2012 NFL Schedule: Biggest Early Season Matchups for NFL Top Rookie QB's

With the completion of the 2012 NFL draft, it appears that four quarterbacks—Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts), Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins), Ryan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins) and Brandon Weeden (Cleveland Browns)—have the most realistic shots at seeing significant starting time during their rookie seasons.

All four were drafted in the first round nearly two weeks ago. 

Luck and Griffin III are already penciled in as starters in their respective cities, and Tannehill (knows offensive coordinator Mike Sherman's playbook) and Weeden (only has to beat out Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace) will both get all the opportunity in the world to secure an early starting job. 

With that in mind, it makes sense to take a look at the early season schedule for the rookie quarterbacks. There are some intriguing early season matchups for each of the four potential starters:

Andrew Luck - Indianapolis Colts

No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft...Will be asked to replace Peyton Manning, a legend in the state of Indiana and one of the greatest quarterbacks to play in the NFL...Considered the most polished college quarterback since Manning in 1998.

Biggest early matchups

Week 1: at Chicago Bears

There could be easier ways to start an NFL career than traveling to the Windy City to take on the defensive-minded Bears. Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher will make things difficult for Luck in start No. 1. Keep in mind, however, that Manning threw three picks and scored just 15 points in a Week 1 loss to the Dolphins in '98. 

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings

The Colts' first home game post-Manning and Luck's first ever regular season showing for the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium. Pressure will be high. 

Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars

Luck's first divisional game comes against the weakest of the bunch, but it will still be important. The Colts should have a decided advantage at the quarterback position. 

Week 5: Green Bay Packers

The first 2011 playoff team Luck will face in his rookie year is none other than the 15-1 Packers. The other No. 12 on the field with Luck that day—Aaron Rodgers—knows a thing or two about playing quarterback. 

Robert Griffin III - Washington Redskins

No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft...Redskins gave up several 2012 and future picks to move up to the second overall position, which was pre-determined to be Griffin III...Won the Heisman Trophy during his final season at Baylor...The most athletic quarterback to come out of college since Mike Vick.

Biggest Early Matchups

Week 1: at New Orleans Saints

Griffin III couldn't ask for a more tricky opening game. Not only will the Superdome crowd be a hostile one after a Bountygate-filled offseason, but Drew Brees will be lining up on the other sidelines. At least he will feel comfort in knowing a $10,000 bounty on his head doesn't exist though, right?

Week 3: Cincinnati Bengals

RG3's first home game in Washington comes against an up-and-coming Bengals team. The Redskins could make a statement early in the season with a win here.

Week 7: at New York Giants

The NFC East is a gauntlet, but starting the divisional schedule off in New York against the defending Super Bowl champions won't be easy. Griffin III's mobility will be put to the test against an aggressive defensive line. 

Ryan Tannehill - Miami Dolphins

No. 8 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft...Became just the fourth quarterback selected in the first round by the Dolphins since 1966 and the first since Dan Marino in 1983...Played under offensive coordinator Mike Sherman at Texas A&M....Converted wide receiver.

Biggest Early Matchups

Week 1: at Houston Texans

Tannehill is still iffy to start early in the season, and who knows if Joe Philbin would throw him to the wolves in a Week 1 matchup in Houston. There would be mountains of pressure on him if they did, however, especially given a return to Texas. 

Week 3: New York Jets

Rex Ryan would certainly have an expansive blitz package in play for Tannehill if he's starting in Week 3. The Jets aren't the easiest defense to face for a rookie signal-caller, especially with the number of exotic looks Ryan could throw at the youngster.

Brandon Weeden - Cleveland Browns

No. 22 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft...Will be 29 years old by the start of the 2012 season after playing several seasons of minor league baseball...Out-dueled Luck to win the Orange Bowl during his last career game at Oklahoma State.

Biggest Early Matchups

Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles got a lot stronger defensively during the offseason, making Weeden's first potential start a tough one. The rest of the early season schedule is brutal for the Browns and Weeden. 

Week 2: at Cincinnati Bengals

Weeden's first road game and divisional contest comes in Cincinnati. Andy Dalton vs. Weeden is an interesting matchup, as many compared the two during the 2012 draft process.

Week 3: Buffalo Bills

Get a breather at home vs. the Bills? Nope. Mario Williams and Mark Anderson were added as free-agent pass-rushers this offseason, and first-round pick Stephon Gilmore has all the makings of an impact corner in year one. 

Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are one of the game's best teams defensively, and they aren't shy about sending a message to a rookie. Dalton was held to a passer rating below 70 in both matchups last season.

Week 5: at New York Giants

The run of early season nightmares may conclude with the defending champions. Weeden may be wishing he was wearing a ballcap instead of a helmet after this stretch of early season games.