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3 Bold Predictions for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship

By Steven Kubitza

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo faces the biggest test of his career Sunday.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo faces the biggest test of his career Sunday. / Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Minnesota Vikings in the Divisional Round of the NFL postseason. The game was really never in doubt, and the 49ers are now set to host the Green Bay Packers with a Super Bowl berth on the line. It will take another terrific performance to clinch a spot in Miami, and with that in mind, let's issue three prognostications about this showdown for NFC supremacy.

3. 49ers Hold Packers Scoreless in the First Half

Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers defense has dominated all year.
Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers defense has dominated all year. / Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

This 49ers defense is elite (that's why defensive coordinator Robert Saleh recently interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs). The defense gave up one long touchdown drive against Minnesota in the Divisional Round before settling in and sacking Kirk Cousins six times. Right on cue, the team will hold the Packers scoreless in the first half just like they did in Week 12 thanks to some long drives on offense and a turnover or two forced by the D.

2. Rushing for Over 200 Yards

Tevin Coleman led the way on the ground for San Francisco last weekend.
Tevin Coleman led the way on the ground for San Francisco last weekend. / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The 49ers averaged 144 rushing yards per game in the regular season. The backfield, led by Tevin Coleman, finished with 186 yards against Minnesota. The Packers defense allowed 120 rushing yards per game in the regular season, but will be dominated by Coleman, Raheem Mostert, and Matt Breida on Sunday. The offense pounded the ball against the Vikings and will use the same strategy to wear down the Pack.

1. George Kittle Scores 2 Touchdowns

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle was held scoreless in the Divisional Round.
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle was held scoreless in the Divisional Round. / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

George Kittle was a little too quiet this season; he only had three 100-yard receiving games and a total of five touchdowns. Notably, he arguably had his best game of the campaign in Week 12 against Green Bay. Kittle is poised to have a breakout game, and will be the main focus when Jimmy G and the 49ers throw the ball. He'll score two touchdowns that end up being the difference in the game.