After the Arizona Cardinals game, you wouldn’t be off-base to predict the 49ers didn’t win a single game for the rest of the season. While the mantra of “any given Sunday” can apply to the 49ers in 2018—which couldn’t be applied in 2017 B.G.(Before Garoppolo)—they still have an uphill battle to win another game.
The Packers were once on an equal level with roster talent, but now they are going through their own issues with play-calling, coaching, and their quarterback’s knee getting crunched. Aaron Rodgers vanished from the injury report Saturday, so the aforementioned knee injury may no longer be an issue—we’ll see. That doesn’t take away from the fact the 49ers are up against an elite quarterback who, while has a slightly nerfed receiver corps from prior years, can still be deadly.
The 49ers will win if...
Rodgers’ knee is apparently not an issue if it’s not showing up on the injury report. I’m sure it’s still something keeping him immobile. If the 49ers defense can take advantage of that and apply pressure, this will make things difficult. Sacks are overrated? They can prove it here by getting to him, getting pressure and forcing him to throw the ball while not on the run. Rodgers has a knack for extending plays with his legs, if the 49ers can take advantage of a slow-moving Rodgers, they might have a chance to sludge that offense and maybe take advantage.
The 49ers will lose if...
The Packers receiving corps let go of the reliable Jordy Nelson, but two names are nothing but scary: Davante Adams and Jimmy Graham. The latter doesn’t strike as much fear as he did in prior years, but he’s still a threat. And this is the 49ers defense we’re talking about here. If Rodgers can get those two moving, the defense isn’t going to be able to keep up. Sure, there’s Geronimo Allison who’s made a name for himself and Randall Cobb, but they are both game-time decisions. The threats are Adams and Graham. If the defense can’t shut those two down (or just let one one wild) there’s no chance.
What do you think will be the reasons the 49ers will win/lose?