Packers vs. Bears: Five key matchups
By Dan Dahlke
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) gets pressure from Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Mike Pennel (64) and linebacker Julius Peppers (56). Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers open the 2015 regular season against long-time division rival the Chicago Bears this Sunday. While we all anticipate a classic NFC North showdown, the outcome of the game will largely be decided by who is winning their individual matchups once the ball is snapped.
With a quick glimpse at both team’s depth charts heading into this week, it would be easy to assume Green Bay has the edge when it comes to overall talent at each position, but this doesn’t mean Chicago’s roster isn’t stocked full of playmakers the Packers will have to account for.
The Bears are a fresh team under the tutelage of highly-experienced head coach John Fox, who was signed this offseason to turn things around in Chicago.
More from Lombardi Ave
- Packers: Picks in NFL.com mock draft would be a home run
- Packers salary cap update following second week of free agency
- Packers’ cornerback depth chart after second week of free agency
- Packers’ edge rusher depth chart after second week of free agency
- Packers’ tackle depth chart after second week of free agency
The Packers have owned the Bears in nine of the last ten meetings (9-1), making it one of the most lopsided divisional rivalries in the NFL over the past five years.
However, the Packers are heading to Chicago this week to face a Bears team with virtually nothing to lose. They’re in the middle of rebuilding their roster. They’re not all that attached to their starting quarterback. And with very little playoff expectations from around the league, the Bears may just surprise some people this season.
Here are the top five player matchups going into this Sunday that the Packers must win in order to leave the Windy City with a victory and begin their 2015 season with 1-0 start.
Next: The Battle of QB Rating