First Down

THURSDAY’S BEST BET ON TELEVISION

Forget the Magic-Cavaliers series, it’s time for the National Spelling Bee. 8 p.m, Ch. 7, 2

LOCAL POWER RANKINGS: WHO’S GENERATING BUZZ IN THE D.C. AREA?

SERGEI FEDOROV

His final chapter should be returning to the Capitals for a Stanley Cup run instead of playing in his native Russia.

DANIEL CABRERA

The ineffective Nationals starter has finally been released — yet another indictment of the work of former GM Jim Bowden.

LIONEL MESSI

He scored the second goal in Barcelona’s Champions League win over Manchester United. Fans should start a Bring Messi to D.C. United Fund.

MATT WIETERS

A reason to check out Tigers-Orioles on Friday night in Baltimore is the major league debut of this can’t-miss prospect at catcher.

TED LERNER

The Nationals’ owner has finished the grand slam: Dominican player scandal, “Natinals” jersey, “Rossevelt” bobblehead and the steroid story.

TWT FIVE Nonplayoff 2008 NFL teams that can bounce back

1. Bears — They still have some holes, but the offense will get a boost with the addition of Jay Cutler.

2. Saints — The NFC South is a tough division with Atlanta and Carolina. But if the Saints play defense, they’ll contend.

3. Jets — Only a December meltdown kept the Jets out of the playoffs last year. They’ll get a boost from coach Rex Ryan and linebacker Bart Scott.

4. Seahawks — Matt Hasselbeck is back healthy, and he has a new target (T.J. Houshmandzadeh) who could spearhead a return to the playoffs.

5. Redskins — They should start fast again. They’re better than Dallas but will need to forge splits with the Giants and Eagles.