NFL Playoffs Flashback: Five Legendary Moments From the Historic San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers Rivalry

The Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers are two of the most storied franchises in the NFL. With a combined 9 Super Bowl titles and 62 Hall of Famers, these teams have been fierce rivals as well, and this rivalry will be ignited once more this week. Before that, let us take a look at some of the historic matches and moments from their past. The Packers and the 49ers have clashed 72 times since 1950, with the Packers leading the series 38-33-1. However, some of their matchups stand out more than others. These games have drama, intensity, and significance!

The Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers have tales to tell

These old teams met several times during the inception years. However, gamesmanship morphed into rivalry in the 1990s. Both teams tussled for the NFC dominance with great players on their roster. So without further ado, here are the best 5 encounters:

The first playoff battle

It is shocking that since the inception of the NFL, it has taken 25 years for the Packers and the 49ers to face off in the playoffs. This game occurred during the 1995 divisional round. The defending champion 49ers were the favorites to win, and the Packers were considered minnows. However, the Packers shocked everyone with a 21-0 lead by the end of the second quarter. Eventually winning 27-17 and knocking out the 49ers in the process.

The Mud Bowl

A year later, after their first playoff clash, the teams met once again in the divisional round the very next year. This time around, the Packers were the favorites. However, this game is fondly remembered for the muddy conditions on the pitch created by the rain. Coincidentally, by the end of the second quarter, the Packers were once again leading by 21-0. However, the 49ers wrestled it back in the third quarter, with scores of 21-14. But the Packers put their stamp on it by winning the game 35-14.

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The Catch II

The rivalry was now set in stone. The Packers were the defending champions; they had already defeated the 49ers in the regular season. And their dominance looked unstoppable. But one legendary catch in overtime created history.

The 49ers were in the lead for most of the game. But the Packers had a miraculous fourth quarter, and with just two minutes to go, the Packers led 27-23. Then, with a fumble recovery and only 12 seconds to go, QB Steve Young threw a hail Mary pass toward WR Terrell Owens. And despite a ferocious tackle, Owens held onto the ball. Making it the first time the 49ers knocked out the Packers by 30-27.

The Colin Kaepernick game

Colin Kaepernick was the second-string QB for the 49ers in the 2012 season. But with an injury to QB1, he had taken over the reins. And he was all ready for this long-awaited clash after 11 years with the Packers.

The Packers gained a slim lead early in the game, but from there on, it was the Kaepernick show. Even though Aaron Rodgers was at the height of his powers, he couldn’t match them. With Kaepernick setting various rushing records in the game, the 49ers won 45-31.

The last-second field goal

This 2022 matchup was played under snowfall, and both teams showcased a defensive masterclass. And it was up to the special teams from both sides to make a difference. And that difference was made in the dying moments of the game.

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A low-scoring game was eventually decided by a field goal. With only a minute left of the clock, K. Robbie Gould scored a screamer from 45 yards out. And the 49ers won this wild card game 13-10 at Lambeau Field.

Which is your favorite moment from the history of the Packers vs. the 49ers? Let us know in the comments.