Green Bay Packers 2020 opponent preview: San Francisco 49ers
In Week 9, the Packers visit Levi’s Stadium in an NFC title game rematch.
We all know how last season’s meetings with the San Francisco 49ers went. But this is a new season and the Green Bay Packers will be looking to put in a much stronger performance this time.
The Packers will be set for one of their toughest challenges of the season when they head to Levi’s Stadium in Week 9.
Here’s an early look ahead to the matchup and what the 49ers have done this offseason:
Last season
The 49ers were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL, improving from a 4-12 record in 2018 to a 13-3 finish in 2019 and a trip to the Super Bowl.
San Francisco wrapped up the NFC’s top seed with victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, then eliminated the Minnesota Vikings and Packers in the playoffs.
Kyle Shanahan’s team would lose a thriller in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the 49ers showed why they can be an NFC powerhouse for many years to come.
When is the game?
The Packers will meet the 49ers on a short week. The game is on Thursday Night Football in Week 9. Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. CT on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Offseason additions
The 49ers continue to improve, and that’s a scary thought. While they did lose some talented players included star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (traded to the Indianapolis Colts) and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (signed with the New Orleans Saints), they also made some smart moves.
With two first-round picks, the 49ers landed one of the best defensive prospects in the draft, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, before trading up and ahead of the Packers to choose wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. His yards-after-catch ability will make him a star in Shanahan’s system.
But that’s not all. During the draft, they traded for seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams.
The 49ers were dominant in 2019 but they could be even stronger this season.
Last meeting with Packers
Let’s not talk about that.
Player to watch
Raheem Mostert: After giving up 220 yards and four touchdowns on the ground to Mostert in the NFC Championship Game, the Packers will need to prove they’ve got a better plan to stop him in this game.
If Mostert and the 49ers’ rushing attack is able to dominate, forget about it.