The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs. Up next on the schedule is a challenge that no NFC team is jumping for joy at the thought of: A date at frigid Lambeau Field with the Green Bay Packers.
Coming off of a standout performance against the Cowboys, many would expect the 49ers' X-factor against the Packers to be wide receiver Deebo Samuel. While he is arguably the team's most valuable player, he doesn't quite fit the tag for their playoff battle with the Packers.
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So, who is it then? Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is likely very enticed by the prospect of outdueling Rodgers in his own palace while proving the doubters wrong, though the veteran quarterback is a bit banged up. Tight end George Kittle might be the second most valuable player on the 49ers roster behind Samuel, as he is one of the best in the business at a tough position.
Surprisingly enough, it's not Samuel, Garoppolo, or Kittle. The 49ers' X-factor is someone who the opposing team might not expect to be the game MVP but who wouldn't surprise his own team in the slightest.
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49ers X-Factor vs. Packers in 2022 NFL Playoffs
The 49ers' X-factor against the Packers is a playmaker who will be key in both winning the game and slowing down Aaron Rodgers: Rookie running back Elijah Mitchell. He burst onto the scene as an unheralded sixth round draft pick but has been a huge part of the 49ers' success, as he rushed for 963 yards in his first season, breaking the franchise record for the most yards gained on the ground by a rookie.
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Mitchell battled a concussion, as well as a nagging knee injury but has played in the last three weeks, handling 20-plus touches and rushing for over 85 yards in each contest. Not only that, but the 49ers rookie was able to practice fully on Wednesday and Thursday, proving that he has moved past his knee injury.
One of the keys to stopping Rodgers and the Packers is keeping the star quarterback on the sidelines and off the field. One of the ways San Francisco can do that is by handing the ball off to Mitchell and letting him work against the Packers defensive line. If the 49ers can control the time of possession with Mitchell and the running game, they greatly increase their chances of defeating the Packers.
Green Bay has an improved defense from years past, especially from the one the 49ers ran all over in the NFC Championship Game a couple of years ago. This year's unit is not the same. However, if the Packers have one weakness that can be exploited, it's their run defense. Look for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to attack that by feeding Mitchell. The 49ers will win if he has a big game.
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That's why Elijah Mitchell is the 49ers' X-factor in their 2022 NFL Playoffs matchup against the Packers.
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