Cowboys vs. Giants: 3 Matchups That Will Decide the NFL's Opening Game

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The Super Bowl champion New York Giants are gearing up to take on Dallas Cowboys to open the season on Wednesday night, and there will certainly be a few matchups that will dictate the outcome of this game. 

Both teams enter the 2012 season with Super Bowl aspirations, and a win in Week 1 would certainly propel either of these teams in the right direction. 

Let's take a look at the three matchups that will decide this divisional battle. 

Giants Defensive Line vs Cowboys Offensive Line

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The Giants defensive line was a key factor in both of their victories over the Cowboys last season. The unit racked up nine sacks, and they were able to put constant pressure on Tony Romo. 

Romo did exploit the Giants secondary, however, and I do believe that he has the capabilities to do so once again this season. The only thing that may prohibit Romo from doing so is the Cowboys failure to upgrade the offensive line. The line has not had enough time to play together as a unit yet, which is a big problem when you're playing a defensive line that is as good as the Giants. 

Guard Nate Livings missed most of the preseason with a hamstring injury, while fellow guard Mackenzy Bernadeau missed the entire offseason and a decent amount of camp after knee and hip surgeries. Center Phil Costa only played in one preseason game after he hurt his back.

If the Cowboys offensive line can give Tony Romo enough time to work through a depleted Giants secondary, then Dallas may win the first game against New York since November 14, 2010. 

Edge: Giants defensive line 

DeMarcus Ware vs. Sean Locklear

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DeMarcus Ware has 10.5 sacks in 11 career games against the Giants, which means he is almost a lock for one on Wednesday night. Throw in that he'll be lined up opposite of Sean Locklear for most of the night, and you might say that he is guaranteed for three or four. 

The Giants will have to use Martellus Bennett to help Locklear in certain situations because if not, Eli Manning will be in for a long night. 

Edge: Demarcus Ware 

Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks vs. Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne

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The Cowboys needed to upgrade their 23rd ranked pass defense this offseason and they did just that by signing free-agent Brandon Carr and trading up in the draft to select LSU star, Morris Claiborne.

Both of these moves provide a tremendous upgrade to a team that had trouble covering the Giants receivers last season, and they maybe the most important matchups in this game.

If Dallas can contain the Giants in the passing game, they will almost certainly have the edge considering that the Giants were ranked last in the league last season in terms of rushing yards per game. It will be interesting to see how much these new additions benefit the Cowboys this season.

Edge: Giants receivers