49ers (11-7) at Packers (13-4)
Time/TV: 8:15 p.m., Fox
Opening line: Packers by 6, according to FanDuel
Sportsbook.
Series record: Packers lead 38-32-1
Last meeting: Packers beat 49ers 30-28 on Sept. 26, in Santa Clara, California.
Last week: 49ers won 23-17 at Dallas on Sunday; Packers had bye, lost to Lions 37-30.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
49ers: WR Deebo Samuel. The All-Pro wideout had a season-low 52 yards from scrimmage — including zero yards rushing — against the Packers back in September but has since emerged as much more of a multipurpose threat. He had 1,405 yards receiving, 365 yards rushing and 14 total touchdowns in the regular season. Samuel rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and also had three catches for 38 yards against Dallas.
Packers: QB Aaron Rodgers. He threw 20 touchdown passes without an interception over his final seven games to emerge as a favorite to win his fourth MVP award. Now he has a chance to improve upon his so-so 11-9 playoff record as a starter, which includes an 0-3 mark against the 49ers.
KEY MATCHUP
Packers OT David Bakhtiari vs. 49ers DE Nick Bosa: This is based on the assumption that both these guys actually play. Bakhtiari, a 2020 All-Pro, tore his anterior cruciate ligament on Dec. 31, 2020, and finally returned to action by playing 27 snaps in the Packers’ regular-season finale. The Packers have been cautious with him in practice the last couple of weeks. Bosa, who recorded 15 ½ sacks during the regular season, sustained a concussion against Dallas. Bosa has 4 ½ sacks in four career playoff games.
Sam Farmer’s pick: San Francisco is so physical and so good at establishing the run, the 49ers can play keep away. But Rodgers is the better and more experienced quarterback — playing in his element — and that’s the difference. Packers 27, 49ers 20