5 things Packers need to fix to win rematch vs. 49ers in NFC title game

2. Defend Kittle

George Kittle is a problem for defenses. San Francisco’s superstar tight end has put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and he had a huge game against Green Bay in Week 12. Kittle made six catches for 129 yards and a TD, including a 61-yard score.

If Kittle has a big day again, the Packers will struggle to win this game. Kittle’s performance against this defense was his second-best of the season. Oddly enough, his best game was in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but the Packers can’t expect the same outcome to happen if Kittle puts up big numbers here. They’ll need to slow him down somehow and prevent him from dominating this game.

San Francisco lost two other games; Kittle didn’t play against Seattle and was held to 17 yards from two catches against Baltimore.

Kittle and Travis Kelce are by far the best receivers at the tight end position. Kittle can make a big play out of nowhere and the Packers will need a plan to at least slow him down, even if stopping him completely is impossible.

Hopefully, safety Raven Greene will be able to make his return this week. Greene has missed most of the season but he’d give the pass defense a boost if he’s able to play against the 49ers, and he could help cover Kittle.