Steelers' Win Earns Weekend's Highest Playoff Ratings

Without some of the NFL’s marquee teams (Patriots, Cowboys) or players (Peyton Manning, Brett Favre) taking part in the league’s Divisional playoffs, the ratings for this weekend’s games are all notably down from a year ago. The Steelers’ 35-24 victory over the Chargers yesterday earns CBS a 21.4/36 overnight rating, the highest figure for the weekend but down more than 17% from the comparative Giants-Cowboys game in the same late-afternoon window in ‘08. The early results have to be troubling for next week’s conference championship games. Looking ahead to Tampa, one has to believe that NBC is pulling for a Keystone State Super Bowl -- it is hard to imagine a Ravens-Cardinals matchup would pull in the casual Super Sunday viewers the net so desperately desires.

Held At Bay
49ers downplay talks of co-developing new stadium with Raiders, though some believe it may be the best option for both teams.

Two (Out Of Three) Bits 
BCS title earns 15.8/25 fast-national rating, up 9.7% from '08; reviews of Fox' broadcast continue to be far less than kind.

Father Time
Moores will maintain Padres majority ownership for next few years even with Moorad deal.

Full Medal Jacket 
Despite losing longtime sponsors, USOC remains optimistic heading into tough economic future.

Is Anyone Paying Attention?
WADA member says number of MLB stimulant exemptions is "crying out of an explanation."

At The Heart Of The Matter 
John Jones speaks for first time about illness that led to his sudden departure from the Packers.

Miami's Vice
Heat set to become first U.S. franchise to use Mediamesh LED system outside arena.

Stick Figure 
NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings resigns from the league after a successful eight-year stint.