Pretty sure vegas bookies are one of the greatest proponents of sports analytics, and they set the line at Packers -4.5. I get the point you're trying to make, but this is a terrible hot take.

The Star Tribune is turning out to be a sham of a news reporting source, like some others we all know about

Last night on the NFL Network's prime time show "Total Access," the commentators and hosts practically laughed at the Packers. I hope the players from both sides are listening. I hope the Packers use this disrespect to fuel them and I hope the 49ers believe the hype and become complacent.

Nothing would be better than to see the Packers come out Sunday and punch the 49ers in the nose and keep on punching until they walk off the field with the win!

I'd personally give us a 15% chance of winning. We need to either get a turnover in 9ers territory, or get an explosive special teams play. In other words, we need to steal a possession. We also need to pressure Jimmy G, keep the passing explosives to a minumum, and keep them under 150 rushing yards. I have very little faith in our offense to get 20 plus points on their own this game.

Any given Sunday and all that. But I'm not going to say it wouldn't be a big upset if we won.

I like the fact that most people are discounting the Packers chances of winning against the 49ers. I hope the 49ers players are too, even if it's just in the back of their minds.

David beat Goliath.

I believe 100% GB can and will win this game! The Packers are totally underestimated and unbelievably disrespected even as they sit as 1 of the last 4 teams standings. It’s unbelievable how ticked off people are that we’re still in it!

The game is 4 days away but my stomach is in knots!

Nobody will be rooting louder than me!

The Packers have earned the 'Ugly' when talking about their play.

The Packers are being called 'frauds' by many a pundit in the world of the NFL.

If, the latter is truer than the Packers are best damn 'forgers' the NFL has seen in recent times.

There's a difference between 'ugly' and 'fraud' and as much as I have preyed upon the ugliness of the wins, this team is far from fraudulent as to the talent overall when compared to teams of the recent past, less some known and well discussed issues on the offense.

Are the chances better than average for the Packers to win, no. Are the chances better than average that the Packers lose, yes. I would love to watch the Packers win and move on to the SB. At this point, whether a blind optimist or realist, this team has gotten further than any honestly believed they would or could have at seasons start.

Last week most knew it would take some vintage Rodgers to beat Seattle, and we got to see Rodgers be a little vintage. But last weeks vintage won't be nearly enough against SF and everyone knows it. Either SF gift wraps this game by mistakes and sloppy play or Rodgers himself and others rise to a level of play not yet seen so far, the SB will not have the Packers participating in it.

I'm taking the Packers with the points, +7.5, as the outright win for a money line bet just doesn't fit the match up.

Given that this team "uglied" its way through the season and the beating SF laid on us, we should be a considerable underdog. The disrespect may be our biggest ally going into this game - fueling a fighting attitude.

Lot of things need to line up for us to win but they are all doable and realistic. Our Oline needs to play a solid game, our Dline needs to be stout against the run, someone needs to punch Kittle in the face, yada, yada, yada. We can live with 2 out of 3.

But, two things MUST happen on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers needs to play his best football of the season. From the 1st quarter to the last, Rodgers needs to lead. Second, Matt Lafleur and his staff cannot be outcoached this time around. We can't wait 2 quarters to figure shit out and we can't get shutdown in the second half. It is Double Jeopardy and we are all-in.

I’m a Packer’s fan but, as has been pointed out, Pettine is no match for Shanahan, despite the fact that the Packers have good talent on defense. He’s too predictable, an easy puzzle to solve for sharp minds.

I'm a life-long Niners' fan.
Anyone saying that the Packers have "no chance" is an idiot.
I think the Niners have a better than 50/50 shot, but the previous game has very little, if any, bearing on this game.
Counting out Aaron Rodgers would be stupid.
Plus, anything can happen. We've already seen that.
And, Garoppolo may "decide" to throw you some picks. He can be very good, but he's no Rodgers, and he throws a lot of turnovers.
I hope the Niners don't subconsciously get over-confident, based on the earlier game.
I don't think they will. The Falcons beat us, and the Packers are a much better team. Niner players know that.

"analytics people"

Analytics are fine but in the NFL the sample size is too small for them to have the weight they hold in the MLB.

We'll see Sunday Evening what happens and everything else until then is just talk, that's the beauty of football.

I see a team that cares about each other And is progressively getting better Almost every week. Sure we’ve been winning games ugly this year but in almost every game we were the ones driving the car and if you want to win a Super Bowl you better be driving the car. I sure hope our new sheriff and his deputy Aaron Rodgers and come up with a few tricks this weekend and our Improved-defense can put a few speed bumps in the road for the 49’s.

we have had trouble defending moderate to good tight ends. Kittle did not even play the time they trounced us two months ago and he is world class and from madison wis atoo. how may i ask do we cover kittle let alone sanders and the quite amazing deebo? and then still stop their run? we have to play an absolutely perfect game to stand a chance and figure out how to cover a tight end in 4 more days.

The team that was the better QB always has a chance. GoPackGo.

It all comes down to giving Rodgers enough time to operate the offense, protecting the ball, and run blocking. Chargers and 49ers games were the two games that the opposing DL destroyed the packers' OL.

So if you want to gauge the packers' chance of winning, just watch how much pressure Rodgers is under.

I really do like how underestimated the packers are. It doesn't hurt to have the other team phone it in, and not prepared for a game.

We can get to jimmy g. And we have to actually catch the interception he throws our way, cus odds are he will. Quick passes and fake jet sweeps to keep them on there toes. Both of our backs can catch. I hope lafleur has been saving aaron jones as a receiver for this game. Its gonna be hard to pass block if we dont get the run going. But Bulaga is better than Alex light. Alot of the great things about this packer team dont show up in pff. Hopefully there team chemistry and comradery take us to the super bowl. I think thats how u spell comradery.

We weren’t even supposed to be here so as far as I’m concerned, we’re playing with house money.

Titanic was unsinkable. The Jets in Super Bowl III. The Miracle On Ice. Buster Douglas. The 69 Mets.

Championship teams are forged in Championship games.

My main concern is that the 49ers may have the most physically dominating defense in the NFL, and a couple of months ago they really gave the Packers a smackdown that was humbling to the verge of humiliating.
Yet I think the Packers can win Sunday.
While our guys have to play tougher football this time -- I think the key is not in trying to outmuscle the 49ers, but in outsmarting them.
* Vary the formations, the motions, the parts of the field, and the players getting the ball.
* Design plays for Aaron Rodgers to get the ball out quick; yet also take a couple or more deep shots to Lazard with his height; MVS with his speed; and Davante with his all-around greatness.
* Weather the early storm of noise and enthusiasm with no turnovers and solid play on special teams.
* If there is a third-and-long in the first quarter, roll out Rodgers and throw one of those aforementioned deep balls. Send two guys deep and target the one in single coverage. Have MVS running a deep inward slant from the other side of the field.
An interception is similar to a punt, especially if we trail a couple of other receivers to be ready to make a tackle. By rolling out, it's easier to throw the ball away in trouble.
* Try a trick play or two, which at least keeps the defenders honest.
* Don't get too high or low, and play it through to the very end.
* Enjoy the moment, soak in the surroundings, take a deep breath, and play in such a way as to have no regrets.
Some of these things are obvious; but much of life is reminding ourselves of the basics when we're ready to panic.
Finally, football is a funny game as far as the unexpected. The opportunities flutter through the air and bounce on the ground in mysterious ways.
Pounce on the opportunities into the last second, and unto the Super Bowl.

Rodgers said on draft day that the 49 ers will be sorry they didn’t draft him, well Aaron remind them Sunday please.

I don't think some of you remember the game as well as I do I keep hearing talks about the def when it was the off that didn't show up the 49ers didn't score a TD until 1 minute left in the first half the first TD was totally on the offense from that fumble it was the same thing against the Chargers the def kept holding them to FGs until the dam finally broke,

The same alleged pundits who are giving the Packers no chance are the same pundits who up until last weekend were giving the Ravens are 44% chance to win the SB. Where are they now???

If any team has no chance why do they play the games? The Packers were 13-3 during the regular season, they earned the #2 seed and were a terrible non-PI call from the #1 seed. Then they defended their home turf in the divisional round against Seattle and here they are as deserving as any other team in the league and with as good a chance as any team remaining despite what the media/clickbait airheads are writing or saying.

Look at it this way, what does the NFL care about the most? Revenues from TV ratings. What are the 2 weeks between this Sunday's games and the SB all about? Ratings for all the "pundit" shows and getting fans hyped for the game so the maximum number of TVs are viewing the Super Bowl. That scenario requires compelling story lines.

Look at the Titans, besides Derrick Henry and a little bit about Tannerhill what story lines do they bring to the SB? Plus they are the smallest fan base team remaining in the playoffs.

Now look at the Chiefs, Andy Reid with a chance to win his first SB after all these years, Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, all kinds of weapons, the Chiefs first SB appearance in 50 years etc. Plus a larger fan base than the Titans, although still a relatively small fan base.

NFC, look at the 49ers. Garopolo, Kittles, Deebo Samuels, Bosa, Dee Ford, good defense, great job by GM John Lynch and a large West Coast fan base.

Finally the Packers, 1st year HC reaching the SB, Aaron Rodgers with a chance to win another SB, Aaron Jones, Z. Smith snubbed, Preston Smith, and a national fan base. The only team remaining in the playoffs with a national TV audience.

So what is the best scenario for the NFL's biggest show of the season? Which matchup provides the best storylines and probably the highest TV ratings for the next 2 weeks? Chiefs versus Packers!!! Think about it, the NFL has been leveraging their 100 year anniversary all season. A rematch of Super Bowl 1 ties it all together. Add in a first year HC versus the most experienced HC left in the playoffs, plus Aaron Rodgers trying to win his second SB, plus the Chiefs offense against the Smiths and the Packers defense. Plus going back to the roots of the first SB and talking about Lombardi and Lamar Hunt and on and on it goes.

Beyond that Chiefs/Niners, OK but the big storyline there is does Andy Reid finally win an SB? After that it's just about the matchups. Titans/Niners? Storyline is the Titans as a cinderella team and can the 49ers stop Derrick Henry? But who is listening or is watching besides the 4 or 5 Titans fans? Packers/Titans storyline, first year HC and Rodgers trying for his 2nd SB versus can the Packers stop Derrick Henry?
With a national fan base the Packers with Rodgers will deliver solid ratings but no matchup will deliver the same storylines or the same level of ratings as Packers/ Chiefs. It's just not there.

If you don't think this matters to the league officials in NY just think about last season's championship weekend. First the Chiefs beat themselves with a stupid offsides penalty and then the non-PI call in the Rams/Saints game. What does the NFL get, Pats/Rams Super Bowl, two large fan bases, East coast versus West Coast, Belichick and Brady again, etc... Rather than NO versus KC, two regional fan base teams from the middle of the country.

Then there is the Vegas side of thing and which two teams will deliver the most action on the Super Bowl, but that's for another post. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

Kittle won’t be a problem to cover if Jimmy G doesn’t have time to throw to him, Z Smith from the middle with Gary rushing in too might be the plan.

This game reminds me of the 1996 playoff game against SF. The Packers under Mike Holmgren was to face the highly rated SF 49ers. The Pack was given “little” chance to even make it a game. But no football pundits had a clue of the genius defensive CO Fritz Shurmur game plan that was to unfold. The 49ers QBd by Steve Young, was in the midst of perfecting the West Coast offense. Precise short routes, mixed with a sound running game was superior for the times.

I remember how pessimistic everyone was about the inevitable outcome of the game ..the Packers were going to be trounced.

Shurmur put together a game plan that was AMAZING. He knew that if he let Young read his defense ... the Packers would be annihilated. So he devise a game plan that would literally change defenses on every play. Sometimes he’d employ a 3-3-5, then a 4-2-5, them maybe a 3-2-6.... it was poetry to watch...the Pack pulled off an Amazing upset. The 49ers were so stunned after the game the offensive SF team asked what KIND OF DEFENSE did the Packers use!

So have faith..other innovations have occurred with teams to defeat formidable odds.

One more example... the Vikings were odds on favorites to beat The Dolphins in Super Bowl VIll. Even though Miami was repeating in Super Bowl appearance.... the Vikings “Purple People Eaters” lead by a super defensive lineman -Alan Page, Page was considered to be UNSTOPPABLE (sound like Nick Bosa?) !!!

The Dolphins' game plan on offense was to use misdirection, negative-influence traps, and cross-blocking to exploit the Minnesota defense's excellent pursuit. Page was hit from all angles. Miami’s linemen would let Page think that he was blowing by his counterpart..lol just to be nailed by a cross blocking pulling lineman...the plan was executed with perfection. Miami went on to win 24-7.

So have faith, sit back..and watch the Pack make an upset for this decade, GO PACK!

I will predict a "Philly Special" for Aaron Rodgers at some point in this game.

Out a little further on the limb, I say it will be in the second quarter.

Book it.

Greetings Packers fans. First time poster to the site. I live in Marin County, CA just a few miles north of San Francisco, and it’s been amusing to hear all of the sports talk radio hosts and callers-in talking about how well the 49ers will match up against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. As if Green Bay is a mere annoyance to be dispensed with en route to the inevitable. Shanahan is saying all the right things about focus and going “1-0” but let’s hope the players have the same mindset at does the chattering class!

It's why you play the game. Anything can happen. Pressure effects different people different ways. Who knows who will be in 'the zone' on an any given Sunday.

Sure, the NFL wants Niners vs Chiefs, its the hot matchup. But watch out for the rules committee if it turns out to be Titans vs Packers.

Come Monday morning it will be down to two. Why not the Packers?

Poll Question: Is this Sunday's game going to end up the latest of a long string of 'almost, but self imploded' NFC Championship losses, or a statement win to kick off a new Packer's era of dominance?

The Packers just need to keep this thing close till the 4th quarter. All the pressure is on SF, and if it's close then, that lump in their throat will begin to grow. All you can ask of the Pack is to play soundly, and protect the ball. If they get beat because SF is the better team on Sunday, that is a result I think most of us can accept.

Time to quit talking and unleash the hounds on these west coast punks!

Go Pack!

I would feel better about the game if more of our receivers would step up!! We have Adams, and??? That's the big thing here, where has Geronimo Alison been the whole season?? Don't get me wrong, it's been a great season for the Pack, we swept the whole division! But they will put R. Sherman on Adams and then what?? Valdes Scandling also? A.R is not going to have time looking for some of our unheard from receivers to get open. I just hope that Rogers can walk out of the game, and not get carried out!