49ers: 3 matchups to watch in 2020 NFC Championship game vs. Packers

Packers vs. 49ers: 3 matchups to watch in 2020 NFC Championship game

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a first down during the first half of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Packers secondary

As mentioned before, Jimmy Garoppolo had an extremely successful outing against the Green Bay Packers earlier this season. Having said that, the Packers have a solid secondary that limits big plays and can create turnovers.

Garoppolo is going to have to make smart decisions and avoid throwing interceptions if the 49ers are going to win this game.

The Niners’ defense is nothing short of elite, but the one thing that could give them some trouble is if they have to defend a short field. As long as Garoppolo doesn’t turn the football over, they should be able to limit the Packers’ scoring drives.

George Kittle was Garoppolo’s favorite target the last time these two teams matched up, and there’s minimal reason to expect that to change in this game.

The chemistry between Jimmy G and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Emmanuel Sanders continues to grow, as well. As such, there will be no shortage of weapons for head coach Kyle Shanahan to dial up in this crucial game.

If Garoppolo can have similar efficiency throwing the ball to what he displayed in Week 12, then you can expect the Niners to have a great chance of moving on to the Super Bowl.