What to Watch for in Saturday's Games That Don't Count

There's a full boat of NFL preseason games throughout the day Saturday. The games run the gamut for drama, with guys fighting for roster spots, starting quarterback positions, and for the right to clang footballs off a large scoreboard.

Since there are nine games on the docket, we'll hit the key storylines that fans will want to keep an eye on throughout the day.

Indianapolis at Detroit, 1:00 PM Eastern

Detroit

Even though head coach Jim Schwartz says we shouldn't read anything into veteran Daunte Culpepper getting the start, it's hard not to. Reality is that Culpepper has outplayed Stafford in the Lions' first two preseason games, and there's little reason -- besides his huge contract -- to think at this point that Stafford should start the opener in New Orleans.

According to Schwartz, Culpepper and Stafford will both see time with the first-team offense on Saturday. If that's the case, and the Colts are using their first-team defense throughout the experiment, it will be the fairest gauge of this quarterback race.

While Schwartz has said he doesn't have a firm deadline on naming a starter, one has to assume that we'll start getting some concrete answers after Saturday's game.

Both should get a chance to throw to star receiver Calvin Johnson, who makes his preseason debut against the Colts.

New Orleans at Oakland, 4:00 PM

Oakland

FistGate sure has gotten a lot of the publicity from Raiders training camp, and rightfully so. One thing that's done is take attention away from a compelling race at running back.

Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush are all capable backs. There's an argument that can be made that this race would be getting a lot more attention if it were playing out in a place like Dallas. Instead, these guys play for the Raiders, a team that hasn't been successful in a long time, and usually makes more headlines off the field than on it.

All three have a history of injuries, so head coach Tom Cable has to be very careful to keep all three fresh, in case one is needed to be the feature back for a time.

McFadden is the best talent of the three, but Fargas has been the steadiest at the NFL level. All three should get time with the first-team offense Saturday afternoon, but there's no reason to think Cable is going to turn around and pick a starter so soon.

Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 7:30 PM

Buffalo

This may actually be an important night for the Bills. Their new no-huddle scheme was smothered last week in Green Bay, goaded into three turnovers in four possessions. The Bills trailed 24-0 at halftime before staging a futile, backup-laden second-half rally in a 31-21 loss.

Like Green Bay, Pittsburgh runs a 3-4 defense, so the Bills face the same challenges this week, only the Steelers are much more refined in their scheme.

No, these games don't count, but the Bills sure could use an infusion of confidence as they prepare for a huge test in Week 1 against the Patriots.

Tennessee at Cleveland, 7:30 PM

Cleveland

Like the Lions, Cleveland is still trying to pick a starting quarterback. While it appears that the race between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson is a dead heat, there will be an end, and it could be Saturday.

The Browns expect to use both quarterback with first-team personnel, and while head coach Eric Mangini hasn't said he will name a starter anytime soon, this appears to be the last good chance to for him to make up his mind.

Quinn and Anderson have looked good at times, but both have turned the ball over while trying to run the hurry-up offense. Anderson's ghastly outing in Green Bay (two passes thrown, both intercepted) would seem to disqualify him. But he rebounded against Detroit, and Quinn hasn't done enough to win a job that Anderson looked to be handing over.

San Francisco at Dallas, 8:00 PM

Dallas

Who cares what is happening on the field? The Cowboys have a huge scoreboard 90 feet from the turf that is stealing all the headlines.

The new do-over rule for balls that hit that scoreboard will get its first test Saturday. Perhaps the league will reconsider the whole thing after seeing how it plays out. Either that, or maybe they'll wait until 2010 to do something else.

As for the happenings on the field, it sounds like Dallas will have to deal with 49ers starting quarterback Shaun Hill, who tweaked his back this week but should be able to go.

Seattle at Kansas City, 8:00 PM

Kansas City

There are reports the Chiefs are looking to trade backup quarterback Tyler Thigpen. Offseason acquisition Matt Cassel has shown himself more than capable of taking over, and Thigpen worked his tail off last year trying to get this team to move the ball effectively.

The hitch is that Thigpen is still not much of a pro-style quarterback. He's much better in the shotgun, like many young quarterbacks are out of college these days. Cassel should play most -- if not all -- of the first half against the Seahawks, but Thigpen's opportunity to play will be important for him, and the Chiefs, who would like to decide if he can net something in a trade.

The Chiefs would also like to see a few more big plays from the passing game. Dwayne Bowe looks good, but it appears he is going to be a one-man show.

San Diego at Atlanta, 8:00 PM

Atlanta

No offense to St. Louis or Detroit, but this is a great test for the Falcons, none like they've had in the preseason.

The Chargers have elite personnel on both sides of the ball, even with LaDainian Tomlinson on the sideline. The Falcons should be especially tested on offense, as the Chargers' athletic 3-4 defense will be up against the Falcons hard-charging attack. The Falcons face plenty of 3-4 teams early in the season, so it's important to gain some confidence now.

On defense, the Falcons have been impressed by the play of rookie Lawrence Sidbury, a fourth-round pick. Sidbury had two sacks last week, and he is playing well enough to merit serious consideration in Atlanta's line rotation.

Baltimore at Carolina, 8:00 PM

Baltimore

It will be baptism by fire for rookie offensive tackle Michael Oher. The Ravens have a couple injuries at the position, so Oher could see a lot of playing time tonight. When he's on the field, he will almost certainly have to deal with Carolina star end Julius Peppers.

Oher was a first-round pick, and the Ravens clearly have high hopes for him. How well he plays against Carolina's active front should show the coaches where he is in his development.

Also, Baltimore offensive coordinator Cam Cameron seems frustrated with the development of his team's secondary receivers. Yes, they have Derrick Mason, but he can't be asked to do everything himself.

N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants, 8:00 PM

Both teams

The big story at the Meadowlands is weather. What's left of Tropical Storm Danny is passing by, and rain -- some of it heavy -- is likely. Winds aren't expected to be a major issue by kickoff, but if they are, it impacts both teams' plans.

The Jets want to see more from rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was named the starter this week. Heavy rain and/or wind could make that difficult.

Meanwhile, the Giants are looking to see what they have at wide receiver. The team struggled at that position after Plaxico Burress was suspended late last season.

Bad weather could turn this into a showcase for guys like Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad Bradshaw.

FanHouse's Josh Alper and Knox Bardeen contributed to this report.