2014 NFL Postseason: Wild Card Round Previews and Predictions

Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Arizons Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday, Jan. 5
San Francisco 49ers (12-4) at the Green Bay Packers (8-7-1)
TV: FOX
Time: 4:40 p.m. EDT
Projected Weather: High: -3, Low: -19, snow partly cloudy

The overall record of the Green Bay Packers doesn’t mean much to me as they played seven games without Aaron Rodgers with his collarbone injury.

The team was able to stay alive long enough for Rodgers to return (along with Randall Cobb) and be the hero of the Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears for the NFC North championship and the spot in the playoffs.

This is a very good matchup with two high-quality QBs, two good defenses and a veteran running back opposed by a rookie running back who both can make a big difference in this game.

My player to watch is Eddie Lacy of the Packers, as he’s proven lately this team can look to him and depend on him to get the job done in the running game, something that hasn’t been a positive for the Packers in recent seasons.

In his rookie season, Lacy rushed the ball 284 times for 1,178 yards and 11 TDs. For the 49ers, Frank Gore ran the ball 276 times for 1,128 yards and nine TDs. Both backs are averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Also, don’t forget the 49ers are playing their best football of the season, and they are dangerous in the win-or-go-home games, as they are the reigning NFC Champions.

Game Prediction: 49ers 31, Packers 28