3 things Packers must do to beat 49ers in divisional round

Start fast

The 49ers are built for the playoffs and they are at their best when they take control of a game early, as they did Sunday versus the Cowboys. It allows them to lean heavily on the ground game and their pass rush to take over the game defensively.

Green Bay needs a fast start. Win the toss, receive the football, and put the 49ers’ defense under immediate pressure. The Packers can’t afford a slow start like the Cowboys had against this 49ers team.

The concern is that the Packers have typically started games slowly this season. Having had two weeks off might not help this. According to Team Rankings, Green Bay averages just three points in the first quarter this season, which ranks 25th in the NFL. In the second quarter, they average a league-best 10.1 points.

The Packers can’t afford to make a slow start on Saturday night. If the offense takes some time to get going, the defense must do their job and ensure the 49ers don’t build an early lead.

San Francisco has a strong rushing attack and defense. The best way to win is to force the 49ers to play from behind, something the Packers were unable to do in the 2019 NFC title game.

Starting fast will be essential for the Packers this week.