NFL Thursday Night Week 9: San Francisco 49ers vs Green Bay Packers Prediction and Analysis

The 2020 NFL season is not going as per plan for Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers. Last year’s Super Bowl runner-ups are dealing with a barrage of injuries in 2020. The latest players to be added to the list include first-choice quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the highest-paid tight end in the league, George Kittle.

On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers-led Green Bay Packers are having a bit of a ‘personnel problem’ of their own. The Wisconsin-based franchise will travel to San Francisco without RBs Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon who both tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. With both teams reeling with injury issues, what lies in store for fans on Thursday Night Football?

Here’s a detailed look at both teams, along with injury updates and Week 9 game day predictions.

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NFL Preview

San Francisco 49ers stuck in a full-fledged injury crisis

The 49ers succumbed to a disappointing 37-27 loss at the hands of Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks last weekend. That was their fourth loss of the season as they sit bottom of the NFC West Division table. The 49ers were already without Nick Bosa and Raheem Mostert before Week 8. They were dealt a massive blow with injuries to starters, Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle.

The Red and Gold will be underdogs heading into their home game on Thursday. Backup QB Nick Mullens is set to start his third game for the 49ers this season. Can Kyle Shanahan orchestrate a major upset at Levi’s Stadium in Week 9 with his second-string squad?

Aaron Rodgers-led Green Bay Packers looking to get back to winning ways

The Packers suffered a sour 22-28 loss at the hands of NFC North rivals, Minnesota Vikings, in Week 8. That was their second loss of the season. However, head coach Matt LaFleur and his players are not ready to press the panic button just yet.

They will start Week 9 with just two fit running backs in the form of Dexter Williams and Tyler Ervin. Aaron Rodgers will need to continue doing what he does best – improvise. WR Davante Adams will be the major target for ‘A-Rod’ against a strong 49ers defense. The absence of OT David Bakhtiari who is listed as ‘questionable’ could also come back to haunt the Packers.

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NFL Preview: San Francisco 49ers vs Green Bay Packers Injury Updates

San Francisco – Out

RB Tevin Coleman – Knee

LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles – Hamstring

QB Jimmy Garoppolo – Ankle

TE George Kittle – Foot

WR Deebo Samuel – Hamstring

Questionable

WR Richie James – Ankle

S Jaquiski Tartt – Groin

Green Bay – Out

CB Kevin King – Quadriceps

S Will Redmond – Shoulder

S Vernon Scott – Shoulder

RB AJ Dillon – COVID-19

RB Jamaal Williams – COVID-19

Questionable

T David Bakhtiari – Chest

S Raven Greene – Oblique

RB Aaron Jones – Calf

T Rick Wagner – Knee

49ers vs Packers Prediction

Sam Francisco 49ers 17 – 35 Green Bay Packers

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the dangerous Aaron Jones, we expect the boys from Green Bay to come away with a win on Thursday night. Aaron Rodgers is dangerous when his back is against the wall.

He is on track to challenge for the NFL MVP award this season, along with Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes. A dominant display in San Francisco on Thursday will get him one step closer to winning his third MVP title.

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