With the Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors ready to kick off their seasons, the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, and both Bay Area football teams off to hot starts, the Northern California professional sports scene is in full tilt.

For many sports fans, these next few weeks might be too much to handle; the mind can only take so much sports activity before it self destructs like a message to Inspector Gadget. So here is a priority list of what to keep your eyes on over the next few weeks.

1. The World Series

The all-California series should be intriguing, as the Giants have never won a World Series in San Francisco, last losing to the A’s in a four-game sweep. The Giants and Angels match-up well on the mound, as both teams have solid pitching staffs. While the Giants have the edge in experience, the Angels have a group of gritty, hard-nosed players that should put up a fight.

Barry Bonds is the X-factor. If he can produce as he did in games 1 and 2, when he hit two home runs and scored four runs, look for the Giants to win the series.

Oakland Athletics fans should be intrigued by the series as well, as the American League West’s reputation as the best division in baseball is on the line. As of Monday, the Giants and Angels were tied at one game apiece.

2. Sacramento Kings

The Kings are looking to rebound from a game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and they have added a new piece to the possible solution — Keon Clark.

Clark could develop into one of the most explosive players in the conference. The 6-foot-11, 220 pound forward/center will provide the Kings with the closest thing they have to a defender for Shaquille O’Neal. Unlike center Vlade Divac, who often seems to confuse defense with rolling around on the hardwood, Clark will at least challenge Shaq in the middle.

It is pretty obvious that the NBA champions will once again come from the west, so the Kings might as well start gearing up for Shaq and the Lakers right now.

3. Oakland Raiders

The 4-2 Raiders are currently on a two-game losing streak, and if they want to break the streak they will need to find away to stop the pass. The loss of Charles Woodson due to a broken shoulder has hurt the Raiders, who have the third-worst pass defense in the league. The loss of rookie cornerback Phillup Buchanon for two months due to a wrist injury won’t help either. Woodson could be back as soon as next week, and after he heals, Buchanon could develop into one of the best corners in the league. He has already proven to be explosive on kick returns.

The Raiders also need to find a more consistent running game. The team rushed for only 37 yards against San Diego, and quarterback Rich Gannon has been forced to pass far too often.

4. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are coming off a loss to New Orleans where they carried a 24-13 lead going into the fourth quarter. But the Saints outscored San Francisco 22-3 in the final quarter en route to a 35-27 win. The antics of Terrell Owens continue to divide and plague the 49ers. He is constantly screaming at his own players, whining to his quarterback, and ignoring his coaches.

While the rest of the world might find Owens post-touchdown autograph signing hilarious, I’m sure J.J. Stokes, who has only 13 receptions on the year, wasn’t too amused. Owens constantly puts himself above his teammates, and until he finds away to help his team, and not just himself, the 49ers will never return to their glory days.

5. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors might not be the best team in the league, but they should open some eyes this season. Look for a Jason Richardson breakout season. Just like fellow high-flyer Vince Carter, Richardson has fed off the momentum of his NBA Slam Dunk Contest title. If the Warriors can get solid play from Mike Dunleavy, and Gilbert Arenas steps up at the point guard position, look for the Warriors to make a playoff run.