Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to Watch in Week 11

David Bakhtiari vs. Justin Houston

Fresh off his new contract and a great performance in his first game back from injury, Bak will have another tough matchup on his hands this week. Edge rushers in this league are being valued more and more as the NFL continues to become a more passing-oriented league and a big element in disrupting that is affecting the passer. Because of this, every team seems to have one or even two guys who are great at getting to the quarterback and having a blue chip guy like Bakhtiari on the edge is a huge benefit.

Houston has consistently been a great player on the edge, having at least nine sacks in six of his seasons in the NFL. His best season by far was in 2014 when he doubled his career high in sacks with 22, made the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro. Even though he’s not that type of player anymore, he still had 11 sacks last season in his first year with the Colts and a solid 3.5 sacks and 7 QB hits in nine games this year. 

Houston also has a flurry of other skills than just getting to the quarterback. He’s knocked down 32 passes in his career and intercepted four passes, so even when he doesn’t get to the quarterback, he can still affect the game. He’s also forced 16 fumbles and recovered 14 in his career, showing that he can really be a game-wrecking force. He’s also had three tackles resulting in safeties for his career and if he gets one more that would tie him for the all-time record with Doug English, Ted Hendricks, and Jared Allen.

Bakhtiari got his money and now, one week later, he’ll have a great chance to really show that he’s worth it. Houston may not be a top-tier rusher anymore as he was on the Chiefs, but a shutdown performance from Bak would still be a great encouraging showing.

Which matchup are you most excited to see this week. Which do you think is the most critical to a Green Bay Packers win? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter @DairylandXpress.