Which Rookie Quarterback Will Shine the Most During Week 1 of 2012 NFL Season?

History will be made during the 2012 NFL season as five rookie quarterbacks will be starting for their team in Week 1. Based off the last couple of weeks from the preseason, it’s safe to say Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is the favorite to display the best performance of the five rookies.

Not only has Wilson shined during the preseason while managing to steal the starting job away from Matt Flynn, but he may have the most favorable matchup as well. Despite finishing 8-8 last season, the Arizona Cardinals have struggled throughout the entire preseason–which sets Wilson up for the potential to have a big game in Week 1.

Take a look at some of the other rookie quarterbacks making their debut in Week 1 and it’s clear why Wilson should be considered the favorite.

Ryan Tannehill—Miami Dolphins 

Not only is Tannehill at a disadvantage with a weak receiving core, but he faces a big challenge by going against one of the top defenses in the NFL in the Houston Texans. The Dolphins may see him as their quarterback of the future, but Tannehill is in for a brutal Week 1 matchup from a statistical standpoint.

Brandon Weeden–Cleveland Browns

As if the Browns didn’t struggle enough on offense in 2011, Weeden faces a difficult matchup against a Philadelphia Eagles squad known for blitzing the quarterback. He may have an advantage over most rookies due to his age and has shown potential during the preseason, but Weeden could be in for a rude awakening in his regular season debut.

Andrew Luck–Indianapolis Colts

Of all the rookie quarterbacks, no one has looked more NFL ready than Luck this season and he appears to have a bright future in Indianapolis. However, there’s something about Soldier Field’s conditions that make it difficult for any quarterback when playing the Chicago Bears–so the rookie may have some difficulty adjusting in his first game with the Colts.

Robert Griffin III–Washington Redskins 

The Redskins have high expectations for their new quarterback considering all of the draft picks they surrendered to acquire him. Griffin seemed to get better each week of the preseason and the potential is certainly there, but it’s never easy to play in the Superdome against the New Orleans Saints–especially when it’s your first career NFL game.

When looking at all of the matchups for these other four rookies, it’s easy to see why Wilson should be considered the top performer for Week 1 of the regular season. Wilson’s proven himself in the preseason and now it’s time to prove he can do the same during the regular season–where it counts the most.