With the Divisional Round of the 2023 NFL playoffs starting up this weekend, it’s time to start looking at the different DFS slates and which players line up best for us this week. You’ve got the Saturday-only slate nearing or you can do the full weekend and play the four-game DFS slate. Either way, the Green Bay Packers facing the San Franciso 49ers with its 50.5 game total should have plenty of options. The Packers put on quite the show against the Dallas Cowboys last week and we expect to see Jordan Love shining bright once again, but can they withstand both the 49ers defense and one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL? Big points are coming so we need to identify from where if we want to cash in all of our DFS contests this week.

 

 

Packers vs 49ers Prediction: Christian McCaffrey Ends Packers Season

As much as I love a good feelgood story, this looks like it could be the end of the road for Green Bay. Matt LaFleur knows a ton about Kyle Shanahan’s tendencies as the two came up through the NFL ranks together and come from the same coaching tree, but Shanahan’s group has some ridiculous offensive firepower, most notably Christian McCaffrey. I expect a heavy rushing presence from San Francisco which will then help open up the passing attack. But how much passing with they really need. Love, on the other hand, should throw heavily which means he and his receivers may not win the game, but they can still put up some strong totals. We’ve seen teams throw successfully against San Francisco, so don’t rule them out even if you believe they will lose, as I do.

Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

  • Spread: 49ers -9.5
  • Moneyline:
    • Packers (+350)
    • 49ers (-450)
  • Total: 46.5
  • Weather: Possible rain leading onto the game, but nothing major

Packers vs. 49ers Injury Report:

Green Bay Packers

San Francisco 49ers

Best DFS Picks for Packers vs. 49ers:

Christian McCaffrey, RB San Francisco 49ers

Not sure if you really need analysis here as McCaffrey is going to be locked into the majority of lineups this weekend. The Packers ranked 26th in DVOA against the run, gave up the fifth-most rushing yards per game this season and allowed 15 rushing touchdowns. We also know how active McCaffrey is in the passing game, so get ready to make some lineup adjustments around his salary this week.

Jordan Love, QB Green Bay Packers

As I said up above, with my expectation that the 49ers will jump out to a lead and ultimately win this game, it puts Love in a must-pass situation. He’s been on a fantastic tear since Week 11, but even better has been the way he’s closed out the season and opened the playoffs. Over the last five games, Love has averaged 269.4 passing yards per game with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. We’ve see the 49ers secondary vulnerable at times this season, so look for Love to try and capitalize.

Deebo Samuel, WR San Francisco 49ers

He was an absolute beast to close out the season – nine touchdowns over the final seven games, though you can throw the Week 18 game out the window since he barely played – and we expect to see him leaned on heavily again in this match-up. The Packers defense is banged up and with the way he is moved around the field, coverage match-ups are going to be tough for the Packers. He also has that rushing upside too, so happy to lock him into lineups for sure.

Romeo Doubs, WR Green Bay Packers

He’s been the go-to guy for Jordan Love recently, as Jayden Reed has been banged up lately, and we expect another lean on him. He went from being a four-catch, 50-yard guy to flashing 100-yard effort potential and should continue to be a strong target throughout. Again, with Love throwing heavily, the Packers will need to mix in all their guys and Doubs sits atop that group right now.

Jayden Reed, WR Green Bay Packers

If he were 100-percent healthy, I would have locked him in before Doubs, but he’s still dealing with that chest issue and took a step back last week. If he’s good to go this week, I’m definitely going to have exposure as he truly became a favorite target during this outstanding run for Love. He’s probably going to be a little chalky once late-week practice reports put him on the field as a full-participant, so keep that in mind.

Other DFS Picks for Divisional Round:

Brock Purdy, QB San Francisco 49ers

The only reason I don’t have him in as a “best pick” is because the 49ers are likely to lean more heavily on the run. That should obviously open things up for the passing game more and he’s got elite-level weapons, but if there is no major need to throw, Shanahan will likely hold him back a little bit. The Packers are going to try and be more aggressive with their pass-rush, so the best way to neutralize is to run it right at them. Consider Purdy more of a contrarian play at his price, so if you feel like they’re just going to roll over the Packers and Purdy will be equally involved, then get him in there.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR San Francisco 49ers

A strong player, but similar to the write-up on Purdy, I just don’t know if the 49ers really need to throw heavily. That could limit Aiyuk’s overall production. I think he still sees solid target numbers and could even get into the end zone, but I’m not sure I see massive totals coming from him this week. Deebo is my first choice and Aiyuk is more of a contrarian play.

Aaron Jones, RB Green Bay Packers

Jones had a huge game last week in the win over Dallas, but the 49ers run defense has been one of the best all year, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards pr game all season. The Packers should lead with the run early to at least try and establish something, but I’m not sure he sees a ton of success. The good news for him is that AJ Dillon is still dealing with a neck issue, so the short-yardage and goal-line work will likely stay with him.

George Kittle, TE San Francisco 49ers

The Packers have been middle-of-the-road, at best, against the tight end this season, but as we’ve watched, Purdy is looking for Deebo and Aiyuk a lot more. Kittle still sees a decent number of targets and always has big-play ability, but we’re still paying up for his name and not his production.

Christian Watson, TE Green Bay Packers

He’s a great deep threat who can stretch the field vertically. He just needs to actually stay on the field. The injuries have been a major issue throughout his first two seasons, but if he’s healthy and playing a full complement of snaps, he should see some downfield targets the more the Packers have to throw.

Dontayvion Wicks, WR Green Bay Packers

Another great option, especially if Watson is out or limited in any way. Wicks has proven to be a strong red-zone option for Love down the stretch and should continue. If building multiple lineups, you’re going to want to have some exposure.

Luke Musgrave, TE Green Bay Packers

While Musgrave saw the same three targets Tucker Kraft saw last week, he played more snaps and was a lot more active throughout the game. He is the No. 1 tight end when healthy, so now that he had his first-game back already, we’re looking to get on-board here with Musgrave. The 49ers did rank well in DVOA against the tight end, but they allowed almost 13 fantasy points pr game to the position throughout the year.

DFS NFL Value Plays:

Elijah Mitchell, RB San Francisco 49ers

Mitchell routinely gets mixed in and Shanahan knows that, even if McCaffrey’s calf is fine, he’s going to want to keep him fresh and healthy for the full playoff run. If you’re looking to save salary with a dart-throw, perhaps getting some exposure here, especially on FanDuel as a flex, will be worth your while.

Tucker Kraft, TE Green Bay Packers

Well, he did see three targets last week. He’s not as exciting as Musgrave, but there is still some value to be had, especially in a match-up we expect the Packers to be throwing a bunch.

Jauan Jennings, WR San Francisco 49ers

Should the 49ers take their foot off the gas at all in the second half, maybe Jennings is worth a dart-throw on the two-game slate. You have to find savings somewhere.

More NFL Divisional Round DFS Game Breakdowns: