Ravens vs. Broncos: Top Offseason Acquisitions to Watch in NFL's Season Opener

In a matter of hours, the NFL will kick off its 2013 season with a high-profile playoff rematch between the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens.

Their matchup in the Divisional Round last season was an instant classic, and while some of the faces have changed, this should be another great game between two of the league's best teams.

The NFL is not a league where teams can afford to rest on their laurels. The Ravens won the Super Bowl, but that didn't stop them from making some massive changes, especially to their defense. The Broncos will also want to get the most out of Peyton Manning before he starts his eventual decline.

Here are four players who should look to have big games in their first regular season appearance with their new teams.

Baltimore Ravens

Dallas Clark, TE

Dallas Clark is one of those signings that could go under radar and surprise a lot of people with the results. Not much will be expected of the veteran. He's had trouble with injuries, which have limited him to just 33 games over the last three seasons.

The good thing for both Clark and the Ravens is that with Ed Dickson penciled in as the starter, the injury to Dennis Pitta doesn't mean Clark will have to take a starting role. He can start on the bench and come on for two tight end sets and in other situations where his skill set will be needed.

Clark is a proven pair of hands, and his experience and ability could prove huge as the Ravens try and exploit the Denver secondary.

Elvis Dumervil, OLB

Elvis Dumervil's problems with a fax machine have already become the stuff of legend. Exactly how a multi-million dollar deal could get held up as a result of something as antiquated as a fax machine is anybody's guess.

What was Denver's loss is Baltimore's gain. In three of the last five seasons, Dumervil has recorded double-digit sack totals. He is a big help to a defense that lost a lot of production from the departures of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Dannell Ellerbe and Paul Kruger.

Dumervil will be vital against the Broncos. If the Ravens can get some pressure on Peyton Manning, they'll be giving themselves the best shot at slowing down Denver's passing game. If you can hit Manning before he releases the ball, it doesn't matter what kind of weapons he has to throw to downfield.

Denver Broncos

Montee Ball, RB

Montee Ball might get the majority of the carries on Thursday night, but John Fox is sure to use a variety of backs. Ball's blocking in the passing game leaves a lot to be desired, so you cannot afford to leave him out there too much, otherwise the Ravens could have a field day defensively.

The Broncos weren't dreadful on the ground last year. According to Football Outsiders, they ranked 15th in rush offense. It was an area that could use improvement, and that's exactly what Denver did by drafting ball.

In a rookie class that lacks a lot of impact running backs, Ball stands out. He doesn't have what you would consider elite speed or agility, but in terms of a pure running back, he's very good. Ball is patient enough to let holes open up, and he's smart enough to see how a play is unfolding.

This game will be just a taste of what Ball is capable of.

Wes Welker, WR

There couldn't have been a better match between free agent and new team than when Wes Welker signed with the Broncos. Denver doesn't have a huge window with which to win. It has to surround Manning with proven contributors, and that's what it did by signing Welker.

Given the way he was let go by the New England Patriots, Welker will have a point to prove this year. While his numbers did dip a it between 2011 and 2012, it wasn't a significant enough drop to make you think he's anywhere close to being finished as a player.

With Welker, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, the Broncos have three very good weapons in the air attack. Manning should be able to find somebody open, as long as he's got time in the pocket.