Let’s take a look at some games with potential story lines that could affect teams heading into the opening week of the NFL:

Dallas at. Jacksonville, 4:15pm ET Sunday
Jacksonville starting cornerback Brian Williams was arrested last Saturday and faces a possible DUI charge. I know Parcells wants to get back to smash-mouth football this season, but if Williams does not play this weekend the Cowboys have to love their passing match up of Owens and Glenn over Rashean Mathis and Terry Cousin.

Other news from on this game is that place kicker Mike Vanderjagt will not suit up this weekend for Dallas. Vanderjagt is still nursing a groin injury he suffered in preseason.

Baltimore at. Tampa Bay, 1pm ET Sunday
Second year linebacker Barrett Ruud worked out with the first team defense on Thursday and will get the start if Shelton Quarles can’t play. Quarles has a groin injury and if he can’t practice today, Jon Gruden will likely go with Ruud.

Ruud has been pressing Quarles for more playing time all preseason. Even though Quarles is coming off a career year, Ruud is more than capable as being a starter and Tampa shouldn’t lose anything on defense.

On a side note, the Bucs met with former Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers the past couple of days. Rogers left Tampa without a contract offer, however, and based on Gruden’s comments to the press, it doesn’t sound too likely that the Bucs will offer the former No. 2 overall selection a deal either.

Atlanta at. Carolina, 1pm ET Sunday
Steve Smith missed practice again for the third straight day. I know he is the Panthers best weapon, but most coaches aren’t too thrilled about playing a guy who doesn’t practice all week, so I’m doubtful that Smith will see the field come Sunday.

What’s also interesting relating to this game is that second-year player Michael Koenen will handle all the kicking duties for the Falcons this season. Koenen will be the first player to handle all three responsibilities (kickoffs, punts and field goals) since Frank Corral of the Los Angeles Rams did it in 1981.

Got a question or comment about your team or any games on the schedule? Post it and I’ll be happy to field any questions.