First Down: 2010 World Series favorites

THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

Ravens at Bengals

Baltimore handed Denver its first loss last week and can get back into contention with a victory over surprising Cincinnati.

Cowboys at Eagles

Philadelphia made a big statement by trouncing the Giants on Sunday. But Tony Romo and friends want to take command of the NFC East.

No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama

The Crimson Tide dropped out of the top two in the BCS standings last week, but a victory over the Tigers might put them right back in the title hunt.

Magic at Thunder

Check out Dwight Howard and the defending Eastern Conference champs against scoring machine Kevin Durant.

TWT FIVE ” WORLD SERIES FAVORITES FOR 2010

1.Yankees - Duh. New York likely will let Johnny Damon or Hideki Matsui walk, but the franchise still will have the highest payroll. Its core group of players - though aging - will be back and looking for a repeat.

2.Phillies - The 2008 champs will bring back most of their high-powered offense, and a full season of Cliff Lee should put them in good shape for another great season.

3.Red Sox - Boston could use an upgrade on offense, but it has the resources to improve.

4.Cardinals - They proved to be one of the best teams in the National League in 2009 but just didn’t get it done in the playoffs. It will be interesting to see if new hitting coach Mark McGwire can add some punch.

5.Orioles - We have to put one sleeper on here. Baltimore’s rebuilding process could be done; its crop of young starters is ready to go at the major league level. Also look for breakout seasons from center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis.

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