The Packers are still slated to play after one of the wildest weeks leading up to a game ever. After both teams had positive COVID tests, shut down facilities, and went to work on a short week, they are slated to kick off at 7:30 ET. Both teams coming off losses with lots of questions to answer this game is a must-win for both. Let’s take a look at why Green Bay will win the NFC Championship rematch.
1. San Francisco Injuries
The Packers are also decimated by injuries. Aaron Jones is questionable to play while AJ Dillon has tested positive for COVID. Usually, this would mean Green Bay would use a heavy dose of Jamaal Williams. However, he and Kamal Martin were deemed high-risk close contacts of Dillon and have been put on the reserve list. However, San Fransico does not have a single player that touched the ball in the NFC Championship last year playing. Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle are expected to go on IR. Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson Jr. are dealing with injuries that will sideline them. Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Trent Willimas have been put on the reserve list as high-risk close contacts of Kendrick Bourne. These are all injuries from the last week. This doesn’t even include Nick Bosa, Richard Sherman, Jordan Reed, and Dee Ford.
2. Matt LaFleur Effect?
Something to think about is how the Packers have only lost six games under Matt LaFleur. However, they have never lost back to back. They always seem to bounce back big after a loss. This is a testament to Matt’s ability to self-evaluate and get better. However, playing on a short week could test this track record. The Packers have been beaten badly by the 49ers twice in the last calendar year and have a chance to change that this week. Matt has a chance to play a short-handed roster this week, but it doesn’t make the game an easy win. The Packers have been dealing with injuries too.
3. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams
This comes as no surprise, but Aaron Rodgers needs to put the cape on tonight. If David Bakhtiari can’t go for the second straight week and Aaron Jones isn’t active the offense will rely on number 12. If Allen Lazard is activated before the game Rodgers could get some real help, but if not it’s all 12 and 17. Rodgers has been playing like an MVP this year, and this could be the game that makes him a favorite again. Playing with practically no help he will need to carry the Packers yet again. Davante Adams has been arguably the best wide receiver in football and will look to continue his stellar play. Richard Sherman is the best bet to stop Adams, but he hasn’t played all year. Rodgers and Adams should be able to feast on a secondary that got shredded by Russ and Metcalf a week ago.
As Always
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