3 Weaknesses Packers Must Expose to Upset the 49ers in 2024 NFL Playoffs

3 Weaknesses Packers Must Expose to Upset the 49ers in 2024 NFL Playoffs0 of 3

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The Green Bay Packers have the chance to take down another titan of the NFC in the divisional round on Saturday.

The No. 7 seed visits the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers in a game that many people believe will be one sided in favor of the top seed.

However, the Packers stand a chance of contending with the 49ers if they do the same things they did against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Green Bay defense needs to make Brock Purdy feel uncomfortable similar to the way the Baltimore Ravens forced turnovers out of the 49ers quarterback.

Aaron Jones’ success on the ground is vital to the offense achieving success inside Levi’s Stadium.

The 49ers allowed over 100 rushing yards six times this season, so there is an opportunity there for the Packers to run the game through their star running back.

Brock Purdy’s Turnovers1 of 3

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The Packers must find a way to replicate the Baltimore Ravens’ pressure on Purdy.

Purdy was forced into four interceptions on Christmas Day. Three of those picks occurred on the 49ers’ first four drives.

A fast start is required for the Packers, regardless of how they do it, and it would not hurt them whatsoever if they force a turnover or two.

Purdy’s performance against the Ravens was the rare struggle during a stellar season, and if the Packers get him to make mistakes, they have a good chance of springing the upset.

Green Bay picked off Dak Prescott on two occasions and it sacked the Dallas quarterback on four occasions.

The Packers must get constant pressure on Purdy so that he does not get into a rhythm with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.

Purdy has played well more times than not this season, but if the Packers put pressure on him, they could do the same thing as the Ravens against him.

Play to Ground Game Strengths2 of 3

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The 49ers rushing defense has not been a season-long weakness, but has been susceptible to big days on the ground on occasion.

The Arizona Cardinals torched the 49ers for a season-high concession of 234 rushing yards in Week 15 and the Ravens totaled 102 rushing yards in Week 16.

Green Bay must try to establish its rushing attack against Fred Warner and Co. from the start.

The NFC North side started its successful Sunday afternoon in Texas by pounding the ball up the middle through Aaron Jones.

Jones has had at least 12 carries in five of his six postseason appearances and he scored on seven occasions.

He also has the advantage of playing the San Francisco defense twice in the postseason when alongside Aaron Rodgers.

Jones’ knowledge of what the 49ers will throw at him could play to his advantage as the Packers attempt to build extended drives to keep Purdy and Co. off the field.

Work Through Slot Wide Receivers3 of 3

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The 49ers have allowed some high-yardage performances against wide receivers who lined up in the slot.

Tyler Lockett and Christian Kirk each had 100-yard performances against San Francisco this season. Six players had at least 60 receiving yards from the slot versus the 49ers, per StatMuse.

The 49ers have allowed the fifth-most catches to wide receivers this season, but that is more of a product of teams playing from behind against them.

Jordan Love distributed the ball well to a smattering of pass-catchers during the Packers’ winning run.

Dontayvion Wicks and Bo Melton could have the most success on Saturday because of the slot matchup.

Wicks scored a touchdown in his last three games and he hauled in six receptions in two of the last four contests.

Melton came on late in the season as another weapon for Love to work with. He may not see a ton of snaps with Christian Watson back, but he could exploit the middle of the field to convert a few third downs to keep the momentum on Green Bay’s side.