Matchup:
v. 
Green Bay Packers (0-0-0) v. San Francisco 49ers (0-0-0)
Location:
Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI)
Details:
Time: 3:25PM CST.
TV: FOX - Ch. 6 in Milwaukee, Ch. 47 in Madison, and Ch. 12 in Green Bay.
TV Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver.
Radio: Packers Radio Network - 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee, 1310/101.5 WIBA in Madison, and 1360/97.5/101.1 WTAQ in Green Bay.
Radio Announcers: Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren.
Weather: Mostly sunny, 68F at kickoff.
Line: Packers by 4.5
Random Fact: This is the fifth season in a row that the Packers have started their season with a nationally televised matchup.
Injury Report:
Packers
Out – RB James Starks (toe), LB Jamari Lattimore (ankle), CB Davon House (shoulder).
Probable – DT B.J. Raji (ankle), TE Tom Crabtree (shoulder), LB Robert Francois (hamstring), S Sean Richardson (hamstring), RB Alex Green (knee).
49ers
Questionable -- WR Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle), RB Brandon Jacobs (knee).
Storylines:
- The Unstoppable Force v. The Immovable Object: The Packers offense, lead by record-breaking MVP Aaron Rodgers, finished 1st in the NFL last season in scoring and featured the 3rd ranked passing attack. The dominating 49ers defense finished 2nd in the NFL last season in scoring and featured the 1st ranked passing defense. When these two units take the field, it'll be strength on strength. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
- The Afterthoughts: Despite the notoriety of the Packers offense and the 49ers defense, their opposing counterparts lack the same celebrated status. The Packers defense was horrendous last season, featuring the worst pass defense in NFL history. The 49ers offense was pedestrian at best, featuring a solid running game but an awful passing game. Both teams attempted to shore up these units through roster turnover, with the Packers dedicating their first six picks in the 2012 NFL Draft to defensive talent, while the 49ers made several free agent splashes in signing receivers Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. While these two units lack the same track record of success as their counterparts, they will likely be the deciding factor in this game.
- The Motivations: After going 15-1 in the 2011 Regular Season, the Packers were stunned at home by the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The following week, the 49ers lost to those same Giants in the NFC Championship game at home in overtime. Both teams were plagued by key turnovers in their respective losses, and both have a lot to prove this season. This is their first chance to redeem themselves, and they will come out motivated to do so.
- The Replacements: Simply stated, let's just hope that we forget that replacement officials are managing the game.
History:
- The Packers have won 8 in a row over the 49ers in Green Bay, 8 in a row overall, and 13 of the last 14.
- Last meeting:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eATwE9YT7Mw[/youtube]
A Reminder of What Could've Been:
Random Predictions:
- I predict that Cedric Benson and John Kuhn will each rush for a touchdown in this game.
- I predict that the Packers defense will force at least two turnovers.
- I predict that this game will be within a single score in the 4th Quarter.
- I predict that the Packers will win 24-14.
- I predict that Mike McCarthy will not whine about the strength of Jim Harbaugh's postgame handshake or back slap.
For Good Luck:
Go Pack:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oicSTRWH_i0[/youtube]
