Niner Noise
FanSided

5 key reasons why 49ers can upset Packers in NFL playoff bout at Lambeau

By James LeBreton

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Deebo Samuel, Kevin King, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers
Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it would be hard to see why Deebo Samuel wouldn’t be one of the defining factors in a victory for San Francisco. His third season for the 49ers has been nothing short of phenomenal. He’s completely changed the run game for Coach Shanahan while continuing to keep people guessing even when they know what the next play is.

Looking at the remaining teams in the playoffs, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone that makes an impact running the ball as he does.

One of the more defining characteristics making him so problematic for defenders is by far his versatility. Deebo Samuel is an absolute chameleon on offense. Against Dallas, he took 13 snaps out of the backfield, lined up in the slot for 13 plays, and played wide 19 times.

He’s also effective on the ground. The 49ers ran the ball 38 times for 169 yards against the Dallas Cowboys, 72 of those yards coming off the heels of Samuel. In this week’s playoff contest, Green Bay can expect the same treatment. If the 49ers can average 5 yards-per-carry, that’s a lot of yards given up by the Packers’ defense.

No defense in the league has that kind of stamina. And thus far, no one has found a way to stop offensive weapon Deebo Samuel.