When the Detroit Lions play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday for early NFC bragging rights, the most important matchup will be a strength-on-strength battle between Detroit’s wide receivers and Arizona’s cornerbacks.

All-Pro receiver Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate will likely draw man-to-man matchups against All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson and Antonio Cromartie.

Johnson said he expects to see a heavy dose of both players, but Cardinals coach Bruce Arians indicated Peterson will primarily cover Johnson.

“I’m sure they’ll be matched up,” Arians said. “I don’t know if it’ll be all the time, but it’ll be matched up quite a bit.”

After missing three games and being limited in two others because of a high ankle sprain, Johnson has just 29 catches for 461 yards, but he had seven receptions for 113 yards in his return to the lineup in Week 10.

Last year, Johnson had six catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona, and in 2012, he had 10 for 121. He credited play calling and preparation for his individual success, but Peterson’s team won both games — and he had an interception in the 2012 matchup.

“I expect it to be more of the same — a great battle,” Johnson said.

With Johnson limited this year, Tate has filled the No. 1 receiver role for the Lions (7-2) and already has career highs with 66 catches for 909 yards. He’s averaging 101 yards per game.

“He’s a heck of a player, and he’s a great run-after-the-catch guy,” Arians said. “Whoever draws that one has got a physical guy that plays with a linebacker mentality. I love the way he plays.”

Although the Cardinals (8-1) rank 30th in passing yards allowed per game, they have one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL.

“We need to go out there and do what we’ve been doing, make big plays for our team,” Johnson said.

Johnson also praised the Cardinals safeties Tony Jefferson and Tyrann Mathieu.

“Talented safeties as well, they’re flying around the field,” he said.

“Mathieu has a good knack for getting the ball out, so you have to watch him on that. You’ve just got to protect the ball and just play fast. That’s all we can worry about.”

NOTES: Among those missing practice Wednesday were WR Calvin Johnson (ankle — but says he is OK) and RB Reggie Bush (ankle), who might see limited game action behind Joique Bell and Theo Riddick. … RT LaAdrian Waddle (knee) was limited in practice. … DT Nick Fairley (knee) remains out, but the team still expects him to return this season.