Congratulations, puny mortals -- The World's Most Prestigious Power Poll has returned one last time for the 2012 season to let you know where things stand as the NFL heads into the playoffs. There is piping hot football knowledge waiting for you. Eat up.

John Leyba - Denver Post

01. Denver Broncos [13-3]: Winners of 11 straight, with the best QB in the NFL and a top defense, too. [NC]

02. New England Patriots [12-4]: Defense is shaky but offense will get the Pats to the AFC Championship game, at least. [NC]

03. San Francisco 49ers [11-4-1]: Is Colin Kaepernick ready for the playoffs? [NC]

04. Atlanta Falcons [13-3]: Need to prove they can win a playoff game. [NC]

05. Seattle Seahawks [11-5]: Must keep winning on the road or wait until next year. [+2]

06. Green Bay Packers [11-5]: Will go as far as Aaron Rodgers takes them because they cannot count on the defense. [NC]

07. Washington Redskins [10-6]: Winners of 7 straight, but have the toughest opponent of any team this week. [+1]

08. Cincinnati Bengals [10-6]: Red hot cats must like their chances of winning in Houston this week. [+1]

09. Houston Texans [12-4]: Worst-looking 12-4 team I've ever seen. [-4]

10. Baltimore Ravens [10-6]: Should easily handle the Colts and then get bounced in the second round. [NC]

Adrian Peterson literally carried his team to the playoffs

11. Minnesota Vikings [10-6]: How far can MVP Adrian Peterson take this team? [+2]

12. Indianapolis Colts [11-5]: One and done in the playoffs, but that's a huge leap for this young team. [+2]

13. Chicago Bears [10-6]: Late season fades finally cost Lovie his job. [NC]

14. New York Giants [9-7]: Great finish to the season, but where was that fire the previous two weeks? [+1]

15. Dallas Cowboys [8-8]: Tony Romo blew it, but he wasn't the nose tackle on a defense that gave up 277 rushing yards in week 17. [-3]

16. Pittsburgh Steelers [8-8]: Once-promising season crumbled, but this solid franchise should recover quickly. [+1]

17. Carolina Panthers [7-9]: Finished strong enough to dream big dreams this offseason. [+3]

18. New Orleans Saints [7-9]: This year's big winner: Sean Payton and his gigantic new wallet. [-2] 

19. St. Louis Rams [7-8-1]: Showing promise, but they need some playmakers on offense. [-1]

20. Miami Dolphins [7-9]: Arrow definitely pointing up for this team. [-1]

AP Photo - Bill Feig

21. San Diego Chargers [7-9]: Two wins to finish the season not enough to save Norv & A.J. [+2]

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers [7-9]: Coach Schiano wants competition for QB Josh Freeman. Good luck finding that this offseason. [+]

23. Tennessee Titans [6-10]: Coach stays, but what about the QB? [+1]

24. Cleveland Browns [5-11]: New coach must love teaching young people. [-2]

25. Buffalo Bills [6-10]: Fired the coach. Now fire the QB. [+1]

26. New York Jets [6-10]: Kept the coach. Firing everyone else. [-1]

27. Arizona Cardinals [5-11]: Replacing Ken Whisenhunt less important than replacing Kurt Warner. [+1]

28. Philadelphia Eagles [4-12]: Time to sweep this roster clean. [-1]

29. Detroit Lions [4-12]: Can't blame this mess on Matt Millen anymore. [NC]

30. Oakland Raiders [4-12]: Offensive MVP is the kicker. Again. [NC]

31. Jacksonville Jaguars [2-14]: Present is awful. Future now depends on Tim Tebow. Good luck with that. [NC]

32. Kansas City Chiefs [2-14]: One of the worst, most agonizing seasons any team has ever had finally comes to an end. [NC]

Filip Forsberg returned from injury to captain Team Sweden at the World Juniors.

Riley Barber

RW - Miami (Ohio) University - 18

Riley Barber has continued on the tear of a start to his rookie career. And December was huge for him. In five games, Barber had two goals and three assists and was +2. On the year, Barber now has eight goals and 14 assists with a +9 rating through 18 games. Despite this, his biggest achievement came in his inclusion in the Team USA World Juniors team, where he starred on the first-line alongside Miami teammate Sean Kuraly and Montreal Canadiens prospect Alex Galchenyuk. Through four preliminary round games, Barber scored one goal and two assists and was -1.

Greg Burke

C – University of New Hampshire (NCAA) – 22

Greg Burke made his return from a six-month absence with a shoulder injury, but only managed two games in December, from which he was pointless and -1. If he stays injury-free, Burke will have six January games with which to bounce back. In 11 games, he has three goals and two assists and is +3.

Travis Boyd

C – University of Minnesota (NCAA) – 19

One of the real risers of the Caps prospect pool, Travis Boyd continues to impress since being drafted in the 6^th-round in 2011, though December was a relatively quiet month for him with two assists and +1 in five games. On the year, Boyd has three goals, eight assists, 11 points, and a +3 rating in 19 games, impressive numbers for an underdog NHL prospect in only his sophomore season.

Connor Carrick

D - Plymouth Whalers (OHL) - 18

After a solid start to his OHL career, Connor Carrick, who turned down the University of Michigan this summer to become the Plymouth Whalers’ alternate captain, had somewhat of an up-and-down month. In 10 games, Carrick scored twice, added four assists, and recorded a -1 rating. Nevertheless, his stat-line of six goals and 14 assists and a +2 rating in 36 games speaks of a promising first half of the season.

Thomas DiPauli

C - University of Notre Dame (NCAA) - 18

While his fellow Caps prospects have been excelling, 4^th-rounder Thomas DiPauli has actually had a pretty rough start to the season. December was positive, though, as he scored one goal and was +1 in four Notre Dame wins. He may only have three goals and two assists in 18 games so far, but for a player that is continuously enjoying top-six minutes and has a +7 rating for the Fighting Irish, the points should soon come.

Christian Djoos

D - Brynäs (Elitserien) - 18

Tiny Swedish defenseman Christian Djoos might well be the NHL prospect that has enjoyed the greatest stock increase since the draft, and his meteoric rise continued into December. His stats for the month, -1 and pointless in three games, belie his play, as he has continued to impress on his pro team’s top defensive pairing. Djoos now is +2 and averages 14:47 ice time per game. Much to the delight of Caps fans, Djoos was one of the three Caps prospects to be selected to play at the 2013 World Juniors, and in the preliminary rounds rose from being a fringe player for Team Sweden to one of its go-to stars. Djoos has three assists an even rating through four games.

Filip Forsberg

RW - Leksand (HockeyAllsvenkan) - 18

Filip Forsberg returned from a hip injury shortly before the World Juniors started, managing to appear in three games. He racked up two goals and three assists and was +5. On the year, Forsberg, all but certain to be a Caps player next season, has nine goals and 10 assists with a +3 rating in 22 games. Forsberg was given the honor of captaining his Team Sweden at the World Juniors, and has so far posted two goals and two assists in four games as one of Sweden’s key offensive stars. He is +1.

Garrett Haar

D –Western Michigan University (NCAA) – 19

After a tough November, Garrett Haar’s miseries continued into the month of December. He appeared in five games, totaling one assist and going +1. Haar missed the last two games of WMU’s month with an undisclosed upper-body injury, the severity of which remains unknown. On the year, Haar has three goals and three assists in 16 games to along with an even rating, and despite the apparent struggles, he is only two points away from equaling his totals from last year.

Caleb Herbert

C – University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) – 21

Caleb Herbert had a much-improved December after a downright bad start to his season. After his incredible rookie campaign, Herbert had just seven points in 13 games, but this month managed three goals and one assists in seven games. He was -2. Though he is improving, he still has only four goals and seven assists through 20 games, a far cry from what was expected of him after his stellar freshman year.

Patrick Koudys

D – Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) – 20

Penn State-bound Patrick Koudys has continued to plug away for his Muskegon Lumberjacks this season, and had a pretty decent December. In 11 games, he had three assists and went -1 (which would have been far better if not for a -5 haul in his last three games). Koudys has now appeared in 31 games this season, having six assists, 48 penalty minutes, and +4.

Evgeny Kuznetsov

RW – Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL) – 20

He struggled badly in November, but superstar prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov really turned it on in December. His omittance from the Team Russia squad for the Channel One Cup seemed to give him a kick up the backside, as he went on to score six goals and two assists in nine games. He now has 16 goals and 18 assists in 38 games. He is +2. There is little question the guy is NHL-ready.

Jaynen Rissling

D - Calgary Hitmen (WHL) – 19

It was an offensively slow but defensively incredible month for 7^th-round pick Jaynen Rissling. After posting 12 points through 23 games, Rissling managed only one goal and two assists in 12 games in December. That said, Rissling was a rock on the blueline, going +10 and fighting twice. Rissling is still on track to break his points total from last year, with four goals and 11 assists through 35 games leaving him eight short. He is also an impressive +17 (a significant improvement from the -27 he was in 2010-11) and has 69 penalty minutes.

Taylor Stefishen

LW - University of Calgary (CIS) - 22

Canadian Interuniversity Sports have an extended Christmas break, so Taylor Stefishen only appeared in one game, not factoring onto the scoresheet. The former Nashville Predators prospect still has only one goal this season, but also has 11 assists and is +9 in 16 games. His Dinos return to action on January 4 against UBC.

Chandler Stephenson

LW - Regina Pats (WHL) - 18

Chandler Stephenson made his long-awaited return from a 25-game absence with a severed foot tendon, coming back with a bang. The 3^rd-rounder managed to fit in only three games this month, but racked up a whole four goals and four assist, including a six-point performance against Saskatoon. He was +5. Through 15 games, Stephenson has eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points and is -1.

Steffen Søberg

G – Vålerenga (GET-Ligaen) – 19 

Steffen Søberg’s biggest December achievement was no doubt leading his Norway to gold at the 2013 Division 1 Group A World Juniors. He started in all five games, winning four, and posted a .951 save percentage and 1.38 goals against average, being named his country’s MVP in the process. That said, the goalie struggled with Vålerenga in the GET-Ligaen, winning just two of six games and seeing his save percentage drop from .922 to .911 and his GAA rise from 2.23 to 2.54. After leading the league all season, Vålerenga dropped to second.

Patrick Wey

D – Boston College (NCAA) – 21

With the Christmas break, Patrick Wey appeared in only four games this week for the BC Eagles, but they were not his finest. The senior had one assist and was -1. On the year, Wey, who will be a member of the Caps organization next year, has one goal, eight assists, and +5 in 16 games.

Tom Wilson

RW - Plymouth Whalers (OHL) - 18

Heading into the draft, the only concern surrounding 6’3” manchild Tom Wilson was his offensive productivity. But after 26 games, those have been eradicated, as Wilson has already surpassed his total of 27 points from last year in almost half the games. Despite the disappointment of being cut from Team Canada’s World Juniors team, Wilson had a tremendous month, posting five goals and three assists to go along with a +3 rating in nine games. He also had 20 penalty minutes. Wilson now has 10 goals and 18 assists on the season, coupled with a +13 rating and 57 PIMs.

Austin Wuthrich

RW - University of Notre Dame (NCAA) - 19

Much like fellow 4^th-rounder and Notre Dame forward Thomas DiPauli, Austin Wuthrich has struggled early in 2012-13. The Alaskan returned from an upper-body injury to appear in three games, and went +1 with one assist. He has one goal and four assists through 15 games and is +1 on the year.

DC Pro Sports Report Three Stars of the Month:

1. Filip Forsberg (7Gms, 4G, 5A, 9P, +6)

2. Evgeny Kuznetsov (9Gms, 6G, 2A, 8P, E)

3. Christian Djoos (7Gms, 0G, 3A, 3P, -1)

The Washington Redskins success is leading other teams to the Redskins.  According to multiple report, the Arizona Cardinals will interview the Redskins Director of Player Personnel, Morocco Brown for their open General Manager position. 

This is Brown's fifth season in the Redskins front office.  His responssibilities inlcude evaluation of NFL free agents and trade prospects for the Redskins.  He has been with the Redskins since 2008.  Prior to his stay in Washington, Brown served in a similar capacity withthe Chicago Bears from 2001 to 2008. 

Where: FedExField in Landover, Md.

When: Sunday, Jan. 6 at 4:30 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox5 WTTG

Listen:  WTEM SportsTalk 980

Spread: Seahawks -3

Rookie quarterbacks ROBERT GRIFFIN III of Washington and RUSSELL WILSON of Seattle lead their teams into the playoffs. Griffin (102.4) and Wilson (100.0) are the only rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to post a 100.0+ passer rating.

Both rookie QBs have been complemented by strong running games. For the Redskins, rookie running back ALFRED MORRIS finished second in the NFL with a team-record 1,613 rushing yards. Seahawks running back MARSHAWN LYNCH ranked third in the league with 1,590 yards and was selected to his second Pro Bowl (first with Seattle).

Seattle and Washington enter the postseason as two of the hottest teams in the league. The Seahawks have won five in a row and seven of their past eight while the Redskins are riding a seven-game winning streak and are the fifth team in NFL history to make the playoffs after a 3-6 start.

“This is a big deal to finish like this and win all these games in a row,” says Seattle head coach PETE CARROLL. “We finished the regular season and now we’ll start it up again with a new season. We’re really excited about that.”

DISCUSS THIS IN OUR REDSKINS FAN FORUM!

NOTES

TEAMS MEET for 3rd time in postseason (2005 Div: Sea. 20-10; 2007 WC: Sea. 35-14). Sea. has won both playoff meetings & Was. leads all-time series, including playoffs, 11-6.

SEAHAWKS: Have won past 3 WC games. Have won 1st playoff game in each of past 4 postseason appearances. Seahawks are 2-0 in postseason vs. Was. Finished regular season winning 5 in row & 7 of past 8. During 5-game winning streak to close out season, outscored opp. 193-60. Seahawks had 5 players selected to Pro Bowl: RB MARSHAWN LYNCH (2nd), T RUSSELL OKUNG (1st), S EARL THOMAS (2nd), C MAX UNGER (1st) & KR LEON WASHINGTON (2nd)…Rookie QB RUSSELL WILSON threw 26 TD passes, tied for most by rookie in NFL history (PEYTON MANNING, 1998). Also rushed for 4 TDs. Completed 252 of 393 passes (64.1 pct.) for 3,118 yards with 26 TDs vs. 10 INTs for 100.0 passer rating. Wilson & Was. QB ROBERT GRIFFIN III are only rookie QBs in NFL history with 100+ rating in season. Wilson had 115.2 rating in Dec., best mark in NFL. In final 3 games of reg. season, had 6 pass TDs, 1 INT, 126.8 rating & 4 rush TDs…RB Lynch was selected to 2nd career Pro Bowl & 1st as Seahawk. Ranked 3rd in NFL with career-high 1,590 rush yards. Has 100+ rush yards in 8 of past 10. In past 10 games, has 1,041 rush yards (104.1 per game) & 10 TDs (9 rush, 1 rec.). In last year’s WC game (1/8/11 vs. NO), rushed for 131 yards & 67-yard TD. Since Nov. 2011, leads NFL with 2,531 rush yards (incl. playoffs). Rushed for 111 yards & had 20-yard rec. TD in only career game vs. Was. (11/27/11)…WR SIDNEY RICE led team with 50 catches & 748 yards. Tied for club lead with 7 rec. TDs. Has 4 rec. TDs in past 2 postseason games & aims for 3rd playoff game in row with TD. Tied NFL postseason record with 3 rec. TDs in 1/17/10 Div. (with Min.). WR GOLDEN TATE had TD in only meeting (11/27/11). Tied for team lead with career-high 7 rec. TDs. Has 5 total TDs (4 rec., 1 pass) in past 8 games…Seahawks led NFL in fewest points allowed (245), points per game allowed (15.3) & TDs allowed (25). Defense ranked in top 5 in NFC in all 3 categories: 2nd overall (306.2), 3rd passing (203.1) & 5th rushing (103.1). Team’s red zone defense was 2nd in NFC with 44.7% TD pct. allowed (17 TDs, 38 poss.)…DE CHRIS CLEMONS led team with 11.5 sacks, his 3rd consecutive season with 11+ sacks. CB RICHARD SHERMAN led team with 24 PD & 8 INTs, tied for 2nd most in NFL. Scored 2 TDs (blocked FG return & INT-TD). Rookie LB BOBBY WAGNER led team with 139 tackles. DE BRUCE IRVIN led NFL rookies with 8 sacks.

REDSKINS: Have won 7 in row, longest current winning streak in NFC. Are 5th team in NFL history to make playoffs after 3-6 start. Won NFC East for 1st time since 1999. In postseason, team is 23-17 (.575), 3rd best mark among NFC clubs (min. 15 games). Redskins had 3 players selected to Pro Bowl, all for 1st time: ST LORENZO ALEXANDER, rookie QB ROBERT GRIFFIN III and T TRENT WILLIAMS…QB Griffin set NFL rookie record with 102.4 passer rating, completing 258 of 393 (65.6 pct.) for 3,200 yards with 20 TDs vs. 5 INTs. Had 100+ rating in 8 games, incl. tying single-game NFL record 158.3 – highest attainable mark – in Week 11 vs. Phi. Only rookie to accomplish feat. Rushed for 815 yards, most by rookie QB in NFL history. Is only QB in NFL history with 4+ TD passes of 60+ yards & rush TD of 60+ yards in season…Redskins led NFL in rush offense (169.3 yards per game). RB ALFRED MORRIS rushed for team-record 1,613 yards, 3rd most by rookie in NFL history. Rushed for 75+ yards in 14 of 16 games, incl. 7 100-yard games. In past 6 games, has rushed for 744 yards (124 per game) & 8 TDs. Has 7 rush TDs in past 4 & aims for 5th in row with TD. In Week 17, rushed for 200 yards & 3 TDs as Was. won NFC East with win over Dal. Morris led NFC with 13 rush TDs & ranked 2nd overall in NFL. In past 3 at home, has rushed for 453 yards (151 per game) & 4 TDs…WR SANTANA MOSS led team with 8 rec. TDs, his most in season since 2005 (9). In 2 career playoff games vs. Sea., Moss has 13 catches for 171 yards (85.5 per game) & 2 TDs. Has scored 5 career postseason TDs (4 rec., 1 PR). WR PIERRE GARCON aims for 4th playoff game in row with TD catch. In past 3 postseason games, has 21 catches for 329 yards (109.7 per game) & 3 TDs. Had 4 TDs in 2012 & avg. 41.5 yards per TD. WR JOSH MORGAN led team with 48 catches. Had 510 yards, his 3rd 500+ yard season in past 4 years…Redskins ranked 3rd in NFC in rush defense (95.8 yards per game). Team was 2nd in NFC & 3rd in NFL with +17 turnover differential. LB LONDON FLETCHER led team with 139 tackles & career-high 5 INTs. Has 4 INTs in past 6. Had 2 sacks in Week 17. CB DE ANGELO HALL has 2 INTs in career vs. Sea., incl. INT-TD. Hall & LB ROB JACKSON tied for 2nd on club with 4 INTs. Jackson has INT in 2 of past 3. LB RYAN KERRIGAN led club with 8.5 sacks. Since entering NFL in 2011, is only player in NFL with 10+ sacks (16) & 2+ INT-TDs (2).

For more on the Wild Card matchup- CONTINUE READING

You can add three more names to April's NFL draft.

Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State- Teams will be lining up to take a long look at the Seminoles corner. At 6'2" 220, Rhodes has been compared to Arizona Cardinals star Patrick Peterson. Now, who wouldn't love to see Rhodes in Burgundy and Gold next season? But don't hold your breath as the Skins would have to trade back into the first round to have a shot at the sought after DB. Rhodes is one of the top junior's to declare and is almost a first round certainty.

DeAndre Hopkins WR Clemson- Sophomore sensation Sammy Watkins never really got untracked this season and Hopkins capitalized on the opportunity in a big way. Hopkins opened the season with a huge night against Auburn and closed out his Clemson career in similar fashion in the upset Chick-Fil-A win over LSU. A big physical receiver like Hopkins would fit perfectly in the Washington offense, but needs at offensive tackle and the defensive backfield need attention first.

Alec Ogletree LB Georgia- Like Rhodes and Hopkins, Ogletree waited until after his team's bowl game to declare his intentions. At 6'3" and 235 pounds, Ogletree has the skills to contribute inside or outside at linebacker at the next level. Scouts love Ogletree's ability to play in space and many believe he could be an elite talent as a rush linebacker. While Alec would be a great add, the 'Skins have too many other needs and not enough high picks.

DISCUSS THE REDSKINS IN OUR FAN FORUM

Head Coach Mike Shanahan says QB Robert Griffin III's knee is 100% healthy, but the bulky knee brace is hindering his movement. However, it seems like the knee brace will still be on RG3's knee on Sunday afternoon.

TB Alfred Morris has come a long way in a short time from that small Florida college that lost 11 of 12 games last year. I'll say he has: He just won NFC Offensive Player of the Week and NFC Rookie of the Month for December. 

RG3 finished the season with a passer rating of 102.4. That's the highest in NFL history for a rookie quarterback. [Second highest in NFL history now belongs to Seahawks QB Russell Wilson.] He finished third in passer rating overall, behind only Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning. Griffin tossed only 5 interceptions all season, giving him a ratio of 1.3 percent of passes intercepted. That's also an NFL record fora rookie, shattering the previous rookie mark of 1.98 for Charlie Batch. 

DB Cedric Griffin is back on the practice field after serving his four-game suspension for banned PED usage. ILB London Fletcher and LG Kory Lichtensteiger [both have ankle injuries] are watching the practice. 

The Seattle Seahawsk come to town on Sunday as one of the hottest teams in the NFL to play one of the hottest teams in the NFL. On paper, the Seahawks certainly look like the better team, but they have not won a road playoff game in 29 years. That's eight straight losses. 

Meanwhile, the Redskins have lost only one home playoff game since 1970. That loss came against the Bears after the 1984 season and it ended Washington's two-year reign as champs of the NFC. 

By the way, the Redskins-Seahawks playoff game at FedEx Field is sold out. The Redskins are 3-point dogs at home. 

Redskins CB Josh Wilson was a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks the last time these two teams faced each other in the playoffs. That game was close until it blew up in the second half when Redskins QB Todd Collins threw two pick-sixes and the Seahawks advanced to the next round. Wilson reminisces about that game.

Rich Tandler has a rundown of the Redskins-Seahawks history.http://www.csnwashington.com/football-washington-redskins/talk/best-and-worst-redskins-seahawks-series.

Tandler also looks at the big issues this week for the Skins -- the health of Kory Lichtensteiger, RG3's knee, whether or not Cedric Griffin will be activated for the game and if the Skins come out angry because they're under-dogs at home.

John Keim considers what the Redskins face this week as they prepare for the Seahawks. Big issue again: Will RG3 finally be right? And can the Skins score on that great Seahawks defense and slow down that red-hot Seahawks offense?

The Redskins are considering extending Mike Shanahan's contract. I don't really understand that. Shanny's got two more years remaining on his contract. Generally, if you want to retain a coach you extend the contract when he has one year left. If Shanny is to be extended, it should be done after the 2013 season. In other words, a year from now. 

Meanwhile, Shanny's defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett, could draw some head coaching interest. I doubt he goes anywhere, though.

OLB Rob Jackson intercepted a Tony Romo pass late in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's Redskins home win over the Cowboys, a great play that sealed the win for Washington. It's not the first big play he's made this year, as teammate Josh Wilson has noticed. 

Here is the NFL Draft order for 2013, picks 1-20. You will notice the Redskins are nowhere on that list. That's good news because it means the Redskins did well enough to qualify for the playoffs and, therefore, their draft pick for 2013 is not yet determined. It's bad news for the St. Louis Rams, who will receive that first round pick, as part of the deal for Robert Griffin III. I think it is safe to say that pick is not going to be as high as the Rams and their fans hoped it would be. 

It seems people are impressed when a running back runs for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns in the biggest game of the season for his team. Redskins tailback Alfred Morris, who ran over the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday night en route to a 28-18 victory and the championship of the NFC East, has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Morris also won NFC Rookie of the Month honors for the month of December.

Morris and teammate Robert Griffin III are the first rookie QB/RB tandem to win Offensive Player of the Week honors in the same season. 

Morris ran for 1613 yards this season, a record for a Redskins rookie, but also the all-time franchise record for rushing yards in a single season. Morris also scored 13 touchdowns, another record for a Redskins rookie. 

After falling in the season opener to then #1 Kentucky 72-69, Maryland basketball has won a dozen straight.

The Terps closed out non-conference play with a 81-63 win over IUPUI at the Comast Center this afternoon. Freshman guard Seth Allen led a balanced Maryland attack with 13 points.

Associated Press voters have shown little respect for the Terps, Maryland getting only five votes, good for 35th in the country in the latest AP Poll. Maryland has had an easy schedule since the opener against the defending national champs, with their only significant win coming against Northwestern in the Big 10/ACC challenge.

Maryland coach Mark Turgeon has turned the program around in a big way and very quickly. The Terps returned only four scholarship players this season, but have a solid ten man rotation featuring two transfers and four highly regarded freshman that were brought on board in the offseason.

ACC play begins on Saturday when Virginia Tech (9-4) visits the Comcast Center for a Noon tipoff.

Four more college football stars have decided to give up their final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Matt Elam Florida Safety- Although not yet official, Elam's high school coach Jack Daniels tells the Palm Beach Post that Elam has already made the decision to enter the draft. Elam was named first team All-American and should be high on the Redskins wish list. Projections call for Elam to go late in first round or early in the second, so the 'Skins will need a bit of luck to get a shot at Elam. Elam had four interceptions this season with 65 tackles, including 10 for loss.

Corey Lemonier Auburn DL/LB- Despite a disappointing junior season, Lemonier has decided to enter the draft. Lemonier has the versatility of playing a 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. With Adam Carriker and Brian Orakpo returning from injury in 2013 and Jarvis Jenkins and Rob Jackson emerging in their absence, Lemonier is not a need for Washington. Lemonier is the sixth defensive lineman to leave early, the most of any position.

Stefphon Jefferson Nevada RB- Jefferson was second in the nation in rushing this season with 1,883 yards on the ground to go along with 24 touchdowns. Obviously, Mike Shanahan doesn't spend early picks at the position, nor do the 'Skins have a glaring need at the position. South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore, Arkansas' Knile Davis and Giovani Bernand from North Carolina are other backs already declaring for the draft.

Robert Woods USC WR- Injuries plagued the USC wide receiver early on, but he still "managed" 76 receptions. As a sophomore, Woods hauled in a Pac-12 record 111 catches, earning pre-season All-America honors. Woods projects a late selection on day one and barring a trade, isn't on the Redskins radar. Woods' high school teammate, Marquise Lee was the Biletnikoff Award winner this season, but is only a sophomore.

Happy New Year from DC Pro Sports to you and your family from DC Pro Sports Report.

It look to be a good year shaping up already for DC sports fans.  Our Washington Redskins are in the NFL playoffs and NFC East division champions.  It's not just that.  Look beyond the playoffs for 2013.  This team has plenty of reasons to give us excite for 2013.  The youth movement that Mike Shanahan embarked on late in 2011 has this team set for a promising future.  Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris give Redskins fans plenty of reason to smile and be excited.  The fact this team ran off seven straight wins, after starting 3-6, is another powerful reason to be excited.  It goes tot he very character of the team as a whole.  This is not the same old Redskins.  It's a new Redskins. 

The Washington Nationals are set to compete for years to come and we can boast the best starting pitching staff in all of baseball.  Adding Dan Heren just makes it even more powerful.  The likes of Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper, and Jordan Zimmermann thrill Nats fans everywhere.  The fact we won't have to deal with a Strasburg shutdown issues is thrilling in itself.  It is very difficult, if not impossible, to not like the makeup and character of this club.  It is going to be a pleasure to cover this team in 2013. 

As for the Washington Capitals, things are looking a bit optimistic that hockey may very well return within the next ten days.  Caps fans will be excited to get their team back. 

As for the Washington Wizards, well, we have no answers there. We see very little hope otherwise.  It's sad to see.  All DC sports is looking up, except for the basketball team. 

We will continue to bring you the original mock draft database, the NFL Mock Database, the NBA Mock Database, the NHL Mock Database and the MLB Mock Database.  Sure there are imitations out there, but we were the first and original databases.   Few ways to keep you updated on when Database updates are done.  First, bookmark the Databases your are interested in and frequently check them.  We are updating the NFL database a few times per week and the other three databases at least once per week.  You can follow Mock Databases on Twitter and can follow them on Facebook. 

Beyond just our website, you can also Like and Share the DC Pro Sports Report Facebook page.  Follow us on Twitter too. 

Finally, we will continue in 2013 to build our new DC pro sports Fan Forums.  We encourage you to join our community.  It's a great time to talk and share opinions about DC pro sports teams.  Help us build our forums and become a participating member.  We pride ourselves on intelligent discussion and maintaining a friendly community and do not permit antics and bullying in our forums.  That's a promise.  Join us in 2013.  We look forward to forging new friendships. 

We look forward to bring you continuing coverage of all four teams, opening up new avenues of coverage, bringing you original, opinion filled content, and continuing to provide a voice on DC sports through our frequent appearances on News Channel 8 as a DC sports news source. 

So bring it on 2013!  DC pro sports are ready to roll!