2012 NFL Schedule: Previewing Most Dynamic Showdowns

Although inter-conference games in pro football are not nearly as important as division rivals or conference foes, there can be some impressive matchups.

When Peyton Manning faced off against younger brother Eli back in 2006, no inter-conference game will likely get that hyped up. Nevertheless, the 2012 season has some dynamic showdowns of its own.

That said; let's preview one matchup from each of the cross-divisional games.

Complete view of all 2012 opponents.

San Francisco 49ers vs. New England Patriots

A likely matchup in Super Bowl XLVII, the last time the 49ers and Patriots met, Tom Brady was out and San Francisco didn't have Jim Harbaugh calling the shots.

As for this time around, it's going to be a chess-match when the New England offense takes the field against the 49ers' defense. Brady has an array of weapons to target and the 'Niners will be fielding arguably the league's best overall defense.

In this aspect, the Patriots must remain pass-balanced and utilize quick snaps to get San Francisco flustered. Maintaining a fast pace will be something the 49ers haven't defended nearly as much in recent years, and Brady's weapons will have to get yards after the catch.

San Francisco on the other hand, must get pressure from all over and play physical press coverage. The longer it takes the Pats receivers to develop their routes, the longer Brady will be holding the rock. 

When on offense, the 'Niners must slam with Frank Gore to setup the pass and use some quarterback bootlegs to give Alex Smith the option of throwing or running. His mobility will be key in having an effective passing attack.

Prediction: 49ers 30, Patriots 26

Dallas Cowboys vs. Cincinnati Bengals

One of the more underrated matchups this season, Cincinnati fielded a top-10 defense in 2011, and Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo is coming off his best season.

The positional matchup to watch in his game will be the Dallas front seven against the Bengals' offensive line, because Cincy isn't a strong running team and that will be needed to limit Big D's pass rush.

With DeMarcus Ware coming off the edge, Andy Dalton's time in the pocket will be reduced. So, being effective up the middle to use play-action must happen as Brandon Carr will have man coverage on A.J. Green.

When the Cowboys have the rock, the Bengals must focus on stopping the run. DeMarco Murray is one of the game's best up-and-coming backs and shutting down good running teams cost Cincy in 2011.

If Dallas can remain run-balanced and get some big plays from Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, Romo will have a nice day in the pocket. In turn, using screens for Murray and delayed routes to pick up the blitz will benefit versus man coverage.

Prediction: Cowboys 23, Bengals 17

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers

Potentially the most intriguing matchup of the 2012 season, especially if the Packers improve defensively and Blaine Gabbert develops for Jacksonville throughout his sophomore campaign.

Here, we see a pivotal matchup between a great Jaguars defense (with top-five potential for 2012) versus the NFL's MVP in Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay's awesome offensive efficiency. This part of the contest comes down to Jacksonville's linebackers' ability to cover the middle.

The Packers aren't a deep threat team and getting yards after the catch is where a lot of work is done. The Jags' corners must play consistent press coverage with inside leverage, therefore negating the No. 1 and No. 2 receivers from going across the middle.

Obviously getting pressure on Rodgers with the front four is also important to assist the coverage. Green Bay's defense however, has to step up against every aspect of the game. It was the worst in 2011, and Maurice Jones-Drew led the league in rushing without any help around him.

Expect Jacksonville to rely heavily on MJD, but Gabbert will take a a few shots downfield to his upgraded receiving corps. If the Jags can stretch the Pack and Jones-Drew slowly controls the tempo, an upset is in the making.

Prediction: Jaguars 24, Packers 21

New Orleans Saints vs. Denver Broncos

Arguably the most hyped up game for the 2012 season, the Broncos and Saints will square off with Peyton Manning and—hopefully—Drew Brees (here's more info from NFL.com, let's keep the glass half-full shall we).

Another interesting twist to this game is Denver corner Tracy Porter. Back in late-March, Porter joined the Broncos, according to ESPN, and his presence on the outside is a great complement to Champ Bailey.

Include the Broncos front seven led by Von Miller, and Denver will get quarterback pressure to force the Saints to run. Despite being a solid running team in 2011, New Orleans' philosophy is predicated off the passing game.

Denver has the capability to slow that down and to control the game tempo with its own offense. Yes, we can expect the Broncos to throw more with Manning under center, but remaining balanced will limit the Saints aggressive pass rush and coverage defenders.

The Broncos will use your typical run-first, pass-second game plan to keep New Orleans off balance. For the Saints' defense to not get exploited, run-blitzing up the middle and rolling safeties down to the second level will force Denver's not-yet-established receivers to constantly make plays downfield.

The team with the more effective better blitz-package takes control late to close out on the ground.

Prediction: Broncos 27, Saints 24

John Rozum on Twitter.