Preseason News and Notes Saturday 8/22

Tampa Bay (0-1 SU and ATS) at Jacksonville (0-1, 0-0-1 ATS)

A pair of Florida rivals clash in Week 2 preseason matchup when the Buccaneers travel to face the Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

Tampa Bay fell at Tennessee 27-20 as a 4½-point underdog last Saturday, ending a 7-0 SU and ATS streak in preseason openers. Luke McCown got the start last week, but Byron Leftwich – the former starting QB for the Jags -- will open with the starters today as the two continue their battle for the No. 1 quarterback spot. Leftwich will likely play much of the first half, followed by McCown, with Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson in mop-up roles for new coach Raheem Morris.

Jacksonville lost its opener at Miami 12-9, getting a push as a three-point underdog. QB David Garrard, who took over the starting job full time when Leftwich was let go prior to the 2007 season, played three series last week, and coach Jack Del Rio said Garrard will go “a little longer” than that this week. Todd Bouman and Paul Smith will follow Garrard.

The Buccaneers, who went 3-1 SU and ATS in each of the past two preseasons under former coach Jon Gruden, had won and cashed in three straight exhibition road games before last week’s setback. Tampa is 5-6 SU and 5-4-2 ATS in road preseason play since 2004, and in that stretch, the Bucs are a middling 4-4-2 ATS as a pup.

The Jags, who went 3-1 SU in the preseason for the fourth straight year in 2008 and the fifth time in Del Rio’s six years with the team, are on an 8-4-1 ATS roll in their last 13 exhibition affairs. However, they failed to cash in either home game last year (1-1 SU), and though they are 7-3 SU in their last 10 home August contests, they are just 5-5 ATS.

Jacksonville is on a 5-0 SU and ATS roll in this rivalry in preseason play, including a 23-17 road win last August laying three points.

The over has been the play in the last four exhibition contests between the Bucs and Jags, and the over is 6-2 in Tampa’s last eight preseason games, including last week’s contest against the Titans. However, the under is on a 3-1 preseason run for Jacksonville.

ATS ADVANTAGE: JACKSONVILLE

Pittsburgh (1-0 SU and ATS) at Washington (0-1 SU and ATS)

The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers won’t have star QB Ben Roethlisberger at their disposal when they travel to FedEx Field for a meeting with the Redskins.

In a Super Bowl rematch of sorts, Pittsburgh topped Arizona 20-10 on Aug. 13, covering as a three-point home chalk in its preseason opener. Roethlisberger played two series and was to start this week, but he injured his right foot late in practice Thursday, and though he traveled with the team, he’s not expected to play tonight. Charlie Batch should get the start under center and may play the entire first half, followed by youngsters Dennis Dixon and Mike Reilly.

Washington also opened on Aug. 13, getting thumped 23-0 as a three-point pup at Baltimore. QB Jason Campbell, in for the first two possessions last week, should play much if not all of the first half this week, with Todd Collins relieving, followed by Colt Brennan.

The Steelers went 0-2 ATS (1-1 SU) on the road in the 2008 preseason, and they are 3-6 ATS in their last nine exhibition roadies dating to the 2004 season, including a 1-4 ATS mark on the highway the past three summers. That said, Pittsburgh is 8-2 SU in August since Mike Tomlin took over as coach (5-5 ATS).

The Redskins are 2-4 ATS in the preseason under coach Jim Zorn, who took over in 2008. Furthermore, Washington is 5-12 SU and ATS in its last 17 exhibition contests, including a current 1-4 ATS skid at home (0-2 ATS last year).

Dating to 2005, the under is on a 12-2 preseason tear for Pittsburgh, and the under is 4-1 in Washington’s last five August games.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Carolina (0-1 SU and ATS) at Miami (1-0, 0-0-1 ATS)

The Dolphins remain at Land Shark Stadium for a second straight week when they take on the Panthers, who are on the road for the second week in a row.

Miami eked out a 12-9 victory over Jacksonville on Monday night, getting the push as a three-point home chalk, with heavy second-half rains hindering the offenses for both teams. QB Chad Pennington, who came out after one quarter last week, should go further this time around, though the starters are expected to get their most extensive play next week. Chad Henne and rookie Patrick White will follow, though coach Tony Sparano refused to reveal the order in which his backups will enter.

Carolina lost to the Giants 24-17 Monday on a fluky 18-yard fumble return for a touchdown as time expired, failing to cover as a three-point road ‘dog. QB Jake Delhomme, in for three series last week, could go a bit longer today, though Panthers coach John Fox was mum on his plan. Josh McCown should spell Delhomme, followed by Matt Moore and Hunter Cantwell, who led an 88-yard TD drive last week that tied the game at 17.

Miami is on a 4-0 SU and ATS run in preseason play, but over the past five years, the Dolphins are a more mediocre 6-5 SU and 4-5-2 at home in August. They are also 2-4-2 ATS in their last eight as a preseason chalk.

Carolina is 17-8 SU in the preseason since 2003 (14-11 ATS), but the Panthers have lost three straight exhibition roadies (1-2 ATS), and they’re 3-6 ATS in their last nine preseason road tilts.

The over is on a 4-1 roll for Carolina in the preseason, but the under is 7-1 in Miami’s last eight exhibition games, with the last five in a row falling short of the posted price.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE

Detroit (1-0, 0-1 ATS) at Cleveland (0-1 SU and ATS)

The Lions, hoping to build on a win last week following their record-setting 0-16 regular-season campaign last year, hit the road to face the Browns.

Detroit got a last-second Jason Hanson field goal to beat Atlanta 27-26 a week ago, though it failed to cash as a three-point home favorite. Veteran Daunte Culpepper got the start and went three possessions before giving way to No. 1 overall draft pick Matt Stafford, but that won’t be the case this week. New head coach Jim Schwartz said Stafford (7 of 14, 114 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT last week) start tonight and play into the second quarter, followed by Culpepper and Drew Stanton.

Cleveland lost at Green Bay 17-0 last Saturday as a three-point underdog, meaning the Browns’ offense hasn’t scored a touchdown since Nov. 17, in a regular-season tilt at Buffalo. Brady Quinn started at QB against the Packers and went one series, followed by Derek Anderson for the next two possessions. But new Browns coach Eric Mangini has been noncommittal all week as to whether Quinn or Anderson will lead the starting offense today. Brett Ratliff will likely be the third QB off the bench, with Richard Bartel possibly seeing mop-up duty..

As bad as their 2008 regular season was, the Lions are on a 5-0 SU run (4-1 ATS) in exhibition play. Detroit is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four road preseason games. On the flip side, Cleveland is 0-5 SU and ATS in its last five summer affairs, including 0-3 SU and ATS at home.

The under had hit in four of five preseason games for Detroit prior to last week’s “over,” and the under for Cleveland has been the play in three straight August contests and seven of the Browns’ last 10 exhibition outings overall.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

Buffalo (1-1 SU and ATS) at Green Bay (1-0 SU and ATS)

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will try to build off an impressive Week 1 victory when they host the Bills at Lambeau Field.

Buffalo ended a six-game preseason home losing skid (both SU and ATS) with last week’s 27-20 win over Chicago as a three-point favorite. Coach Dick Jauron said QB Trent Edwards and the starting offense will certainly play the first quarter and into the second depending how the game goes. Look for backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to play through the third quarter and then it’ll be Gibran Hamdan taking the snaps in the final period.

The Packers, who are shooting for their first winning August since 2002, blanked the Browns 17-0 as a three-point home favorite in Week 1. Mike McCarthy’s QB rotation is set with starter Aaron Rodgers (102 yards and a 119.6 passer rating last week) playing into the second quarter. He’ll be followed by Matt Flynn for the rest of the second quarter and the third quarter, with Brian Brohm taking the fourth-quarter snaps.

The Bills, who pushed as a three-point underdog in a 21-18 loss to Tennessee in the Hall of Fame Game on a neutral field two weeks ago, are 6-0 ATS on the road in August under Jauron. They’re also 9-0-1 ATS as an underdog in preseason play since 2004.

Despite shutting out the Browns, the Packers are still just 5-8 SU and 6-7 ATS in three-plus years under McCarthy. Green Bay has not won or covered both exhibition home games since 2002, but it has followed up an 0-4 ATS slump in preseason play with three straight spread-covers dating to Week 3 last August.

The over is still 9-4 in Green Bay’s last 13 preseason contests (5-2 at home)s, and the Bills have topped the total in their first two exhibition games. However, Buffalo’s last eight true road games in preseason action have stayed under the total.

ATS ADVANTAGE: GREEN BAY

New Orleans (1-0 SU and ATS) at Houston (1-0 SU and ATS)

The Saints and Texans clash in Week 2 of the preseason for the second straight year, this time at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

The Saints had little trouble with the Bengals in their opener, cruising 17-7 as a three-point home chalk, though they got outgained 379-316. Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints starters will play most if not all of the first half. Third-string QB Joey Harrington, who threw just three passes in the fourth quarter last week, will replace Brees and may play the remainder of the game. If backup QB Mark Brunell – who saw extensive action against Cincinnati – sees any time it will be late in the fourth quarter.

The Texans went to Kansas City last week earned a sluggish 16-10 victory as a three-point road pup. Coach Gary Kubiak said QB Matt Schaub, who went 7-for-7 for 70 yards last week, will be on the field with the rest of the starters for about 25 snaps against New Orleans, which should equate to the midpoint of the second quarter. QB Dan Orlovsky will lead the offense from there and play at least through the third quarter. If Orlosvky doesn’t finish the game, newly signed Alex Brink will, as No. 3 QB Rex Grossman injured his hamstring last week and is out for at least a month.

New Orleans has won and covered four straight preseason road games and went 4-1 ATS as an underdog the last two summers.

Houston, which is now on a 5-3 SU and 5-2-1 ATS roll in August, has won four of six preseason home games since Kubiak took over in 2006, but is just 2-2-2 ATS. The Texans have won and covered four straight years in Week 2 of the exhibition campaign – including a 31-27 win at New Orleans last year – but that was all as an underdog. As a preseason chalk, Houston is just 1-4-2 ATS since 2004.

The under is 9-3 in the Saints’ last 12 preseason affairs (4-2 on the road). Also, Houston has stayed low in its last two exhibition games after topping the total in its previous seven in August.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS

N.Y. Giants (1-0 SU and ATS) at Chicago (0-1 SU and ATS)

Jay Cutler makes his Solider Field debut when he leads the Bears against Eli Manning and the Giants.

Cutler was shaky last week at Buffalo, going 5-for-10 for 64 yards with an interception as the Bears fell 27-20 as a three-point underdog. Bears coach Lovie Smith said Cutler and the rest of the starters will play into the second quarter in this contest. Behind Cutler are inexperienced passers Caleb Hanie and Brett Basanez.

New York got a fumble return for a touchdown on the final play of the game Monday to knock off Carolina 24-17 as a three-point favorite. While Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin didn’t come out and give specifics for tonight’s QB rotation, Eli Manning will most likely play the first quarter before giving way to backup David Carr, who has been locked in a tough duel with Andre Woodson for the No. 2 job. Look for Carr to play the second quarter and midway into the third before Woodson calls the plays the rest of the way.

Chicago is now mired in a 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS funk in preseason action, and has failed to cover in five straight exhibition home games (1-4 SU). The Bears are also 3-11-1 ATS as a preseason chalk since 2002.

The Giants are 12-8-1 ATS in preseason action since Coughlin took over in 2004, including 3-1-1 ATS since last year. However, they’re just 3-4 SU and ATS on the road in August under Coughlin and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six as a preseason pup.

The over for Chicago is on preseason streaks of 7-2 overall and 4-1 at home, but the under is 8-5 in New York’s last 13 August contests (3-1 “under” last four true road games).

ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. GIANTS

Oakland (1-0 SU and ATS) at San Francisco (1-0, 0-1 ATS)

After making headlines all week for allegedly punching one of his assistant coaches, Raiders coach Tom Cable returns to the sidelines when he leads his squad across the bay for their annual preseason battle with the 49ers.

Cable’s preseason debut was a resounding success as Oakland throttled the Cowboys 31-10 as a 1½-point home favorite, finishing with a 182-yard edge in total offense. Cable said his starters will play the entire first half against the 49ers, with the exception of QB JaMarcus Russell, who will play into the second quarter before veteran Jeff Garcia takes over and plays with the first-string offense for the remainder of the half. Bruce Gradkowski will lead the offense in the third quarter, followed by Charlie Frye in the fourth.

The 49ers held off Denver 17-16, but came up short as a 1½-point home chalk in Week 1. Alex Smith and Shaun Hill, who are battling for the No. 1 quarterback job in San Francisco, will both work with the first-team offense tonight and receive about the same number of reps as last week when each played a couple of series. Smith, who relieved Hill in Week 1, will get the start. Jamie Martin, who didn’t play against the Broncos, likely will replace Hill, leaving Damon Huard as the odd man out.

The Raiders have lost five straight preseason road games (1-4 ATS). In fact, they’re 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS as a preseason visitor since 2005. Meanwhile, with the victory over the Broncos, San Francisco improved to 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS at home since the start of the 2005 exhibition campaign. However, the Niners have now failed to cover in four of their last six as a preseason favorite.

The home team is on a 4-0 SU and ATS roll in this rivalry over the last four preseasons.

The under is 13-5 in Oakland’s last 18 August contests and 8-2 in its last 10 on the highway, but the over is 5-3 in San Francisco’s last eight preseason games (3-1 at home).

ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN FRANCISCO

San Diego (0-1 SU and ATS) at Arizona (0-1 SU and ATS)

The Chargers hit the road for the first time this summer, making the short trek to Arizona to battle the Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.

San Diego had little trouble moving the ball against Seattle last week, piling up 384 yards (including 329 passing), but it struggled to put points on the board and lost 20-14 as a 3½-point home chalk. Earlier this week, San Diego coach Norv Turner informed his starters to be ready to play the entire first half tonight, and the team will stick with its quarterback rotation of starter Philip Rivers, backup Billy Volek and third-stringer Charlie Whitehurst.

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who saw his first preseason action in four years with a four-carry effort last week against Seattle, will play again tonight and see about the same about of action.

Arizona came up short in its Super Bowl rematch against the Steelers, losing 20-10 as a three-point road underdog. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said Kurt Warner will once again start under center and play the first quarter and possibly into the second along with the rest of the first-stringers. This week, though, Warner will be followed by Brian St. Pierre, who flip-flops with Matt Leinart, who is battling St. Pierre for the backup job and will be third off the bench.

The Chargers split their two preseason road games last year, but cashed in both, and they’re 3-1 SU and ATS as an August visitor since 2007, with the lone non-cover coming in a 33-31 win at Arizona as a 2½-point chalk in 2007. Also, San Diego is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games after a SU preseason defeat.

The Cardinals have lost all four preseason home games under Whisenhunt (1-3 ATS), and they’re just 2-6 ATS in their last eight as a preseason chalk (0-3 ATS last two years).

Since 2006, the over is 7-4 for San Diego in preseason action, including 4-1 on the road, and 7-4 for Arizona in exhibition play, including 4-1 at home.

ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN DIEGO and OVER

Denver (0-1, 1-0 ATS) at Seattle (1-0 SU and ATS)

The Broncos head to the West Coast for the second week in a row when they invade Qwest Field for a clash with the Seahawks, who look to continue their preseason dominance.

Denver spotted the 49ers a 9-0 lead last Friday, then battled back to get within 17-16 on Chris Simms’ 52-yard TD pass with less than two minutes to play. Rather than settle for overtime, though, the Broncos went for two and failed, but still covered as a 2½-point underdog. QB Kyle Orton, whose three series against the 49ers all ended with an interception, is slated to start this contest, though new coach Josh McDaniels didn’t reveal his plans for playing time. As was the case last week, though, Simms will replace Orton, while rookie Tom Brandstater will likely see his first NFL action late in the second half.

Seattle rallied past the Chargers 20-14 as a 3½-point underdog last week and has now covered in seven straight preseason games (6-1 SU). New Seahawks coach Jim Mora said he plans to play his starters through most, if not all, of the first half, though it’s likely that veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be among the first to leave the field. Once he does, longtime backup Seneca Wallace will take over, followed by Jeff Rowe and Mike Teel, who are dueling for the third-string job.

Going back to 2002, Denver is 10-5 SU and 11-3-1 ATS in exhibition road games, including 4-1-1 ATS in its last six on the highway (3-3 ATS). Also, the Broncos are 6-1-1 ATS as a preseason underdog since 2005.

Since the final week of the 2006 preseason, Seattle has won eight of its last 10 exhibition contests, going 9-1 ATS. During this stretch, the Seahawks are 5-0 SU and ATS at home, all as a favorite.

The over is 4-2 in the Broncos’ last six August road games (both “unders” coming in San Francisco). Also, Seattle is on preseason “over” streaks of 13-6 overall (9-3 last 12) and 4-1 at home.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER

QB Battles Give Bettors More Bang For Their Buck
By Covers.com

There are a handful of teams still trying to determine their starting quarterback for the 2009 season. Those QB competitions can serve as added motivation for players. And as any bettor knows, extra motivation in the preseason is a gold mine.

Here's a look at this week's games involving those teams:

Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns (-3, 38)

This is undoubtedly the most intriguing game on the board. Both teams are coming off awful seasons and have first year-coaches who are looking at decisions at quarterback that will impact their job and the team's long-term future.

Detroit's Jim Schwartz has a stud in top overall pick Matt Stafford but has said that the rookie will only be named the starter if he outplays his competition and shows that he is mentally ready. His competition is Daunte Culpepper, who clearly has the edge in experience but was part of last season's 0-16 mess.

Cleveland's Eric Mangini is looking at one-time hotshot Brady Quinn and former Pro Bowler Derek Anderson. Quinn is believed to have the inside track but could even things out with a poor performance. Anderson was 0-for-2 with a pick in the opener.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3, 34)

Plenty of eyes will be on Byron Leftwich, who is trying to win Tampa Bay's starting quarterback job and is returning to where he made a name for himself as a QB before being supplanted by David Garrard.

Most believe the quarterback battle is between Leftwich and Luke McCown. Leftwich has the clear edge in experience but McCown is less mistake-prone and may manage the game better. Still in the mix, however, is rookie Josh Freeman, who has better long-term prospects than either Leftwich or McCown and was sharp in the opener.

Bucs first-year coach Raheem Morris has said he will make his decision before Tampa Bay's next preseason game. He may have some trouble determining which quarterback is best because wide receivers Michael Clayton and Kelly Campbell both are doubtful with injuries.

Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (-3, 34.5)

The 49ers started Shaun Hill in their preseason opener and have given every indication that he has the edge in his battle with Alex Smith. But coach Mike Singletary named Smith the starter for the 49ers' matchup with their Bay area rivals.

Last week, both quarterbacks directed the team to points. Hill looked more consistent, while Smith has the better arm.

San Francisco won five of its final seven games under Hill last season. Smith has had three surgeries in the last two years on his right shoulder but says his arm is feeling strong.

On the other side of the field, JaMarcus Russell is Tom Cable's choice as starter. But veteran Jeff Garcia will play and could make things interesting if he gets fired up to face his former team and Russell displays the inconsistency he has shown throughout his career.

New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (-3, 32.5)

Rookie Mark Sanchez seems to be on the fast track to the starting job - if you believe the tabloids, who have fallen in love with him after one solid game. But Kellen Clemens was also sharp in last week's preseason opener and should not be counted out.

There could be a lot of emotion swirling as Jets coach Rex Ryan, who has been shooting his mouth off since taking the job, returns to Baltimore, where he built a powerhouse defense that could give both Sanchez and Clemens fits depending on how long the starters play.

Points at a Premium
By SportsPic

The defending Super Bowl Champion, Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Washington Redskins in the second August warm-up for each squad. Steelers opening their campaign with a 20-10 win over Arizona cashing as 3-point favorites enter 7-7 (5-9 ATS) the past three plus years of preseason action including 2-4 (0-6 ATS) on the highway. It is well to note Steelers have had thirteen sub 24 point efforts over the span recording an 11-2-1 'Under' mark. Meanwhile, Redskins failing to put any points on the board in their 23-0 loss at Ravens have now lost three straight in August and twelve of their last eighteen (6-12 ATS) averaging a lowly 11.5 PPG. With the squads failing to break a combined thirty points in six of their last seven meetings (6-1 'Under') stick with the 'Under' in this contest. Steelers are 5-0 'Under' the past five as preseason Dogs, 6-1 'Under' last seven in August with a total <34 and Skins' are 6-2 'Under' last eight at home in preseason. As always best of luck. Betting on the NFL in August is a completely different exercise than betting on the same sport a month later.

Tips and Trends

Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns

Lions: The Lions went winless in 2008, but they don’t have any problem piling up victories during preseason. Detroit has won its last five preseason games, including edging Atlanta last week, 27-26. Daunte Culpepper was 5-of-6 in that game for 41 yards and showed some lost mobility following a tough recovery from a knee injury. “I feel like I’ve finally gotten back to the player I want to be,” Culpepper said. Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the draft, will get the start at quarterback, though. Culpepper is expected to play the second quarter with Drew Stanton under center for the second half. Stafford connected on half of his 14 passes versus the Falcons for 114 yards. The Lions will face a 3-4 style defense, a defense that not many NFC teams use. Detroit beat Cleveland, 26-6, during Game 3 of the preseason last year. The Lions outgained the Browns, 386-250.

Counting regular-season, the Lions have covered in their last 6 road games.

Key Injuries - Wide receiver Calvin Johnson (thumb) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (thigh) are out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 17

Browns (-3, O/U 38.5): The Browns have gone seven games and 75 possessions without scoring an offensive touchdown. They have turned the ball over on 20 of those possessions, a rate of 26 percent. Cleveland committed four turnovers in losing its preseason opener last week to the Packers, 17-0. Not only do the Browns have a quarterback controversy between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, but their ground game is weak, too. The Browns had the ball for just 20 minutes against Green Bay and made only 11 first downs and 191 yards. Cleveland quarterbacks threw four interceptions and the team committed seven penalties for 50 yards. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards didn’t help matters dropping a touchdown pass from Quinn. Anderson is expected to get the start this week for Cleveland. Star defensive tackle Shaun Rogers hopes to go against the Lions, a team he played for from 2001-2007.

The Browns are 6-2 ATS at home when having preseason revenge.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 21 (Side of the Day)

San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals

Chargers: LaDainian Tomlinson saw preseason action last week for the first time in four years. He carried four times for 10 yards and caught an 8-yard pass out of the backfield. San Diego quarterbacks combined to throw for 329 yards, but committed three turnovers in losing to Seattle, 20-14. Starting quarterback Philip Rivers was 5-for-8 for 26 yards. Look for San Diego’s starters to play more this week, although Tomlinson doesn’t figure to play much and wide receiver Vincent Jackson is out with a sprained finger sustained in practice on Wednesday. Chargers coach Norv Turner probably will want to balance his offense after passing 49 times and having 21 rushing attempts versus Seattle. Turner isn’t expected to play first-round selection linebacker Larry English for the second consecutive week. English is suffering from a hamstring strain. The Chargers have won nine of their last 13 preseason games, including going 6-3 under Turner.

The Chargers are 6-0 ATS in preseason on the road following a game they lost and failed to cover during the previous week.

Key Injuries - Wide receiver Vincent Jackson (finger) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 19

Cardinals (-2, O/U 37): The Cardinals probably would like to balance their attack, too, after attempting just 16 rushes compared to 49 passes versus Pittsburgh last week. First-round rookie running back Chris Wells re-aggravated an ankle sprain during practice this week and may not play. Tim Hightower, Jason Wright and rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling should get the bulk of the carries. Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt plans on playing his starters well into the second quarter, with the possible exception of 38-year-old starting quarterback Kurt Warner. If Warner, who was 6-of-10 for 53 yards in the Cardinals’ 20-10 loss to the Steelers, looks good early he’ll probably come out. Fourth-string quarterback Tyler Palko threw Arizona’s only touchdown pass last week. Matt Leinart and Brian St. Pierre are in a battle for the backup spot behind Warner. Jerheme Urban is expected to assume the No. 3 wideout role with Steve Breaston sidelined by a knee injury.

The Cardinals have lost 7 of 9 preseason games under Ken Whisenhunt.

Key Injuries - Wide receiver Steve Breaston (knee) is out.
Running back Chris Wells (ankle) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 20 (OVER - Total of the Day)

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville

Tampa Bay
QB Bryon Leftwich will start the game.

Jacksonville
HC Jack Del Rio said that both lines will play about a half, and that QB David Garrard will play "a little longer" than last game. Del Rio said the rest of the players will play about the same as they did in the last game.

Pittsburgh at Washington

Pittsburgh
First Team Offense will play 15 snaps. (Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (achilles) is not expected to play).QB Charlie Batch will start followed by Dennis Dixon who is to play 2 quarters.

Washington
The Redskins' first-team offense could play early into the second quarter or until Coach Jim Zorn sees enough "production".

Carolina at Miami

Carolina
The starters are slated to play the entire first half.

Miami
QB Chad Pennington is expected to start and the starters will play a quarter.

Detroit at Cleveland

Detroit
Matthew Stafford will start at QB. Daunte Culpepper will likely enter the game in the second quarter, Drew Stanton in the second half.

No Info Cleve

Buffalo at Green Bay

Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills' first-team offense is expected to play into the second quarter.

Green Bay
HC McCarthy said that the starters likely will play 20-25 plays.

New Orleans at Houston

New Orleans
Starters are expected to play into the 2nd quarter, QB Joey Harrington will bring in the second team midway in the 2nd quarter and play into the 3rd quarter with Mark Brunell finishing the game.

Houston
Starters will play for about 25 snaps on Saturday. "We'll up the ones," Kubiak said. "They'll basically play about a quarter-and-a-half of the game, then the twos will play about a quarter-and-a-half and then the threes will finish the game." The rotation will be Matt Schaub followed by Dan Orlovsky and then Alex Brink.

NY Giants at Chicago

NYGiants
Starters are expected to play into the 2nd quarter

Chicago
Starters are expected to play into the 2nd quarter

Oakland at San Francisco

Oakland
QB JaMarcus Russell and the rest of the starters will play most or all of the first half. Jeff Garcia will make his Raiders debut against the 49ers in relief of Russell. Bruce Gradkowski is scheduled to relieve Garcia in the third quarter, with Charlie Frye taking over in the fourth quarter.

San Francisco
QB's Shaun Hill and Alex Smith are both expected to get around 15 snaps.

San Diego at Arizona

San Diego
Starters are expected to play most of the 1st half.

Arizona
HC Whisenhunt said Warner and the rest of the starters will likely play most of the first half, Brian St. Pierre will be the second quarterback in, followed by Matt Leinart and Tyler Palko

Denver at Seattle

Denver
Starters expected to play into the 2nd quarter, Backup QB Chris Simms expected to play 2 quarters.

Seattle
First-unit offense and defense to play the first two quarters