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It took some time for the Green Bay Packers to get all warmed up but they finally did in Week 2, when they finally hit the win column with a sensational victory at Lambeau Field. Now, the Packers get their turn in trying to become the first team to add a blemish to the San Francisco 49ers’ squeaky clean record when these two teams meet in Santa Clara for a must-watch Week 3 game. Take a look at how these two teams match up and see our Packers-49ers prediction plus the odds of the contest in this preview.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for the Packers vs. 49ers game in Week 3.
NFL Odds: Packers-49ers Odds
Green Bay Packers +3.5 (-110)
San Francisco 49ers -3.5 (-110)
Over 50.0 (-110)
Under 50.0 (-110)
Why the Packers Could Win
Packers nation let out a big sigh of relief after seeing Green Bay score a 35-17 home win against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Starting the season 0-2 would have been a big blow to Green Bay, but Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones were not going to let Detroit get away from Lambeau Field with a victory. Back to their top form, the Packers’ offense is looking terrifyingly good, heading into the matchup against the 49ers.
Rodgers connected on 22 of his 27 throws against Detroit for 255 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He couldn’t have had a better way to rebound from the embarrassment he went through in the loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 on the road. Jones, meanwhile, detonated for four touchdowns, including three receiving.
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Jones is a huge threat to San Francisco’s defense that gave up over 150 yards on the ground and a touchdown on 29 carries by the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, and once Rodgers gets it going with Davante Adams, the field will be nicely stretched for the running back to do whatever he wants with the ball. The 49ers may be the favorites in this matchup, but it should be noted that San Francisco has only covered the spread five out of the last 20 times that it was the favorite at home.
Why the 49ers Could Win
Santa Clara will be rolling out the red carpet for the 49ers in Week 3, as Jimmy Garoppolo and company are scheduled to play their first home game of the season after a road trip that saw the Niners bring the Detroit Lions (41-33) and the Eagles (17-11) down to their knees. Speaking of Garoppolo, he’s been quietly putting together an efficient season.
He’s completed 70.0 percent of his pass attempts through two games with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. San Francisco’s offensive line can take some of the credit, as Jimmy G’s pass protection has allowed just one sack, thus far. The 49ers are leading the league with an offensive QB sack percentage of 1.75. Garoppolo can continue sipping his coffee in the pocket against the Packers, considering Green Bay’s non-existent pass rush. The Packers are entering Week 3 as the only team in the league with fewer than two defensive sacks.
Injuries to their running backs have left the 49ers’ rushing attack with plenty of questions, and that could hurt San Francisco’s run-heavy offense. Nevertheless, with the form of their offensive line and the shakiness of Green Bay’s pass defense, the 49ers can flip the script and confidently ride on the arm of Garoppolo. The 49ers are 4-2 SU and 4-2 ATS in their last six games as the home team against Green Bay.
Final Packers-49ers Prediction & Pick
The 49ers will have success on offense despite a banged-up backfield against the Packers’ defense that still has plenty of questions. Green Bay’s offensive line isn’t also exactly 100% healthy, which means the team will have to ask more out of Rodgers. That would have cut it for the Packers against other teams, but not against these Niners, who are off to a great start. Nevertheless, expect a one-touchdown game from beginning to end.
FINAL PICK: Packers +3.5 (-110)
