Packers vs 49ers Picks & Odds: San Francisco Favored In NFL Preseason Opener

The Green Bay Packers open their preseason schedule looking to tally their first August win on the road since 2017. Currently enjoying a 5-2 SU run in preseason action, San Francisco aims to pay out as a Packers vs 49ers prediction in Friday night’s matchup at Levi’s Stadium.

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Packers vs 49ers Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

San Francisco opened as a 3-point favorite, but has steadily faded as a popular Packers vs 49ers prediction to its current position as 1.5-point home chalk. The total made early gains, briefly rising to 33.5 before falling back to its Sportsbook position at 32.5. The UNDER has paid out in five of Green Bay’s past eight preseason games on the road.

Get the best 49ers vs Packers odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Packers Offense MIA During Preseason Road Slide

The Green Bay Packers topped the 2021 NFL standings with 13 wins, but have been a consistent preseason disappointment in recent years. That has been particularly true on offense. Green Bay averaged just seven points per game while losing all three of its 2021 August contests, and just 13 points per game during its current 0-6-0 SU run on the road in preseason action.

Backup quarterback Jordan Love is expected to get the start in Friday’s contest. Now entering his third NFL campaign, Love saw action in two of the team’s three August contests a year ago, connecting on 68.5% of pass attempts and one scoring toss. With most starters unlikely to see action, including recently acquired veteran receivers Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, look for rookie receiver and training camp standout Romeo Doubs to get a long look. 

The Trey Lance Era Set To Begin In San Francisco

Anointed as the team’s starting pivot for the upcoming season by head coach Kyle Shanahan, Trey Lance is expected to start in Friday’s matchup. Facing a dramatically improved 49ers defensive line, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has struggled at times during recent team drills before enjoying the benefit of seeing Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams, and Mike McGlinchey added to the mix.

However, how much action Lance sees on Friday remains uncertain. Shanahan has been vocal about his displeasure with the Niners’ preseason schedule that has the team playing three games in just 13 days, and has threatened to hold out his starters in those contests. If Shanahan remains true to his word, it will do little for sports bettors getting in on San Francisco as a Packers vs 49ers prediction.

Packers vs 49ers Pick & Insights

Packers: Keys To Cover

Jordan Love will likely be treating the preseason as an opportunity to strengthen his grasp on his role as backup, and raise his profile as a potential successor to Aaron Rodgers. While the Green Bay offense has struggled with injuries, the defense has reportedly enjoyed an impressive training camp.

However, there are still jobs to be won in the secondary, and the early-game performance of depth cornerbacks like Rico Gafford and Shemar Jean-Charles will be key to Green Bay’s chances as a Packers vs 49ers prediction.

49ers: Keys To Cover

The 49ers defensive line has not held back when facing Trey Lance in training camp drills. In addition to preparing their newly minted starter for the rigors of game action, it also leaves the Niners well positioned to spoil Love’s return to action.

However, the offensive line remains a work in progress. Aaron Banks can take a quantum leap towards nailing down a job as starting guard. And a strong performance from rookie guard Spencer Burford could be key to San Francisco paying out as a Packers vs 49ers pick.

NFL Computer Pick: Packers +2.5

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