NFL power rankings: Where 49ers stand among 2022 playoff teams

NFL power rankings, Wild Card weekend: No. 1 (Packers)

If it weren’t for half a throwaway game in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers would sit alone with the NFL’s best regular-season record this season.

Even then, Week 18 against Detroit mattered little, as the Packers already secured the No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye.

It’s going to be hard to give the 2021 NFL MVP award to anyone else this season than quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who seems to have rejected last offseason’s notion this year would be his last in Green Bay, now potentially embracing a return to the Packers in 2022 and potentially beyond.

Since it’s working well for both sides, why not?

Green Bay doesn’t boast a top-five offense or defense, but Rodgers and Co. simply figure out every way to win no matter what, and going the entire year without losing back-to-back games is quite the accomplishment.

However, if there is one Packers notable weakness, it’s the fact they’re allowing opponents to rush for 4.7 yards per carry, third worst in the NFL during the regular season.

For a run-heavy team like the 49ers, should they beat the Cowboys in the Wild Card round, a trip to Green Bay might provide yet another upset.

One of note, considering Rodgers is 0-3 in his career against the Niners in the postseason.