The San Francisco 49ers are set to visit Lambeau Field this weekend for a crucial Week 12 showdown against the Green Bay Packers. Which five players could pose the biggest threats to a 49ers victory?
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love may not be having the same spectacular season as he did in 2023, but his big arm and considerable playmaking abilities remain the same. Love is not a dink-and-dunk quarterback. The Packers' offense runs screens and play-action passes well. Expect Love to attempt to move the ball downfield with explosive throws to his pass catchers.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is the Packers' version of last season's Christian McCaffrey. He's a threat as a runner and pass catcher out of the backfield. The Packers rank fourth in rushing yards per game, averaging 149.9 yards. If the 49ers sell out against the run, expect Jacobs to be a threat as a checkdown out of the backfield, giving the 49ers defense a considerable problem and possibly an extra long day.
WR Christian Watson
Christian Watson is the Packers' most explosive receiver. He averages 19.1 yards per reception and is the third-leading receiver in yards on the Packers with 383. His ability to stretch the field makes him a threat throughout. This season's longest reception for Watson is a 60-yard pass. The 49ers must eliminate the deep pass and explosive plays downfield to keep Watson and the Packers at bay.
S Xavier McKinney
Xavier McKinney is the newest addition to the Packers' secondary. He leads the team in interceptions with six (second-most in the NFL), 32 tackles, and seven pass deflections. McKinney is a ball-hawking dog lurking and waiting for a quarterback to make a mistake. The 49ers must beware of Xavier McKinney.
DL Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark is a force up the middle. He will look to plug the gaps in the 49ers' run game. Clark has 20 total tackles on the season with 11 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Clark's ability to shed blocks, rush the passer, and stop the run makes him a threat.