49ers-Packers Preview

By Dustin Ehle
@ICRMON on Twitter

It’s that time of year!  The playoffs are here!!!! (Don’t talk about playoffs!!!)\

We’ve got an excellent slate of games coming up this Wild Card weekend and I can’t wait to finally watch some playoff football. The most intriguing matchup this week is the 49ers heading into Lambeau to take on the Packers.  Who will win this re-match of the NFC Divisional game from last year?  Let’s take a look at some key factors.       

I don’t think this game will become a shootout like the previous two matchups have been.  San Francisco’s defense is one of the best in the league.  Granted, they are going up against Aaron Rodgers who, while he looked rusty in the beginning of the game against the Bears last week, can tear apart even the best defenses.  I do think the 49ers are a better unit than last year, though.  The 49ers running attack has been incredible this year, and while Colin Kaepernick has regressed, he still makes enough plays to help the 49ers win (especially since Crabtree has come back).  This enables the 49ers to have long, sustained drives downfield that can eat up a lot of clock.    

The Packers actually have an improved running game of their own, led by Eddie Lacy.  I definitely think this has added a whole new dimension to the Packers offense, as defenses can’t focus solely on Rodgers and the passing attack.  Yet, the 49ers run defense is an incredibly strong unit, and I think they will be able to contain Lacy for the most part.  

The major factor in this game is the Packers defense.  The Packers defense has been riddled with injuries and has struggled all year, and they will continue to struggle against a physical 49ers offense.  If this game comes down to the Packers defense needing to make a play, the 49ers will surely win the game.  The Packers offense will have to score early and often, but as mentioned earlier, that could be a demanding task against the 49ers defense.          

So, what do I ultimately think?  Honestly, the teams are fairly evenly matched, except on defense - and that’s what this game is going to come down to.  The Packers may keep it close for the majority of the game, but I think the 49ers will have a drive in the fourth quarter that kills a lot of the clock and puts the game out of reach for Green Bay.   

Prediction:  
49ers 27
Packers 20