The 49ers were so good last year that everyone is expecting a letdown. \u00a0Some think they will be undone by not being able to repeat their phenomenal turnover ratio and others that Alex Smith isn\u2019t possibly going to become a steady performer over the long term. <\/p>\n
San Francisco 49ers (0-0) vs Green Bay Packers (0-0) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n San Francisco<\/strong><\/p>\n 13 wins is very hard to repeat but with their team essentially intact and leadership secure in the form of Jim Harbaugh this team should be in for another very good and probably division winning season.<\/p>\n San Francisco probably had the best defense in the league last year. \u00a0They are good at all three levels and have players that make big plays when it really matters most. \u00a0On offense this team only hopes to be steady not spectacular. \u00a0Alex Smith may not actually be better but he is playing better – if that makes any sense. \u00a0I love the athleticism of TE Vernon Davis and look for him to get closer to the upper echelon this year.<\/p>\n It looked like these teams were on a collision course last year but it wasn\u2019t meant to be thanks to the New York Giants. \u00a0Truth is the 49ers haven\u2019t beaten the Packers since 1999. \u00a0In fact they haven\u2019t covered against Green Bay since 2000. \u00a0They are an enticing underdog in this one because of last year\u2019s success. \u00a0Especially as an upset option because they are good enough to do it. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Green Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n There is nothing worse than a great season followed by a post-season flameout. \u00a0Last year the Packers were dominating during the regular season scoring points seemingly at will. \u00a0This team is expected to be very good again with all their key offensive players returning led by QB Aaron Rodgers, who might be the best in the game right now.<\/p>\n Green Bay is very good but when you look closely you see that it is that Rodgers is very good. \u00a0Sure he has some nice receivers but regardless what the numbers are there is no Megatron or Larry Fitzgerald out there. \u00a0Rodgers just seems to be able to find whoever is open…and there is always someone open it seems. \u00a0If the defense is better than it was last season another \u00a0gaudy record would not surprise.<\/p>\n Green Bay is a tough team to play against. \u00a0They can score with anybody in the league and have key defensive players that make big plays like Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson. \u00a0They will probably win this one but I see this is as being a FG game either way. \u00a0Hope for a sluggish performance so you can reap some serious value in the future.<\/p>\n
\nSunday September 9
\nLambeau Field – Green Bay, WI
\n4:25PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0Green Bay -230, San Francisco +190
\nSpread: \u00a0Green Bay -5
\nO\/U: \u00a046.5<\/strong><\/p>\n