NFL Week 1: A Key Matchup for Each Sunday Game

Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) reacts. Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eagles run blocking vs. Jaguars run defense

While the Philadelphia Eagles can certainly rack up yardage through the air with Nick Foles, Jordan Matthews, Jeremy Maclin, Zach Ertz, Riley Cooper, and Darren Sproles, but the M.O. of this team is still found in a hard-nosed running game. LeSean McCoy is mostly known for his graceful agility, efficient vision, and game-breaking speed, but the Eagles offense is built on steady, metronomic, and punishing run blocking with stars Evan Mathis, Jason Kelce, and Jason Peters at the front-and-center of the league’s most impressive and athletic offensive line.

The Jacksonville Jaguars made two big upgrades this offseason to beef up their defensive line, as Gus Bradley brought in Seattle Seahawks defensive ends Chris Clemons and Red Bryant after both were released. Bryant, Roy Miler, and Sen’Derrick Marks will immediately have to show their run-defending chops against the elite Eagles, because this game will get out of hand if they can’t hold down the fort at the point of attack and avoid getting slammed back into the second level. The Eagles rushing attack is swift, calculating, awe-inspiring, and strong, and the Jaguars will have to be on their toes.

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers: WR Dez Bryant vs. CBs Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock

The San Francisco 49ers cornerbacks have been criticized this year after they didn’t draft a top CB, since those guys were already off the board. They did, however, make an excellent pick by snagging safety Jimmie Ward, who is a very impressive player and should immediately be a good slot corner on this defense. But the two most important players at corner are starers Tramaine Brock and Chris Culliver, and both players have the talent to shine and overcome the loss of Tarell Brown, who is now with the Oakland Raiders.

Dez Bryant is obviously one of the league’s elite wide receivers, and he’s the biggest threat on the Dallas Cowboys offense. Brock played well enough last year to earn an in-season extension, while Culliver has a huge amount of upside and is one of the league’s most underrated corners. This is going to be a huge test for both players, but if they pass, they could end up being key parts of a blowout Week 1 victory and set the stage for a strong season ahead; these two have the upside to form a formidable cornerback tandem.