If you had fun last Sunday, just wait until this Saturday night should Jordan Love accomplish what Aaron Rodgers never could, beat San Francisco in the playoffs. Green Bay is now officially a full year ahead of schedule, yet has an opportunity to really exorcise some demons…while Brett Favre had little issue with San Francisco, recent memory isn’t so kind — potentially setting up an NFC title game in either Tampa Bay or Detroit…both would suck to lose, but let’s get there first.

Arguably the Best Team in the NFL

As you can see, the 9ers lack weakness, but they have been beaten 4 times in games that mattered. San Fran experienced a 3-game losing streak, but since corrected it, rattling off six consecutive wins. However, there are two games that stick out as to how & why the Packers can win.

• Oct 23, 2023 – L @ Minnesota, 17-22

Minnesota was able to get good QB play from Kirk Cousins, on primetime nonetheless! The main trend was turnovers and time of possession, both won by Minnesota. The Vikings were able to get only 7 points off 3 turnovers, but one of the turnovers they missed a field goal and the last one ended the game.

• Dec 25, 2023 – L v Baltimore, 19-33

Much like the loss to Minnesota the Ravens’ defense suffocated Purdy early. Baltimore scored 17 off 5 San Francisco turnovers. That’s actually leaving some points on the table, but it paved the way. The only team that can survive 5 turnovers is Seattle facing Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs…apparently.

Players To Watch

Akin to the Cowboys, San Francisco has a ton of players that could be listed, on both sides of the ball. It’s apparent the Packers will need to generate turnovers to win the game, and they’ve come in short bunches for the 9ers. Somehow, Green Bay’s 28th rush defense will have to slow down the best running back in the NFL, Christian McCaffrey and the 3rd-ranked rushing attack. While Green Bay didn’t stop Dallas from running wild, they did jump out to a lead where the run game used up too much time later in the game for Dallas to comeback. That strategy may be the key to beating San Francisco…jump out to a big, early lead and force San Fran to forego the run game and rely on your MAN COVER corners to keep it in check.

Other potential Game Wreckers:

• Nick Bosa, #97 DE
• Fred Warner, #54 LB
• George Kittle, #85 TE — especially after what Jake Ferguson did in the middle of the defense last week, this could be a problem…

Prediction

Packers 27 (+9.5)
49ers 34

Season: 4-14
Overall: 91-66

Here’s to hoping the trend continues!