NFC: Packers (12-5) at 49ers (11-4-1)
After dispatching the Vikings at Lambeau Field last week, the Packers go up in class against the hard-nosed Niners — on the road, no less. You can throw out the 49ers' Week 1 victory over the Packers. That came against a team that started 2-3, not the one that has won 10 of its past 12 games and benefitted from the return of key players from injury.
Time: 8 tonight TV/radio: Ch. 13; 98.7-FM
Coaches: Packers — Mike McCarthy (74-38, 6-3 playoffs); 49ers — Jim Harbaugh (24-7-1, 1-1 playoffs)
Stat pack
Breaking it down
Packers game-breaker: Greg Jennings missed seven games with a groin injury and might be in his last season with Green Bay. But he has 12 catches for 181 yards over the past two weeks.
49ers game-breaker: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, not because he's an efficient passer (though he is) but because he's a threat to run. He gained an average 6.6 yards per carry this season.
Why the Packers will win: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers' decision-making and many receiving options stress the stout 49ers defense.
Why the 49ers will win: End Justin Smith, arguably their best defender, returns after missing two games with a partially torn left triceps and helps linebacker Aldon Smith and Co. attack Rodgers.
Look out for: Packers safety Charles Woodson returned last week after missing nine games with a broken collarbone and helped contain running back Adrian Peterson. Next is Frank Gore.
Prediction
49ers 27, Packers 23
Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer
Rushing yards
passing yards
total yards
Rushing yards allowed
passing yards allowed
total yards allowed
49ers
packers
155.7 (4th)
106.4 (20th)
206.1 (23rd)
253.1 (9th)
361.8 (11th)
359.5 (13th)
294.4 (3rd)
336.8 (11th)
200.2 (4th)
218.3 (11th)
94.2 (4th)
118.5 (17th)
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