NFL coverage in Australia is a far cry from 1999 when I first rolled up on these fair shores. There are now three networks carrying live games, including free-to-air One HD, which will show three live games back-to-back, starting tomorrow (Monday).

In these weekly previews, I've gone with the American method of listing the visiting team first, then the home team second.

As far as the TAB Sportsbet odds, there are plenty of different ways to bet, but I've gone with the one most popular in American football, where the underdog is given points that are added to their score.

Week One games on Australian television

Monday, 3:45 am, One HD

Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots

TAB Sportsbet line: New England -4.5

Reason to watch: To see how New England quarterback Tom Brady plays, after signing a new four year, $78 million contract and getting involved in a minor auto accident. On the other side of the field, you've got two of the NFL's most flamboyant players, Terrell "T.O." Owens and Chad Ochocinco playing together for the first time.

Monday, 6:30 am, Fox Sports

Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams

TAB Sportsbet line: St. Louis +3.5

Reason to watch: The quarterbacks. It's the debut of #1 draft pick Sam Bradford for the Rams, while the Cardinals have dumped golden boy Matt Leinart and gone with former Browns QB Derek Anderson. This is an NFC West game that Arizona can't afford to drop if they have any thoughts of challenging San Francisco for the division title.

Monday, 7 am, One HD

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles

TAB Sportsbet line: Philadelphia +2

Reason to watch: Though Americans would laugh at Aussies tuning in to watch punters, former Collingwood and North Melbourne star Sav Rocca will be in action for the Eagles. Also worth watching is new Philadelphia quarterback Kevin Kolb (oddly pronounced "Cob"), who tries to fill Donovan McNabb's big shoes. The Packers, led by young gun QB Aaron Rodgers, have been picked by some to make the Super Bowl.

Monday, 10 am, ESPN and One HD

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins

TAB Sportsbet line: Washington +3.5

Reason to watch: All kinds of good storylines in this one. It's a fierce rivalry, like matching up Collingwood and Carlton in Round One of the AFL. Washington has gone the makeover route, with ex-Denver coach Mike Shanahan running the show and former Eagle Donovan McNabb at quarterback. Dallas - another Super Bowl favourite - is still led by quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Miles Austin.

Tuesday, 9 am, ESPN

Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets

TAB Sportsbet line: New York Jets -2

Reason to watch: This could very well be a preview of the AFC championship game. Both teams have great defenses and decent offenses. Jets QB Mark Sanchez played brilliantly as a rookie; will he succumb to a "sophomore slump?" Joe Flacco of the Ravens is the epitome of the modern NFL quarterback: not flashy, but makes few mistakes. Also a chance to look at the new Meadowlands stadium.

Tuesday, 12:15 pm, ESPN

San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs

TAB Sportsbet line: Kansas City +4.5

Reason to watch: This is an AFC West division game, and most think the Chargers will run roughshod over the other three teams. So if the Chiefs manage to get up, it will be a big upset and as absurd as it sounds, could have playoff ramifications. There's no more Ladainian "L.T." Tomlinson running the ball for San Diego, but fiery leader Philip Rivers is still playing quarterback.