NFC Championship Game Preview

                                       
                                        GREEN BAY PACKERS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ers


The game this Sunday in San Francisco between the 49ers and Green Bay Packers for the NFC championship will feature two teams that really got it turned around since the 2018 season when both missed the playoffs.
The Packers finished 6-9-1 last year while the 49ers went 4-12 in the 2018 season. Both teams had 13-3 record this season and the 49ers smoked the Packers, 37-8 back in November, thus they have the "home field advantage" for this game. Green Bay held on for a 28-23 win at home against Seattle last weekend while the 49ers crushed the Minnesota Vikings, 27-10 to advance.
The Packers feature quarterback Aaron Rodgers and running back Aaron Jones had his best season, going for over 1,000 yards and scored 19 touchdowns, including 16 rushing scores to form a solid one-two punch on offense. The 49ers strong defense will present a serious challenge once again for Rodgers and company.
The key will be keeping Rodgers off the ground when he looks to pass the ball. San Francisco pass rushers Nick Bosa (nine QB sacks), Arik Armstead (ten sacks) and DeForest Buckner (7 1/2 sacks) will look to get to Rodgers. The 49ers had six sacks against the Vikings last week.
The 49ers have the three-headed monster for their rushing attack with Raheem Mostert (5.6 ypc average), Matt Breida (5.1 ypc) and Tevin Coleman (4.0 ypc), who scored twice in last week's victory. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been steady and teams with All-Pro tight end George Kittle to keep opposing defenses honest. Just like with Green Bay, the 'Niners offensive line must protect Garoppolo from the Smith "brothers" (ZaDarius Smith had 13 1/2 QB sacks this season and Preston Smith with 12 sacks) in order for the passing game to click.
If Green Bay can get on the board early and keep it close, they have a chance to win the game and get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since they won it all back in the 2010 season. However, if the 49ers get out to a double-digit lead, it will likely turn into another blowout which would put them back into the Super Bowl for the first time in seven years.


                                        PREDICTION -  San Francisco 27, Green Bay 17