Breaking Down the Best 1-on-1 Matchups of Week 1

The first game of the 2012 NFL season between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys already gave us some must-watch one-on-one matchups. 

Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr against Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks. Giants defensive end Justin Tuck against Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

The weekend schedule of games gives us more fantastic individual matchups. 

Here's a quick breakdown on the ones you should be watching:

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. 49ers LB Patrick Willis

Get ready for the ultimate chess match Sunday, featuring arguably the best player at each of their respective positions.

For every defensive look Willis gives Rodgers, expect the NFL MVP to have a counter move. Same goes for Willis when the Packers give San Francisco a formation they weren't expecting. 

Overall, adjusting protection and deciding run-pass options will be just as important to Rodgers as disguising the 49ers' coverage and blitz schemes is to Willis. 

Whether or not casual fans can see those adjustments or not, the pre-snap changes at the line of scrimmage will play a huge factor in who wins this potential NFC Championship Game preview. Both men need to be on top of their games physically and mentally Sunday. 

Eagles RDE Trent Cole vs. Cleveland Browns LT Joe Thomas

Despite tallying nine or more sacks in each of the last five seasons, Cole remains one of the more underappreciated defensive ends in football. Thomas has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his five NFL seasons. 

The two will face off in Cleveland Sunday in a matchup that should help decide the outcome. 

If Thomas can keep Cole and the rest of the Eagles' outside pass rushers off rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, the Browns may have a chance to pull off the upset. But if he's running for his life, the Eagles should win comfortably. 

Chiefs CB Brandon Flowers vs. Falcons WRs Julio Jones and Roddy White

Not many know of Flowers, but he's proven himself as one of the game's more physical cornerbacks. He'll have his hands full in that regard Sunday with Jones and White. 

The Falcons have been playing more up-tempo during the preseason, and I'd expect that to continue against a good, young defense in Kansas City. Flowers will need to keep whichever receiver he is shadowing under wraps to keep Atlanta from throwing the football all over the field. 

Both Jones and White have the talent to take over a game single-handedly. 

Bills WR Stevie Johnson vs. Jets CB Darrelle Revis

These two have been battling for the better part of two years, and unlike most receivers, Johnson has had some success against the game's best cornerback. 

Johnson has been limited by a groin early this week, so the Bills will have to monitor his progress between now and Sunday. But if he's a go by Friday, expect him to play. 

Last season, Johnson caught 11 passes for 159 yards and one touchdown against Revis. Few receivers have found that kind of freedom on Revis Island. 

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson vs. Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson/S Adrian Wilson

Wilson will be making his first ever NFL start Sunday in Arizona. The Cardinals counter the rookie quarterback with two playmakers in the secondary in Peterson and Wilson. 

Wilson will need to avoid giving away throws with his eyes. Rookies can struggle with this early on, so watch for any telegraphed routes Sunday.

Both Peterson and Wilson have the instincts necessary to read eyes and make the breaks on given away passes. As always, turnovers are the fastest way for a better team to lose a football game. 

Bengals WR A.J. Green vs. Ravens CB Lardarius Webb

The Ravens paid Webb a lot of money this offseason to continue shutting down the oppositions' best receiver. On Sunday night, that receiver will be Green. 

The Bengals have made efforts to give Green more receiving help, but none of the current options are proven.

If Baltimore can take Green out of the game, the Ravens can focus their attention on getting after Andy Dalton and forcing him to find other options. Webb's contribution is the first part of the equation.