

Record by seed matchup

Sacramento, Calif.

San Jose, Calif.

6 Maryland (24-8)

BIG SOUTH (1): vacated Winthrop ur appearances by the NCAA

Sacramento, Calif.

13 East Tenn. St. (27-7)

Milwaukee

Salt Lake City

8 Miami (Fl) (21-11) Friday

Thursday

5 Notre Dame (25-9) Buffalo, N.Y.

1 Kansas (28-4)

9 Michigan St. (19-14)

1 Gonzaga (32-1)

Orlando, Fla.

March 16-17 Friday

March 18

Elite 8 March 25-26 March 23

7 South Carolina (22-10)

Salt Lake City

First Round

Second Round

16 NC Central/UC Davis

Friday

Tulsa, Okla.

March 14-15 Dayton, Ohio

Wednesday

16 NC Central (25-8)

16 Mt St. Mary’s/NO

5 Virginia (22-10)

Greenville, S.C.

Wednesday

First Four

Tulsa, Okla.

Buffalo, N.Y.

1 Villanova (31-3)

Complete NCAA Tournament bracket, history

NCAA TOURNAMENT

Second Round

March 16-17

Orlando, Fla.

Tuesday

16 Mt St. Mary’s (19-15)

BRACKET BREAKDOWN

2000: Michigan State 1999: Connecticut 1998: Kentucky 1997: Arizona 1996: Kentucky 1995: UCLA 1994: Arkansas 1993: North Carolina 1992: Duke 1991: Duke 1990: UNLV 1989: Michigan 1988: Kansas 1987: Indiana 1986: Louisville 1985: Villanova

#14 0 #15 0 #16 0

6x3 ad position

North Carolina Kentucky, UCLA* Duke Kansas Louisville, Ohio State* Michigan State Indiana Arkansas, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State, Syracuse Connecticut, Florida, Georgetown, Houston, Illinois, Michigan**, Oklahoma Arizona, Kansas State, LSU, UNLV, Utah, Villanova*, Wisconsin California, Iowa, Marquette, N.C. State, San Francisco, Texas * One vacated appearance not included in total. ** Two vacated appearances not included in total.

19 17 16 14 10 9 8 6 5 4 2

PLAYOFFS

DIVISIONAL ROUND (all times EST) SATURDAY: Seattle at Atlanta, 4:35 p.m.; Houston at New England, 8:15 p.m.

SUNDAY: Green Bay at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.; Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 8:20 p.m.

THIS WEEK’S STORYLINES: Cowboys, Packers meet in rematch of controversial playoff game two years ago. ... Pats look to continue dominance.

Seahawks (11-5-1) at Falcons (11-5)

Texans (10-7) at Patriots (14-2)

When: Saturday, 4:35 p.m. EST TV: Fox

When: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. EST TV: CBS

Matt Ryan, Falcons

Opening line: Falcons by 4 Series record: Seahawks lead 10-6 Last meeting: Seahawks beat Falcons 26-24, Oct. 16 Last week: Seahawks beat Lions 26-6; Falcons had bye, beat Saints 38-32 in season finale Notes: Matt Bryant’s 49-yard field goal with 8 seconds remaining gave Falcons 30-28 divisional playoff win over Seahawks on Jan. 13, 2013. ... Seattle RB Thomas Rawls, who missed regular-season win over Falcons with leg injury, rushed for franchise postseason-record 161 yards with TD against Lions last week. Without Rawls, Seahawks had only 72 yards rushing against Falcons. ... Seahawks have only one postseason win with less than 100 yards rushing under coach Pete Carroll. ...

Seahawks need two wins to reach Super Bowl for third time in four years. ... Russell Wilson’s 64 wins, including postseason, are most for starting QB in first five seasons in NFL history. Wilson’s 8-3 in 11 career postseason starts. He has thrown for 18

TDs with nine INTs in those games. ... WR Doug Baldwin has team-record 50 postseason catches, including 11 for 104 yards with TD last week. ... . TE Jimmy Graham has eight TD catches in last 10 games against Falcons. ... DE Cliff Avril had two sacks last week. ... A loss would end Falcons’ 25-year stay in Georgia Dome. New Mercedes-Benz Stadium to open next season. ... Atlanta’s Dan Quinn, former Seattle defensive coordinator, will be making postseason debut as coach in second season with team. ...

Falcons 4-3 at home in playoffs. Overall, Atlanta has lost five of last six playoff games. ... QB Matt Ryan’s 117.1 passer rating led NFL and was fifth best in league history.

By the numbers (regular season statistics) Ryan set Falcons record with 4,944 yards passing SEAHAWKS FALCONS (Yards) to rank second in league.

Russell Wilson 4,219 PASSING Matt Ryan 4,944 ... Ryan is 1-4 in playoffs.

Thomas Rawls 349 RUSHING Devonta Freeman 1,079 ... WR Julio Jones second Doug Baldwin 1,128 RECEIVING Julio Jones 1,409 in NFL with 1,409 yards Team comparison Average per game receiving despite missing OFFENSE DEFENSE two games with toe injury. ... DE Dwight Freeney’s 10 22.1 18.2 POINTS 33.8 25.4 career postseason sacks 357.2 318.7 tied for third among active TOTAL YDS 415.8 371.2 players. ... Second-year 225.8 257.8 LB Vic Beasley Jr. led NFL PASSING 266.7 295.3 with 15 ½ sacks.

99.4 120.5

RUSHING

92.9 104.5

SOURCE: National Football League

AP

— The Associated Press

Opening line: Patriots by 13 1/2 Series record: Patriots lead 7-1 Last meeting: Patriots beat Texans 27-0 on Sept. 23, 2016 Last week: Texans beat Raiders 27-14; Patriots had bye, beat Miami 35-14 in season finale Notes: Second postseason meeting between teams after Patriots beat Texans 41-28 in divisional round Jan. 13, 2013. ... Patriots are 4-0 against Texans at Gillette Stadium.

New England has won past five meetings between teams. . Texans coach Bill O’Brien, Patriots assistant from 2007-2011, is 0-2 against mentor Bill Belichick. . Houston’s defense is allowing 301.3 total yards and 17 first downs per game, fewest in NFL in both categories. ... DE Jadeveon Clowney had interception in his first career playoff game last week. Including playoffs, he has four tackles for loss, three sacks, interception and forced fumble in his past four games. ... LB Whitney Mercilus had two sacks and three tackles for loss in last week’s win over Raiders. He has five sacks and

six tackles for loss in his past Tom Brady, two playoff Patriots games. ... RB Lamar Miller rushed for touchdown last week.

He is looking for fourth straight game with rushing TD. ... In regular season Miller ranked sixth in AFC with 1,073 rush yards, seventh-most rush yards in single season in franchise history. . CB A.J. Bouye had INT and four pass defenses last week. ... Belichick will coach his 14th divisional playoff game and tie Don Shula for most in NFL history. He has 23 career postseason wins, most for any coach. . QB Tom Brady will play in his 13th divisional playoff game, tying Jerry Rice for most in league history. ... Brady has 22 career playoff wins, By the numbers (regular season statistics) most for quarterback in NFL history. He is also TEXANS PATRIOTS (Yards) NFL postseason leader in Brock Osweiler 2,957 PASSING Tom Brady 3,554 career completions (738), Lamar Miller 1,073 RUSHING LeGarrette Blount 1,161 attempts (1,183), passing DeAndre Hopkins 954 RECEIVING Julian Edelman 1,106 yards (7,957) and touchdown passes (56). ... RB Team comparison Average per game LeGarrette Blount led NFL OFFENSE DEFENSE with franchise-record 18 17.4 20.5 POINTS rushing TDs during regular 27.6 15.6 season. He has seven 314.7 301.3 TOTAL YDS 386.2 326.4 rushing TDs in five career postseason games and is 198.5 201.6 PASSING 269.2 237.9 looking for sixth game in 116.2 row with rushing TD. 99.7 RUSHING 117.0

Green Bay (11-6) at Dallas (13-3)

When: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EST TV: NBC

Opening line: Cowboys by 5 Series record: Tied 17-17 Last meeting: Cowboys beat Packers 30-16, Oct. 16 Last week: Packers beat Giants 38-13; Cowboys had bye, lost to Eagles 27-13 in season finale Notes: Eighth meeting in playoffs for storied franchises, with Cowboys leading 4-3. ...

Packers won last playoff matchup two years ago 26-21 in game famous for Dallas WR Dez Bryant’s catch that wasn’t. ...

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett was backup QB when Dallas won three straight playoff games vs. Green Bay in 1990s. Cowboys won two Super Bowls in that stretch. ...

Packers, Cowboys tied with Giants for most playoff appearances at 32. ... Green Bay averaging 30.4 points per game on road in playoffs since 2006, most in NFL in that span. ... Packers coach Mike McCarthy has nine playoff wins, tied with Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren for most in club history.

He has one Super Bowl victory. ... QB Aaron Rodgers has four TD passes in each of past

three games, 19 with no interceptions during sevengame winning streak. Rodgers is one of four QBs with career postseason passer rating of at least 100. ... FB Aaron Ripkowski had rushing TD last week in first career playoff game. ... WR Jordy Nelson, who might not play because of rib injury, led NFL with 14 TD catches. ... WR Randall Cobb tied franchise playoff record with three receiving TDs vs. Giants, had eight catches for 116 yards in playoffs against Cowboys two years ago. ... LB Clay Matthews had sack, forced fumble last week, has 11 career postseason sacks, tied for fifth most since 1982. ... LB Julius Peppers has 143 1/2 career sacks, fifth most By the numbers (regular season statistics) since 1982. ... Cowboys, with four straight losses in PACKERS COWBOYS (Yards) divisional round, seeking Aaron Rodgers 4,428 PASSING Dak Prescott 3,667 first NFC championship Ty Montgomery 457 RUSHING Ezekiel Elliott 1,631 game appearance since Jordy Nelson 1,257 RECEIVING Cole Beasley 833 1995 season. ... Dallas 11-3 Team comparison Average per game in home divisional games, but lost last one to Giants OFFENSE DEFENSE in 2007. ... Dak Prescott will 24.2 27.0 POINTS 19.1 26.3 be first rookie QB to start 363.9 368.8 playoff game for Cowboys.

TOTAL YDS 343.9 376.7 Won 13 games, tied with 269.2 262.4 Pittsburgh’s Ben RoethlisPASSING 260.4 226.9 berger (2004) for most by 94.7 106.3 RUSHING rookie in NFL history.

149.8

SOURCE: National Football League

83.5

AP

AP

— The Associated Press

— The Associated Press

Steelers (11-5) at Kansas City (12-4)

Aaron Rodgers, Packers

When: Sunday, 4:40 p.m. EST TV: Fox

88.6

SOURCE: National Football League

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

Opening line: Chiefs by 2 Series record: Steelers lead 21-11 Last meeting: Steelers beat Chiefs 43-14, Oct. 2, 2016 Last week: Steelers beat Dolphins 30-12; Chiefs had bye, beat Chargers 37-27 in season finale Notes: The game was scheduled to kickoff at 1:05 p.m. EDT, but was changed to a night game because of an expected ice storm. ...

Second postseason meeting after Chiefs beat Steelers 27-24 in wild-card round Jan. 8, 1994. Chiefs have not won home playoff game since. ... Steelers and Chiefs have combined to lose once since Nov. 20. ...

Steelers scored franchise record 22 firstquarter points in win over Chiefs in October. ... Steelers won four straight divisional playoff games before losing at Denver last year. ... RB Le’Veon Bell set Pittsburgh playoff record with 167 yards rushing in win over Miami last Sunday. ... Bell ran for 144 yards vs. Kansas City in October in first game after three-game suspension for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy. ... Pittsburgh

defense had five sacks against Dolphins, matching Heinz Field record. ...

Steelers All-Pro WR Antonio Brown had five catches for 124 yards receiving and two TDs vs. Dolphins. ...

Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley was Chiefs head coach last time Kansas City hosted playoff game in January 2011. ... QB Ben Roethlisberger will tie Mel Blount and Terry Bradshaw (19) for most playoff games in Steelers history. ... Roethlisberger needs eight completions to pass Donovan McNabb (341) for seventh most in NFL playoff history. He needs 22 to pass John Elway (355) for sixth. ... Roethlisberger threw five TD passes to four different targets against Chiefs in October. ... LB James Harrison needs 1 By the numbers (regular season statistics) 1/2 sacks to pass LaMarr Woodley (11) for most in STEELERS CHIEFS (Yards) Pittsburgh playoff history Ben Roethlisberger 3,819 PASSING Alex Smith 3,502 since sacks became official Le’Veon Bell 1,268 RUSHING Spencer Ware 921 in 1982. ... Chiefs have lost Antonio Brown 1,284 RECEIVING Travis Kelce 1,125 four straight home playoff Team comparison Average per game games, three in divisional round. ... Kansas City has OFFENSE DEFENSE lost four of last five to 24.9 20.4 POINTS Pittsburgh. ... Chiefs coach 24.3 19.4 Andy Reid has 11 playoff 372.6 342.6 TOTAL YDS 343.0 368.5 wins, second to Patriots’ 262.6 242.6 Bill Belichick (23) among PASSING 247.4 233.8 active head coaches.

110.0 109.2

SOURCE: National Football League

6x3 ad position

RUSHING

100.0 121.1

— The Associated Press AP

Website: centerfornewsanddesign.com

AFC

NFC

N F L P L AY O F F S

1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, who will be 40 by next season, begin their quest for a fifth Super Bowl championship against either Houston, Oakland or Miami on Jan. 14 at 8:15 p.m.

1. DALLAS COWBOYS Rookie stars Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott lifted the Cowboys to their best season since 2007, the last time the team earned a bye. That year Dallas lost its only playoff game to rival New York, which also beat this season’s Cowboys twice. The Cowboys will open against New York, Green Bay or Detroit on Jan. 15 at 4:40 p.m.

2. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Coach Andy Reid is 3-0 in divisional playoff games when his team has a bye.

All three wins came with the Eagles. The Chiefs open against Pittsburgh, Houston or Oakland on Jan. 15 at 1:05 p.m.

Familiar Foes

2. ATLANTA FALCONS The Dirty Birds are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. They will host Seattle, Green Bay or New York on Jan. 14 at 4:35 p.m.

Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning meet again in the playoffs.

Plus: Teams filled with uncertainty entering wild-card games

3. PITTSBURGH STEELERS Riding a seven-game winning streak, Ben Roethlisberger is aiming for his fourth Super Bowl ring. Big Ben, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown sat out an OT win Sunday over Cleveland in preparation for the Dolphins.

4. HOUSTON TEXANS Houston’s NRG Stadium hosts the Super Bowl and no team has yet to reach the championship game when played in its home stadium. If the Texans are to end this NFL curse, they’ll need to sort out their quarterback issues.

5. OAKLAND RAIDERS Derek Carr's season-ending injury has deflated a team making its first playoff appearance since losing the 2003 Super Bowl to Tampa Bay.

6. MIAMI DOLPHINS It's unknown whether QB Ryan Tannehill will return from injury when the Dolphins play their first playoff game in eight years. Matt Moore was 2-1 in Tannehill's absence, with the loss to the No. 1 Patriots.

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

A

aron Rodgers tossed four touchdown passes to help the Green Bay Packers capture the NFC North title with a 31-24 victory over the Detroit Lions during the final night game of the regular season. The Packers (10-6) will host the Giants (11-5) on Sunday while the Lions (9-7) visit Seattle (10-5-1) on Saturday night.

New York’s 19-10 win at Washington in the season finale eliminated the Redskins (8-7-1) and allowed the Packers and Lions to secure playoff spots before their game kicked off. But the teams are heading in opposite directions. The Packers have won six in a row while

the Lions lost three straight.

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons (11-5) secured a first-round bye with a 38-32 win over New Orleans. The Seahawks beat San Francisco 25-23 and earned the No. 3 seed.

The Cowboys (13-3) already locked up the NFC's No. 1 seed before they played last week.

In the AFC, Tom Brady and the Patriots (14-2) beat Miami 35-14 to secure the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Chiefs (12-4) clinched a first-round bye thanks to Denver's win over Oakland coupled with their victory over San Diego.

The Raiders (12-4) fell from No. 2 to the fifth spot and will open the playoffs on the road at Houston (9-7). That matchup could feature rookie quarterback Connor Cook making his first career start for the Raiders after they lost Derek Carr last week and backup Matt McGloin went down in the second quarter against the Broncos.

The Texans also have uncertainty at quarterback. Tom Savage sustained a concussion in a loss at Tennessee and was replaced by former starter Brock Osweiler.

The Steelers (11-5) will host the Dolphins (10-6) in the AFC's other wild-card game.

WILD-CARD ROUND All times EST MIAMI (10-6) at PITTSBURGH (11-5) Kickoff: Sunday at 1:05 p.m., (CBS) Regular-season series record Steelers lead 12-11, but Dolphins won in October.

Postseason series record Dolphins lead 2-1 Most impressive win Dolphins: Fittingly, they beat Pittsburgh 30-15 after opening 1-4. Win began six-game string.

Steelers: They dominated the Giants 24-14 in November, snapping New York's six-game winning streak.

Worst loss Dolphins: Routed 38-6 at Baltimore on Dec. 4, ending win streak.

Steelers: To Dolphins.

OAKLAND (12-4) at HOUSTON (9-7) Kickoff: Saturday at 4:35 p.m., (ESPN) Regular-season series record Texans lead 6-4, Raiders won 27-20 in Mexico City on Nov. 21.

Postseason series record First meeting Most impressive win Raiders: Beat Denver 30-20 as part of six-game win streak.

Texans: A 19-12 win over Kansas City back in Week 2.

Worst loss Raiders: Being swept by Chiefs cost them division title.

Texans: Managed to lose to Chargers at home in Week 12, San Diego's last win.

NEW YORK GIANTS (11-5) at GREEN BAY (10-6) Kickoff: Sunday at 4:40 p.m., (FOX) Regular-season series record Packers lead 28-23-2, beat Giants 23-16 in October.

Postseason series record Packers lead 4-3 Most impressive win Giants: Beat NFC top seed Dallas twice, in season opener and in Game 13.

Packers: Swept Detroit to win NFC North, including Sunday night at Lions in showdown for division crown.

Worst loss Giants: Game 4 loss at Minnesota 24-10 in which line couldn't protect Eli Manning.

Packers: Routed by Titans 47-25 in midst of four-game slide.

DETROIT (9-7) at SEATTLE (10-5-1) Kickoff: Saturday at 8:15 p.m., (NBC) Regular-season series record Seahawks lead 8-5. Didn’t play this season.

Postseason series record First meeting Most impressive win Lions: A 20-16 decision at Minnesota in early November, sparking a run to top of division.

Seahawks: Held on with goal-line stand to win 31-24 at Patriots in Game 9.

Worst loss Lions: Falling to Packers twice, especially in season finale to lose NFC North title.

Seahawks: Somehow they stunk it up against Rams in Week 2, though it was LA debut for Rams.

3. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Russell Wilson and the Seahawks start their drive for a third NFC championship title in four seasons against the Lions.

4. GREEN BAY PACKERS Aaron Rodgers has the Packers riding high into their eighth straight playoffs. They were a No. 6 seed in 2010 when they last won a Super Bowl.

5. NEW YORK GIANTS Eli Manning has won two playoff games at Lambeau Field, including beating Brett Favre and the Packers in a frigid NFC championship game following the 2007 season.

6. DETROIT LIONS Matthew Stafford hopes to lead Detroit to its first playoff win since the 1991 season.

REST OF PLAYOFFS Saturday, Jan. 14 Seattle, Green Bay or N.Y. Giants at Atlanta, 4:35 p.m. (FOX)

Sunday, Jan. 15 Pittsburgh, Houston or Oakland at Kansas City, 1:05 p.m. (NBC)

Houston, Oakland or Miami at New England, 8:15 p.m. (CBS)

Green Bay, N.Y. Giants or Detroit at Dallas, 4:40 p.m. (FOX)

Sunday, Jan. 22 Conference Championships

Sunday, Feb. 5 Super Bowl At Houston 6:30 p.m. (FOX)

Content by The Associated Press; page designed by GateHouse Media’s Center for News & Design.

nhl 2016-17 >>> western conference central Teams listed in last season’s order of finish, with regular-season record

Dallas Stars

St. Louis Blues

Chicago Blackhawks

Nashville Predators

50-23-9, 109 points

49-24-9, 107 points

47-26-9, 103 points

41-27-14, 96 points

LAST SEASON: First in Western Conference and Central Division. Lost to St. Louis in West semifinals.

COACH: Lindy Ruff (fourth season, 19th NHL season).

ADDED: D Dan Hamhuis, W Jiri Hudler.

LOST: D Alex Goligoski, D Jason Demers, C Vernon Fiddler, W Valeri Nichushkin, F Colton Sceviour.

OUTLOOK: If several young defensemen are consistent enough, including budding stars John Klingberg and Stephen Johns, the Stars have the pieces to make a run at their first Stanley Cup title since 1999. Dallas also will have to find a way to make a two-goalie system work with Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi.

LAST SEASON: Second in Central Division. Lost to San Jose Sharks in Western Conference finals.

COACH: Ken Hitchcock, sixth season with Blues (224-103-36) , 20th season overall (757-453-88-106).

ADDED: F David Perron, G Carter Hutton.

LOST: C David Backes, F Troy Brouwer, G Brian Elliott, F Steve Ott. OUTLOOK: The Blues lost veteran forwards David Backes and Troy Brouwer in free agency but return plenty of firepower offensively, led by Vladimir Tarasenko, Alexander Steen and Paul Stastny. St. Louis still has one of the deepest groups of defenseman in the NHL.

LAST SEASON: Finished third in Central Division. Lost to St. Louis Blues in first round of Western Conference playoffs.

COACH: Joel Quenneville (ninth season, 20th NHL season).

ADDED: D Brian Campbell, D Michal Kempny, F Nick Schmaltz, F Tyler Motte, F Jordin Tootoo.

LOST: F Andrew Shaw, F Teuvo Teravainen, LW Andrew Ladd, RW Dale Weise.

OUTLOOK: The expectations are always the same for Chicago, which has been Stanley Cup or bust ever since Jonathan Toews and NHL MVP Patrick Kane developed into two of the top players in the league.

LAST SEASON: Fourth in Central Division. Lost to San Jose Sharks in Western Conference semifinals.

COACH: Peter Laviolette (third season, 15th NHL season).

ADDED: D P.K. Subban, D Matt Carle and D Yannick Weber.

LOST: D Shea Weber, G Carter Hutton and D Barret Jackman.

OUTLOOK: Stanley Cup Finals is a reasonable prediction.

The Predators have made some big moves revamping this roster over the past two seasons with Subban easily the biggest yet. The Predators are banking on more offense helping them earn home-ice advantage after back-to-back seven-game series against California teams.

player spotlight

Zach Parise, Wild 2015-16 stats Goals: 25 Assists: 28 Points: 53

Season preview quick hit SPLASHY SUMMER: A handful of teams in the West made major moves July 1, including the Edmonton Oilers signing winger Milan Lucic to a $42 million, seven-year deal to give 19-year-old center Connor McDavid some help. Vancouver, which failed to make the playoffs in 2016 for the second time in three years, added winger Loui Eriksson with a $36 million, six-year contract to give the 36-year-old Sedin twins, Henrik and Daniel, an opportunity to make at least one more postseason push. Calgary signed forward Troy Brouwer to a four-year, $18 million deal, hoping he can provide a steady veteran presence to go with spectacular, 23-year-old Johnny Gaudreau.

Winnipeg Jets

38-33-11, 87 points

39-39-4, 82 points

35-39-8, 82 points

LAST SEASON: Finished fifth in Central Division. Lost to Dallas Stars in Western Conference quarterfinals.

COACH: Bruce Boudreau (first season, 10th NHL season).

ADDED: C Marc Staal, RW Chris Stewart.

LOST: LW Thomas Vanek, RW Justin Fontaine, LW Chris Porter, C Jarret Stoll, RW David Jones.

OUTLOOK: With Mikael Granlund and fellow forwards Charlie Coyle, Nino Niederreiter, Erik Haula and Jason Zucker, plus defensemen Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba, the Wild have a young core. Staal, Zach Parise, Jason Pominville and defenseman Ryan Suter will all be 32 or older this season, so the time is now.

LAST SEASON: Didn’t make the playoffs.

COACH: Jared Bednar (first season, first NHL season).

ADDED: C Joe Colborne, D Fedor Tyutin, D Patrick Wiercioch.

LOST: F Mikkel Boedker, F Shawn Matthias, F Jack Skille, D Zach Redmond, D Nick Holden, G Reto Berra.

OUTLOOK: Patrick Roy’s sudden exit caught everyone by surprise. The team is quickly learning a new scheme under Bednar, one that could actually be faster than the version Roy implemented. A fast start is crucial for the Avalanche, who’ve struggled out of the blocks the last two seasons and missed the playoffs.

LAST SEASON: Missed the playoffs.

COACH: Paul Maurice (19th season, 556-534-99-94).

ADDED: C Quinton Howden, RW Patrik Laine, LW Shawn Matthias, D Brian Strait.

LOST: D Grant Clitsome.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Patrik Laine. The second overall pick in June’s draft comes to the Jets after spending the last two seasons with Tappara Tampere of the Finnish Elite League.

Laine recorded 17 goals and 17 assists in 52 games spanning the two seasons.

The 18-year-old Laine is 6-foot-4 and 201 pounds, so he should be able to handle the physical grind of the NHL, and he turned heads at the World Cup of Hockey playing for Team Finland.

player spotlight

Los Angeles Kings

San Jose Sharks

Arizona Coyotes

46-25-11, 103 points

48-28-6, 102 points

46-30-6, 98 points

35-39-8, 78 points

LAST SEASON: Won Pacific Division. Lost to Nashville in first round.

COACH: Randy Carlyle (eighth season, 11th NHL season) ADDED: C Antoine Vermette, RW Jared Boll, LW Mason Raymond, G Jonathan Bernier.

LOST: Coach Bruce Boudreau, G Frederik Andersen, LW David Perron, RW Chris Stewart, LW Jamie McGinn.

OUTLOOK: The four-time defending Pacific Division champions are trying to go backward to go forward. GM Bob Murray jettisoned the successful Boudreau and re-hired old friend Carlyle, who insists the game hasn’t passed him by after getting fired in Anaheim and Toronto over the past half-decade.

LAST SEASON: Second in Pacific Division. Lost to San Jose in first round.

COACH: Darryl Sutter (sixth season, 17th NHL season).

ADDED: LW Teddy Purcell, D Tom Gilbert, G Jeff Zatkoff.

LOST: LW Milan Lucic, C Vincent Lecavalier, D Luke Schenn, RW Kris Versteeg.

OUTLOOK: After a first-round postseason flop erased much of the good feelings from a strong regular season, Anze Kopitar and Co. will again rely on the indefinable strength of their championship-winning core to contend after making no significant offseason additions. Yet after two Stanley Cup runs that came out of seemingly nowhere, nobody will ever underestimate the Kings in the spring.

LAST SEASON: Third place Pacific Division. Lost to Pittsburgh in Stanley Cup Final.

COACH: Peter DeBoer. (second season, ninth NHL season).

ADDED: F Mikkel Boedker, D David Schlemko, F Marcus Sorensen.

LOST: D Roman Polak, F Nick Spaling, F Dainius Zubrus, G James Reimer.

OUTLOOK: A year after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2003, the Sharks had their best postseason run ever, making it all the way to the final before losing in six games to Pittsburgh. All the key pieces from that team are back along with the additions of Boedker’s speed and Schlemko’s improved puckmoving ability.

LAST SEASON: 35-39-8, 78 points. 10th in Western Conference and fourth in Pacific Division.

COACH: Dave Tippett (seventh season, 13th NHL season).

ADDED: D Alex Goligoski, D Anthony DeAngelo, D Luke Schenn, F Jamie McGinn, F Radim Vrbata, F Ryan White.

LOST: Antoine Vermette, F Kyle Chipchura, F Boyd Gordon, D Nicklas Grossman.

OUTLOOK: The Coyotes have an interesting mix of talented young players and veteran presence.

Domi and Duclair should only continue to develop and Arizona has one of the deepest minor-league systems in the league.

2015-16 stats Goals: 16 Assists: 32 Points: 48

Season preview quick hit SHARP SHARKS: San Jose, which joined the league in 1991, advanced to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time last season. The Sharks pushed Pittsburgh to Game 6 before its speed proved to be too much to handle. The Sharks showed they have some of the best players on the planet at the World Cup with Joe Thornton, Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic helping Canada win the title against Team Europe and one of their new teammates, Mikkel Boedker. The Sharks signed the forward to a four-year, $16 million deal on Day 1 of free agency.

2015-16 stats Goals: 28 Assists: 30 Points: 58

Colorado Avalanche

Anaheim Ducks

Connor McDavid, Oilers

Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks

Minnesota Wild

pacific Teams listed in last season’s order of finish, with regular-season record

player spotlight

player spotlight

Anze Kopitar, Kings 2015-16 stats Goals: 25 Assists: 49 Points: 74

Calgary Flames

Vancouver Canucks

Edmonton Oilers

35-40-7, 77 points

31-38-13, 75 points

31-43-8, 70 points

LAST SEASON: Missed Stanley Cup Playoffs.

COACH: Glen Gulutzan (third season, 64-57-9).

ADDED: RW Troy Brouwer, RW Alex Chiasson, G Brian Elliott, G Chad Johnson, RW Daniel Pribyl, LW Matthew Tkachuk, C Linden Vey. LOST: G Niklas Backstrom, RW Joe Colborne, C Derek Grant, G Jonas Hiller, C Josh Jooris, LW Mason Raymond.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Brian Elliott. In 42 regular-season games with the Blues last season, Elliott compiled a 23-8-6 record with 2.07 goals-against average and a league-best .930 save percentage. Most notably, Elliott was St. Louis’ No. 1 goaltender in the playoffs.

And he played well.

LAST SEASON: Missed playoffs.

COACH: Willie Desjardins (third season, 79-67-18 record).

ADDED: C Michael Chaput, RW, Loui Eriksson, D Erik Gudbranson, D Olli Juolevi.

LOST: D Dan Hamhuis, C Jared McCann, C Linden Vey, RW Radim Vrbata, D Yannick Weber.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Loui Eriksson. The Canucks missed the playoffs last season due in part to an offense that ranked 29th in the goals scored. General manager Jim Benning signed the 31-year-old Eriksson to a six-year, $36 million contract. He will likely skate on a line with Henrik and Daniel Sedin, serving in the role of finisher.

LAST SEASON: Fourth in Pacific Division.

COACH: Todd McLellan (second season, ninth NHL season).

ADDED: LW Milan Lucic, D Adam Larsson, G Jonas Gustavsson, LW Jesse Puljujarvi.

LOST: LW Taylor Hall, F Lauri Korpikoski OUTLOOK: Even with Connor McDavid, Edmonton is still a work in progress and likely won’t be in the running for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. The Oilers will be a fun, young team to watch and have some bite with the addition of Lucic, but it’s a growing pains year for McLellan and his group.

Website: centerfornewsanddesign.com

T H E O LY M P I C S • R I O D E J A N E I R O

FACTS & FIGURES Dates: Aug. 5-21 Site: Rio de Janeiro Slogan: “A New World” Mascot: “Vinicius,” a mix of different Brazilian animals Tickets available:

7.5 million

Time zone for Rio: +1

hour in relation to EDT

Countries participating: More than 200

Number of athletes expected: 10,500 Number of American athletes: More than 500 Medals (gold, silver bronze) to be awarded:

2,102

Number of sports: 41 Number of events: 306 Number of competition venues: 32 Number of medals Americans won in London 2012: 104 Number of athletes who failed drug tests in London 2012: 23 Records set in London 2012: 174 Number of medals won by Michael Phelps: 22 New members of the USA Swim Team: 30 Number of refugee athletes competing: 10 Venue of opening and closing ceremony: Maracanã Stadium

Amount of ad sales by NBC: More than $1 billion Historic partnership: NBC

has aired every summer Olympics since 1988.

Noteworthy: The first time the Olympics have been held in South America.

Quoteworthy:

“For 17 days, it’s normally a honeymoon.

But you never know what will happen in the case of Rio. I’m not sure it will be a typical Brazilian Samba or Carnival atmosphere, but I’m sure it will be better than normal, or better than now.”

— German gold-medal rower Wolfgang Maennig “I’m just going to focus on my racing and what my goals are, and anybody else’s expectations don’t really mean much to me.”

— USA swimmer Katie Ledecky

His legacy as one of the greatest Olympians ever already secure, Michael Phelps looks for more

H

e's the greatest Olympian ever, with a staggering haul of 22 medals — 18 of them gold — since first testing the water in Sydney as a teenager in 2000.

Now Michael Phelps is a 31-year-old new father trying to cap off a remarkable career with one final gold rush in Rio. He has qualified for three individual races but also could swim in up to three relays.

After coming out of a brief retirement and coming to terms with some personal issues, he'll be the titular leader of a U.S. team loaded with both proven talent and young swimmers hoping to make a splash.

Among them is Ryan Lochte, who has 11 medals of his own and will try to go out on top in his rivalry with Phelps in their showdown in the 200-meter individual medley.

"I don't know of another person in this world who brings out the best in me like he does," Phelps said. "Neither one of us likes to lose."

Neither does Katie Ledecky, perhaps the most dominant swimmer in the world. She will be a big favorite to add to her medals from the London Olympics, where she surprised everyone by winning the 800 freestyle as a 15-year-old.

All eyes won't be on the water in Rio. On land, Jamaica's Usain Bolt figures to electrify fans as he did in the last two Olympics, where he dominated the sprints. With Russia's track team banned because of doping allegations, some surprise winners also are likely.

Fears of Zika, polluted water and crime aside, the Rio games have a lot to offer. The scenery will look spectacular on TV, and athletes will compete for glory under the kind of stifling pressure that only the world's biggest sporting event can impose.

There will be tears and cheers, surprise winners and devastated losers. New stars will be born, and old ones will take one last shot at gold when the games begin Aug. 5.

The biggest star, though, is Phelps, who insists this will be his last time, more eager than he was four years ago in London and more secure in who he is now with an infant son and more settled personal life.

This time, he's not going to waver. There will be no more swimming after these games, no dreams of taking yet another shot at the age of 35 in Tokyo “I'm done,” Phelps said. “The body is done. This is my last one.”

Other things to watch for in Rio: NEW SPORTS Golf returns to the Olympics for the first time in 112 years, while rugby also makes a return of sorts with the rugby sevens competition. Golf will be without some of the world’s top male players, who withdrew either because of Zika worries or scheduling conflicts, but a full field is set anyway for both the women's and men's events. Watch for Fiji, a favorite in men's rugby, to win the country's first-ever Olympic medal.

GYM GEMS They call Aly Raisman “Grandma” because at 22 she's pushing traditional age limits for gymnasts. But the captain of the “Fierce Five” U.S. women's team that won gold in London will be back, as will reigning all-around champion Gabby Douglas. The best member of the strong U.S. team, though, is Simone Biles, a 4-foot-9 bundle of moves who has not lost a major competition since 2013 and is the three-time reigning world all-around champion.

HOOPS No Kobe. No LeBron. No problem. The U.S. men's basketball team is still a prohibitive favorite to win gold yet again, despite the absence of some stars of Olympics past. With Kobe Bryant retired and LeBron James resting after winning the NBA title, the roster is missing some star power. But Kevin Durant will be in Rio, and so will Klay Thompson. Carmelo Anthony is in, too, as is Kyrie Irving.

Spain, France and Brazil should fight for the silver and bronze.

TUNING IN Need a quick Olympic fix at any time of the day? No problem. Broadcasters around the world are showing the games, but NBC is going all out to make sure the Olympics are a big part of everyone's summer. Besides coverage on NBC's assortment of stations, a whopping 4,500 hours of Olympic action will be available for live streaming on everything from phones to TV sets. Expect to see lots of swimming and gymnastics, but plenty of hours dedicated to even the most minor sports and 170 commentators to tell you all about it.

Content by The Associated Press; page designed by GateHouse Media’s Center for News & Design.

COMPILED BY TIM DAHLBERG; ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

U.S. OLYMPIANS TO WATCH

SIMONE BILES AGE: 19 Hometown: Spring, Texas Sport: Gymnastics Best shot at gold: Biles could return from Brazil with up to five medals in her carry-on luggage. She is a heavy favorite to become the fourth American to win the Olympic all-around title and is a threat to win gold on vault, floor and beam.

KATIE LEDECKY Age: 19 Hometown: Washington, D.C. Sport: Swimming Best shot at gold: Ledecky is an overwhelming favorite to win at least two individual golds as the world-record holder in the both the 400 and 800 freestyle. She will likely face more of a challenge in the 200 free but is still the swimmer to beat.

ALLYSON FELIX Age: 30 Hometown: Los Angeles Sport: Track Best shot at gold: She wanted to go for gold in the 200 and 400, but an ankle injury set back her training and she failed to qualify in the 200. With only one event to focus on, it’d be hard to bet against her.

ASHTON EATON Age: 28 Hometown: Eugene, Oregon.

Sport: Track & Field Best shot at gold: When healthy, he’s pretty much untouchable in the decathlon.

IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD Age: 30 Hometown: Maplewood, New Jersey Sport: Fencing Best shot at gold: Muhammad will make history in Rio as the first U.S. athlete to wear the hijab, a Muslim head scarf.

Muhammad will be a long shot to compete for gold, but a medal is possible.

PLAY SELECTION (PCT.) Regular season Postseason

Super Bowl LI Bill Belichik

Tied with Chuck Noll for most Super Bowl titles with four, and his 25 Bill Belichik career postseason wins Tied with Chuck Noll for are an NFL mark. Along most Super Bowl titles with hisAexceptional staff, MATCHUPS look at how with four, and his 25 the Super Bowl will be won they will devise strategies career postseason wins that can rob Atlanta of its are an NFL mark. Along most dangerous options. with his exceptional staff, they will devise strategies Career record: 262-125 .677 thatseason can rob Atlanta of its Reg. Postseason most options.

W Ldangerous PCT W L PCT

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. ATLANTA FALCONS PASS RUSH PASS RUSH 51.2 48.8 PLAY SELECTION (PCT.) 60.9 Sunday, 6:30 p.m. • NRG Stadium, Houston • Fox 39.1 Regular season PASS

48.8

PLAY SELECTION (PCT.) Regular season Postseason PASS

RUSH

53.3

RUSH

51.2

Postseason PASS

39.1

RUSH

60.9

PASS RUSH

46.7

59.7

40.3

Breaking it down PLAY SELECTION (PCT.) Regular season Postseason

237 115record: .673 262-125 25 10.677 .714 Career Reg. season W

L

Postseason

PCT

237 115 .673

W L

PASS

PCT

Bill10Belichik 25 .714

48.8

Tied with Chuck Noll for most Super Bowl titles with four, and his 25

By Barry Wilner career postseason wins The Associated Press are an NFL mark. Along with his exceptional staff, they will devise strategies Matchups for the Super Bowl that can rob Atlanta of its between the Atlanta Falcons most dangerous options.

(13-5) and New England Patriots Career record: 262-125 .677 (16-2) in Houston: Reg. season

When the Falcons have the ball

W

L

PCT

W L

PASS

RUSH

51.2

PASS

39.1

60.9

Atlanta led the NFL in points (540) by a wide margin, thanks to a career year from QB Matt Ryan (2), who along with WR Julio Jones (11) are All-Pros. If that combination comes close to its production during the season and, in particular, the nine connections for 180 yards and two TDs in the NFC championship game against Green Bay, the Falcons will be difficult to stop.

While 2015 Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler (21) will see plenty of Jones, New England schemes R. Allen D. Amendola C. Jonesso 6 • Pthat fellow 80 •cornerbacks PR 24 •Logan KR well Ryan (26) and Eric Rowe (25), and safety Devin McCourty (32) will be no strangers to Jones, either.

If the Patriots can contain Jones, Bennett Atlanta wideouts MohamedM. Sanu White 88 • TE •(12) RB and Taylor Gabriel (18) must come through in a big way. The Falcons don’t have a lot of weapons at tight end, which means RBs Devonta Freeman (24) and Tevin Coleman (26) J. Edelman will be keys in the passing game, too. uney N. Solder 11 • yards WR Freeman rushed for 1,079 • LG 77 • LT and 11 TDs, Coleman for 520 and eight, but this is a pass-first team.

There’s so much versatility, though, that the Falcons are capable of keeping the Patriots’ D off-balance.

T. Jackson • DE New94England coordinator Matt Patricia has players for specific roles on the line and behind it, though DE Trey Flowers (98) is the top pass rusher. DEs Chris Long (95) Campbell R. Alford and Jabaal Sheard (93) and LB Rob 59 • LB 23 • CB Ninkovich (50) can do pretty much everything, while LB Dont’a Hightower (54) is the leader of the front seven.

R. Allen Their matchups with a vastly 37 •led S improved Atlanta blocking unit

by C Alex Mack (51) and tackles Jake Matthews (70), a Houston native, and Ryan Schraeder (73) will be critical. Look for Patriots DTs Malcom Brown (90) and Alan Branch (97) to try to overpower the guards, especially Andy Levitre (67) on the left side.

BosherPatriots E. Weems WhenM.the 5•P 14 • PR/KR have the ball PLAY SELECTION (PCT.) A. Hooper Regular season Postseason 81 • TE PASS

arco53.3 FB

RUSH

46.7

PASS RUSH

59.7

40.3

JonesThe OneJ.thing we know forJ.sure: tre Matthews 11 • WR Super Bowl environment won’t be LG 70 • LT

too much for QB Tom Brady (12), a T. Flowers three-time MVP in the game.

98 • RDE As Brady seeks an unprecedented for the position fifth ring, he will use

M. Brown 90 • DT

L. Blount 29 • RB

PCT

Dan Quinn

RUSH

60.9

S. Gostkowski 3•K

R. Allen 6•P

D. Amendola 80 • PR

C. Jones 24 • KR

S. Gostkowski 3•K

R. Allen 6•P

D. Amendola 80 • PR

C. Jones 24 • KR

Career record: 21-13 .618 Reg. season

T. Brady 12 • QB

M. Bennett 88 • TE

J. White 28 • RB

L

PCT

19 13 .594

Postseason W L

PCT

2 0 1.000

M. Bennett 88 • TE

J. White 28 • RB

L. Blount 29 • RB

Bill Belichick

Tied with Chuck Noll for most Super Bowl titles with four, and his 25 career postseason wins are an NFL mark. Along with his exceptional staff, they will devise strategies C. Jones that can rob Atlanta of its 24 • KR most dangerous options.

Falcons defense

Falcons

M. Sanu 12 • WR M. Sanu 12 • WR

M. Butler 21 • LCB M. Butler P. Chung21 • LCB 23 • S P. Chung 23 • S

V. Beasley SPECIAL 44 • LB

J. Collins 32 • CB

TEAMS

D. Jones 45 • LB

Reg. season W

L

PCT

19 13 .594

Postseason W L

PCT

2 0 1.000

D. McCourty 32 • S

6x3 ad position

SPECIAL TEAMS

J. White

Coaching

C. H 15

Should Brady have time to throw, get pressure on Brady, especially A. Branchup M. Brown Intangibles (45) and the the middle so he can’t set up 97 for • DTthe rookie 90LB • DTDeion Jones L. Ryan 26 •tested RCB The Falcons have not won an NFL entire secondary will be on throws he prefers. Make him throw title in their 51 seasons. every pass. A relatively inexperitoo soon, or hit him relentlessly Quinn has the memory of the enced secondary of rookie S Keanu and Brady can have some issues.

S. McClellin last-minute loss to New England Neal (22), CBs Robert Alford (23) Then58again, has won sevenR. Ninkovich D. Hightower • LB the guy • LBmakes 50 •and LB Jalen Collins (32) could be in for two years ago as further incentive. conference crowns 54 and M. It would be a great way to head 12 a long evening. everyone around him better.

Danleader Quinn into their new stadium later this Adding to New England’s offenThe onus is on NFL sacks D. McCourty year, novice at this as a sive prowess are RBs White and DE Vic Beasley Jr. A (44)), Tyson 32 • Sas Super Bowl champions. headReed coach, butand won For the Patriots, need we say Lewis, mostly as receivers, and Jackson (94), Brooks (50) a Super Bowl as more than “Deflategate?” The LeGarrette Blount (29), who scored veteran Dwight Freeney (93) to get Seattle’s defensive entire organization, not to men18 rushing TDs this season while in Brady’s face. Doing so is chalcoordinator in the tion nearly everyone living in New 2013 season. rumbling for 1,161 yards. lenging considering the Patriots’ Heled resembles England, believes Commissioner underrated offensive line by mentor, Pete Roger Goodell and the league had C David Andrews (60),hisRT Marcus Special teams Carroll, in demeanor a vendetta against Brady and the Cannon (61) and LT and Nate Solder (77) willingness to M. B Eric Weems (14) gives the Falcons team. rarely lets Brady get bothered. push the envelope.

21 • Must make sure offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan attacks from the outset.

Career record: 21-13 .618

R. Allen 6•P

R. Alford 23 • CB

Patriots defense

just about everyone except mascot Pat Patriot as receivers. The star in the AFC title game was newcomer Chris Hogan (15), who matched Jones’ numbers and apparently was M. Butler invisible to Pittsburgh defenders.

21 • LCB He could wind up being a fifth or sixth option for Brady behind Julian Edelman (11), DannyP.Amendola Chung (80), rookie Malcolm Mitchell (19), 23 • S and RBs James White (28) and Dion PLAY SELECTION (PCT.) Lewis (33).

Even though his favored target, Regular season Postseason TE Rob PASS Gronkowski is sideRUSH (87), PASS RUSH 39.1 a 60.9 51.2developed 48.8 has lined, Brady strong relationship with the backup, Martellus Bennett (88).

Atlanta has no chance if it doesn’t

S. Gostkowski 3•K

D. Campbell 59 • LB

Dan Quinn is a disciple of Pete M. Bosher E. Weems SPECIAL M. Bryant Carroll and was Seattle’s defensive 3 • K 5 • P 14 • PR/KR TEAMS coordinator when the Seahawks M. Bryant M. Bosher E. Weems R. Allenlost to the Patriots in the final K. Neal 3•K 5 • P A. Hooper 14 • PR/KR 37 • S minute two years ago. That defense 22 • S 81 • TE handled Brady quite well for three PROJECTED quarters, then he torched it in the STARTERS D. Freeman P. DiMarco A. Hooper final period.

M. Ryan 24 • RB 42 • FB 81 • TE 2 • QB PROJECTED Quinn won’t be overwhelmed by the moment, and in Kyle Shanahan STARTERS D. Freeman P. DiMarco M. Ryan — the likely next head coach in San 24 • RB 42 • FB 2 • QB Francisco — Quinn has a reliable, SPECIAL J. Jones innovative offensive coordinator.

TEAMS J. Matthews R. Schraeder C. Chester A. Mack A. Levitre 11 • WR The way the approaches of Shana73 • RT 65 • RG 51 • C 67 • LG 70 • LT han and Ryan melded this season M. Bryant M. Bosher E. Weems J. Jones has been impressive.

C. R. Long T. Flowers 3 • K 5 • P 14 • PR/KR Schraeder C. Chester A. Mack A. Levitre J. Matthews 11• •RDE WR Bill Belichick is tied with ChuckK. Ne 95 • LDE 98 73 • RT 65 • RG 51 • C 67 • LG 70 • LT 22 • Noll for the most Super Bowl titles with four, and his 25 postseason C. Long T. Flowers A. Hooper A. Branch M. Brown 95 • LDE wins are an NFL mark. He has taken 90 • DT L. Ryan 98 • RDE 81 • TE PROJECTED97 • DT the Patriots to seven Super Bowls 26 • RCB STARTERS D. Freeman P. DiMarco of their record nine appearances, A. Branch M.Ryan Brown M. 24 • RB 42 • FB 97 • DT 90 • DT going 4-2.

L. Ryan 2 • QB S. McClellin 26 • RCB Belichick and his exceptional D. Hightower R. Ninkovich 58 • LB staff will find ways to limit the 54 • LB 50 • LB production of an opponent’s best S. McClellin threat. Atlanta has many of those, D. Hightower R. Ninkovich M. J. Jones 58 Sanu • LB D. McCourty R. Schraeder C. Chester50 • LB A. Mack A. Levitre J. Matthews 54 • LB 12 • WR 32 • S 11 • WR but clearly Jones will be the target 73 • RT 65 • RG 51 • C 67 • LG 70 • LT defensively, and Beasley will get the most attention when New England D. McCourty T. Flowers C. Long 32 • S98 • RDE has the ball.

95 • LDE

L. Ryan 26 • RCB

L. Blount

39.1

dependable returning on T. Brady kickoffs and 12 • QB punts. He SPECIAL J. Edelman ranked sixth TEAMSJ. Thuney S. Mason D. Andrews N. Solder 11 • WR in punt run61 • RG 60 • C 62 • LG 77 • LT backs (11.4 S. Gostkowski R. Allen D. Amendola J. Edelman yards per) 3 • K 6 • P 80 • PR S. Mason D. Andrews J. Thuney N. Solder 11 • WR and would 61 • RG 60 • C 62 • LG 77 • LT Career record: 262-125 .677 have ranked Reg. season Postseason J. Babineaux G. Jarrett T. Jackson the same on W L PCT W L PCT 95 • DT 97 • DT 94 • DE kickoffs at 237 115 .673 25 10 .714 M. Bennett 23.0 had he J. White L. Blount 88 • TE J. Babineaux 29 • RB G. Jarrett T. BradyT. Jackson28 • RB made enough Career record: 21-13 .618 95 • DT 97 • DT 12 • QB 94 • DE Reg. season Postseason returns to qualify. Matt Bosher (5) W L PCT W L PCT V. Beasley is steady but punted only 44 times D. Campbell D. Jones R. Alford 19 13 .594J. Collins 2 0 1.000 44 • LB this season and only five times in 59 • LB 32 • CB 45 • LB 23 • CB two playoff games, which says a ton V. Beasley about the offense.

C. Hogan J. Edelman D.Andrews Campbell J. Collins 44 • LB M. Cannon D. Jones S. Mason J. Thuney R. Alford N. Solder D. 15 • WR 11 • WR Matt Bryant (3) is in his 15th pro 59 • LB 32 • CB 45 • LB 23 • CB 61 • RT 61 • RG 62 • LG 77 • LT 60 • C season, but has never been to a R. Allen K. Neal Super Bowl. His leg remains powerB. Reed 37 • S 22 • S 50 • DE ful at age 41, and he doesn’t get nervous.

R. Allen K. Neal Veteran K Stephen Gostkowski J. Babineaux G. Jarrett T. Jackson 37 • S 22 • S (3) is among the NFL’s most reliable 95 • DT 97 • DT 94 • DE in all situations. He also still recalls missing a PAT in the conference championship game last year.

RUSH

yant K

PASS

W

A novice at this as a head coach, but won a Super Bowl as Seattle’s defensive in the C. coordinator Hogan M. Cannon 15 • WR2013 season.

61 • RT He resembles his mentor, Pete C. Hogan B. Reed Carroll, in demeanor M. Cannon 15 • WR 50willingness • DE and to 61 • RT push the envelope.

Must make sure B. Reed offensive coordinator 50 • DE Kyle Shanahan attacks from the outset.

PLAY SELECTION (PCT.) Regular season Postseason 48.8

SPECIAL TEAMS

Patriots

25 10 .714

51.2

SPECIAL TEAMS

Postseason

237 115 .673

RUSH

head coach, but won a Super Bowl as Dan Quinn Seattle’s defensive A coordinator novice at this in as thea head coach, but won 2013 season. a Super Bowl as He resembles Seattle’s defensive his mentor, Pete coordinator in the Carroll, in demeanor 2013 season. and willingness to He resembles push the envelope. his mentor, Pete Must make sure Carroll, in demeanor offensive coordinator and willingness to Kyle Shanahan attacks push the envelope. from the outset.

Must make sure Careeroffensive record: 21-13 .618 coordinator Dan Quinn Reg. Kyle season Postseason Shanahan attacks A novice at this as a theL outset.

W L PCTfromW PCT head coach, but won 19 13 record: .594 21-13 2 0 .618 1.000 Career a Super Bowl as Reg. season PostseasonSeattle’s defensive W L PCT W L PCT coordinator in the 19 13 .594 2 0 1.000 2013 season.

He resembles his mentor, Pete Carroll, in demeanor and willingness to push the envelope.

Must make sure offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan attacks from the outset.

D. Amendola 80 • PR

C. Jones 24 • KR

M. Bennett

P. Chung 23 • S

Website: centerfornewsanddesign.com

PLAYERS TO WATCH

2 0 1 7 B R I T I S H O P E N • R O YA L B I R K D A L E

FACTS & FIGURES DUSTIN JOHNSON Age: 33.

Country: United States World Ranking: 1 Majors: US Open (’16) British Open memory: The 2-iron he hit out-of-bounds on the 14th at Royal St. George’s as he was closing in on Darren Clarke in 2011.

146th Open Championship July 20-23, Royal Birkdale Length: 7,156 yards Jason Day

Danny Willett

Dustin Johnson

Henrik Stenson

2015 PGA Championship

2016 Masters

2016 U.S. Open

2016 British Open

Par: 70 Field: 156 players Playoff (if necessary): 4 holes, aggregate score Prize money: $10,250,000 Winner’s share: $1,845,000

SERGIO GARCIA Age: 37 Country: Spain World Ranking: 5 Majors: Masters (’17) British Open memory: Complaining that he was playing against “more than the field” when he lost in a playoff to Padraig Harrington at Carnoustie in 2007.

?

Jimmy Walker

Sergio Garcia

Brooks Koepka

Champion

2016 PGA Championship

2017 Masters

2017 U.S. Open

2017 British Open

New to the Crown A first-time champion has won the last seven majors — that streak may be in jeopardy at Royal Birkdale, a course with a history of rewarding experience

JORDAN SPIETH Age: 23 Country: Unites States World Ranking: 3 Majors: Masters (’15), US Open (’15) British Open memory: Rolling in a 50-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole at St. Andrews to tie for the lead with two holes to play in his bid for the Grand Slam.

He made bogey on the next hole and finished one out of a playoff.

RORY MCILROY Age: 28 Country: Northern Ireland World Ranking: 4 Majors: US Open (’11), British Open (’14), PGA Championship (’12, ’14) British Open memory: The 5-iron into the 18th at Royal Liverpool during his 2014 victory.

PHIL MICKELSON Age: 47 Country: United States World Ranking: 25 Majors: Masters (’04, ’06, ’10), British Open (’13), PGA Championship (’05) British Open memory: His 65 in the final round at Muirfield in 2013 to capture the third leg of the career Grand Slam.

T

he depth of talent at the top of golf has led to such parity that major championships are all about sharing the wealth.

Brooks Koepka won the U.S. Open at Erin Hills and became the seventh consecutive first-time major champion, a streak that began with Jason Day winning the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. It is the second-longest streak in the modern era, which dates to the inaugural Masters in 1934.

Whether it’s a trend or merely a cycle, odds are in favor of it ending when the British Open returns to Royal Birkdale.

No other links course in the current Open rotation has a better track record of rewarding major experience.

Padraig Harrington won in 2008 at Royal Birkdale to capture the claret jug for the second straight year. A decade earlier, Mark O'Meara won his second major of the year when he won in a playoff at Birkdale in 1998.

Only two of the eight champions at Royal Birkdale had never won majors, giving the links along the Lancashire Coast of England the lowest rate of first-time major champions among British Open links.

"It's very difficult to win a first major," Jordan Spieth said. "You're dealing with somebody that’s been there before."

Maybe so. But in six of the last seven Grand Slam events, a major champion was the runner-up. The exception was the U.S. Open last month, in which none of the top 20 on the leaderboard had ever won a major.

One thing has become clear: There are more candidates than ever to become a multiple major champion, especially considering that 23 of the last 33 major champions had never won one before.

That list includes Dustin Johnson, and while it has been only a year since he captured his first major title at the U.S. Open, the powerful American would have expected to add to that by now.

Instead, he hasn't even played the weekend at a major since last year at Royal Troon. Johnson missed the cut at the PGA Championship, slipped down the stairs and wrenched his back on the eve of the Masters and had to withdraw.

He then missed the cut at Erin Hills.

Royal Birkdale would seem to be right in his wheelhouse. It is a big course that weaves along massive dunes by the Irish Sea, and it has reachable par 5s on two of the last four holes. The bigger concern for Johnson is his own game. It hasn't been the same since that fall down the stairs when he was going for his fourth straight victory.

LOSING POUNDS Perhaps brought on by Brexit and the sharp decline in the value of the British sterling, the R&A for the first time is paying out prize money in American dollars.

The total purse is listed at $10,250,000, with $1,845,000 going to the winner.

Arnold Palmer after winning the British Open Golf Championship by a single stroke at Royal Birkdale in 1961.

PLAYING FOR THE HOME CROWD Justin Rose returns to Royal Birkdale with fond memories. He was a 17-year-old amateur in 1998 when Rose pitched in from 45 yards off the green in deep rough for a birdie on the final hole and a 69 to tie for fourth. He turned pro the next week and missed the cut in 21 straight events.

The real homecoming, however, belongs to Tommy Fleetwood. He grew up in Southport. His father used to walk the dog by the links course each night, and young Tommy would sneak onto the grounds and hit a few shots when no one was watching. They'll be watching now. Fleetwood, with victories in Abu Dhabi and Paris, has risen to No. 14 in the world and might be England's best hope to see an English winner of a British Open in England. That hasn't happened since Tony Jacklin won in 1969.

REMEMBERING ARNIE The majors this year have found some way to honor the late Arnold Palmer, and the British Open doesn't have to do much. It already has a plaque dedicated to the King from his first claret jug he won in 1961 at Royal Birkdale.

Palmer had a one-shot lead over Dai Rees when he hit his drive into a thick bush right of the 16th fairway. His caddie, Tip Anderson, wanted him to hit wedge back to the fairway. Palmer being Palmer, he reached for a 6-iron and slashed it out with all his might to about 15 feet. He made par and held on for a one-shot victory. Palmer's willingness to play the British Open encouraged other Americans to follow and invigorated golf's oldest championship.

PREPARING FOR A MAJOR EXAM It's safe to say players have their own ideas how best to prepare for the British Open. For the last two U.S. Open champions, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, the answer apparently is rest. Neither has played since the U.S. Open a month ago.

Rory McIlroy is playing two straight weeks leading to Royal Birkdale. Phil Mickelson typically plays the Scottish Open, but this will be the first time since 2006 that Lefty does not play a week before the Open.

Stewart Cink is at the Scottish Open, which is peculiar in one respect _ Cink in 2009 is the last British Open winner who didn't play the week before

Content by The Associated Press; page designed by GateHouse Media’s Center for News & Design.

COMPILED BY DOUG FERGUSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

Defending champion: Henrik Stenson Last year: In a duel that rates among the best in history, Henrik Stenson closed with a 63 to defeat Phil Mickelson by three shots at Royal Troon. Stenson joined Johnny Miller as the only players to shoot 63 in the final round to win a major. He finished at 264 (20 under) to set the major championship scoring record. Stenson and Mickelson combined for 14 birdies and an eagle in the final round. Their best-ball score would have been 59. They were so far ahead of everyone else that the next closest player to Mickelson was 11 shots back.

Last time at Royal Birkdale: Padraig Harrington outlasted 53-year-old Greg Norman, who was taking a break from his honeymoon with Chris Evert. Harrington wound up with a four-shot victory over Ian Poulter to become the first European in more than a century to win the Open in successive years.

Open champions at Royal Birkdale: Peter Thomson (1954, 1965), Arnold Palmer (1961), Lee Trevino (1971), Johnny Miller (1976), Tom Watson (1983), Ian Baker-Finch (1991), Mark O'Meara (1998), Padraig Harrington (2008).

Cashing in: The British Open is paying its prize money in American dollars instead of British pounds for the first time.

Key statistic: Eight of the last 10 British Open champions were 35 or older.

Noteworthy: Dustin Johnson has not played the weekend at a major since he tied for ninth last year at the British Open.

Television (all times EDT) Thursday-Friday, 1:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 4:30-7 a.m. (Golf Channel), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, 4-7 a.m. (Golf Channel), 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(NBC).