:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48440231/usa-today-9016350.0.jpg)
Many football games come down to one-on-one matchups. There are a few matchups to watch in the Week 16 battle between the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers. Which ones seem to matter most?
Markus Golden/Dwight Freeney vs. Don Barclay
Green Bay will be missing their starting left tackle in David Bakhtiari. Golden, who has steadily improved all season, has a chance to take advantage. Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 33 times this season. Golden has 3.5 sacks, but leads the team with 16 pressures and 13 QB hits.
Freeney has played sparingly, being given specific pass rushing situations. The veteran leads the team in sacks with four and they have come in the most important moments. He also is given credit for four pressures and three QB hits. But facing a backup is when a player of his stature knows he must take advantage.
James Jones vs. Jerraud Powers/Justin Bethel
With Patrick Peterson expected to cover Randall Cobb, it will be the combination of Jerraud Powers and Justin Bethel who will cover James Jones. He is fourth on the team in receptions, but has been their big play guy. He averaged more than 18 yards per reception, is second in the team in receiving yards and leads the team in touchdown catches with eight.
Richard Rodgers vs. Kevin Minter/Deone Bucannon/Tony Jefferson
Rodgers is number two on the team with 50 receptions and is second in touchdowns with seven. This is a position that can give the Cardinals troubles. They will have to do it without the help of Tyrann Mathieu.
David Johnson vs. Green Bay front seven
Johnson has 378 rushing yards in December, more than 24 NFL teams have gained this month on the ground. He is coming off a career performance -- 187 rushing yards and three scores. Green bay gives up more than 116 yards per game on the ground, although they have allowed only eight rushing touchdowns on the season.
Julius Peppers vs. Jared Veldheer
Peppers has 9.5 sacks on the season, leading the team. He is an iconic pass rusher and faces Veldheer, who has been the best left tackle the Cardinals have had in decades. Some say he is having a down year, but he allows the offense to scheme without worrying about him. He lines up one-on-one almost every play.