2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Divisional Round

No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 1 Green Bay Packers

Saturday, January 22, 8:15 PM ET

Despite having eight of the best teams in football still alive, this could easily be the best game of the Divisional Round. The Green Bay Packers are arguably the league’s top team, but it’s hard to ignore the talent the San Francisco 49ers possess.

Unfortunately, injuries could play a significant factor in this one. The 49ers suffered a couple of key injuries on defense in their Wild Card showdown, with Fred Warner and Nick Bosa both ailing. Slowing down Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Aaron Jones and the rest of the Green Bay offense won’t be easy if the 49ers are missing two of their top defensive playmakers.

Furthermore, I’m still not sure Jimmy Garoppolo is the man for the job in San Francisco. The 49ers have been winning plenty as of late, but at times it feels as though they’re winning in spite of Garoppolo. Kyle Shanahan will have to rely heavily on Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Elijah Mitchell while hoping his quarterback doesn’t make too many costly mistakes.

With home-field advantage, a far superior talent under center, and being well-rested coming off the bye week, the Packers have the clear edge. The 49ers won’t roll over and give them the win, but Rodgers and the rest of this Green Bay roster will wrestle it from them while keeping their own Super Bowl dreams alive.

Prediction: Packers win 33-28