NFL Preseason Week 1: One Thing to Watch in Each Game on Friday

Week 1 of the NFL season is just under a month away, but first, we have three more weeks of preseason action to monitor.

This Friday, we get our first real exposure to a large slate of 2023 preseason contests, with six games on tap starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Here's one thing to watch for each of the six contests.

NFL Preseason Week 1 Betting Odds

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Who Will Win the Buccaneers' QB Battle?

With their first game of the preseason just around the corner, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released their first unofficial depth chart of the offseason. The chart dubiously listed both Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask as co-starters, but obviously, a team can't have two starting quarterbacks. The unique listing implies that the battle for the team's QB1 job is neck and neck.

Mayfield has the edge with NFL experience, but the Bucs selected Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and could still have hopes of him developing into a starting-caliber player. If things truly are up in the air, a strong performance from either on Friday night could factor into the team's ultimate decision ahead of Week 1.

Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins

Can Desmond Ridder Sling It?

While the Atlanta Falcons aren't quite queuing up a quarterback battle for this offseason, second-year starter Desmond Ridder will need to take a demonstrable step forward this season to stave off new backup Taylor Heinicke and keep a grip on the starting job.

The former Cincinnati Bearcats signal-caller made four starts for the Falcons last year, and they led to middling results -- 6.5 adjusted yards per attempt and just two passing touchdowns. He could have a short leash this year if he is unable to make the most out of his elite supporting cast.

The Falcons have not made any announcements about their preseason plans as of yet, but make sure to keep an eye on Ridder if he's out there. The NFC South is wide open, and if Atlanta wants to make a run at it, they'll need Ridder to show improvement in Year 2.

Green Bay Packers at Cincinnati Bengals

A Third First Glance at Jordan Love

It's the dawn of a new era for the Green Bay Packers, who will be turning the starting-quarterback keys over to Jordan Love this season. Love will become just the third player to start the season at QB for the franchise in the last 30 years.

We've seen moments of Love over the past few seasons when former starter Aaron Rodgers missed games or snaps, but this season will be the first full look we have of Love in the driver's seat -- and this preseason will be our first preview of what that could look like.

Much like Atlanta above, the Packers are in a wide-open division, with their +350 odds to win the NFC North ranking third, per the division betting odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. A strong enough performance from Love in the preseason could shift those odds ahead of Week 1.

New York Giants at Detroit Lions

Can Jahmyr Gibbs Rise to the Occasion?

The Detroit Lions made a shocking draft night move when they selected former Alabama standout running back Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th-overall pick just weeks after signing former Chicago Bears back David Montgomery to a three-year deal in free agency. If things pan out as the Lions clearly intend, Detroit could have one of the most exciting run games in the NFL this season.

That will depend on whether or not Gibbs can fit in, though. Gibbs' collegiate production leaves little to be desired -- he got better after making the leap to the SEC last season and led the Crimson Tide in receptions in addition to being their primary ball-carrier. He was a true stud in college ball. The question isn't his skills but rather his size.

Gibbs checked in at 5'11", 200 pounds at the NFL Combine back in March, which would be on the lighter side for an NFL running back. The Lions may be planning for Montgomery's larger frame to handle the bruising touches between the tackles, but we'll want to make sure Gibbs can physically hold up against NFL competition before we draft him in fantasy.

Plenty of elite-but-smaller college backs have disappointed in the pros, so fantasy managers should tune in on Friday to make sure Gibbs can hold his own against the Giants' defense in his first NFL action.

Washington Commanders at Cleveland Browns

How Does Sam Howell Look?

The Washington Commanders are going bold this season, and it sure seems like they're set on former fifth-round pick Sam Howell as their starter to open the year. Howell's only start for the team came in the final game of his rookie season, so we just really don't know if he has NFL chops.

Friday's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns will be our first look at Howell after his offseason of first-team reps. He's a giant question mark for the upcoming season, and his play will have an impact in the fantasy world -- will he be able to help all of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, and the team's running backs to strong fantasy finishes, or will he lose the starting gig to Jacoby Brissett?

This upcoming preseason tilt could help fantasy managers decide whether or not to fade the Commanders in drafts this season.

Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals

A Fresh Start for the Broncos

We all remember how much of a trainwreck the Denver Broncos were last season, but there's a new sheriff in town in Denver: Sean Payton. And Payton wants his starters to get reps in the preseason.

That means we will get an early preview of what some of the Broncos -- such as Russell Wilson and Jerry Jeudy -- will look like this year under new management. We've seen Wilson engineer efficient passing offenses over his career, so a course correction by Payton could pay massive dividends for Denver this year.

Even aside from the coaching change, there are reasons to be bullish on Russ for 2023.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.