11 players to watch in Saturday's preseason games

Week 3 promises to be the most exciting of the NFL exhibition slate, as it offers an extended look at starters and shows just how prepared teams are for the regular season. There are 11 games on the docket for Saturday, including the 47th annual Snoopy Bowl between the New York Jets and Giants.

Here are 11 players to watch:

EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills

While head coach Rex Ryan has said he won't name the Bills' starting quarterback until right before the regular-season opener, the widespread belief has been that it will come down to Matt Cassel or Tyrod Taylor. That changed Thursday with the announcement that Manuel will start against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Cassel and Taylor will also rotate in with the first-team offense Saturday, but since the third preseason game is typically viewed as a dress rehearsal for the starters, it appears Manuel still has a legitimate shot at the No. 1 quarterback job.

Markus Wheaton, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

With Martavis Bryant facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, there is a lot more pressure on Wheaton to perform in the early part of the season.

Wheaton already has the confidence of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who predicted earlier this month that the third-year receiver would be the Steelers' breakout player of 2015.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, New York Jets

Fitzpatrick has only had two-and-a-half weeks to get acclimated with the Jets' starters since replacing the injured Geno Smith, so he could definitely use the extended playing time.

The 32-year-old journeyman has completed 68 percent of his passes so far this preseason, but it has resulted in just one touchdown in two games for the first-team offense. Head coach Todd Bowles said Fitzpatrick and the rest of the starters will play at least the first half, and possibly into the third quarter if he feels they need more work.

Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Barring any setbacks, Coleman will make his NFL debut Saturday against the Miami Dolphins after being sidelined for the first two preseason games.

The third-round pick is battling Devonta Freeman for the starting running back job in Atlanta, but that competition was put on hold when both went down with hamstring injuries. Saturday's game could serve as an opportunity for Coleman to pull ahead in the race, especially if Freeman sits out.

Sean Lee, LB, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys will welcome back one of their key defensive members Saturday when Lee suits up for the first time since December 2013. The 29-year-old is itching to get back on the field after missing all of last season while recovering from knee surgery.

Saturday's game will also offer the first glimpse of Lee at his new position of weakside linebacker. The move should limit the amount of contact he sees and, thus, make him less prone to injury.

Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs' rookie quarterback put together a solid performance in their second preseason game, completing 8-of-13 passes for 90 yards. The team will be looking for much of the same from him against the Cleveland Browns.

Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins

The Redskins are in rough shape at the tight end position after losing Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen to season-ending injuries. Reinforcements appear to be on the way, though, as Reed said he feels 100 percent healthy after sitting out the first two preseason games with a hamstring injury.

Eddie Goldman, NT, Chicago Bears

With Jeremiah Ratliff suspended for the first three games of the regular season due to a DWI plea, the Bears will likely turn to Goldman as their starting nose tackle.

The second-round pick received a lot of playing time in the previous two preseason games, and that should be the case again Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sam Bradford, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles fans likely breathed a collective sigh of relief when Bradford and his surgically-repaired knee emerged unscathed after being drilled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs. Now that he's passed his first big test, it's time to see how Bradford fairs in extended action.

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers

The Packers will be without their top receiver, Jordy Nelson, for the entire season while he recovers from a torn ACL, which presents Adams with a big opportunity to prove his worth to the team.

Adams came on strong for the Packers down the stretch last season, finishing with 38 passes for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Teammate Randall Cobb believes Adams can do even better in his second NFL season, recently saying that he's "poised for a breakout year."

Demetrius Rhaney, OL, St. Louis Rams

Rhaney, who is competing for the Rams' center job, spent most of the week practicing at left guard in place of the injured Rodger Saffold and will likely get the start there against the Indianapolis Colts.

Saffold has a firm hold on the starting left guard job, but a strong performance by Rhaney could increase his chances at a roster spot regardless of whether or not he wins the competition at center.