Let's just mention two key aspects of that game, although there were certainly more. One was Panthers head coach "Riverboat" Ron Rivera going for the 2-point conversion early in the 4th quarter and failing to convert. He had no need to do so. But we're glad the miss kept his team in a position where it would have had to have both gotten another TD and 2-point conversion just to tie. As it was, the Panthers almost got the touchdown. Almost. This was the second key play we wish to point out: with 4-seconds left on the game clock, Carolina put the ball in the hands of its best player, RB Christian McCaffrey. With only a couple yards to go, the Packers defense rose up and stopped McCaffrey just shy of the goal line. WHEW! Game over. Packers win, Panthers lose. The Pack headed into their bye week with a record of 8-2 and a game against the now 9-1 San Francisco 49ers on the horizon.
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| This photo from the 2018 meeting between the Packers and 49ers pretty well portrays what will likely be a similar battle today. (Photo: Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis) |
49ers Preview & Prediction
The Niners have the best record in the NFC not by coincidence. They are solid performers on offense and particularly on defense. Highly ranked. The counter to that record standing is that they haven't hit the hard part of their season yet. In fact, the Packers begin a real tough portion of the 49ers' schedule.
While there aren't many perceived weaknesses, QB Jimmy Garoppolo is subject to interceptions; he has 10 interceptions on the season, with interceptions thrown in all but two games. In the last two games, he's had three interceptions. So if the Packers defense can get some pressure on him, it will certainly increase the likelihood of a pick...or two...two would be good.
The Niners have a good rushing attack and can pressure a defense over the middle particularly if TE George Kittle plays today. He's been battling knee and ankle problems but is expected to play today. As Packers fans know, over the middle has been a soft spot all season for the Pack's D; they need to figure out a way to limit the potential damage Kittle and others might cause running free.
There's a lot more that could be said, of course, but let's just get on with the prediction, shall we?
We see this as an extremely tight game. The Packers are the healthier of the two teams, but the 49ers are playing at home, giving them the upside on a 3-point spread at this writing. The rankings would tell you that the 49ers are the better team. But the Packers have the better quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. He also has some rushing and receiving weapons that enable him to spread things around, which will hopefully keep the San Fran defense a bit off guard now and then.
This seems to be a pick 'em type of game, perhaps one where the team that has the ball last wins. The Pack's defense has experience with making big, last minute (or second) stops. We think Green Bay's QB and bend-don't-break defense will be able to do just enough to come away with the win and the #1 slot in the NFC rankings. Which, oh, by the way, means a first round playoff bye and home field advantage. Long way to go in the season yet, but wouldn't that be a nice gift at the end of tonight? Yes, yes it would.
We're calling it Packers 24 - 49ers 23.
Go Pack Go!!!
P.S. A guest prediction of sorts...from my wife...who hails from the Bay area: 49ers in a close one...27-24 over the Pack. No doubt the in-laws would join her in that view.
