When the NFL preseason kicks off next week, bettors should really start paying attention to the numerous debuts around the league. For many teams their first preseason game will be everyone's first look at a new rookie, a new head coach or a new free-agent addition. Here's a quick rundown of the all Week 1 preseason games and who you should be keeping your eye on ...
Indianapolis at Dallas - New Dallas coach Wade Phillips will be manning the sidelines for the first time in this game, which means you'll want to focus on the Cowboys' defense to get a few hints on what Phillips has planned for this season. The Colts will debut rookie wide out Anthony Gonzalez, most likely in the third receiver spot.
Cincinnati at Detroit - Presuming he ends his holdout, the Calvin Johnson highlight reel should start rolling in this game. The faster Johnson and QB Jon Kitna get acquainted in game situations, the better for Detroit. The Bengals have a decision to make at the third WR spot, where they'll be without Chris Henry for at least eight games.
New England at Tampa Bay - The first look at the Patriots' new additions (Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Adalius Thomas) will likely be a short one since all three are veterans and should adapt to the system rather quickly. The Buccaneers have to figure out their QB situation, making the preseason very important to Chris Simms and Jeff Garcia.
Jacksonville at Miami - The Jaguars need Byron Leftwich to start strong and stay healthy for once to be truly successful. Miami gets a look at new QB Trent Green, rookie wideout Ted Ginn Jr. and of course their new head coach Cam Cameron, who may have trouble adapting his old San Diego offense to what he has to work with in Miami.
Arizona at Oakland - Both teams have a new coach this year, with the Cardinals turning to Ken Whisenhunt and the Raiders giving Lane Kiffin a try. All eyes will be on newly-signed Daunte Culpepper as rookie QB JaMarcus Russell continues to hold out.
Seattle at San Diego - Not a lot of changes for either team, but new Chargers' coach Norv Turner should have fun with all the toys at his disposal in San Diego.
Philadelphia at Baltimore - Will Donovan McNabb be ready for this game? The Eagles' season could rely on McNabb returning at 100% from a knee injury, and if he plays in this game it will be a big step in his recovery.
St. Louis at Minnesota - Adrian Peterson's road to the Vikings' starting running back job begins here. He could get a real boost up the depth chart if he performs well in this game and if Chester Taylor's arm injury is worse than suspected.
Atlanta at NY Jets - The Falcons will need to use the preseason to get backup QB Joey Harrington up to speed on the offense, since it looks like Michael Vick's days in Atlanta could be numbered. This will also be Bobby Petrino's first game as Falcons coach.
Kansas City at Cleveland - The battle for the starting QB job in Kansas City begins between Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle. This could also be the first time we see Brady Quinn take the field in a Browns' uniform, if he quits bickering over his contract and gets into camp.
Buffalo at New Orleans - Rookie running back Marshawn Lynch makes his first play for the starting job in Buffalo, while WR Robert Meachem will get another crack at showing why he should be starting in New Orleans.
Chicago at Houston - The Bears start what they hope is another Super Bowl run, while Houston begins their first season without QB David Carr now that Matt Schaub's in town.
Green Bay at Pittsburgh - The Packers need to find a starting running back to take some of the pressure off Brett Favre, while Pittsburgh will be on six days rest after playing in the Hall of Fame game this Sunday night.
Carolina at NY Giants - Can Dwayne Jarrett fill Keyshawn Johnson's old shoes as the No. 2 target in Carolina? An even bigger question is: Will Brandon Jacobs be an adequate replacement for Tiki Barber in New York?
Washington at Tennessee - The Redskins already lost tackle Chris Samuels last week so don't be surprised if Joe Gibbs restricts the participation of his regulars in this game. The Titans have to get their defense sorted out during the preseason and try to keep the Madden Curse from striking down Vince Young.
Denver at San Francisco - Jay Cutler starts his first full season as the starter in Denver and there could be a battle for the Broncos' second receiver spot throughout the preseason. The 49ers are rising, but Frank Gore could end up missing the entire preseason after suffering a hand injury.
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