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49ers vs. Packers NFC Wild Card Betting Predictions & Preview

49ers vs Packers NFL Playoffs Betting?

Packers Host Their Kryptonite – 49ers Come to Town in Wild Card Round

One of the best non-divisional rivalries in the NFL writes another chapter Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers travel to Lambeau to take on the Green Bay Packers.

NFC Wild Card Playoffs
San Francisco (12-4) at Green Bay (8-7-1)
When: 4:40 PM ET, Sunday, January 5, 2014
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Broadcast: FOX
49ers vs. Packers Betting Lines
San Francisco 49ers -2½ -120 -145 Ov 48 -110
Green Bay Packers +2½ +100 +125 Un 48 -110
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The Niners have won two straight meetings including last year`s playoffs and they enter as the hottest team in the NFL while the Packers squeaked into the postseason thanks to some late-game heroics by none other than Aaron Rodgers who returned to the lineup in Week 17 and made all the difference in the world for his team.

It is the final game on Wild Card weekend and it could turn out to be the best of the four games.

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The San Francisco 49ers started slowly this season – no Michael Crabtree and the `suspension` of Aldon Smith seemed to take this team away from what they wanted to do. But since the return of both players, the 49ers have won six straight games and look like a contender again.

To nobody`s surprise, the 49ers success will be closely tied to how well Colin Kaepernick plays. After all in last year`s meeting between the teams he ran for 181 yards (the most rushing yards in a game by a QB in NFL history, playoffs or regular season), he threw for 263 yards and he accounted for four total TDs. In Week 1 of this year Kaepernick threw for over 400 yards against these Packers.

Colin struggled after the Week 1 game but has rediscovered his form lately. Kaepernick`s QB rating is 108 in his last six games, he has thrown 10 of his 21 TDs and run for over 20 yards in each of his last six games. That form gives Green Bay`s below average defense fits.

The 49ers offense averaged 25.4 points and 323.8 yards per game ranking 30th in passing with just 186.2 yards per game but those numbers are a tad misleading with their recent Hot streak. Frank Gore could be a difference Sunday – he went for 1,128 yards this year while Kendall Hunter was effective in relief rushing for 4.6 yards per carry. Anquan Boldin had a huge first year in San Francisco with 85 receptions, Vernon Davis had 52 catches, and the return of Michael Crabtree has made the Niners arguably the best of the Wild Card teams in 2014.

The San Francisco defense allowed a third best in the NFL 17 points and a fifth best 316.9 yards per game and they had a plus 12 turnover ratio – this unit is a force. NaVarro Bowman, Patrick Willis and the Smith boys have a lot to play for – avenging a loss in the Super Bowl last year.
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The Green Bay Packers have certainly had their issues with the San Francisco 49ers but the team enters on a high after getting their emotional leader back and beating rival Chicago in the final minute of their Week 17 game. Aaron Rodgers showed a little rust in that game but he also showed why he is arguably the most valuable player to his team in the NFL.

We all know that Rodgers will do his thing but what is different about this team from previous matchups with San Francisco is the presence of Eddie Lacy who rushed for 1,178 yards and giving Green Bay a rushing attack they haven’t had in several years.

The Packers offense averaged 26.1 points and 400.2 yards per game – six of those coming without Rodgers. Jordy Nelson had 85 receptions for 1,314 yards – quite a weapon, James Jones had 59 receptions, Jarrett Boykin had 49 catches and Randall Cobb returned from injury in style – he caught two TDs last week and was the difference maker in the game.

The Packers defense allows 26.8 points and 372.2 yards per game. They were OK this year but had their issues in every aspect at times. Clay Matthews has already been ruled out with a broken thumb which could prove to be a huge factor Sunday.

Wild Card Weekend Football Betting Prediction

A few trends to consider:
• SF are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in January.
• SF are 27-10-1 ATS in their last 38 games on grass.
• Over is 8-3 in SF last 11 road games.
• GB are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
• GB are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC.
• GB are 17-7 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
• Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Green Bay

This game won`t be played in sunny California – it is going to be cold, the field is going to be like cement and snow could be a factor. This plays right into the hands of the Green Bay Packers – right? Not necessarily – it should favor the running games and San Francisco`s rushers are a notch or two above those of the Packers. Aaron Rodgers is in less-than-mid-season form and Eddie lacy is banged up. To beat the 49ers right now, everyone has to be at the top of their games – the Packets simply don`t have that luxury.

Pick: San Francisco 49ers -2 1/2

By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.