Green Bay Packers: 5 Reasons they can beat 49ers in NFC Championship
By Joe Kipp
1. Aaron Rodgers is heating up
Did we really think Aaron Rodgers wasn’t going to have an impact in the playoffs? Rodgers had arguably his best performance of the 2019 season against the Seahawks this past Sunday. He finished the game completing 16-of-27 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns and had an 113.7 passer rating as the Packers defeated Seattle, 28-23.
It was Rodgers’ poise in clutch situations that stood out most, though. On third-down, Rodgers completed 9-of-11 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown and had a 155.8 passer rating. All nine of Green Bay’s third-down conversions came from completions by Rodgers. Additionally, he was perfect on throws of 10 or more yards downfield, going 6-of-6 for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
Before the NFC Divisional Round against Seattle, Rodgers had a string of mediocre performances. But now that the lights are brightest, he’s turning it on in the playoffs.
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In his first meeting against the 49ers in Week 12, Rodgers was held to a season-low 104 pass yards. The Packers managed to score just eight points — a touchdown pass from Rodgers to Davante Adams and a two-point conversion. The Packers offense should be more prepared this time around, especially with No. 12 riding a hot streak.