NFL Playoffs Betting - Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers Preview
The Green Bay Packers met the San Francisco 49ers back in the first week of the regular season. The 49ers won that day in Green Bay. But so much has changed since then, it is really of no value now. For one thing, we have the real NFL referees now, which we did not then. So who knows if that altered the outcome of the game? It clearly altered many in the first weeks of the season.
But the 49ers have been altered as they have a new starting quarterback now in Colin Kaepernick. Alex Smith was the starter back in the beginning of the season. But a mid-season concussion sidelined him for a couple of games. In his absence, Kaepernick played so well that he has now become the starter. Smith and Kaepernick has nearly the same passing stats. Each has done pretty well throwing the ball. Smith has thrown for 153 completions in 218 attempts while Kaepernick has 136 in his 218 attempts. But Kaepernick has 1814 yards to 1737for Smith. Kaepernick has 10 touchdowns and three interceptions to Smith's 13 touchdowns and five picks. So those are about as dead even as you can get. But where the difference is, Kaepernick is also a running threat. He averages nearly seven yards per carry and had five rushing touchdowns. Smith averages about four per carry and has no rushing touchdowns. So that is one more thing the Packers defence has to consider now that they didn't then.
The Packers are still pass oriented around quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his fine receiving corps. Last week against the Minnesota Vikings, he was 23 of 33 for 274 yards and one touchdown in the 24-10 win.
The Packers were the winners of the NFC North Division with a record of 11-5. They won four of their last five games heading into the playoffs. The 49ers won the NFC West Division at 11-4-1. They won five of their last seven going into the playoffs.
It is tough to see any real advantage one team may have over the other in this one. The Niners probably have the better running game, but the Packers should have the better passing game. Both teams have good defence as well. It is doubtful the home field advantage will mean a whole lot as the Packers are no stranger to winning against good teams on the road. Both teams have playoff experience as well. This is a game that could come down to the wire.
Packers at 49ers Odds
Sports Interaction has Green Bay +3 -125. They have the 49ers -3 +105. 68% of the wagers thus far are on the Packers +3. With no points, you can get the Packers at +120 or the Niners -140. Over/under is 45.
This is a tough one, but we are going to pick the Packers -120. We believe that having the experienced quarterback will make the difference in this one and the Packers have a Super Bowl winner in Rodgers. We will also bet the over in this game too.
