5 Things to Watch for in Friday Night's NFL Preseason Games

After three games Thursday night, the third week of the NFL preseason continues on tonight with six more games Friday. 

In these "dress rehearsal" games—as some like to call Week 3 of the preseason—jobs will be won and lost, final scores will be overanalyzed, and the foundation for the regular season will be laid. 

In the following slides, we give you five things to watch during tonight's games.

Russell Wilson's Starting Debut

Friday night clearly marks the biggest moment of Russell Wilson's short NFL career. 

After playing well in back-to-back second halves, Wilson forced the hand of Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. Wilson was selected to start Friday night's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Matt Flynn hasn't played poorly, but the Seahawks simply had to see what Wilson can do against a No. 1 defense before making a decision on a starting quarterback for the regular season. 

Things will be different for Wilson in this third week, however, with the Chiefs game-planning for this contest like a regular-season game. Wilson will also face a first-team defense for the first time in a live-game setting. 

A good showing in the first half Friday night will likely make Wilson the front-runner to start the Seahawks' regular-season opener. 

Chicago Bears Offensive Line

The Chicago Bears are still attempting to settle on a starting offensive line, and there may be no better test for that unit than a matchup with the New York Giants Friday night. 

J'Marcus Webb and Chris Williams are still battling to be the starter at left tackle. Who performs well tonight could be the ultimate decider for who starts there come Week 1.

It won't be easy for either guy.

Both Webb and Williams will face some of the game's best pass-rushers, including Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. Either one of the two is going to step up in this competition, or those three pass-rushers will be teeing off on quarterback Jay Cuter. 

All Eyes on the Quarterbacks in Miami

There could be an old-fashioned shootout tonight in Miami.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be making his second preseason start, and you'd have to assume head coach Joe Philbin is planning on seeing what his first-round rookie can do throwing the football in an extended look. 

The Dolphins are also attempting to figure out their receiver situation, so the passing game should be in focus. 

On the opposite sidelines, the Atlanta Falcons passing game has been all the preseason rage. 

With a new high-tempo approach, Matt Ryan and his receivers could be in for a big season offensively. Expect to see another half of Ryan utilizing the no-huddle offense to prepare for the regular season. 

How Will Brandon Weeden Handle Eagles' D?

Cleveland Browns rookie Brandon Weeden may face his biggest test of the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Weeden has still struggled with pressure during the preseason, often times throwing off his back foot or floating back in the pocket as the pocket collapses. The Eagles' front four—arguably the best in football—should give Weeden plenty of practice working against pressure tonight. 

Browns fans should hope Weeden does a better job stepping up in the pocket and utilizing more compact footwork as he moves inside that pocket. The skill set is there for Weeden, but small refinements are needed before the regular season begins. 

Can Doug Martin Take Hold?

LeGarrette Blount hurt his groin during the Buccaneers second preseason game, but he returned to practice this week and should play tonight. However, it's possible the Bucs could choose to give rookie back Doug Martin the majority of carries against the New England Patriots. 

To be fair, Martin has run circles around Blount this preseason. He's the better player, and few observers will tell you anything different. 

But maybe another solid performance tonight in a bigger role will convinced the Bucs to make Martin the primary ball-carrier for the start of the regular season. He likely deserves it.