49ers vs. Packers: 3 bold predictions, including final score and winner

2. A horrendous Jimmy Garoppolo interception late seals the 49ers’ fate

Last week saw Garoppolo nearly give the game away to Dallas in the final frame. A pair of bad throws late almost allowed the Cowboys to come back and win that one. Unfortunately, Dak Prescott slid the Cowboys out of the playoffs after one horrendous play call. As for the 49ers, they are playing a team that is not as likely to beat itself in a big-time spot with the season on the line.

Garoppolo will do a fine job leading this 49ers offense for the first three quarters. He will do more than hold his own to keep pace with the presumptive repeat NFL MVP. Sadly, there will be a play where he tries to force it to either Deebo Samuel or George Kittle. The result will be an atrocious pick that will come at the worst possible time for San Francisco. It will seal their postseason fate.

1. Aaron Rodgers beats 49ers in postseason for first time in his illustrious career

If Green Bay wants to win this game, Rodgers has to be the one to get the Packers over the top.

It has not happened before, but old narratives die hard on Saturday in the NFL. After seeing the Cincinnati Bengals get their first road playoff victory in franchise history, all Rodgers has to do is beat the 49ers at home to get back to the NFC Championship Game. Unfortunately, he has never beaten his childhood favorite team in three chances in the postseason. Saturday is when it ends.

Rodgers will play a cool, calm and collected game as the Packers quarterback. He will not overdo it, but he will do more than enough to lift his team to victory. Unlike his counterpart Garoppolo, Rodgers will not try to force things. A bad pick by Garoppolo results in a 10-point swing. That is what proves to be the difference in this one, as Rodgers has finally slayed his NFC playoff dragon.

Prediction: Packers 31, 49ers 21.