Which player is on the hot seat this season?

Mark Schlereth

Brian Griese I live in Denver, and I hear the talk all the time. Griese is making a ton of money, and there is pressure on him to perform. The Broncos have a steady backup in veteran Steve Beuerlein. The Broncos are built for success now. If Griese doesn't perform at a high level, he will be on a short leash with Mike Shanahan.

Merril Hoge

Tom Brady The Patriots are expected to make the playoffs again. In order for them to do that, Brady will have to elevate his play. He will be trying to repeat, and -- after a Super Bowl-winning season -- there is no place to go but down for him. The Patriots' goal is no longer just to win the AFC East.

Mark Malone

Brian Griese The Broncos are paying him a boatload of money, and he had a horrendous season last year. He didn't have Ed McCaffrey and a few other players around him, but his play and his attitude didn't fit together really well. The Broncos need him to play better. Shanahan has warned that there could be a short hook if Griese doesn't perform.

Sean Salisbury

Tim Couch I think Couch will have a breakout season. But he has to elevate his game more with the talent around him to get to a more elite level. I think he is on the verge of doing that. Another player on the spot is Ricky Williams because he faces huge expectations in Miami.

Andrea Kremer

Brad Johnson He has Rob Johnson and Shaun King breathing down his neck. He has no more excuses about having a primitive game plan. He has more weapons around him now in Tampa and a coach, Jon Gruden, who has built his reputation on excelling with veteran quarterbacks. Rich Gannon fit into that category in Oakland, and so does Johnson.

Mike Golic

Brian Griese Last year he struggled and had some injuries. But he has some nice weapons in McCaffrey, Rod Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Ashley Lelie. The running game has worked with a number of different backs, and now rookie Clinton Portis is running well. There is pressure on Griese to come back and have a great year like he did a few years ago. Plus, the Broncos are paying him a lot of money.