Free Pick: Green Bay at San Francisco 9/26/21

The Sunday night game features two fabled franchises going at one another in Week 3 of the season. The Packers were dreadful in their opener, but bounced back Monday night against the Lions. The Niners have been on the road the first two weeks and won at Detroit and Philadelphia. Even though they weren’t impressive, they still won and that’s the bottom line. This will be their home opener and they will be ready.

Scouting the Packers: It seems that all discussion about the Packers begins with Aaron Rodgers. If he plays well, Green Bay has a great chance of winning. He was awful against the Saints (186 yards and 2 interceptions) and his normal self against the Lions, (82% completion rate, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions). No doubt, he will be ready to play this one. Wide receiver Davante Adams has caught 13 balls for 177 yards and is a threat every time he touches the ball. There are legitimate worries with the running game as they are averaging only 70 yards per game. Running back, Aaron Jones is off to a slow start and is the leading rusher with 76 yards in two games. On defense, linebacker, De’Vondre Campbell has been outstanding with 19 tackles and an interception. Safety, Adrian Amos has continued his great play from a year ago, and has 18 tackles. However, the Packers have concerns stopping the run. Opposing teams have gained 279 yards in just two games and the defensive line must step up this week.

Scouting the 49ers: Jimmy Garoppolo has been steady in the first two games at quarterback. He has completed 39 out of 55 passes for 503 yards and two touchdowns. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad either. Eli Mitchell has rushed for 146 yards and the rookie has been impressive. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (15 catches for 282 yards and a touchdown), and tight end, George Kittle (8 catches for 95 yards), are the favorite targets of Garoppolo. On defense, the Niners have given up 758 total yards in the first two games, and they haven’t played great competition. It is disturbing that teams have rushed for 267 yards. They will need to play better Sunday night. Linebackers, Fred Warner and Azeez Al-Shaair have combined for 30 tackles and are joined by defensive backs, Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward who have 26 more.

This comes down to a matchup between the steady 49ers and the up-and-down Packers. They are both similar teams that should contend for the playoffs. Probably more of a bigger deal for the Niners to get the win because it is a home game and they play in a tougher division. If the Packers lose, they will be 1-2 and probably tied for first place in the pitiful NFC North. San Francisco is a 3.5 point favorite.

AARON’S PICK: Green Bay +3.5

PAPA. DUDE’S PICK: San Francisco -3.5