Analyzing the opponent: Ranking NFC North Edge Rusher Groups

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) and Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (not pictured) during the first half of the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Willie Young (97) and Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after sacking San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (not pictured) during the first half of the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) celebrates after forcing a safety on the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) celebrates after forcing a safety on the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

2. Bears:

Leonard Floyd, Pernell McPhee, Willie Young, Lamarr Houston, Dan Skuta, Sam Acho

The Bears should be able to get a lot of pressure off of the edges. Floyd is a top ten pick who performed like that in spurts as a rookie. He put up seven sacks in 12 starts and as he starts to understand his role he should only be able to improve. What is nice about his situation is that he has veteran experience and depth at every spot besides and behind him.

McPhee has an injury future but is a strong edge setter who can push the pocket as well. Young had 7.5 sacks last season and did a great job in defending the run as well. Young is getting older and McPhee has injury questions, but between the two they should get a great rotation beside Floyd. Houston has not been healthy for a while now, but he brings a similar veteran presence, and if he could get back to his ways, it would be a major boost.

However, the Bears have the depth where they can survive Houston. Skuta is a former starter in Jacksonville who can now serve as a bottom of the roster player with the potential to rotate in at times. Acho is a veteran who has been around the team and started six games last season. This depth and the potential for talent at the top gives them a slight edge over the Packers.

Schedule