Leading Off

Overcharging
LaDainian Tomlinson (21) took the high road to cap a 12-play, 72-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, sealing San Diego's 17--6 AFC wild-card victory over the Titans on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium. While the Tennessee defense bottled up LT most of the time (42 yards on 21 carries), it allowed Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers to pass for 292 yards and a TD (page 49).

The Red Zone
With late-afternoon sunlight tinting the San Gabriel Mountains outside Pasadena, Illinois had one of its few rosy moments at the Rose Bowl: a six-yard, third-quarter reception by Brian Gamble. Soon after, the Illini fumbled, and USC rolled to a 49--17 win on New Year's Day.

Sideline Slam Dance
Mavericks forward Josh Howard (in white) hacked forward Mickael Pietrus in front of the Warriors' bench—and referee Tom Washington—during a Jan. 2 game at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Mavs exacted a small measure of revenge for their first-round playoff defeat to Golden State last season with a 121--99 victory.