Preview of the Green Bay vs. 49ers game
The 49ers’ offensive line should be unstoppable when it comes to moving objects, but the running defense—which will be crucial—will depend on Arik Armstead recovering from an injury.
In the Divisional Round matchup against Green Bay, the 49ers are 9.5-point favorites to start their playoff run. Given that both offenses are among the greatest in the NFL, the result is likely to be decided by the defenses.
The Green Bay defense is weak. 29th in rushing yards after contact, 27th in defense over the middle, and 28th in rushing yards against. Dallas only revealed the latter; Christian McCaffrey of the Niners leads the league in rushing.
Excellent linebackers are a feature of the defenses that have caused the 49ers problems this season. Green Bay isn’t like that. According to Pro Football Focus, Quay Walker ranks among the league’s bottom five starting linebackers in terms of pass coverage.
When covering All-Pro George Kittle, Kyle Shanahan will try to hit Walker. Jake Ferguson, a tight end for the Cowboys, caught 10 passes for 93 yards last week against Green Bay.
