The Green Bay Packers will face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional matchup, setting the stage for a rematch of their 2019 NFC Championship Game encounter. In that game, the 49ers' running attack dominated, with Raheem Mostert racking up 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns. As the Packers prepare to face the 49ers again, the focus is on how their run defense will match up against Christian McCaffrey-led San Francisco ground attack.

Why It Matters

The upcoming game presents an opportunity for the Packers to redeem themselves after their prior defeat, while also showcasing the potential for a resurgence in their run defense. The outcome of this matchup could significantly impact the trajectory of both teams' playoff journey.

By the Numbers
  • Christian McCaffrey led the NFL rushing title with 1,459 yards, surpassing the Packers' Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon combined by almost 200 yards.
  • The Packers allowed an NFL-worst 4.66 yards per carry during the LaFleur era, ranking 28th against the run this season.
  • McCaffrey ranked second among running backs with 5.36 yards per carry and was tied for second with 60 missed tackles forced.
  • McCaffrey ranks sixth in the NFL with a 4.5-yard average on third-and-short, an area where the Packers struggle defensively.
State of Play
  • Green Bay's defensive front holds the key to their success in this game, requiring physicality and discipline to contain the formidable rushing threat posed by McCaffrey and the 49ers.
  • The Packers' recent improved performance in run defense during their four-game winning streak provides a glimmer of hope for their ability to counter the 49ers' rushing attack.
What's Next

The upcoming matchup presents the Packers with an opportunity to demonstrate their defensive prowess by containing McCaffrey and reshaping the narrative around their run defense, potentially influencing their playoff journey and overall season success.