Picking four winners in the NFL playoffs’ divisional round
The running of Aaron Jones (33) late in the season has enabled Packers quarterback Jordan Love to excel down the stretch, and last week against Dallas.
(Sam Hodde / Associated Press)
When: Saturday, 5:15 p.m., Channel 11. Line: 49ers by 9½.
What the Packers need to do: Quarterback Jordan Love needs to keep doing what he’s been doing. The Packers, the NFL’s youngest team, went through some growing pains early in the season and didn’t win their division, the NFC North, but looked great last week against Dallas. Try to get to 49ers QB Brock Purdy early and put the clamps on San Francisco’s ground game.
What the 49ers need to do: Stifle Packers running back Aaron Jones. The Packers have to be able to run for Love to do what he did in Dallas. Shake off the rust — the 49ers haven’t played a meaningful game since New Year’s Eve. Hit home on the pass rush with their front four. Offensively, get running back Christian McCaffrey going early.
The pick: Green Bay’s defense has to come down to earth. The 49ers have so many weapons, and Purdy knows how to get the ball to them. The Packers’ defense had been a liability for much of the season, before a terrific wild-card performance. 49ERS 31, PACKERS 17
