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Bills vs. Cardinals: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 1

nick wojton
·1 min read
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills reacts to a play against the Chicago Bears during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills reacts to a play against the Chicago Bears during the first half of a preseason game at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills will host the Arizona Cardinals in their upcoming Week 1 matchup.

Even with it being a cross-conference clash, it will still be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Cardinals contest:

CB Rasul Douglas vs. WR Marvin Harrison Jr.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 10: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before a preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 10: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before a preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)

While there will be tons of excitement in Buffalo watching the Bills' top rookie draft pick, wide receiver Keon Coleman, there is another rookie wideout worth watching on Sunday. It's Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Cardinals are hoping his skillset instantly makes their offense better. That's why he was the first non-quarterback selection at the 2024 NFL draft.

DE Greg Rousseau vs. OL Paris Johnson

Aug 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) pass rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) pass rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With the uncertainty facing Von Miller, the departure of Leonard Floyd, and Rousseau moving another year into his career... this needs to be his season to shine. The Bills will hope he's going to hit double-digit sacks in 2024 and his first test in Johnson, the Cards' former right tackle now turned left tackle.

WR Khalil Shakir vs. CB Garrett Williams

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Shakir will lineup plenty in the slot where Williams will defend. Shakir is also the only returning Bills wide receiver that has caught a pass from quarterback Josh Allen in the regular season. He needs to step up in the early stages of 2024.

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This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills vs. Cardinals: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 1