Athletes to watch

Vernon Davis

The tight end has been disappointing since the Broncos acquired him in a trade from San Francisco, but coach Gary Kubiak believes Davis will step up in the AFC title game Sunday in Denver. One reason is the Patriots’ tight end, Rob Gronkowski, has broken the playoff record for touchdowns (8) by a tight end that belonged before this season to Davis and Dave Casper.

Jonathan Stewart

Cam Newton is the key to the Carolina Panthers’ offense, but when Seattle shut the quarterback down on the ground last weekend, the veteran running back took over. He gained 59 yards on the first play from scrimmage and finished with 106, the first player to rush for more than 100 yards against the Seahawks in 27 games. He will try to complement Newton again Sunday in the NFC title game at home against Arizona.

Jalen Jones

The 6-7 forward, son of a former Prairie View A&M basketball player Reginald, leads No. 10 Texas A&M in scoring (17.0) and rebounding (6.9) this season. He scored 20 in the 71-57 victory Wednesday night over LSU and will try to help the Aggies remain unbeaten in SEC play Saturday at home against Missouri.

Wes Matthews

The Dallas Mavericks acquired the veteran shooting guard/forward as a free agent in the offseason from Portland to become a James Harden stopper. They meet again Sunday at Toyota Center.

Ashley Wagner

The 24-year-old figure skater, who trains in Southern California, will try to defend her national championship Saturday night in Saint Paul, Minn. She also won in 2012 and ‘13. The men’s championship is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.