51.   The Buccaneers, along with the Redskins and the Rams, are championship contenders from the National Conference.

52.   The Cowboys had risen to borderline NFC championship contender.

53.   The film traces the rise of Rocky Balboa from bum to championship contender and from animal to person.

54.   The domain of championship contenders no longer belongs solely to the familiar, traditional powers.

55.   The Eagles, a team without an experienced quarterback, were opening on Saturday at Michigan, which considered itself a national championship contender.

56.   The Lakers play at Chicago on Wednesday in a game that could determine whether they can beat a championship contender on the road.

57.   The moves that could determine the viable championship contenders were not necessarily the ones that brought the big names.

58.   The Pacific Division houses three legit championship contenders in the Lakers, Trail Blazers, and Suns.

59.   The Raiders would stamp themselves as legitimate championship contenders.

60.   The Ravens, with Lewis at linebacker, are expected to be strong championship contenders this season.