Packers: Three bold predictions vs. 49ers in Week 12

In a huge matchup with the 49ers in Week 12, here are three bold predictions for the Packers.

Sunday night, the Green Bay Packers will be traveling to face the San Francisco 49ers for a NFC matchup that will change the NFC’s playoff picture, as the winner will exit Week 12 with the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

The Packers are coming off their bye week, while the 49ers are coming off a close win versus the Arizona Cardinals at home. Who wins certain matchups will be difference in this clash of NFC powers.

Green Bay’s offensive line versus San Francisco’s pass rush is the most important matchup of the game. If Green Bay cannot control the line of scrimmage, the offense will struggle like in their loss to the Los Angeles Chargers a few weeks ago.

An honorable mention bold prediction is that the Packers running backs will be the difference in this game. If Green Bay is effective running the ball it will slow down the 49ers pass rush. Meanwhile, when San Francisco blitzes, it’s on Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones to win one-on-one matchups in the passing game.

In this high anticipated matchup, here are three bold predictions for the Packers:

1. Rodgers’ legs will be a major factor

With a 9-1 record there hasn’t been much to criticize the 49ers on this season. However, in the past three weeks they have played in their most competitive games of the season. In these games versus the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, things weren’t as easy as they were in their first seven games of the season.

One of the strengths of this 49ers team is the depth and talent of their defensive line. However, the mobility of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray counteracted that great defensive line.

Although Aaron Rodgers is getting older, his mobility is still a major part of his game. If the 49ers send the blitz and play man-to-man coverage, Rodgers will have some chances to get crucial first downs with his legs. Those first downs will keep drives going and give Green Bay more opportunities to put points on the board.

In addition, mobility allowed Murray and Wilson to both average above a 70 percent completion percentage against the 49ers. In comparison, other quarterbacks average 54 percent completion percentage versus the 49ers.

If Rodgers is able to have to have a similar completion percentage as Murray and Wilson, the chances are the Packers will win.

2. Green Bay will stifle 49ers rushing attack

Another crucial matchup heading into this game is the Packers rush defense, versus the three-headed monster in San Francisco’s backfield. The 49ers are second in the league with 149 rushing yards per game. Additionally, they’re second in the league with 1,490 rushing yards this season.

Meanwhile, Green Bay’s run defense is in the bottom third of the league, allowing 127 rushing yards per game. The heading for this bold prediction is that Green Bay will stifle the 49ers’ rushing attack, but in fact the Packers will hold the 49ers under 100 yards rushing in this game.

Blake Martinez, who is second in the league with 102 tackles, will be the key to stopping the 49ers running game. Stopping the run will force Jimmy Garoppolo to have to beat the Packers throwing the ball. Which leads us to our third and final bold prediction.

3. Packers force at least three turnovers

Making San Francisco a predominately passing team has made them more turnover-prone over the past two weeks. In the last two games, Garoppolo has five total turnovers, three being interceptions and two fumbles.

This plays into the strengths of the Packers defense, which are rushing the passer and forcing turnovers. San Francisco struggled blocking Jadeveon Clowney when they faced the Seahawks. Let’s see how they fair blocking both Preston and Za’Darius Smith coming off the edge, who’ve combined for 18.5 sacks this season.

With Garoppolo uncomfortable in the pocket due to pressure, expect some inaccurate throws that will lead to at least two interceptions. Also, the Packers will come away with at least one strip sack in this game as well.

Depending on where on the field these turnovers occur, anticipate the Packers scoring the majority of their points off of turnovers, which should lead them to a victory.