By Tony Moss, NFL Editor -- (Sports Network) - The quarterback competition between Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner figures to make Friday's otherwise meaningless preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium somewhat interesting.

Leinart, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2006 Draft, was widely expected to beat out the journeyman Warner for the starting job, but that scenario may have changed following Leinart's brutal performance in a 24-0 win over the Raiders last week.

The USC product was 4-of-12 passing for just 24 yards with three interceptions in the game, and the showing was soon followed by a report (since refuted by Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt) that Warner had been named the starter for the regular season opener at the 49ers on Sept. 7.

The 37-year-old Warner is 8-of-13 for 94 yards without a touchdown or interception in the preseason to date, and a strong outing by Warner and another weak one by Leinart could give the job to the former two-time NFL MVP.

Center Al Johnson (knee) is among the notable Cardinals who won't suit up on Friday, and stars such as Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Edgerrin James are likely to make only cameo appearances.

There isn't nearly as much suspense in Broncos camp as the team heads into its preseason capper, especially given the strong warm-up period posted by quarterback Jay Cutler.

The third-year pro, who was selected one spot after Leinart in the 2006 Draft, is a crisp 30-of-43 for 352 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during the preseason to date. Cutler's 117.6 passer rating ranks second among league qualifiers.

The starting QB will likely see only limited time on Friday before yielding to backups Patrick Ramsey and Darrell Hackney.

Denver opens its regular season at Oakland on Monday, Sept. 8th.

The Cardinals and Broncos will have roughly 15 hours following the completion of Friday's game to whittle their active rosters from 75 to 53 players.

Denver holds a 12-5 edge in the all-time preseason series with Arizona, including a 21-3 home victory prior to last season.

The Broncos have won eight of their last nine preseason finales, and will be ending their tune-up period against Arizona for the fifth straight year. Denver is 3-1 in its last four preseason cappers against the Cardinals, including three straight wins.