3 Reasons Packers Should Still Be NFC Favorites Over 49ers
By Andy Loughmiller
The San Francisco 49ers are the only team in the NFC with a perfect record through the first half of the NFL season. However, with far less fanfare, the Green Bay Packers are only one game behind them in the race for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Here are three reasons why the Packers should be considered the favorites in the NFC over the 49ers.
3. Aaron Rodgers Has Adapted to Green Bay's New Offensive System
Despite getting off to an uncharacteristically slow start, Aaron Rodgers is finally beginning to thrive in Matt LaFleur's offense. The superstar quarterback has looked like an MVP candidate in his last two outings. Rodgers is a far better quarterback than Jimmy Garoppolo, who has yet to show that he can beat an elite defense without the help of San Francisco's three-headed rushing attack.
2. Emergence of Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones has quickly become one of the most dynamic players in football. He is electric as both a runner and a pass catcher. The 49ers have an impressive multi-purpose back of their own in Tevin Coleman, but he hasn't been nearly as productive as consistently as Jones. The third-year back out of UTEP is a difference maker for the Packers, and a better option out of the backfield than any of the three running backs in San Francisco.
1. NFC West is More Competitive Than the NFC North
The 49ers haven't run away with the division yet. The Seahawks are just two games behind them in the standings and are still a threat to win the NFC West. The reigning NFC champion Los Angeles Rams are also in San Francisco's way of winning the division. Conversely, the Minnesota Vikings are the only real threat to the Packers in the NFC North, and let's be honest, Green Bay isn't afraid of Kirk Cousins. Even though the Niners have an unblemished ledger, it'll be hard for them to ultimately slot in ahead of the red hot Pack.