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.