This Saturday, the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers face off in the NFC divisional round. These two teams have played each other quite a few times in the playoffs, including the 2019 NFC Championship Game where the 49ers won.
The Packers and 49ers are a good matchup for each other, so let’s take a look at a position by position comparison.
Quarterback
This one is a no brainer. Aaron Rodgers is the presumptive MVP, so a comparison with Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t much of a competition. Jimmy Garoppolo is not a bad quarterback in any way, but when head to head he is not on the same level as Aaron Rodgers.
Winner = Packers
Running Back
Aaron Jones has been sensational for the Packers for the last couple of years, and is consistently towards the top of the total touchdown list for running backs. Along with Aaron Jones, AJ Dillion has really come on this season and has shown why he was worthy of that second round draft pick.
For the 49ers, the running backs have been a carousel of injuries with Elijah Mitchell being the most used back. However, he is not better than Jones or Dillion, who both had over 1,000 scrimmage yards this year.
Winner = Packers
Wide Receiver
Both teams have a true stud wide receiver, but Davante Adams is a clear winner against Deebo Samuel. When you go down the wide receiver list the stats for Brandon Aiyuk andJauan Jennings stats are very similar to Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Aiyuk and Jennings have 200 more yards combined. But Lazard and Valdes-Scantling have one more touchdown overall. This is as close as it gets, but the Packers have the slight edge just because they have been more important to the offense overall.
Winner = Packers
Tight End
This was almost as clear as the QB spot. George Kittle is one of the top tight ends in the NFL and is an essential part of the 49ers offense. Josiah Deguara is solid, but not quite Kittle.
Winner = 49ers
Offensive Line
The offensive line has been rock solid all year for the 49ers, while the Packers have seen a lot of injuries.
The Packers were 5th in Team Pass Block Win Rate while the 49ers were 14th. The Packers were 4th in Team Run Block Win Rate while the 49ers were 18th. Plus, the Packers have gotten a couple of preferred starters back in the last couple of weeks. Even with all the injuries, the Packers are better overall.
Winner = Packers
Front Seven
Both the Packers and 49ers have great players in their front seven. For the Packers, De’Vondre Campbell, was First Team All-Pro at linebacker for 2021, and Kenny Clark has been a consistent force both stopping the run and rushing the passer.
For the 49ers, Nick Bosa was 6th in Pass Rush Win Rate while DJ Jones and Arik Armstead were first and third respectively for Run Stop Win Rate.
Overall, the 49ers were fifth in Team Pass Rush Win Rate and the Packers were 27th. The 49ers were third in Team Run Stop Win Rate and the Packers were 18th.
The Packers have been up and down all season, and injuries have hurt the defense, particularly in the running game. Even with Za’Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus coming back, the 49ers still have the better front seven.
Winner = 49ers
Defensive Back
The Packers will be at full strength at cornerback & safety with Jaire Alexander coming back, and putting him with Eric Stokes and Rasul Douglas makes this a very good secondary. The 49ers have seen some injuries as well as inconsistencies, so the Packers have a slight edge.
Plus, the Packers have nine more interceptions, thanks to Rasul Douglas’ great year.
Winner = Packers
Kicker
Robbie Gould continues to be solid, while Mason Crosby has been up and down.
Winner = 49ers
Punter
Corey Bojorquez has one more yards/punt than Mitch Wishnowsky so the Packers get the edge.
Winner = Packers
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