Packers vs. 49ers: The story behind the renewal of a great NFL rivalry

A New Chapter

On Saturday, the Packers and the Niners will face each other in the playoffs for the fourth time since the 49ers selected Alex Smith instead of Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is still the Packers’ quarterback, while the Niners have cycled to former Tom Brady backup Jimmy Garoppolo. However, neither quarterback is pencilled in as the starter for next season.

During the 2020 NFL Draft, the Packers selected Rodgers’ replacement, Jordan Love, with the 26th overall pick. Since that pick, Rodgers has returned to MVP form, winning the 2021 NFL MVP and likely on his way to winning the award for the second consecutive year. However, over the past offseason, Rodgers’ future has come into question.

While things appear to have smoothed out between Rodgers and the Packers’ front office, an early playoff exit could lead to Rodgers leaving the team, and Love taking over as the starting quarterback.

For the Niners, it’s very likely that 2021 third overall pick Trey Lance will be the starting quarterback next season. Garoppolo, while having his moments, has not shown the consistency necessary to be a franchise quarterback. However, a run to the Super Bowl may change the minds of the Niners’ front office. The road for Jimmy G to save his job starts at Lambeau this Saturday.

Both teams have a lot to play for this Saturday. Rodgers wants to improve upon his 0-3 playoff record against the team that passed him up. LaFleur and Shanahan both want to one-up each other. Garoppolo wants to stop a young, budding star from taking his job as starting quarterback of the Niners.

Both teams want to move on to the NFC Championship Game. With so much on the line, this could be the greatest chapter of a rivalry revived, and it could usher in the next era of Packers vs. 49ers football in the NFL.