49ers vs. Packers: 5 Key Matchups
These matchups will decide the outcome of the game.
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San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
Here are the top five matchups that will decide the divisional playoff winner between the 49ers and the Packers.
1. WR Brandon Aiyuk Vs. CB Jaire Alexander.
When the 49ers played the Packers in the playoffs two years ago, Jimmy Garoppolo threw one pass to Aiyuki, he dropped it, and Garoppolo never threw again. This season, Garoppolo is gone, Brock Purdy is the new quarterback, and Aiyuk is his guy. Which means the Packers will have to shadow him with their top cornerback, Jaire Alexander, who is out with a questionable ankle injury.
Advantage: 49ers.
2. BY Nick Bosa vs. LT Rasheed Walker.
Walker is a first-year starter who has given up seven sacks this season – Bosa should rule him. But Bosa hasn’t really been a dominant player in over a year. He didn’t have a sack in the playoffs last season. The 49ers need more production from him.
Advantage: 49ers.
3. Colton McKivitz Vs. Rashan Gary.
McKivitz has given up 12 sacks this season and Gary has had 9. So the 49ers need to avoid obvious passing situations as much as possible. Because if Gary knows the 49ers are going to pass, McKivitz is in trouble.
Advantage: Packers.
4. Ambry Thomas Vs. Romeo Doubts
Charvarius Ward overshadows the opponent and the No. 1 player at times, but the Packers don’t have a clear player. Technically, Doubs is their #1 player, but they spread the ball around so much that I doubt Ward will follow him. That means the Packers will likely try to match Doub with Ambry Thomas, who is returning from hand surgery. Thomas had a good season, but a good#039; remains the weakest link in the secondary of the 49ers.
Advantage: Packers.
5. Jake Moody Vs. rain
Itand#039; it looks like it’s going to rain the whole game and the last time grumpy tried to kick a field goal in the rain he missed it at the line and the 49ers lost to the browns. 49ersand#039; In the regular-season finale, Moody missed a 38-yarder and an extra point — he might have been pissed off. And he can make a lot of field goals in this game if the offense can’t move the ball effectively in bad weather. The game could be left to him.
Benefit: Unknown..
