Niner Noise
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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
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19)  Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Packers Run defense

For the second consecutive week, the 49ers will face one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. Although San Francisco comes into this game the underdog, in the run game, they are the favorites. After record-setting performances by running back Elijah Mitchell and Wide-back Deebo Samuel, the run offense is poised to do it all over again.

Green Bay is ranked 28th in DVOA, 30th in yards per carry, and 28th in explosive runs allowed. In order to beat the Packers, the 49ers must expose this run defense in every way possible.

In Week 3, the Packers held the 49ers to 21 attempts for 67 yards for an abysmal 3.2 yards-per-carry. Running back Elijah Mitchell didn’t play, and Deebo Samuel was a non-factor.

Since December, Mitchell has averaged 24.6 rushes per contest, and Deebo Samuel is averaging 6.2 yards-per-carry. The Packers haven’t seen this rushing offense yet. They’ll get fully acquainted on Saturday night.

Next. 49ers can upset Packers behind Deebo Samuel, Elijah Mitchell. dark