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@JCizzle ...
GB offense vs SF defense
Aaron Rodgers is no longer AARON RODGERS. From 2009-2016, he was insanely good, averaging a 106.0 passer rating. But the last few years he's seen a marked decline. This year was his second worst year as a passer since the first year he was a starter, way back in 2008. He completed just 60.2% of his passes and finished with a 95.4 rating. He can still get it done though, as we saw last week with that enormous (and gorgeous) pass to Devante Adams on the key third down at the end of the game. Still a world of talent, but not the player he once was (where have we seen THAT?).
But he has help this year at RB in Aaron Jones, who was tremendous. 4.6 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns on the ground really really help the Packers' offense. He added 49 receptions for 474 yards and 3 scores, so he's a true three-down dual threat RB. Probably more than anyone else on the team, he's the key for Green Bay. Outside of Adams, GB's receivers shouldn't put fear into SF's secondary. Jimmy Graham can still play but he's no longer a dominant receiver either. Green Bay was #18 in the NFL in yards gained, so their offense, while capable at times, isn't an enormous threat.
They do a good job taking care of the football, however, only committing 13 turnovers all season (9 fumbles, 4 interceptions). So they're not likely to beat themselves. You've got to actually stop them. Once they get into the red zone, forget it. They're #2 in the NFL this year in RZ TD% (behind Tennessee) at 66%. SF's defense, as good as it was this year (#8 points, #2 yards), was just 20th in the NFL in red zone defense, so if GB gets close, they're most likely going to score. SF needs to keep them out of the red area.
SF really gets after the QB and doesn't need to blitz to get there (5th in the NFL in sacks). Their defensive line is terrific and GB is going to have problems with Nick Bosa. SF gets pressure on 28.7% of opposing pass plays, the second-best mark in the NFL. Green Bay is 10th in the league in allowing the least amount of pressure, so this could be a good matchup between GB's pass protection and SF's pass rush.
SF offense vs GB defense
The Niners were lauded for their defense this year but really, their offense was better. They were #2 in the NFL in scoring, and #4 in yards gained. They have three terrific running backs, outstanding offensive line, and the best blocking TE in all of football in Kittle. Green Bay's rush defense was poor this year, ranked #23 in the league, allowing 120 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry. SF should be able to beat them up on the ground, which will open things up for SF's passing attack, led by Garoppolo.
JG was really good this year - 69.1% completions, 27 touchdowns, 102.0 passer rating - and he has excellent targets to throw to. Kittle is an outstanding receiver at TE, and they have Emmanuel Sanders, Deebo Samuel, and Kendrick Bourne on the outside. In addition, the three main running backs (Coleman, Mostert, and Breida) have 54 receptions for 480 yards this year (8.9 avg) so when SF decides to throw, JG has a plethora of options available.
The good news for GB is that they have a really solid pass defense, holding opposing QBs to just 59.7% completions and an 81.1 passer rating. They also were #3 in the NFL in interceptions (with 17), which could be problematic for SF, as Garoppolo threw 13 picks, which in today's game is a high number. He finished tied for 8th most interceptions thrown this year. That's where GB could make a little hay, if they get an interception or two.
These two teams played earlier in the year and it was a bloodbath. SF dominated in every way imaginable, beating the Packers 37-8, and outgaining them 339-198. The Packers' defense was actually pretty decent that day, but the Niners' defense completely suffocated Rodgers and GB, sacking him 5 times and holding him to just 104 passing yards (on 33 attempts, 3.2 yards per attempt).
SF is clearly the better team, and they're at home. Rodgers is still good enough to make plays, and the Packers' interception-happy secondary could steal one or two from Garoppolo, and if they do, this could be a game. But the smart money says that SF will dominate at home and probably should win handily. If they take care of the football, they should be fine. I'd expect a double-digit win for the 49ers, or maybe a comfortable lead and GB scoring late to keep the final score closer, even if the game isn't truly that close.