Big, bad Aaron Rodgers in the freezing cold. What else could we ask for? The Green Bay Packers host the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field on Saturday night, and single-digit temperatures is something to keep in mind as we discuss player props and touchdown scorer bets for this NFC playoff clash.
The cold tends not to lend itself to gaudy passing statistics (don’t tell Josh Allen). Per oddsboards around the betting marketplace, the Packers are the biggest favorites of the Divisional Round. With 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo avoiding the injury report, though, the consensus point spread moved from Green Bay -6 to -5.5.
If Rodgers is able to force the 49ers to play from behind, they will struggle. The 49ers, though, will look to keep the ball in low-risk situations with creative running schemes featuring Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel.
It’s a fantastic weekend for sports betting. We have UFC 270 and two days of amazing NFL games. This makes it even more important to follow the advice of Furio from The Sopranos …. “Bet with your head, not over it.”
49ers vs. Packers Anytime TD Scorer Props
George Kittle Anytime TD Scorer +190 (FanDuel)
It’s been struggle city for George Kittle over the past four weeks, but I am buying the dip. Here are his stats from the three weeks prior to this recent slump.
Week 15: 6 receptions, 93 yards
Week 14: 13 receptions, 151 yards 1 TD
Week 13: 9 receptions, 181 yards, 2 TDs
The role and potential are there for Kittle. He needs the targets and game plan focused on him a bit more to make it happen. Deebo has gotten all of the love in San Fran, but what about Kittle? Y’all must’ve forgotten!
Elijah Mitchell Anytime TD Scorer +120 (PointsBet)
Mitchell was rescued from football obscurity this year. The 49ers selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, three rounds later than Trey Sermon, but he has stolen the starting job. Mitchell is the key to keeping this game within striking distance. He needs to hit the holes and work with Samuel to keep the ball out of Rodgers’ hands. A goal-line touchdown is well within reach in this extremely cold affair.
49ers vs. Packers Player Prop Bets
AJ Dillon Over 40.5 Rushing Yards -115 (DraftKings) | Over 10.5 Rush Attempts +100 (DraftKings)
Teased in this week’s edition of the Gaming Today Playbook, AJ Dillon is a gift that keeps on giving. In chilly Green Bay, we should see a run-heavy approach from the Packers. Dillon has surpassed both of these numbers with ease the last two games.
George Kittle Over 45.5 Receiving Yards -120 (PointsBet)
The second-best weapon on the 49ers, Kittle needs to be every bit of that and more this weekend. He is a bruising, powerful, and athletic tight end, and at plus-money, Kittle to go ‘over’ 45.5 yards is a fine bet.
Also read: 49ers-Packers ATS pick | Bengals-Titans props | 49ers-Titans Super Bowl?
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