Inside: The Week In Sports

The NFL
As the Chargers wallow through a dismal season, LaDainian Tomlinson ponders his role—and his future • NFC South showdown: Peter King picks the Bucs over the Panthers

Fantasy Football
The Colts' defense is set to surge with games against Cincinnati and Detroit • Bad news for Plaxico Burress is good news for Domenik Hixon • Braylon Edwards just drops and drops

College Basketball
Bruising big men DeJuan Blair, Blake Griffin and Luke Harangody are giving Tyler Hansbrough some early competition for player of the year • What's wrong with the Pac-10?

The NBA
Devin Harris is no Jason Kidd—and that's just fine with the Nets, who have turned Harris into an offensive force • Wilson Chandler is suddenly producing for New York

LONG PLAY'S JOURNEY
After stopping Chicago on a goal line stand, Vikings quarterback Gus Frerotte connected with former Bears receiver Bernard Berrian (87, far left) for a 99-yard touchdown pass on Sunday in Minnesota's 34--14 win. It was the 11th 99-yard pass in NFL history.

PHOTO

Photograph by John Biever