Exhibitionism: Dozen games that could be worth watching

7. Chicago at Indianapolis, Aug. 20

Super Bowl XLI all over again. Yeah, sure. One question: Where will Tank Johnson watch this game?

8. New England at Carolina, Aug. 24

Because it's the third week when exhibition games actually look like regular-season contests ... for one half. I want another look at Moss with Brady, but, mostly, I want to see Carolina. This is a good club, folks, and it's hard to keep it down. Remember, it hasn't had successive losing seasons in John Fox's tenure, which means this might be Carolina's year -- except we said that last season, and look what happened. I want to measure Jake Delhomme vs. David Carr, and see what the Panthers have for a running game that sank to 24th in last season's rankings. We already know New England is playoff worthy. I guess my interest here is to find out if Carolina is, too.

9. Cleveland at Denver, Aug. 25

The education of Brady Quinn continues. This time, it's Quinn vs. the Denver secondary. Let's see, do you try Dre Bly or Champ Bailey? And can you sidestep John Lynch? Trust me, this will be one experience Quinn will never forget.

10. Detroit at Indianapolis, Aug. 25

It's that all-important third game, where you might, just might, catch a glimpse of the varsity for one half. So this one is a measuring stick for Detroit and quarterback Jon Kitna, who insists the Lions can win 10 games this year. That doesn't seem like much, except we're talking Detroit, folks. The Lions didn't win 10 games the last two years. In fact, they won only 24 the past six seasons, and do the math. That's four a year. What's worse, Detroit hasn't won 10 games in a season since 1995. Now the Lions play the Super Bowl champs, which means they might discover just how good, or bad, they are ... or can be. One other thing: It's another chance to study rookie wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The last time he was in the RCA Dome he dazzled scouts with a 4.35 40 and a lights-out workout that catapulted him to the top of most NFL draft boards.

11. Cincinnati at Atlanta, Aug. 27

Michael Vick's first home game. Home fans are usually forgiving, but it might be different here. Too many pet lovers in the stands. Guaranteed: You won't hear Baha Men doing Who let the dogs out.

12. (Tie) Baltimore at Atlanta or Indianapolis at Cincinnati, Aug. 31

Because they end preseason football.