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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Kyle Shanahan-coached San Francisco 49ers started their 2021 NFL campaign on a positive note. The 49ers are without a defeat in their opening games with Jimmy Garoppolo as their starter. However, they will face a tough challenge when they host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers at the Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Packers registered a convincing 17-35 win over divisional rivals Detroit Lions last weekend. They will look to continue in the same vein when they go on the road to San Francisco in Week 3.

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Here’s a detailed look at both teams, along with injury updates and Week 3 Matchday predictions.

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NFL Preview

San Francisco 49ers look to continue winning run in Week 3

Despite the arrival of rookie Trey Lance in the summer, San Francisco 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan has backed Jimmy Garoppolo as starter in the build-up to Week 3 of the ongoing 2021 NFL season. The 49ers registered back-to-back wins over Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Jimmy G has repaid that faith up until now, throwing for 503 yards with 2 passing touchdowns in 2 games. Unlike last year, the 49ers have a fully-fit squad to choose from (barring Raheem Mostert). Expect the likes of George Kittle and others to trouble the Packers’ defense in front of home fans in the Bay.

Green Bay Packers eager to put behind disappointing Week 1 loss

After a disappointing opening week loss to New Orleans Saints, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers bounced back in Week 2 against Detroit. The reigning NFL MVP threw for 255 yards with 4 passing touchdowns last weekend. He will look to link up with Robert Tonyan and Davante Adams once again in Week 3.

ALSO READ – Bill Belichick to Bruce Arians: Tom Brady Explains His NFL Transition

NFL Preview: New England Patriots vs Las Vegas Raiders Injury Updates

San Francisco – Out

DT Kevin Givens – Ankle

RB JaMycal Hasty – Ankle

Questionable

DE Arik Armstead – Adductor

DT Javon Kinlaw – Knee

CB Emmanuel Moseley – Knee

Doubtful

RB Elijah Mitchell – Shoulder

Green Bay – Out

G Elgton Jenkins – Ankle

TE Dominique Dafney – Hip

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49ers vs Packers Prediction

San Francisco 49ers 23 – 33 Green Bay Packers

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USA Today via Reuters

This game is a rematch of the 2019 NFC Championship game which the 49ers eventually won. Knowing Aaron Rodgers and how he feels about losses, that defeat will still be fresh in his mind.

That should be motivation enough for the California-born veteran to put on a stellar display on the road. Can the Packers get vengeance for their 2019 heartbreak? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.

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Daniel Arambur

2,075 Articles

Daniel Arambur is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, bringing close to a decade of experience across sports media, digital strategy, and editorial operations. He covers trade rumors, game-day matchups, and long-form NBA features, with a particular knack for spotlighting underdog narratives and momentum-shifting storylines. A journalism graduate with a postgraduate certificate in Strategic Marketing and Communications from Conestoga College, Ontario, Daniel blends statistical context with sharp, opinion-led analysis. His professional journey spans content strategy, paid media, editorial oversight, and quality analysis, giving him a rare end-to-end understanding of how sports stories are researched, positioned, and delivered at scale. Over the years, he has worked across SEO-driven publishing, audience growth initiatives, and performance-focused editorial environments, sharpening his ability to balance speed with accuracy and depth. At EssentiallySports, Daniel applies this multifaceted background to NBA coverage that is informed, structured, and reader-centric. Known for his analytical clarity and narrative instinct, he approaches the league with a storyteller’s eye and a strategist’s discipline, consistently aiming to add perspective beyond the box score. Based in Ontario, a city once home to NBA champion Jamal Murray, he harbors a long-term ambition to sit down for an exclusive conversation with the hometown star.

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