49ers vs. Packers: 5 bold predictions for Sunday Night Football

No. 1: Jimmy Garoppolo tosses three touchdowns

This might not seem like a big total for most quarterbacks. But for Jimmy Garoppolo, it might as well be a lot. Especially considering he’s thrown just one touchdown apiece in Weeks 1 and 2.

That formula probably won’t work against Aaron Rodgers and what could be a potent Green Bay offense in Week 3. Moreover, the Niners probably won’t be able to replicate the rushing success they enjoyed during the 2020 NFC Championship game when running back Raheem Mostert ran wild, netting 229 yards and nearly 8 yards per carry.

Mostert is done for the season with a knee injury. Fellow tailbacks Elijah Mitchel, Trey Sermon and JaMycal Hasty are all banged up, either questionable or ruled out for Sunday’s contest.

So, regardless of which player San Francisco relies upon for its ground attack, Garoppolo will need to shoulder a bigger share of the burden.

Fortunately, the Packers defense lacks an elite pass rush, and there are enough holes within the secondary for Jimmy G to take advantage, provided he avoids those bone-headed tosses that so frequently resulted in interceptions in 2019 and parts of 2020.

If he does, look for Garoppolo to find the end zone a lot more than he has in the last two weeks, connecting with a receiving target at least three times.

With Aaron Rodgers opposite him, Garoppolo might have to anyway.