So the San Francisco 49ers play the Green Bay Packers this week, after learning that they lost George Kittle for the season, and Jimmy Garoppolo for possibly the season. Tevin Coleman will also miss Thursday Night’s game. Let’s review them.
OFFENSE: Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks of all time, and he always gives the Packers a chance. Jamaal Williams is out for this Thursday’s game, and Aaron Jones is questionable. It possible that they will be down to their fourth-string running back. They do have Davante Adams available. He is one of the best playmakers in the NFL.
The 49ers will go with Jamycal Hasty and Jerick McKinnon as they are down to their third-string running back. Nick Mullens will start as their quarterback. Brandon Ayuk and Kendrick Bourne have been ruled out due to Covid-19, and Jordan Reed will start at tight end, with Kittle out. Kendrick Bourne lines up as the other receiver.
Because of the injuries, this affects the game a lot. However, because the Packers have a Rodgers and Adams, they get the edge here.
EDGE: PACKERS
DEFENSE: The 49ers still have Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw after trading Kwon Alexander. They also have a rejuvenated Jason Verrett in the secondary. The 49ers struggle at rushing the passer. That is ironic given they were one of the best last year. That happens when you lose Nick Bosa for the year, Dee Ford indefinitely, and trade away DeForest Buckner.
The Packers just gave up three rushing touchdowns to Dalvin Cook, and one receiving touchdown. The 49ers have playmakers that can do this, and the Pack have to contain them, or else it will be a repeat of Sunday.
EDGE: 49ERS
SPECIAL TEAMS: The Packers have a better return team, and have set themselves up nicely with field position. The 49ers just dropped Dante Pettis, as he proved to be a bust. Mason Crosby is good, but Robbie Gould is better.
EDGE: EVEN
COACHING: Kyle Shanahan has not just defeated Matt LaFleur twice, but he has destroyed him. Both teams were healthier last year. But Shanahan dominating LaFleur twice shows he owns the head-to-head so far. He gets the edge in the coaching until LaFleur can prove otherwise.
PREDICTION: Lots of people are picking the Packers to win, and I don’t blame them. As injured as the Packers are, they have also lost two games in a row, and not in a pretty fashion. They are also traveling to Santa Clara, cross-country. I see the 49ers barely surviving the Pack, despite the injuries.
FINAL SCORE: 49ERS 27, PACKERS 24