If you’ve ever sat in the frozen metal bleachers at Lambeau Field or felt the expensive breeze at Levi’s Stadium, you know this isn't just another game. It’s personal.
Honestly, the San Francisco v Green Bay rivalry is basically the NFL's version of a prestige TV drama that never gets cancelled. One year you have the 49ers physically bullying the Packers in the trenches, and the next, Green Bay is dropping 38 points on a rainy Sunday to remind everyone they aren't going anywhere.
We just saw it again. On November 24, 2024, the Packers didn't just win; they dismantled a short-handed Niners squad 38-10. Josh Jacobs was playing like a man possessed, racking up three touchdowns and making a depleted San Francisco defense look completely human. But if you think that’s the final word, you haven’t been paying attention for the last thirty years.
The Playoff Curse That Won't Quit
You've heard the stats, right? Before that November blowout, the 49ers had a stranglehold on the postseason.
Poor Aaron Rodgers. The guy is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, a Green Bay legend, and yet he went 0-4 against his childhood team in the playoffs. It’s the kind of thing that keeps fans up at night. The 2021 Divisional Round was perhaps the peak of the "San Francisco v Green Bay" weirdness. Green Bay was the top seed. The game was in the snow. And yet, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown by the 49ers special teams basically ended the Rodgers era in the most heartbreaking way possible.
It's sorta funny how the roles flipped. In the 90s, it was Brett Favre and Mike Holmgren who owned Steve Young and George Seifert. The Packers knocked the Niners out three years in a row ('95, '96, '97).
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Then came "The Catch II." Terrell Owens in 1998. That one play changed the physics of the rivalry.
Why the 2024 Blowout Actually Mattered
When the Packers won 38-10 recently, it felt like a fever dream for 49ers fans. Brandon Allen was starting at QB because Brock Purdy’s shoulder was acting up. Christian McCaffrey was held to just 31 rushing yards.
That doesn't happen. Like, ever.
Green Bay’s defense, led by Xavier McKinney—who seems to have a magnet in his gloves this season—just feasted. McKinney picked off a pass that basically sucked the life out of the Niners' sideline.
But here’s the thing about San Francisco v Green Bay: the regular season is just a dress rehearsal. The Niners still lead the all-time playoff series 6-4. Even with the 2024 regular-season loss, Kyle Shanahan has historically had Matt LaFleur’s number when the stakes are highest.
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The Chess Match: Shanahan vs. LaFleur
It’s no secret these two are friends. They worked together. They know each other's favorite play-call on 3rd-and-short.
That’s what makes the tactical side of this so stressful to watch. When you see Jordan Love drop back, he’s looking for those intermediate crossers that LaFleur loves. On the other side, Shanahan is trying to find a way to get George Kittle matched up against a linebacker who has no business being on him.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rivalry
Most fans think this is about "West Coast Offense" versus "Hard-Nosed Midwest Football."
That's a myth.
The reality is that both teams are built on the same foundation: outside zone runs and play-action brutality. The team that wins is usually the one that doesn't blink first on special teams. Just look at the 2023 Divisional Round. The Niners were down late, it was pouring rain, and Purdy had to lead a 69-yard drive to save the season. McCaffrey punched it in with about a minute left.
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- The Quarterback Gap: In the most recent matchups, Jordan Love has looked increasingly comfortable. He’s not Rodgers, but he’s "Gunslinger 2.0."
- The Health Factor: The 49ers’ 2025-2026 outlook has been plagued by the "Super Bowl Hangover" and a ridiculous number of injuries to guys like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
- The Home Field: Lambeau in January is a different planet. Levi's Stadium in October is a corporate gala. The environment matters.
What’s Next for San Francisco v Green Bay?
We are looking at a 2026 schedule where the 49ers are finishing third in the NFC West, meaning their road ahead is a bit of a maze. The league’s rotation means they won't necessarily meet every year unless the playoff gods intervene—which, let's be real, they usually do.
The Packers are currently sitting in a window where their young receivers (Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft) are hitting their prime. Meanwhile, the 49ers are trying to figure out how to keep their aging core together under a tightening salary cap.
If you're betting on the next meeting, watch the injury report. Specifically the offensive line. When Trent Williams is healthy, the 49ers are almost impossible to stop. When he’s out? The Packers' pass rush, led by Rashan Gary, becomes a nightmare.
Your Game Day Cheat Sheet:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: In the last five meetings, the winner has won the turnover battle four times.
- The 3rd Quarter Surge: Green Bay has a habit of coming out flat after halftime against the Niners; if they can break that trend, they're dangerous.
- The Kittle Factor: George Kittle has more receptions against the Packers than almost any other non-divisional opponent. He’s the "Packer Killer" for a reason.
Stop looking at the jersey colors and start looking at the line of scrimmage. That’s where this rivalry is won. Whether it's a 3-point nail-biter or a 28-point blowout, San Francisco v Green Bay remains the most reliable drama in professional sports.
Keep an eye on the 2026 Wild Card standings. If the Niners end up as a 6-seed and have to travel to a 3-seed Green Bay, grab your popcorn. History says it's going to be weird, cold, and probably decided by a kicker.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're tracking this rivalry for 2026, prioritize following the "Third-Place Schedule" updates. Since San Francisco finished third in the NFC West, they are locked into playing the third-place finisher from the NFC North. Monitor the health of Brock Purdy’s throwing shoulder and Jordan Love’s pocket poise, as these two are set to define the next decade of this clash.