49ers vs. Packers: 4 Green Bay players to worry about in Week 3

49ers Challenge No. 1: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Yes, historically, the 49ers have owned Aaron Rodgers in the postseason. He’s 0-3 in those matchups, including being on the wrong side of a lopsided loss in the 2020 NFC Championship game.

During the regular season, however, Rodgers owns a 5-3 record and hasn’t lost back-to-back games since the era under former head coach Jim Harbaugh. And after beating the Niners on Thursday Night Football last year, it’s not like San Francisco can look to achieve back-to-back victories over the future Hall of Famer anytime soon.

Read More: 49ers vs. Packers: Week 3 betting odds, prediction

Still, starting off with a 2019-like win over Rodgers would be a great statement for a 49ers team looking to justify its 2-0 start and not fall into the “pretender” category.

After scuffling like the rest of his squad in Week 1, Rodgers was his usual self against the Lions last Monday, tossing four touchdowns and 255 yards with a 145.6 passer rating. While Detroit’s pass rush lacks the effectiveness of players like EDGEs Nick Bosa and Dee Ford, a good pass rush alone might not be enough to offset the still-elusive Rodgers.

With a banged-up running back room, it might not be possible for the Niners to replicate the run-heavy success they had back in January of 2020, thereby keeping Rodgers off the field as much as possible.

So, it’ll take some concerted effort from San Francisco’s defense to force Rodgers into having a rare bad game.