Niner Noise
FanSided

Ranking the 49ers’ toughest 5 games of 2018

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JANUARY 12: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Candlestick Park on January 12, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JANUARY 12: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Candlestick Park on January 12, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Week 6 @ Green Bay Packers

One name makes the No. 5 game on our list of the most toughest for San Francisco — quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

If Rodgers is healthy (he missed nine games with a collarbone injury last year), the Packers are a playoff contender. It’s that simple. He’s the kind of quarterback capable of putting an entire team on his shoulders. Factor in the 49ers are still on the hunt for a pass rush, and one can see Rodgers carving up San Francisco’s defense on Monday Night Football in Week 6.

Sure, Rodgers is only 3-2 during regular-season games against the Niners. That’s not dominance, but one has to note he owns a career 106.2 passer rating facing off against the team he rooted for during his youth.

That’s pretty good. Like, elite good.

As long as Rodgers is healthy, this game is tough for San Francisco. But with Green Bay having plenty of its own defensive questions, the best approach would be to keep extended drives going while keeping Rodgers and Co. off the field.

Do that, and the 49ers can pull off a prime-time road win.