With week 1 of the NFL upon us, it is time to get serious. If you are a fan, you are like a kid on Christmas morning. For fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins, however, they will have to wait that extra day. This might help you get ready earlier. Here are four things to watch during that game that might pump you up.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Redskins Defense

As the days go by the receiving corps of the Pittsburgh Steelers is getting smaller and smaller. So how does this make Big Ben feel? He cannot throw every ball to Antonio Brown. Watch to see how the Redskins defense handles Roethlisberger. We know they will try and attempt pressure from up the middle. But how often will they sit back and play coverage? This will be an interesting test for the revamped Redskins defense. It is also one that should be a pretty good testament to where they are early in the season.

Redskins run game vs. Steelers Defense

The Washington Redskins running game was a struggle in all of 2015. They look to revise that run game in 2016. They will get a pretty good test on Monday night against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that ranked 5th against the run in 2015. The Steelers stout run defense may prove to be too much for a CPR needing running attack. Look for the Redskins to try and set up the running game with the passing game.

Kirk Cousins vs. Steelers Defense

We all know what this season is about for Kirk Cousins. It is about growth and opportunity. He can become one of the best young QBs in the NFL. It all starts on Monday night against a Steelers offense that ranked 30th against the pass in 2015. If the Steelers did not revive that secondary, this could be just the kind of game that Cousins needs to get on track early in the season. Watch and see how Steelers Defensive Coordinator Keith Butler tries to pressure Cousins into mistakes.

Steelers run game vs. Redskins front seven

The Washington Redskins, in 2015, did not have a very solid run game. I believe that the saving grace coming into this game is that vaunted Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is suspended. His quick, elusive style is what harms the Redskins defense. The Steelers will look to get RB DeAngelo Williams going earlier. If they can establish a solid run game, it could be a long night for the Redskins defense. The Redskins d-line is going to have to set a tone and get in the backfield if they look to clean up a run defense that was ranked 26th in 2015.

The Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers are both looking to repeat on successful seasons in 2015. For the Redskins it comes down to defense and the running game. For the Steelers, it will be how well the young receivers grow up and if they have fixed their secondary. Week 1 will be a solid test for both teams. This should be a great opener for NFL on Monday Night Football.