The San Francisco 49ers advanced to the Divisional Round with a win over the Cowboys. Given that they’re the lowest remaining seed, they will face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Let’s take a look at the matchup between the 49ers and Packers, look at the latest NFL odds, and make a pick and prediction.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers pick, prediction | Divisional Round
- Spread: Packers -6 (Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Packers -250, 49ers +200
- Over/Under: 47.5
San Francisco’s late surge into the playoffs got them a matchup with the Cowboys. The Niners went down to Dallas and handled their business, coming away with a 23-17 win over America’s team. The Cowboys kept it close, but they ultimately left themselves with too much to do and too little time to do it.
[bet-promo id=”160605″ ]The 49ers advanced, but they have injury concerns on defense. Both Nick Bosa and Fred Warner — arguably San Francisco’s two most influential players on the defensive side of the ball — came out of the game with injuries. Their absence late in the game almost gave Dallas a way back in, but the 49ers held out.
Both injuries looked worrying, with Bosa suffering a concussion after a collision with a teammate and Warner going down with a non-contact leg injury. So far this week, it seems San Francisco may have escaped anything too serious, and they’re hopeful both players will suit up once again this weekend. The 49ers will need both of them out there if they hope to slow down the Packers and likely MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers and Co. return to action after bye week
The Packers sealed the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 13-4 record, and Rodgers takes the field in the Divisional Round having had one of his best career seasons. He is the favorite to win the MVP after throwing for 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions.
The Packers have been hot all season. They reeled off five wins in a row before taking a loss to the Lions in a meaningless Week 18 game. The roster is getting healthier, as David Bakhtiari returned for the first time in that game. Both Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith are also expected to be back in full force. Alexander hasn’t played since Week 4 when he was placed on IR.
49ers vs. Packers betting trends
The 49ers have won five of their last six against the spread, including Sunday’s Wild Card victory against the Cowboys. The Niners went into that one as 3.5-point underdogs but advanced to the Divisional Round.
The Packers were 12-5 against the spread in the regular season, but they lost three of their last four ATS in close games against the Ravens, Browns, and Lions. They have, however, covered the over in six of their last seven.
49ers vs. Packers prediction
This feels like it might be one bridge too far for the 49ers. Going into Lambeau Field and trying to win isn’t easy. Nobody has beaten the Packers at home this season, and I can’t see that changing this weekend.
Jimmy Garoppolo has done a great job leading the 49ers in recent weeks, but he is partial to a mistake or two. San Francisco will have to be flawless to get a victory. Rodgers isn’t going to get a better shot at the Super Bowl, and he’ll continue his march.
49ers vs. Packers Prediction: Packers 34, 49ers 24