For the second week in a row, the Green Bay Packers will play in primetime. After handling the Detroit Lions last week on Monday Night Football, the Packers travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers on Sunday Night Football. The 2-0 49ers will be a tough opponent and have been playing well. The Packers have come out flat and been shaky in their first two games of the season. Will the Packers start fast and make a statement to the NFC or will the 49ers show dominance? Here is your full game preview for this week 3 matchup.

Packers vs 49ers

  • When: Sunday, September 26, 2021
  • Time: 7:20 PM CST
  • Where: Levi’s Stadium; Santa Clara, California
  • TV: NBC
  • Commentators: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
  • Line: 49ers by 3.5
  • Last meeting: Packers 34 49ers 17 in week 9 of 2020

Game Preview: 3 Things to Watch

Packers Defense vs 49ers middle of the field attack

The past haunts me as I have seen the Packers get beat time after time by a tight end and in the middle of the field. The 49ers have numbers players go can go down the middle such as, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Mohamed Sanu. Joe Barry’s defense has not exactly been impressive in the first two games. In the second half against the Lions, I thought they were better in the secondary when the moved Kevin King inside. It will be interesting to see how Joe Barry handles George Kittle and protects the middle of the field. I am expecting to see big plays down the middle for the 49ers, the Packers have to limit the amount the 49ers have.

Protecting Rodgers

This is a key every week. The 49ers have one of the best rushers in the game in Nick Bosa. Through the first two weeks of the NFL season, Bosa has three sacks and eight total pressures. He will be a problem for anyone on the offensive line, depending on where they line Bosa up. He is usually on the left side, so left tackle will be key. If the line can’t contain him, then Lafleur will have to provide help in blocking Bosa. That will limit some of the offense. Giving Rodgers time in the pocket is a very big key on beating the 49ers on Sunday Night Football.

Fast Start

The Packers need to start fast on Sunday Night. That is something that has not happened in the first two weeks. The offense did not really kick it into gear until the second half against the Detroit Lions. The offense needs to get rolling early against the 49ers. They can not play from behind the entire game, as they may not recover. Starting fast will give not only the offense confidence but the defense as well. The defense can then play more aggressive know that the offense is clicking, moving the football and putting up points. A fast start is a key to beating the 49ers on Sunday Night Football.

Final Analysis

I will not say this is a must win game, as it is only week 3. This is a statement game. If the Packers can beat the 49ers, they can put week 1 and the first half of week 2 behind them. It would also show the league and their fans that this team deserves to be in the conversation and not to count them out. I am expecting that the Packers will be able to move the football up and down the football. But, I do not have confidence in them stopping the 49ers offense. My guess is this will be high scoring game that could come down to whoever has the last possession. I also think Rodgers will be super motivated to beat the 49ers in San Francisco. I am going with the Packers in a close one.

Go Pack Go!

Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag