theScore's Michael McClymont breaks down five of the most important in-game matchups ahead of Week 8.
Dez Bryant vs. Josh Norman
Norman is expected to return Sunday after missing the Washington Redskins' past two games, and his timing couldn't be better. We probably shouldn't expect Norman to miss an opportunity to shadow Dallas Cowboys receiver Bryant.
The two went toe-to-toe and insult-for-insult in their last meeting, a Thanksgiving Day shootout in 2016. Bryant led the Cowboys with five catches for 72 yards in a 31-26 victory. Afterward, the foes nearly came to blows at midfield and Norman kept the feud going this offseason, promising "bad blood."
This year, the Redskins and Cowboys enter the matchup at 3-3, two games behind the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles. The game will likely tip in favor of whoever gains the upper hand outside the numbers.
Deshaun Watson vs. Earl Thomas
The darling of the 2017 rookie class gets a major test in the Seahawks' vaunted defense at intimidating CenturyLink Field. Watson has taken full control of the Houston Texans' offense, but he hasn't seen an opposing secondary the likes of the Legion of Boom.
The Seahawks are 10-2 at home against rookie quarterbacks since their stadium opened in 2002 and their last defeat came in 2011.
Watson will have to use his full complement of weaponry, including his legs, to throw off the Seahawks' defensive line, and his guile to overcome veteran free safety Thomas.
Hunter Henry/Antonio Gates vs. Patriots non-descript LBs
The Patriots' defense took a major hit when Dont'a Hightower was declared out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. The defense was finding its footing and now will have to face the league's eighth-ranked passing offense without its leader.
As usual, Philip Rivers has been throwing the ball around the park all season, but, aside from Keenan Allen, his top targets have been backs and tight ends. That will be a problem for Kyle Van Noy, David Harris, and Elandon Roberts.
Henry ranks third on the team with 21 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns. Franchise stalwart Gates is still involved as well, with 13 grabs for 119 yards and a score. Luckily for New England, it's expected to rain Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
Garett Bolles vs. Justin Houston
Through seven games, Houston leads the Chiefs with 5.5 sacks. Now he'll get to contend with a rookie left tackle.
Bolles isn't any regular left tackle, however. The 20th pick in this year's draft has committed just three penalties and allowed 2.5 sacks in his six career starts. This may be his greatest challenge, though, as he hopes to help the Broncos cut into the Chiefs' one-and-a-half-game lead atop the AFC West division.
The Broncos' offense has been held in check the last two weeks, and quarterback Trevor Siemian has come under fire. He'll need a clean pocket and time to throw to be able to keep up with the Chiefs' explosive offense.
Matthew Stafford vs. Steelers front
Hopefully, Stafford put his bye week to good use, resting his ailing ankle. Because he's in for a Sunday night date with a Pittsburgh Steelers team that ranks second in the league in defense and is tied for second in sacks.
Cameron Heyward, rookie T.J. Watt, and Vince Williams each have four sacks and Anthony Chickillo follows with three.
The Lions rank 26th in rushing, averaging just 84 yards on the ground per game. The Steelers know the manner in which their opponents prefer to attack, and it just may work in their favor.
