WHERE: Lambeau Field
WHEN: 10 a.m. PT TV: FOX RADIO: KNBR 680/1050 AM, 107.7 FM
THE LINE: Packers by 9? (41 total)
THE SERIES: Green Bay leads, 33-26-1. The Packers have won seven straight overall and seven in a row at Lambeau dating back to 1996.
LAST MEETING: The 49ers nearly rallied from a 20-point, fourth-quarter deficit before falling short in a 30-24 loss at Green Bay on Nov. 22, 2009. Trailing 30-10, QB Alex Smith threw TD passes to TE Vernon Davis and RB Frank Gore to pull San Francisco within six points with 5:56 remaining. But the Niners couldn't get the ball as Green Bay's offense, which collected 484 yards, ran out the clock on a 10-play drive.
INJURY REPORT
49ERS: K Joe Nedney (right knee) and T Joe Staley (fibula) are out; CB Will James (concussion) is doubtful; C David Baas (concussion), LB Parys Haralson (ankle) and CB Shawntae Spencer (quadriceps) are questionable; WR Josh Morgan (shoulder) and RB Brian Westbrook (ankle) are probable.
PACKERS: CB Patrick Lee (ankle) is out; S Atari Bigby (hamstring) and S Anthony Smith (ankle) are doubtful; T Bryan Bulaga (ankle), T Chad Clifton (knee), S Nick Collins (shoulder), DE Cullen Jenkins (calf), WR Greg Jennings (foot), LB Clay Matthews (shin), RB Dimitri Nance (concussion), DE Ryan Pickett (ankle) and CB Charles Woodson (toe) are probable.
SPOTTING TRENDS
49ERS (4-7): The Niners have invested heavily in their offensive line - four of today's five projected starters were among the top 39 picks in the draft since 2005. And their investment paid off last week as the front five allowed one sack and paved holes for 261 rushing yards, the 49ers' most since 2006. But the Packers aren't the talent-poor, injury-ravaged and dispirited Cardinals. Led by the NFL's sack leader, LB Clay Matthews (11?), Green Bay has 31? sacks, which is tied for fifth in the NFL. The Packers can come in waves - they are one of three teams with two five-sack games and have had at least four sacks on four occasions. QB Troy Smith, sacked six times two weeks ago against Tampa Bay, may be running for his life, but the backfield duo of Brian Westbrook and Anthony Dixon could find a few holes. Green Bay ranks 18th in the NFL in rushing defense and has allowed two 100-yard rushers in its past five games after not allowing a running back to hit the century mark in 19 straight contests.
PACKERS (7-4): The 49ers know what's coming. But do they have the talent - or manpower - to stop it? The pass-happy Packers trot out five wide receivers on occasion and four of them already have at least 34 catches this season. Green Bay hasn't had four wide receivers grab at least 35 receptions in a season in franchise history. The aerial attack is led by QB Aaron Rodgers, who has completed 75 percent of his passes with eight TDs and no INTs while averaging 311.3 yards in his past three games. The Niners limp in with a secondary featuring CB Shawntae Spencer, who is questionable with a quad injury. In addition, third CB Will James is doubtful with lingering effects from a concussion. Given Green Bay's receiver-heavy sets and the injury situation, rookie CB Phillip Adams, a seventh-round draft pick, will likely see his most extensive playing time for San Francisco.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We enjoy our home-field advantage, and I think we're a little bit better equipped than most teams coming in with dealing with the weather."
- Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
KEY MATCHUPS
RT Anthony Davis vs. LB Clay Matthews The 49ers have indicated they'll give the rookie more blocking assistance today. He'll likely need it against the NFL's sack leader.
WR Michael Crabtree vs. CB Charles Woodson Crabtree is trying to establish himself as a top NFL wideout. Woodson is establishing his candidacy for Canton.
LB Patrick Willis vs. QB Aaron Rodgers To have any hope, the Niners will have to rattle Rodgers. Willis (career-high 5 sacks) specializes at that type of thing.
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