Patriots Easily Pass A Difficult Test

With their 48-27 victory over the previously undefeated Dallas Cowboys, the Patriots cemented what had become clear in the first month of the season: they and the Colts are in a class by themselves and everybody else is playing catch-up. The Patriots (6-0) and Colts (5-0, with a bye this week) are the only undefeated teams remaining in the N.F.L. and their Nov. 4 game in Indianapolis figures to give early shape to the American Football Conference playoff race. With this victory, the Patriots already have a five-game lead in the A.F.C. East. At this rate, they might be able to clinch the division before the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone.

Buss: Bryant isn't untouchable

Jerry Buss looked relaxed in a seashell-print shirt and khaki shorts as he sat down near lush hotel grounds of botanical gardens and koi ponds, a paradoxical setting for his frank discussion of the very real possibility that his star player might not be on the team in two years, if not sooner.

The owner of the Lakers spoke publicly for the first time since his team's off-season of disarray, providing details of his involvement and his deepest thoughts during several months' worth of distress signals emitted by Kobe Bryant.

NFL Players Injury List

Week 6 In Preview: The Only Game In Town

There are 13 games on the schedule this weekend, but there may as well be only one.
There were several so-called Super Bowl previews or conference championship previews earlier this season, but those labels were based on preseason predictions, not results, and those games were duds.
As you may have heard, this is the fifth game in N.F.L. history between undefeated teams with 5-0 records or better. The combined score of the previous four games was 30-19, but these teams may surpass that total by halftime. The Cowboys are first in yards a game; the Patriots are second. The Patriots are first in points a game; the Cowboys are second.

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ALCS: Sox, Indians Both Offer A Strong 1-2 Punch

The top five questions heading into the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox

NLCS: Rockies Secret Weapon

The top five questions heading into the National League Championship Series between the Rockies and the Diamondbacks

The Cowboys Snatch A Win To 5-0

Tony Romo is nothing if not resilient. And because he didn't let four interceptions in the first half, two returned for touchdowns, destroy his night, the Dallas Cowboys pulled off a stunning comeback victory.

Dallas has placed itself in an elite standing in the NFL with only two other teams. Week 5 has turned out to be very competitive, with most teams simply fighting and scratching their way for nothing less than a win. The Colts & Patriots, seem to be sending a message in the AFC. None-the-less, Dallas is the only NFC team in week 5 with no losses.

Toure: Hleb Could Have Been Hurt

Arsenal captain Kolo Toure believes Alexander Hleb was lucky not to be seriously injured after he was on the end of another poor tackle as the Gunners went back to the top of the table.

Indians End Yankees Dream For 2007

Paul Byrd allowed two runs and eight hits in five-plus innings as the Cleveland Indians advanced to the American League Championship Series with a 6-4 victory over the New York Yankees on Monday to seal a 3-1 series win.

Spurs Comeback Stuns Villa

Spurs came from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa in a thrilling Premier League game on Monday night.

Manager Martin Jol's job looked in serious jeopardy when they fell 4-1 down but three goals in the last 21 minutes may just have kept him in charge.

Certainly it could not be said he does not have the players with him.

Even In Cup Loss, Women Move forward In Brazil

Last week, for the first time ever, a press conference given by the coach of Brazil's men's team was dominated by the progress of the women.

There are five stars on the jerseys worn by the Brazilian national team -- one for each of the five World Cup wins. The road towards the sixth win started last Thursday, when coach Dunga called up his squad for the first two rounds of qualifiers for South Africa 2010.

NL Wild Card Playoff Preview

Monday's one-game playoff between the Padres and Rockies -- the first such do-or-die matchup since 1999 -- features the irresistible force (Colorado's 13-1 record down the stretch) against the immovable object (Jake Peavy's league-leading 2.36 ERA). Which factor is likely to prevail