The Jags will likely play their non-key players more this week. Rookie QB Blake Bortles is expected to play about a quarter with the starters on Friday against the Lions. He will enter the game after Chad Henne, Bortles has passed for 277 yards in the Jaguars' first two preseason games combined. However this is going to be his first work against a first-team defense. We were high on him, but this is easily his biggest test.

The Detroit Lions are already preparing to unleash wide receiver Calvin Johnson on Friday for the first time this preseason. Lions coach Jim Caldwell said Wednesday that he is hopeful defensive end Ezekiel Ansah will also play. He had eight sacks last year and appears to be getting better. Detroit is also deeper at WR than in recent years. Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate are top two, but also Kevin Ogletree, Kris Durham, Ryan Broyles and Corey Fuller. Also big competition.

It appears Detroit is in clear-cut dress rehearsal form while Jacksonville approached our Thursday Night Game of the Year game against Chicago as that, much like we said they would. Jacksonville is struggling at center and faces a strong defensive line with big question marks. It is very clear not all Jacksonville starts will play long.