Packers: Three 49ers players they need to stop to win NFC Championship

1. Nick Bosa

Nick Bosa has had quite a season. He was named the PFWA Rookie of the Year and also made the Pro Bowl, finishing with nine sacks, 25 quarterback hits, a forced fumble and an interception. Bosa had a sack, a quarterback hit and a fumble recovery in the first meeting between these two teams in Week 12.

The entire defensive line can give the Packers a number of problems this week. Green Bay’s offensive line is among the best in the league at pass protection, and that will need to be the case up against a dominant San Francisco pass rush.

The Bosa brothers have both had success against the Packers this season. Nick’s brother Joey made 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits in the Los Angeles Chargers’ victory over Green Bay earlier this year.

Whether Bosa lines up opposite David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga or inside, the Packers need to have an answer for him on Sunday. The talented rookie can make game-changing plays and Green Bay can’t afford to turn the ball over in this game. Aaron Rodgers’ fumble set the 49ers up for their big victory in Week 12, and if the offensive line can’t keep him protected and Rodgers doesn’t get rid of the ball quick enough, we could see a similar result.

The Packers need to be prepared for Bosa.