NFL Playoff Schedule 2012: The 3 Best Matchups of Wild Card Weekend

Not surprisingly, the NFL Wild Card Weekend is oozing with fantastic matchups. 

Some are the one-on-one variety—a star receiver facing a stingy cornerback—while others are unit-vs-unit, like a high-powered passing game against an elite pass-rush.

Let's take a look at the three best matchups of the opening round of the playoffs.  

Victor Cruz/Hakeem Nicks vs. Brent Grimes 

While I don't have any inside information as to which New York Giants receiver Atlanta Falcons' Brent Grimes will cover in the Wild Card game on Sunday, he'll surely be tested. 

Grimes is an undersized corner at 5'10'', but chances are he's closer to 5'8''. 

However, he's deceptively fast, is extremely agile and can match the athleticism of most top receivers in the league. 

It'll be interesting to see how Grimes fares against the smaller, speedier Cruz, who will almost assuredly be featured prominently. 

Definitely a matchup to keep your eyes on. 

Lions/Saints Offense vs. Lions/Saints Secondary

Two of the most prolific passers of the year go toe-to-toe in the Superdome on Saturday. Should be a blast—if you love offense. 

While I don't expect either secondary to shut down the opponent's stunningly dynamic aerial attack, the team that makes one or two stops or creates a turnover should win this shootout and advance to the divisional round.

Don't forget either club's pass-rush, either.

They'll play a major role.  

Broncos' Run Game vs. Steelers Defense

After seeing Tim Tebow regress to an almost unwatchable level over the final two weeks of the season, there's a good chance the Broncos will return to the run-heavy offensive game plan. Willis McGahee nearly ran for 150 yards in the season finale, and Tebow is still a viable runner himself. 

Denver finished the year as the league's top rushing team, averaging more than 160 yards on the ground per game. 

They'll square off against the Steelers' eighth-ranked run defense that surrendered an average of 99.8 rushing yards per game this season. 

Pittsburgh allowed only seven rushing scores all season. 

This matchup will be the deciding factor in the Broncos-Steelers battle.