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San Francisco 49ers |
Sunday, January 5, 2012 - 2:40 PM MT |
Green Bay Packers |
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AVG. YDS (RNK) |
TEAM CATEGORY |
AVG. YDS (RNK) |
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186.2 (29th) | Pass Off. | 266.8 (6th) | ||
137.6 (3rd) | Rush Off. | 133.5 (7th) | ||
221.0 (7th) | Pass Def. | 247.2 (24th) | ||
95.9 (4th) | Rush Def. | 125.0 (24th) | ||
12-4 | Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin | 8-7-1 | ||
5th Seed | Spread: 49ers -2.5 | 4th Seed |
This is a game of offense versus defense. I was surprised to see that the Green Bay Packers, without Aaron Rodgers for six weeks, still finished in the top 10 in both passing and rushing offense. That is pretty impressive, especially given that this game is going to be played in subzero temperatures.
The San Francisco 49ers have a top 5 defense, but they'll have their work cut out for them against the Packers today, while the Packers defense is going to face a Colin Kaepernick who has regressed seriously in 2013. If they can stop the run and cover Vernon Davis and Anquan Bolden even somewhat well, this team will have a shot at an upset on their own home ground.
Reading quotes from Packers players gives me the impression they are relieved to have gotten in the playoffs given all of the adversity they had faced, while also feeling a bit slighted by all of the media love towards the 49ers in this game. Meanwhile, some of the 49ers plays are less concerned with this game than the run in the playoffs they plan to make.
For us, we would like to carry that momentum. We are in a six-game winning streak.
Being in the playoffs is a chance at the ultimate chance.
On the flip side of those comments, Packers players were absolutely concerned with the 49ers and the game against them. Is it going to be enough for a win? It wasn't enough for the Kansas City Chiefs, so who knows. Anything can happen in the NFL Playoffs!
You can follow along with 49er fans at Niners Nation (@NinersNation) and with Packer fans at Acme Packing Company (@AcmePackingCo).
Where to Watch: Don't miss the game! Here is where to catch the game today.