The postseason is rocketing toward a crescendo, and MDS enjoys a one-game lead with three to play because someone (i.e., me) foolishly believed the Vikings would beat the 49ers — and failed to surrender to the gut feeling that the Titans would beat the Ravens. This week, we disagree on one game. Which gives me [more]

Florio’s take: The 37-8 victory in Week 12 becomes a ball and chain for the 49ers this time around. Despite the margin, the game turned sharply against the Packers during a first half that featured dumb penalties, a very untimely fumble, a misguided decision to run from shotgun formation on fourth and one while down by only 10 points, and horrendous clock management near the end of the second quarter. If it’s a lot closer than 23-0 when the third quarter starts on Sunday, the Packers will have a very real chance to win — especially since Aaron Rodgers is keenly aware of his football mortality and Jimmy Garoppolo has the potential to make a critical mistake in crunch time. If the Packers can weather the early storm, they can steal a Super Bowl appearance late, setting up rematch of what was called at the time the AFL-NFL World Championship Game to cap the NFL’s 100th season.

Florio’s pick: Packers 24, 49ers 21.

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Mike Florio wrote:

Holy cow. Florio picks the Packers.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

We know he's a Vikings fan. He's simply trying to jinx the Packers.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 

I'm really surprised so many sports personalities are picking the Packers. Frankly I can't see the Packers winning unless if they have their best game of the last few years or if the 49ers don't completely suck it up. Not saying we don't have a chance, but there's a huge consistency and slight talent gap here and the Packers will need to leave it all on the field to advance to the super bowl.

Originally Posted by: Porforis