Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears: 5 Matchups to Watch

1. Packers O-Line vs Bears D-Line

We all knew this was coming. Last year, Khalil Mack had one of the most dominant halves of football that we will ever see. He had just one sack in the game, but he was by the quarterback far more often than that. He also had one interception, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He did all that, despite being on the team for about one week. Next, to him, you have Akhiem Hicks, who is one of the best tackles in the NFL, and he doesn’t get nearly enough credit for his play.

For Green Bay, the group has made big improvements. David Bakhtiari and Corey Linsley are still locked in at their spots, although both of their battles with the aforementioned players will be massively important. Lane Taylor‘s spot looked to be in jeopardy to rookie Elgton Jenkins before he secured it to close out the preseason. Bryan Bulaga is healthy again, and free-agent signing Billy Turner is locked in at right guard.

This Green Bay Packers offensive line has two goals. Keep Rodgers clean and upright, and open holes for running back Aaron Jones. If they can get Jones rolling, which will be tough against the best run defense in football last year, it slows down the pass rush, and it gives Rodgers more time to work. If the Bears can get to Rodgers and knock him off his spot, they could cause him a good bit of trouble that no one wants to see.