The San Francisco 49ers (4-5) are clinging to life in the NFC playoff picture and will need a great effort on the road against the Green Bay Packers (5-4) Sunday.  Both teams are coming very strong defensive performances, but the 49ers were basically handed the game last week against the Bears where Jay Cutler threw 5 interceptions.  The Packers nearly shut out a very good offensive team in the Dallas Cowboys, so the 49ers offense better have a good game-plan ready against an aggressive Packers defense.  I don’t see Alex Smith having that a strong of a game in this one, as he has struggled the past three weeks and the Packers pass defense is ranked 6th in the league.  What Smith needs to do is not turn the ball over and let the running game attack.  If Smith can provide enough production without turning the ball over, it will open things up for Frank Gore and the 49ers will have a chance at winning.

Don’t expect another defensive game like last week, as the Bears offense played horrible.  The Packers are led by Aaron Rodgers who has proven he is one the top quarterbacks in the game.  Rodgers has already thrown for over 2,400 yards this season and has 17 touchdowns compared to only 5 interceptions.  Rodgers gets very little protection though, so the 49ers will be able to get some sacks on him.  If that can lead to some turnovers for the 49ers, they will have a great opportunity to win the game.  The 49ers need to be ready for Packers’ running back Ryan Grant too.  Grant hasn’t been great this year, but he is a strong and effective runner who is averaging 4.2 yards per carry.  The 49ers will have a chance but I think Rodgers is too good, and the 49ers don’t get enough out of Smith at quarterback, so I’m taking the Packers in this one.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Green Bay Packers 31, San Francisco 49ers 21