Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions for Week 9 vs. 49ers

Green Bay Packers bold predictions for Thursday Night Football against the 49ers.

NFL schedule-makers had to be salivating at a midseason rematch between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers when the season began. After all, this was the NFC Championship Game matchup a year ago, even if San Francisco dominated that game and the regular-season meeting as well. But with Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay set on revenge the narrative was there for a potentially great matchup between NFC contenders.

Things have changed dramatically, though. Not only is San Francisco without Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle and Nick Bosa, among many others, due to injury but COVID-19 has hit both teams on a short week for Thursday Night Football.

Packers running back AJ Dillon tested positive earlier in the week, which ruled him out for the Week 9 matchup. Close contact tracing then ruled out Jamaal Williams which, with Aaron Jones injured, left Green Bay with two healthy backs. Linebacker Kamal Martin was also ruled out as well.

Not leaving the Pack on an island, 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne also tested positive, which then ruled out Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and left tackle Trent Williams due to contact tracing. Frankly, given the COVID situation, it’s amazing the game at Levi’s Stadium is being played for Thursday Night Football.

But as of now, the game is set to go on as planned. So with the Green Bay Packers having lost two of their last three games, how will they fare in a matchup with their nemesis? Let’s make five bold predictions for the Packers in Week 9 against the 49ers.

Note: All stats are via Pro Football Reference.