Packers CB Tramon Williams vs. Lions WR Calvin Johnson: So Williams says he is Optimus Prime, not Richard Sherman? Based on the tape of last year's game against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, he might be right. He did a great job in man coverage on Johnson -- even in a down year for Williams. I would expect you should see a lot of Williams on Johnson in man coverage.
Buccaneers RB Doug Martin vs. Panthers MLB Luke Kuechly: This is a battle of two impressive rookies. Martin has been on a tear lately, and Kuechly has really come on after moving to middle linebacker. The Bucs love to run Martin in the middle of their line, which will put a lot of pressure on Kuechly to make plays.
Steelers CB Ike Taylor vs. Ravens WR Torrey Smith: Smith is the big-play guy for a Ravens offense that might need it this week to help back off the Steelers' front. Smith had a big catch for a touchdown last year at Pittsburgh. Taylor is hot and cold, but he tends to get up for the big games and the big challenges.
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Lions DT Ndamukong Suh vs. Packers' interior of the line: Suh has not played very well this season, but the inside group of the Packers isn't great at run blocking. The key here is that Suh had the run-in with Evan Dietrich-Smith last year, when he stomped on his chest and arm. The Packers didn't take too kindly to that. They don't like him.
Browns CB Sheldon Brown vs. Cowboys WR Dez Bryant: Bryant is getting better and better, and he might be too much to handle for Brown. Joe Haden, the team's other starting corner, is likely out with an oblique muscle injury. Buster Skrine would be the other starter if Haden can't go. Look for Bryant to get plenty of chances this week.
Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali vs. Bengals LT Andrew Whitworth: Whitworth is coming off a good game against the Giants' pass rushers last week, but Hali is a relentless player who will battle all day. Whitworth is a powerful man who will have a huge size advantage on Hali.
Redskins OT Trent Williams vs. Eagles DE Trent Cole: Williams is quietly having a Pro Bowl-type of season. He has excelled in pass protection. Cole is having a down season. He hasn't been able to get much pressure. The Eagles' defense has suffered because of that. Cole needs to get it going to help contain Robert Griffin III.
49ers Gs Mike Iupati and Alex Boone vs. Bears DT Henry Melton: Iupati and Boone form one of the top guard tandems in the league. Both are physical maulers in the run game. But they have problems at times in pass protection. That's where Melton can be a big problem. He is quick and gets a lot of pressure for an inside rusher. This should be fun.
49ers DE Aldon Smith vs. Bears LT J'Marcus Webb: Smith is a heck of a speed rusher, and he stunts a lot to the inside. But I would imagine the 49ers put him on Webb a lot. Webb has improved as the season has moved along, but he has had moments in which he has really struggled with speed rushers like Smith.
Falcons DE John Abraham vs. Cardinals LT Nate Potter: The Falcons love to line Abraham up on a young tackle and, in this game, he has his pick. The Cardinals will be starting two rookie tackles, but Potter will be making his first NFL start. I would imagine Abraham will be a handful for Potter all day.