Faces to Watch in ’92 : These are the people Calendar’s critics and writers think you’ll be hearing about in 1992. In some cases, they’re familiar people who will experience a transitional year. Some are newcomers who could have a breakthrough year. : DENNIS MILLER

When Dennis Miller goes up against Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall with his own entry into the oft-fatal late-night talk show sweepstakes, starting Jan. 20, he’ll bring along a weapon that his more established, better-armed competitors lack: an edge. Miller’s multiyear stint as the “Weekend Update” anchor on “Saturday Night Live” and his experience as a stand-up comic have established a niche for his hip sardonicism among the post-collegiate set. The nightly monologue in the post-”Nightline” slot promises to be both political and pointed. All that’s in doubt are his admittedly untested interviewing skills. Will smart-alecky play as well with a celebrity straight man on the hot seat as it does when the perpetrator has the stage to himself? Unproven interrogator or no, Miller shapes up as the most promising late-night presence in years, if he can only resist dulling his blade for the masses and/or becoming Dave Letterman Jr. Here’s hoping he isn’t forced to say, “I am outta here” as quickly as Dees, Sajak, Reagan, Rivers, et al.