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Pros and Cons to each potential 49ers’ Wild Card matchup

By Safa Shooshtry

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13). Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13). Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Talanoa Hufanga, 49ers
San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29). Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin /

No. 3: Green Bay Packers

With a win on Sunday Night Football against the Detroit Lions in Week 18, the Green Bay Packers would clinch the No. 7 seed.

If history holds up, the pros of this matchup would be in the historical factor. The 49ers have had extreme success against the Packers in the postseason as of late.

In the last four playoff meetings between the two teams, in the era of Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the 49ers are 4-0. The most recent victory came last postseason at Lambeau Field in which the 49ers won 13-10 in an inclement weather game.

Additionally, the defense would be a key piece of this potential matchup. Rodgers would have to face a defensive unit allowing only 303.4 total yards per game (second in the league).

He would also be facing a slew of Pro Bowlers in defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner and safety Talanoa Hufanga who would be relentless against him.

On the flip side, the cons to this matchup might not actually be playing against Rodgers, but the Packers’ pass defense who’ve allowed only 195.6 passing yards per game to opposing offenses (fourth in the league). This might be a tough matchup for rookie quarterback Brock Purdy in his first playoff appearance.

Furthermore, the star of the Green Bay defense is Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander. He would provide a tough matchup to whichever receiver he may line up against, whether that be Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk.