Nine games are on today’s National Football League schedule with the first played in New Jersey when the New York Jets host the Washington Commanders. The Jets were anticipating a big year last season with the addition of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but those hopes ended quickly when he was injured and lost for the season while directing his first series of downs.

Rodgers won’t see action today, while the Commanders are ready to unwrap their new quarterback prize, rookie Jayden Daniels. In last spring’s draft many thought Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner, was the best choice for the Bears with first pick in the draft. But, that honor went to Caleb Williams.

Last year, many thought C.J. Stroud stood to be the first pick in the draft, but the Carolina Panthers opted for Bryce Young and Stroud fell to the second overall selection made by the Houston Texans. In his first pro season, the Ohio State grad put together one of the best rookie seasons for a signal caller in NFL history while Young struggled for the Panthers. Stroud’s play was key to the Texans rising from the worst record in the league to the playoffs.

So, with quality players like Young and Stroud available in the draft last year, and Williams and Daniels entering the NFL this season, Commanders new head coach Dan Quinn is hoping for the same kind of magic with his second pick that the Texans enjoyed last season. Williams has already been named the opening day starter for the Bears, and Daniels has a real good shot at earning an equal role in Washington.

That’s what the preseason is for, finding the athletes to win games that count when the regular season kicks off next month. Still, the preseason offers spots where one team appears more poised to win on the scoreboard based on coaching philosophy.

Tennessee Titans first year head coach Brian Callahan has already said he will play his starters on Saturday in his contest against the defending National Football Conference Champion San Francisco 49ers. What we are going to find out today is whether the Titans starters can beat a group of 49ers backups.

I think they will.

Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals had their season hampered by key injuries, including the loss of their super QB, Joe Burrow. In his first four pro seasons Burrow has thrown only one pass in the preseason, but head coach Zac Taylor has expressed an interest in playing his first unit more this August to get ready for the games that count.

The news was welcomed by Burrow, “I’m going to have the opportunity to get hit,” he said. “Maybe I get hit, maybe I don’t. It’s a game. It’s a scrimmage, but it’s a live scrimmage. That’s the best way to prepare for Week 1, I think. we’ll see, but I think we’re going about it the right way.”

A player looking forward to preseason action as talented as Burrow, and a coach with a mindset to erase last year’s disappointment while accelerating his efforts to get ready for opening day, spells big trouble for the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Off a surprise playoff run in 2023, head coach Todd Bowles has little to prove this preseason.

The Bengals looking for a quick start, and the Buccaneers leaving most of their starters on the sideline to avoid possible injury, sure looks like a ripe spot for a Bengals lopsided win.

Qoxhi Picks: Cincinnati Bengals (-6) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers