The NFC champion San Francisco 49ers will begin their hopeful Super Bowl journey on Saturday, January 20th when the surprising Green Bay Packers visit Levi’s Stadium for an intriguing NFC Divisional Round clash. The kick-off is scheduled for 8:15 PM EST. San Fran won the conference which earned them a bye to this point into the postseason after finishing with a 12-5 record. Green Bay had to go through the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round but surprisingly did, shocking America’s Team 48-32 last weekend behind a stellar showing from quarterback Jordan Love. Keep reading for the Packers vs 49ers picks.
Before we lay out the odds, preview, and prediction, check out our NFL betting odds and Super Bowl odds for 2024.
The 49ers of course a heavy favorite here, sitting at -450 moneyline odds. That’s an implied win probability of 81.82%. The Packers return at +360 and have a 21.74% chance of pulling off the upset. San Francisco is laying 9.5 points on the spread. The total is set relatively high at 50.5 points. The Niners are 3-2 in their last five against Green Bay, including a 13-10 win in 2022.
Coming into this season, the Packers were expected to take a major step back in their first season without Aaron Rodgers after he was traded to the New York Jets. There were doubts that Jordan Love would be the QB1 of the future for this franchise and those doubts were still there well into the season. But after leading Green Bay to four straight wins including a routing of the Cowboys, it’s safe to say Love deserves another year at the minimum. The signal-caller played in 17 games, completing 64.2% of his passes for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Those are undoubtedly impressive numbers that show his abilities.
Love finished the season on a tear, throwing for at least two touchdowns in five straight games. Against Dallas, he was 16 for 21 for 272 yards and three scores. The Packers took a 27-7 lead into halftime and continued to pour it on in the final two quarters. Green Bay was outgained by nearly 100 yards but took advantage of their chances downfield. Dallas didn’t and they made costly mistakes. Aaron Jones was the leading catalyst for the Cheeseheads, ripping apart the Cowboys defense with 118 rushing yards and three TDs. He dominated.
Out wide, Romeo Doubs reeled in six catches for 151 yards and a score. Luke Musgrave and Dontayvion Wicks had a TD apiece as well. The Packers finished around the middle of the pack in most areas this season. They were 12th in total yards, 12th in passing yards, and 12th in points. On the defensive side of the ball, Matt LaFleur’s squad was 10th in fewest points allowed but 17th in most yards allowed. They will need to be sharp against an electrifying 49ers offense.
This has been the question all season. San Francisco has all the makings of a legitimate contender with a fantastic team on both sides of the ball but they’ve failed to get to the Promised Land. Could this be the year? It may very well be. The 49ers were top-five in every single offensive category, including second in total yards, fourth in passing yards, and third in points. Brock Purdy has had his fair share of doubters but the QB has done nothing but impress. Purdy completed nearly 70% of his passes for 4,280 yards and 31 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
Sure, Purdy has so many weapons at his disposal. Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, and Brandon Aiyuk, among others. The reality is though Purdy is legit and he’s the one who makes this thing go. There’s a reason the youngster is in the MVP conversation. The Niners actually lost two of their last three games which isn’t exactly great news ahead of this meeting. San Fran is also just 5-3 at home in 23′. Will those factors matter? Who knows. But, the 49ers should definitely be beating a Packers team that is just getting hot at the right time.
None of the regular starters played in the season finale against the Rams, so the main guys will be coming in very fresh. McCaffrey was battling a minor injury but he’s been a full participant in practice this week and will be ready to roll on Saturday. San Fran’s offense should be able to do their fair share of damage against the Packers pass defense.
I have zero doubts the 49ers will win this one and move on. I also think they put up points in bunches and put a stop to Love and Co. Take the spread.
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