What's coming down the line in '09?
Updated: January 4, 2009, 10:47 PM ET
ESPN.com
As 2009 gets under way, here's what our writers see in the year ahead.
The Year Of The Cavs Chad Ford, ESPN.com: I predict that 2009 will be the year of the Cavs. Sure the Cavs are in a position to win the NBA title in '09, but that's not what I'm talking about.
I predict Cavs GM Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert will pull out all the stops to make sure LeBron James can't come up with a good reason to leave in the summer of 2010. By most accounts, LeBron
is ready and willing ...
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ESPN.COM'S LOOK AT THE YEAR AHEAD

What to expect across the sports spectrum in 2009? ESPN.com offers things you might see coming, some you won't and some that will just flat-out surprise. Predictions to consider:
PRO SPORTS
- NFL: Flacco, Ravens to reach new heights
- NFL: Johnson will not be back in Kansas City
- NFL Draft: Draft to be different for Lions
- MLB: Yankees will be must-see TV
- MLB: Sabathia, Uptons on watch list
- NBA: What's coming down the line in '09?
- NHL: Our (sometimes wacky) predictions
- MMA: Nine reasons to be excited in '09
- MMA: Nine things fans want in '09
- Boxing: Rafael's 2009 boxing wish list
- Boxing: Listeners' wish lists for '09

- NASCAR: The likely, and not-so likely
- Racing: Never a dull moment in IndyCar
- Soccer: Looking into crystal ball for 2009
- Golf: Garcia ready to make the leap
- Golf: Watch out for Woods in 2009
- Golf: North's projections for 2009 season

- Tennis: Projecting who will find redemption
- Tennis: Which scripts will stand out?
COLLEGE SPORTS
- College FB: Big-name coaches could leave
- College BKB: Bilas says Hansbrough again
- College BKB: Fraschilla looks at Curry
- College BKB: Gottlieb says Griffin dominant
- Women's BKB: Creme on 2009 bracket
- Women's BKB: Hays picks UConn
- Women's BKB: Voepel looks at '09 tourney
- FB Recruiting: Luginbill's nine for '09
- BKB Recruiting: Williams' boys projections
- BKB Recruiting: Nelson's girls projections
MORE SPORTS
- Page 2: Predicting 2009 (thanks, 2008)
- Fantasy: What to watch for in 2009
- Fantasy: Berry's 2009 projections

- Fantasy: Karabell's 2009 projections

- ESPN RISE: 10 high school predictions
- ESPN RISE: Nine high schoolers to watch
- Olympics: 10 questions to ponder for '09
- Legal Issues: Cases to play out in 2009
- Sports Economy: Downturn will be story
- Poker: Economy will alter poker industry
- Poll: What does SportsNation see in 2009?
- Fan Blogs: Giants yes, Yankees no
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