1. The New York-New Jersey Super Bowl
Nearly 47 years ago, the NFL forever changed with the first Super Bowl, and since then a rotation of warm-weather cities and domes have held the honor of hosting the game. Finally, the nation’s biggest city will host the nation’s biggest sporting event. And if it snows, all the better.
2. The NCAA Tournament at the Garden
March Madness is back in Manhattan. The NIT is nice, but the East Regional marks the first time since 1961 the NCAAs will take place at the World’s Most Famous Arena.
3. The Subway Series
Since the 2000 World Series and Shawn Estes’ attempt to hit Roger Clemens nearly two years later, the series just hasn’t had the same juice, but the rivalry will kick into another gear when Carlos Beltran and Curtis Granderson step to the plate, facing the teams they had their greatest seasons with.
Hobbled by a fractured ankle, Jeter played in just 17 games in his most forgettable season, as the Yankees missed the playoffs for only the second time in his career. If this is it, The Captain, who will turn 40 during the season, has a chance to finish his Hall of Fame career on his own terms.
5. A resolution on A-Rod
The seemingly never-ending Alex Rodriguez drama actually may be coming to a close. Rodriguez, who was suspended 211 games for his role in the Biogenesis scandal, may not be eligible to return until 2015 if his appeal is denied. A ruling is expected this month.
6. Carmelo Anthony free agency
The trade for Carmelo Anthony made the Knicks contenders again, but if he opts out of his contract and leaves the struggling team as a free agent after the season, the dark days could return. The Knicks need to re-sign Anthony and have him recruit running mates with his big black book.
7. New quarterback for the Jets?
The Jets surprised many by finishing this season 8-8, even with the inconsistent play of Geno Smith. Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles likely will be gone when the Jets pick at No. 18, but perhaps two-time national champion AJ McCarron could be the answer later on.
8. Mets prospects take center stage
With Matt Harvey likely out for all of 2014, the future will be the focus at Citi Field. Along with Harvey, Zack Wheeler and Travis d’Arnaud (and Noah Syndergaard) represent the potential building blocks to the team’s rebuilding plans.
9. Full season in Blue for Jon Beason
Beason arrived from the Panthers on Oct. 4, and immediately impacted the Giants’ defense. Appearing in 10 games, the team went 7-5 after acquiring the middle linebacker. Beason will be a free agent, but said he wants to return to the Giants next season.
10. The potential of Masahiro Tanaka in pinstripes
The Yankees are in pursuit of the prized pitcher, who went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA in Japan last season and likely will get a nine-figure contract. Teams have until Jan. 24 to negotiate with the right-hander.
11. St. John’s and Manhattan in the NCAA Tournament
Even if the Knicks and Nets don’t straighten out their seasons, local colleges could salvage the spring. Coach Steve Lavin has his most talented team since arriving at St. John’s, while Manhattan is a good bet to return to the tournament for the first time in 10 years.
12. Robinson Cano’s return to The Bronx
In joining the Mariners, Cano did what no Yankees superstar has ever done — leave the team in his prime for more money. A packed Yankee Stadium will be booing so loud on April 29 it will be heard in every borough.
13. Jacoby Ellsbury on the other side of The Rivalry
Ellsbury, one of the most hated men in The Bronx over the past seven seasons with the Red Sox, immediately claims the role of a lifelong friend by signing with the Yankees this offseason.
14. Cam Talbot’s underdog story
Henrik Lundqvist has been one of New York’s most consistent stars have the past eight seasons, and recently signed a massive seven-year extension, but Talbot (8-3, 1.72 GAA) has been better than Lundqvist (11-15, 2.77 GAA) all season.
15. Mike Piazza and Mike Mussina potential Hall inductions
Piazza, the former Mets great, was unsuccessful in reaching Cooperstown in his first year on the ballot, getting 57.8 percent of the votes. Needing 75 percent for induction, Piazza could enter this year and Mussina is on the ballot for the first time.
16. Rookies getting even better
Sheldon Richardson proved to be a star in first season with the Jets and could become a perennial Pro Bowler, while the Knicks’ Tim Hardaway Jr. could be one of the biggest steals in the 2013 draft. Even Dee Milliner showed signs of life with two interceptions on Sunday.
17. Knicks and/or Nets making the playoffs
With no team above .500, the Atlantic Division title won’t be decided anytime soon, and with Philadelphia and Toronto on track to tank, the Celtics may be the only competition for the automatic playoff berth.
18. Last ride for Martin Brodeur?
Brodeur barely received any recognition while leading the Devils to three Stanley Cups, so why would the area’s most unappreciated superstar be treated any differently now? Brodeur isn’t sure if he’ll be retiring after his 21st season, but the opportunities to watch the NHL’s all-time leader in wins are dwindling.
19. Joe Torre’s Hall of Fame speech
Torre’s legendary run as Yankees manager earned him a place in Cooperstown. Torre, who won four World Series titles and six pennants, surely will be all class in his speech this summer, likely to bring him to tears.
20. Seton Hall’s incoming freshmen
Kevin Willard has taken heat for his shortcomings in recruiting, but the Pirates coach came through with one of the nation’s best recruiting classes, led by guard Isaiah Whitehead, the star scorer from Lincoln High School and top New York City prospect.