NFC Divisional Playoff
(6) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Green Bay Packers
49ers: Now be honest here for a second because I have to be as well. Did you think they were going to give up the lead in that game on Sunday in Arlington? Because I know I did! They were in cruise control of the football game for the entire first half. I saw dominance on both sides of the football. The offensive line was winning the war of the trenches and the front seven on the defensive side put consistent amounts of pressure on Dak Prescott. Sunday marked their first playoff appearance since Super Bowl 54 when they lost the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs. The one issue I have with the 49ers’ offense is the inconsistent play of Jimmy Garoppolo. Unfortunately, he’s capable of turning the football over. When they stay in their lane offensively, all will click for them. This isn’t an offense that can move the ball up and down the field like Kansas City, Buffalo, or Cincinnati to name a few. They are a ground and pound team with a dynamic player in Deebo Samuel. Though they won on Sunday, they lost two key pieces on defense. Nick Bosa is a huge difference maker and when he’s healthy, he’s by far their best defensive player. They also lost Fred Warner who’s become one of the best inside linebackers in the league. Hopefully, those two will be good to go moving forward. On Saturday night, they will face a team they know all too well.
Packers: In three years under Matt LaFleur, they’ve won 13 games, won the NFC North, and had first-round byes in the playoffs. They have also made the NFC title game in back-to-back years. All that sounds good, right? It’s okay, but it’s better when you can advance and win and they’ve lost in the NFC Championship in consecutive years. All the talk about Aaron Rodgers not wanting to be in Green Bay seems so distant now and that first game of the year when the Saints blew them out is in the rearview mirror. Once again, the Packers won another 13 games and won the division. Also, the road to SoFi travels through Lambeau Field. Let me get the good out of the way. This offense continues to play at a consistent level. Aaron and Davante continue to pick defensive backfields apart and the other receivers have stepped it up significantly. The one issue I will continue to have with them is their defense and that’s what’s keeping them from getting back to the Super Bowl. I’ve been saying it throughout the year, they play defense in spurts. If you want to be taken seriously as a contender, consistency is key. Are they improved defensively? Absolutely. I’m struggling to trust them. It’s time to rock and roll. Playoff time is here!
49ers X-Factor: Arik Armstead– Everybody talked about the team not re-signing DeForest Buckner. Arik made him expendable and there was no need to keep two guys on the same team who do the same things. I truly feel he’s the third most important player on this defense behind Bosa and Warner. His pursuit of the quarterback amazes me because the quarterback could be flushed out the pocket and he’ll travel to get to the passer. If Bosa can’t go in this one, Arik will be counted on to lead the pass rush.
Packers X-Factor: Aaron Jones– I can talk about this guy all day long if I wanted. The versatility he brings to this offense speaks volumes because he can impact the game both as a runner and a receiver. In the running game, Aaron can bounce outside the tackles and run inside with power. As a receiver, he’s trusted and Rodgers knows he can check the football down to him. He’s the quarterback’s safety valve if you ask me. I don’t see many on the Niners’ defense that can cover him.
Final Analysis: There’s been a history between these two. Just a few years back, the 49ers demolished the Packers in the NFC title game en route to the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers has never defeated his childhood team in the postseason. The biggest key for the Packers will be to take away Deebo from running the crossing routes over the middle. Make him work up the field to get the football. He earns his living over the middle. It’s key for the 49ers to run the football. The Packers still struggle to run the ball. Jimmy G will need to be flawless in this game for the 49ers to have a shot.
Prediction: Packers 34, 49ers 24
