Following Wild Card Weekend, the playoff picture has shifted dramatically due to Green Bay’s stunning 48-32 victory over the Cowboys – the Packers now gear up to head West and challenge the 49ers.
Facing the Packers is a formidable San Francisco team that clinched seven wins in their last eight meaningful regular season games and the 49ers had the advantage of sitting back and watching Wild Card Weekend unfold.
Now, the Packers are on the road again, this time facing the NFC’s leading team, but the 49ers, despite being the top seed, have a track record of faltering in the postseason.
The question now is whether Green Bay can pull off another surprise win, or will this season mark the breakthrough for Kyle Shanahan’s team? Check out our top picks based on the latest NFL betting odds.
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Packers vs 49ers Matchup
The 49ers might not be thrilled with their playoff matchup as they prepare to battle the Packers in the divisional round on Saturday night following Green Bay’s victory over the Cowboys.
That’s because a Packers’ loss would have meant a game against the Rams, Buccaneers, or Eagles – teams the 49ers have already beaten this season.
The Packers, as the NFL’s youngest team, didn’t flinch in the spotlight, demolishing the Cowboys 48-32 in Dallas.
Their defence notably intercepted Dak Prescott twice, but it was their offence, led by the dynamic Aaron Jones and complemented by Jordan Love’s agile play-action passes, that sealed the deal. Love’s talent in distributing the ball makes Green Bay’s offence hard to counter.
Matt LaFleur, a protégé of Kyle Shanahan, showcased exceptional play designs against the Cowboys, further elevating their offense which mirrors the 49ers in its effective run game and varied passing strategy.
Despite the 49ers’ experience and skill, they’re facing a formidable opponent in Love, who’s been performing like a top-tier quarterback.
His recent stats of 23 touchdowns to one interception are impressive. The 49ers have struggled against elite quarterbacks this season, adding another layer of challenge to this game.
Packers vs 49ers Prediction
The 49ers enter this matchup on a strong streak, but the Packers have been quietly racking up victories, winning their last four games.
With Jordan Love showing impressive growth as a first-year starter and coming off a high-scoring victory against the Cowboys, the Packers aim to maintain their momentum in San Francisco.
Yet, the 49ers have been one of the most dominant teams in the league this season, rivalled only by the Ravens, having had nearly three weeks to recuperate and prepare for the Divisional Round.
Aside from losses to the Ravens and Bengals at home (excluding a non-essential Week 18 defeat), the 49ers have been formidable in their home victories.
While there’s always the possibility of the 49ers experiencing a let-down as they shake off any rust, the likelihood seems slim.
The combined factors of talent disparity, a coaching edge, home-field advantage, and ample rest are likely to present an insurmountable challenge for the Packers.
Best NFL Bets for Packers vs 49ers
Packers +9.5 @ 1.95
The 49ers are rightly favoured, but a 10-point spread overstates it against a Packers team that’s been scoring over 22 points per game and is top 10 in points allowed.
The Packers, despite their underdog status, are poised to challenge the 49ers’ strong offence and could very well keep the scoreline closer than expected, possibly covering the large spread.
Over 50.5 Points 1.89
The season averages of 28.9 points for the 49ers and 22.5 for the Packers suggest a high total, though the 49ers’ defence averages just 17.5 points allowed.
The Packers’ recent 48-point game against the Cowboys’ solid defence, combined with Jordan Love’s stellar form and the 49ers’ extensive prep time, point towards a potential high-scoring game this weekend.
*Odds subject to change.
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