Tom Brady, Tim Tebow: Which Quarterback Is The Bigger Story In Week 1?

There's a lot of storylines to monitor as the NFL charges full steam into Week 1, but no names are dominating the headlines more than Tom Brady and Tim Tebow.

Brady and the Patriots are finding themselves in the role of underdog as the season begins. Even though they're technically favored in the game versus the Cincinnati Bengals, the Patriots aren't in their usual position of complete superiority.

Brady, coming off of a car crash earlier in the week, is going to have to have a great game to shut up all the critics who think the Patriots dynasty is on the verge of coming to an end.

As for Tebow, he's officially been named the Broncos backup quarterback, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, making him number two on the depth chart.

Whether or not he sees any game time is open for debate, but it's good news for Tebow fans and bad news for Brady Quinn, whose NFL career continues to spiral downward.

Brady will be matching up against the Bengals new "powerhouse" offense of Carson Palmer and the twin egos of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. It should be interesting to watch how this dynamic plays out over the course of the season, especially if the Bengals start their season on a losing note.

But the combination of Brady and Wes Welker is back on the field, and last time anyone checked, Bill Belichick still is the head coach.

The situation in Denver is more volatile as Kyle Orton just was given a huge extension, but there's the fresh No. 1 pick Tebow, with the rabid fanbase and expectations through the roof.

The question is, if Orton gets out to a slow start, can Head Coach Josh McDaniels stay patient enough not to throw his prodigy out on the field.

There is some speculation you'll see Tebow on some third down packages, Wildcat formations, or on the goal line, so get ready for the Internet to explode should Tebow score a touchdown.

McDaniels' future rests on Tebow's shoulders, and he'll either become the next "Tom Brady," or the next "Matt Leinart."

Keep your TV remote handy because the action is going to be non-stop and don't be surprised to be getting minute-to-minute updates on Tebow's position on the sidelines in Denver.

But don't forget Brady because he's going to be determined everyone remembers why he helped New England win three Super Bowls.

It's football season, everybody!