Puppy Bowl IX is on the horizon, and we know you're just as excited as we are to see the playful pooches romp around the puppy-sized playing field, not to mention the all-kitten halftime and, of course, the hedgehog cheerleaders. In case you, like us, can't bear to wait until Sunday for this epic showdown, we've got a little pregame action for you: a slideshow featuring some of the puppies in the starting lineup!

To check out the rest of the precious players, head on over to Animal Planet. And don't miss the show itself on Animal Planet, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.