49ers vs Packers: five players to watch in the NFL divisional round playoff
In Week 3 Green Bay defeated San Francisco by a score of 30-28, however, in the playoffs this is not a happy hunting ground for Aaron Rodgers.
The most recent meeting between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers took place in Week 3 of the current regular season. It went down to the wire but eventually it was the Packers that won by a score of 30-28, taking Aaron Rodgers’ personal record against the 49ers to a healthy looking 6-3.
The Niners, however, have proved themselves to be a playoff pain for Rodgers, who is 0-3 against the Californian team and, as they showed against the Cowboys, they have some stars of their own. Let’s have a look at who could tip the balance in their favour.
**Stat attack: Rodgers vs The 49ers**
Also making NFL news:
49ers vs Packers: key players to watch
Nick Bosa
The defensive end is in the concussion protocol, but Head Coach Kyle Shanahan expects the Ohio State graduate to be in Saturday's game. Bosa's presence in San Francisco's front-seven guarantees additional pressure on Rodgers, who had the third-best pass completion percentage in 2021 (68.9 percent) and was intercepted just four times.
Aaron Rodgers
Despite missing one regular-season game, Rodgers is the league's strongest MVP candidate. And in his last game against San Francisco, the California native posted 261 yards, two touchdowns and a 113.3 rating.
Jimmy Garoppolo
A player in doubt for the 49ers is the 30-year-old quarterback. However, if Jimmy-G plays he can step on from being a key part of San Francisco's return to the postseason after having one of the best seasons of his career (3,810 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 98.7 rating). Another factor working in the Michigan graduate's favour (although some could argue against) is that the Niners' starting QB role is on the line.
De'Vondre Campbell
Packers bust this coverage -- something we haven't seen that much from them this year -- but De'Vondre Campbell is also about to destroy Kirk Cousins who has to step up because of edge pressure.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) November 22, 2021
He throws a duck, nay a quail, but Jefferson is so open it doesn't matter. pic.twitter.com/tOfyvg7kb0
Deebo Samuel
The man charged with leading the 49ers to the playoffs was Samuel. The third-year wide receiver was third in San Francisco in distance on the ground with 365 yards and led the team in three different departments: touchdown carries (8), touchdown receptions (6) and air yards (1,405). Those spectacular numbers led him to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro for the first time in his career.
Who will be grabbing the headlines come Sunday? You can follow it all live here on AS USA.