Panthers QB Cam Newton vs. Redskins QB Robert Griffin III: Watching these two go against each other in a game will be fun for sure. Both can throw it. Both can run it. But will one press more than the other? They both use read-option in their offense, but this will be decided by who throws it better. Wonder if they get caught up in all the hype?
Colts C Samson Satele vs. Dolphins NT/DT Paul Soliai: These two know each other since they were teammates in Miami. Satele is a solid player, but he has trouble at times with power players on his nose. Soliai is one of the keys to the Miami defense. He can be a disruptive force against the run.
Cardinals LT D'Anthony Batiste vs. Packers OLB Clay Matthews: Matthews is one of the elite pass rushers in the league. Batiste has been horrible protecting the quarterback. Would it be a shock to see Matthews get three or four sacks and truly impact this game? The Cardinals better help Batiste.
Peek at the Week IX |
Column |
Related links |
|
Pro Football 360 |
Fantasy Football |
|
NFL coverage on the go |
Falcons WR Julio Jones vs. Cowboys CB Morris Claiborne: Jones hasn't put up great numbers at home for some reason. Is this the first game? I would expect the Cowboys will put Claiborne on him a lot. They know each other from the SEC. Claiborne is a physical corner who won't back down.
Colts WR Reggie Wayne vs. Dolphins CB Sean Smith: Wayne is getting a lot of passes thrown his way, and he's putting up good numbers. Smith is having his best season, stepping up as a top cover corner. Wayne is more smart than fast these days, but he can still sneak by a corner in man coverage.
Vikings WR Percy Harvin vs. Seahawks CB Richard Sherman: Sherman didn't spend a lot of time on Calvin Johnson last week, and he gave up some passes to the smaller, quicker Titus Young. Harvin is a better, faster version of Young. Look for the Vikings to challenge with Harvin a lot. He could be in the slot a bunch, which would mean Marcus Trufant is on him.
Broncos G Chris Kuper vs. Bengals DT Geno Atkins: Kuper was hurt early this season, but is back starting again and the line is better for it. He is a solid player. Atkins might be the best defensive tackle in the league. The Broncos have to get him blocked, not just in the run game but in pass protection as well.
Vikings DE Jared Allen vs. Seahawks LT Russell Okung: Okung has really elevated his play the past month, and he will need it this week against Allen. Okung is strong and athletic. Allen is a relentless player who never lets up. Should be fun.
Steelers T Mike Adams vs. Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul: The rookie Adams from Ohio State has played his best football lately. He is coming on as a power tackle. But he has to face perhaps the league's best pass rusher in Pierre-Paul. He will also see some of Justin Tuck and others. Can Adams hold up? If he does, Ben Roethlisberger should have a big day.
Broncos CB Champ Bailey vs. Bengals WR A.J. Green: This battle of former Georgia Bulldogs should be a treat. Even at his advanced age, Bailey continues to play at a Pro Bowl level. Green is a tough man-to-man match for any corner. But Bailey has the physical tools to be able to compete.