49ers (11-7) at Packers (13-4)
Saturday, 8:15 ET, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin. TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Packers by 5 ⁄2
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49ers’ keys to victory: Dominate in the run game, create explosive plays and keep QB Aaron Rodgers under constant pressure. The 49ers ran 38 times for 169 yards at Dallas last week and will likely need similar production on the ground to win in Green Bay, especially in the cold. The offense will also need WR Deebo Samuel and TE George Kittle to consistently win over the middle of the field and create yards after the catch. With or without DE Nick Bosa (concussion), the defense has to win with four pass rushers against Rodgers. Taking control of the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball is a top priority.
Packers’ keys to victory: Get the ball out quickly, feed WR Davante Adams and force the 49ers into obvious passing situations. In these teams’ first meeting this season (Week 3), Rodgers took just one sack because he beat the pass rush with the quick passing game. He’s been devastating when throwing quick from clean pockets. Adams caught 12 passes for 132 yards against San Francisco. The 49ers don’t have a cornerback capable of shutting him down.
Matchup to watch: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan vs. Packers LB De’Vondre Campbell. Can Campbell, an All-Pro, handle the run game and make tackles in space against the 49ers playmakers? He must shut down the middle of the field against Shanahan’s complex scheme.
Who wins? Shanahan’s team is good enoughto challenge Green Bay. But Rodgers and Adams and the Packers’ pass rush will be too much at Lambeau Field.
Packers, 24-20