The Sunday forecast in Green Bay calls for a high in the
single digits and a negative low, and that's without adjusting for the
wind-chill! The outcome for this game however, will be determined by how
"hot" Colin Kaepernick is and that’s exactly what he’s been when he’s
faced Green Bay.
In his last two games
against the Packers, including last year’s playoff victory, he has amassed 675
passing yards and 5 passing touchdowns along with 203 rushing yards and 2
rushing touchdowns.
He is coming off his
first 300 yard passing game since his week one victory against whom else, but
the Pack. Colin will also have Michael
Crabtree back, who was not able to play week one but had 9 catches for 119
yards and 2 TDs in last year’s playoff win. Colin will not have to face Clay
Matthews who has been ruled out due to a thumb injury and had 1 of GB’s 2 sacks
in week one. The other sack? Johnny Jolly and he’s now on injured reserve. That’s not good news for a defense allowing
26.8 points per game.
At this point in the year, the ground games of both teams are running smoothly and you know Aaron Rodgers will get his despite the edge on defense being greatly slanted toward San Fran.
I expect LaMichael James to counter Green Bay’s scoring plays
with big returns as Mason Crosby ranks 36th in the league in touchback
percentage and only has 3 touchbacks at home all year.
The spread reflects a slight edge for San
Fran, but I think Phil Dawson gets a late opportunity to “push” passed the
3 point spread forcing the Packers to score a touchdown on their final drive and
fail.
The 49ers are primed to make
another run to the Super Bowl in a 27-21 victory on the road.