Weather forecast for Saturday could give Packers advantage over 49ers

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day? As far as the Green Bay Packers are concerned, bring it to Levi's Stadium on Saturday night.

Heavy rain is forecast over the next few days in Santa Clara, which could lead to challenging conditions in the Packers' divisional-round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night. Per AccuWeather, there's an 84 percent chance of rain on game day and a 94 percent chance of cloud cover.

How much rain there is during the game remains to be seen, but with a lot of rainfall expected in the coming days, it could lead to wet conditions at Levi's Stadium.

Rain isn't ideal for a Packers offense that just scored 41 points on a top-five Dallas Cowboys defense. Green Bay's speed was on show on a fast track indoors.

However, overall, it can work to their advantage against the No. 1-seed 49ers.

Why rain could help Packers upset 49ers in divisional round

No matter how well the Packers have played in the weeks prior to this game, the 49ers are heavy favorites. They secured the NFC's top seed for a reason. San Francisco has the No. 3 scoring offense and defense while ranking first in offensive DVOA and fourth in defensive DVOA.

Heavy rain can level the playing field. It makes it harder for offenses. While that also impacts the Packers, the matchup between Kyle Shanahan's superstar lineup and Joe Barry's defense is a concern.

It could also cool San Francisco's outstanding pass rush powered by four-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa and Chase Young.

Rainy conditions increase the risk of turnovers. Like last week, Barry's defense must steal a possession or two. The 49ers are tough to beat if they take care of the football.

San Francisco's offense only managed 17 points in a loss to the Cleveland Browns earlier this season. That game was played in rainy conditions. Brock Purdy threw for 125 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also fumbled but managed to recover. Purdy looked affected by the rain.

A quarterback's hand size becomes a factor for ball security, and the Packers have an advantage.

Rain will make life challenging for both teams. It would impact Love and Green Bay's offense as well as the pass rush. It would place a greater emphasis on running the football, where both teams are strong, but also on ball security.

The 49ers are heavy favorites for a reason. They are one of the league's best teams. Their offense can dominate against just about anyone, and their defense is fast and physical and will cause the Packers problems.

The added element of rain makes conditions tougher, and it can work in the Packers' favor by leveling the playing field.

More Packers news and analysis