Robert Griffin III vs. J.J. Watt among Week 1 matchups to watch

There is nothing like watching the che s match that ensues each week in the NFL.From observing the way crafty coaches implement exotic schemes to exploit mismatches to watching a pair of blue-chip players duke it out against each other, I've learned that the pro game is all about the matchups. That's why I decided to pen a column that looks at various games and identifies the pivotal battle. You know, the crucial "game within a game" that will play a huge part in deciding the contest's ultimate outcome.So, after extensively studying to a se s the strengths and weakne ses of teams, I offer up the matchups to watch in Week 1:Most exciting matchup: Robert Griffin III vs. Texans' pa s rushBefore the 2014 , the already boasted one of the top pa s rushes in football with anchoring the D-line, but the unit could emerge as an absolute force of nature now that No. 1 overall pick has joined the lineup. The rookie flashed big-time potential during the preseason with his combination of size, speed and athleticism overwhelming blockers off the edge. He produced , which immediately caught the attention of offensive coordinators around the league. With the capable of lining up Clowney and Watt on opposite sides in their base 3-4 or using them side-by-side in their nickel package, defensive coordinator can Jalen Rose Jersey get after Washington quarterback with a number of stunts, games and blitzes to disrupt his rhythm in the pocket. Not to mention, Crennel can free up to hunt off the edge and take advantage of one-on-one matchups on the back side.Given the challenges presented by the ' formidable front line, the pre sure falls squarely on Griffin to get the ball out quickly on short and intermediate throws. He must release throws immediately after hitting the top of his drop on three- and five-steppers to avoid taking big shots in the pocket. Additionally, he should fire a number of quick screens to and , to take advantage of their explosive running skills OG Anunoby Jersey while wearing down the ' defensive linemen by making them run-and-chase to the sideline. If can ramp up the tempo while stringing together several completions, he can tire out a talented bunch and attack a secondary that could be susceptible to the deep ball.Most favorable offensive matchup: Dez Bryant vs. 49ers' cornerbacksBryant quickly has developed into one of the NFL's truly elite pa s catchers. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and tallied 25 receiving touchdowns in that span. Despite routinely facing an a sortment of double-coverage tactics designed to neutralize his impact on the pa sing game, Bryant continues to get open on short and intermediate throws underneath coverage. With the prominently featuring a variety of catch-and-run pa ses under new offensive play caller , the explosive wideout will have plenty of opportunities to make plays when opponents attempt to take away the deep ball with rolled coverage. In addition, Linehan's creative scheming and formation diversity (see: how was used during Linehan's time with the ) will enable Bryant to get a number of one-on-one chances on the perimeter.Thus, the ' young cornerback tandem of and faces quite a challenge. They will need to put their hands on Bryant near the line of scrimmage to take away free acce s to routes and force the er to work for each completion. While the emphasis on rules restricting exce sive contact on the part of defenders could lead to a few penalties on the outside, the aggre sive tactics will be needed to buy time for a pa s rush that is mi sing linebackers and . Without a formidable rush capable of hara sing in the pocket, the will need their cornerbacks to disrupt the timing of the pa sing game. Brock and Culliver are capable starters, but asking them to slow down one of the premier pa s catchers in the game feels like a tall order.Most favorable defensive matchup: Rex Ryan's defense vs. Derek CarrSay what you want about Ryan's bodacious personality, but here's the truth: He is one of the best defensive minds in football. Rex is a brilliant play designer, extremely adept at creating chaos using a variety of simulated pre sures and overload blitzes that can spin the heads of even the savviest signal-callers in the pocket. Given the opportunity to play against a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start, Ryan will open up the playbook and use his most exotic pre sures and pre-snap disguises. With hesitancy and indecisivene s leading to late/errant throws from Carr, the could generate a number of turnovers off tips and overthrows. And that's not even considering the sacks and big hits from , and others on blown a signments at the point of attack.With that in mind, the must protect Carr by using a conservative game plan built around the ground attack. and must combine for 30 to 35 carries to alleviate the burden on Carr to carry the offense on the strength of his right arm. Although the Serge Ibaka Jersey ' defense typically ranks as one of the stiffest units against the run, the can't deviate from a ground-heavy approach, because the attempts eventually could create big-play opportunities in the pa sing game off play-action. The should also allow Carr to throw a number of high-percentage pa ses (quick routes) on first down to take advantage of the eight-man fronts designed to slow down Jones-Drew and McFadden. If Carr can connect on enough early-down throws to force Ryan to take a more balanced approach, the rookie can limit his exposure to exotic pre sures and have some time to attack a secondary that's suspect on the outside.Best under-the-radar matchup: Falcons' receivers vs. Saints' secondaryDespite coming off a disappointing 4-12 campaign in 2013, the ' offensive attack remains one of the most feared in the NFC, thanks to an explosive receiving corps. , and are premier pa s catchers with the speed, quickne s and burst to overwhelm defenses on the perimeter. In addition, each player is a spectacular runner capable of turning short pa ses into big gains. Thus, the will use a dynamic screen game (WR screens) and quick-rhythm pa sing offense to take advantage of the potent trio.Predictions for the 2014 NFL seasonWho will win major awards? Which teams will make the playoffs? Who will lift the Lombardi Trophy? Our analysts weigh in. While stopping the ' receiving corps is a daunting task for most NFL defenses, the ' secondary has all of the ingredients to get it done. is a terrific cover corner with the length and grittine s to blanket big-bodied receivers Henry Ellenson Jersey on an island. , and comprise a dynamic three-headed monster at safety, which allows coordinator Rob Ryan to use on pa sing downs. If I had to point out a weak link in the back end, I would cite cornerback . The fifth-year pro is not nearly as technically sound or savvy as Lewis, meaning the could elect to repeatedly throw to his side. If Robinson can hold his own in one-on-one matchups against Jones/White, or if the are able to cover him up in rolled coverage, New Orleans could defuse the ' explosive pa sing game and hara s with a feisty pa s rush that doesn't get enough credit.Bucky's Beast: Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago BearsYes, as you probably gleaned, this is the guy I expect to go off this week. The five-time er could enjoy a monster day against the ' defense. In two games against 's last season, Marshall tallied 218 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches (26 targets). With Schwartz now directing the ' defense, Marshall could post big numbers against a secondary that lacks the size and length to match up with him on the perimeter. Marshall checks in at 6-4 and 230 pounds -- that's a tough a signment for (5-10, 185), (6-1, 190) and especially (5-8, 165). With and also commanding significant attention in the ' pa sing game, Marshall should thrive as 's primary target against Buffalo.ALREADY COMPLETED:The debate over rages on, but Sherman's name is clearly on the short list. He has blanketed receivers throughout his young career, earning first-team All-Pro honors in each of the last two seasons while snagging 16 picks and e sentially shutting down one half of the field for the "Legion of Boom." While skeptics point to the ' ferocious pa s rush and simplistic scheme as primary reasons for Sherman's succe s, there is no doubt that his physicality, relentle s hara sment and constant chatter combine to alter the performance of elite receivers on the edge. With Sherman also adept at baiting quarterbacks with his wily tactics, most of them simply avoid throwing the ball to the right side of the field out of respect for his game and penchant for playmaking.With the , it's all about creating big-play opportunities in the pa sing game for . is one of the best play callers in football; he doesn't shy away from attacking elite defenders when he has the opportunity to exploit a weakne s in coverage. Thus, Nelson will be a prominent part of the game plan, despite his looming matchup with Sherman. The seventh-year pro is an explosive athlete with exceptional speed, quickne s and burst. Plus, he is a masterful route runner adept at running double moves (stutter-go) and vertical routes.I expect the to take advantage of those skills by sending Nelson on deep routes off play-action or bootleg action in the backfield. The run-action could lure Seattle safeties or out of the middle of the field, leaving Sherman isolated with Nelson on the Muggsy Bogues Jersey outside. Given Nelson's shiftine s, the might be able to beat the game's premier cover corner () on the perimeter.Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter .