Ravens S Ed Reed vs. Redskins QB Robert Griffin III: Griffin III is so good at using play-action off his "pistol" formations that Reed has to be careful not to bite. Reed is smart, but he doesn't run like he used to a few years ago. He can sometimes be too aggressive, so it will be interesting to see if the Redskins try and take advantage of that.
Texans C Chris Myers vs. Patriots DT Vince Wilfork: Wilfork can be a force in the middle of the defense, a 350-pound power player. But the Texans do a lot of zone blocking, which will offset his power. They will cut him a lot on the backside. Myers is very good in the Houston system.
Bengals RT Andre Smith vs. Cowboys OLB Anthony Spencer: Most will focus on DeMarcus Ware vs. right tackle Andrew Whitworth, but I like this one. Smith is one of the best right tackles in the game, having a great year. He is a mauler in the run game. Spencer is having his best season, and has really played the run well. These two will have a lot of fun across from each other.
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Patriots RG Dan Connolly vs. Texans DE J.J. Watt: Watt is the NFL's best defender and Connolly is just average at best. He has also battled back issues. He will have his hands full here. Look for a lot of help. Watt can't be single-blocked by Connolly.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Packers CB Tramon Williams: These two have had some great one-on-one battles the past couple of seasons. And Johnson is having his best season. He is so tough to stop. Williams excels in man coverage and he has the size to handle him.
Vikings DE Jared Allen vs. Bears OT J'Marcus Webb: The last time these teams played, Allen knocked out Bears guard Lance Louis with a questionable block after an interception. The Bears will be looking for him this week. But he is a tough guy to handle for Webb.
Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson vs. Eagles CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Jackson is averaging over 20 yards per catch and is the Bucs' big-play receiver. Rodgers-Cromartie is a talented corner who gambles at times. He can't do that against Jackson, or he will pay.
Panthers DE Greg Hardy vs. Falcons T Tyson Clabo: The Panthers had seven sacks against the Falcons in the last meeting. And this week Hardy talked about how the Panthers were the better team, even though the Falcons are 11-1. Clabo has not played as well as the Falcons expected, but he won't back down from the challenge.
49ers OLB Aldon Smith vs. Dolphins LT Jonathan Martin: With Jake Long down for the season, Martin moves from right tackle to the left side. His first assignment is to try to contain the NFL's leading sacker. Good luck. Martin played left tackle in college, but this is a tough way to make your first start there in the NFL.
49ers TE Vernon Davis against Dolphins FS Reshad Jones: Davis is a big part of what the 49ers want to do on offense. He is a real threat down the field, but Colin Kaepernick needs to get him more involved. Jones is quietly developing into one of the NFL's best young safeties. He can run and cover.
