Another year, another matchup between SF and GB.
The 49ers are Super Bowl favorites and started off the season in dominating fashion. A couple of lulls had their pursuit of the #1 seed in the NFC in doubt but they were able to finish the season with victories. Their last home loss was vs. Baltimore, another Super Bowl favorite, on Christmas.
The Niners have stars on both sides of the ball. The talent level is far superior to most teams in the NFL. Kyle Shannahan has immense tools for his offense and young Brock Purdy has been able to have a sensational season with Christian McCaffrey showing his MVP chops. Deebo, Kittle, Ayiuk all should have big days against a Joe Barry run defense which gives up big plays.
The Packers started the postseason with a bang, blowing out the favored Cowboys in dramatic fashion. Jordan Love's playoff debut has raised eyebrows and the young Packers skill players are playing with a confidence that one wouldn't have thought possible two months ago. Veteran Aaron Jones has the most rushing yards in the NFL over the last 4 games. Will he be able to rush on a talented 49ers front?
The 49ers have beaten the Packers in the postseason the last four times. This has occured in 2012, 2013, 2019 and two years ago in the 2021 playoffs at Lambeau. In that game, the GB defense shut down the 49ers but a blocked punt lead to a TD for SF. Aaron Rodgers and the offense couldn't move the ball in the 2nd half and the 49ers won on a walkoff FG.
It is safe to say that an immensely superior team on talent alone should win at home against the youngest team in the NFL. Perhaps GB can cure the SF curse in the future.