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3 Bold Predictions for the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship

By Ian Anderson

Aaron Rodgers needs to come alive to lead the Packers to victory over the 49ers
Aaron Rodgers needs to come alive to lead the Packers to victory over the 49ers / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Green Bay Packers narrowly beat the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, and now head to the Bay Area to take on another NFC West opponent. Unlike the Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers are healthy, and have an elite defense and run game.

In order for Rodgers and the Packers to win in a hostile environment this coming Sunday, they're going to need to play almost flawlessly, and as a statistically-underperforming 13-3 team, to say the least, they're going to need some luck to go their way, too. Here are three bold predictions for the Pack in the NFC Championship against the 49ers.

3. Aaron Rodgers Throws Two INTs

Aaron Rodgers is going to get hurried and turn the ball over multiple times against the Niners
Aaron Rodgers is going to get hurried and turn the ball over multiple times against the Niners / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers had a fantastic performance against Seattle, but he faces a completely different monster in San Francisco. Against the best defensive line in the league and a very underrated secondary, he is going to struggle. While his numbers were generally down this season, the one thing that Rodgers did well was take care of the football. That changes with constant pressure in his face and tight coverage down field. The future Hall of Famer is going to throw two picks on Sunday, one of which will go to cornerback Richard Sherman.

2. Aaron Jones has 150+ Scrimmage Yards

Green Bay Packers' running back Aaron Jones is going to have a monster game against San Francisco
Green Bay Packers' running back Aaron Jones is going to have a monster game against San Francisco / Stacy Revere/Getty Images

While Aaron Rodgers is going to struggle, the other Aaron of the Green Bay Packers' offense is going to flourish. With the heavy pass rush on Rodgers, the Pack are going to need to place emphasis on running the football, as well as screens and check-downs. If Green Bay wants any chance in this game, they're going to need to feed Aaron Jones. Jones is going to have 150+ yards from scrimmage to go along with one touchdown.

1. Smith Brothers Combine for Three Sacks

Za'Darius and Preston Smith are both going to have fantastic games against the 49ers battered line
Za'Darius and Preston Smith are both going to have fantastic games against the 49ers battered line / Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The Packers' revamped defense this year has been largely successful due to two players. Free agent acquisitions Preston and Za'Darius Smith have both had stellar seasons for Green Bay, and while they may not be related, they're known around the league as the Smith Brothers. The 49ers' offensive line has faced injury woes a majority of the year, and while they're somewhat healthy right now, they are still limping. The Smiths are going to have a great game, and are going to get after Jimmy Garoppolo, having three sacks and one forced fumble.