NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers Betting Preview
The Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers will be fighting for a chance at the Super Bowl this weekend in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. Both teams finished the regular season with 13-3 records, and the game will take place in San Francisco after the 49ers won the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Taking Another Shot
Going into Green Bay’s game against the Seahawks last week, a lot of people thought the Packers were one of the least threatening teams in the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers was able to step up and remind the NFL how serious of a threat he is and ended the Seahawks season.
This week Rodgers and the Packers offense will be up against one of the best defenses in the league in San Francisco. Rodgers has thrown for 4,002 yards, 26 touchdowns, and four interceptions this season. As long as Rodgers is at the helm, the Packers will have a shot in any game.
A pleasant surprise out of the backfield this season has been running back Aaron Jones. Jones has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season, making him the first 1,000-yard rusher for the Packers since 2014. While Jones was held to just 62 yards last week, he was able to get into the end zone twice.
The leading receiver for the Packers is once again Davante Adams, who finished the regular season with 997 yards and five touchdowns despite dealing with injuries all year. With Richard Sherman on defense, the Packers will be looking for a second receiver to step up and make some plays this weekend.
One thing that has been in favor of both these teams for the playoffs is their health. While the Packers played a very banged up Seattle team last week, both the Packers and the 49ers have blank injury reports for this meeting.
One To Go
In their first meeting this season, the 49ers walked away with a big 37-8 victory over the Packers. Jimmy Garoppolo was nearly flawless against the Packers defense and found his tight end George Kittle for six receptions totaling 129 yards and a touchdown.
Jimmy G has taken the over the 49ers’ offense this season, throwing for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While the San Francisco defense has been at the top of the league this season, Garoppolo has given them something on offense they did not have last year in a reliable signal-caller.
George Kittle has been the 49ers’ most significant threat on offense this season. He has reeled in 85 receptions for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns, but he also makes his presence felt in the run game with top-notch run blocking.
The Packers have been very weak when covering tight ends this season, so look for Kittle to have a big game and possibly be the difference in this one.
The Packers will be looking to overcome the 49ers’ defense this week, which is possibly the best defense left in the playoffs. They are allowing just 10 points per game and holding teams to only 21 rushing yards.
If they hold Jones to those kind of numbers this week, all of the pressure will be on Rodgers’ shoulders once again.
What To Expect
While Rodgers has the ability to win in any game, I believe the 49ers’ defense is just too good. The Packers will make plays and put up more of a fight than they did in the first game, but I will take Kyle Shannahan and the 49ers to win and cover the 7.5-point spread. Expect Kittle to have a massive game and Jones to be kept in check.
