Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers 8/12/22 - NFL Preseason Picks & Predictions

The Green Bay Packers visit Northern California on Friday to play the San Francisco 49ers in the opening game of the 2022 NFL preseason for both. Green Bay finished first in the NFC North last season at 13-4 and were 5-4 on the road. Aaron Rodgers returns as the starting quarterback for Green Bay but will not see any action on Friday. Starting running back Aaron Jones is not expected to play in Green Bay's opening preseason game. The Packers must replace departed wide receiver Davante Adams and will look at receivers Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs throughout the preseason

Green Bay's defense will have nose tackle Kenny Clark, flanked by Jarran Reed and rookie Devon Wyatt. Preston Smith and Rashan Gary will be the two edge rushers for the Packers while Gary will see more action during the preseason as a rookie. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell will be joined on the inside by Quay Walker. Green Bay secondary will be led by quarterback Jaire Alexander with help from Eric Stokes and Adrian Amos amongst others

The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2021 NFL regular season third in the NFC West at 10-7 and lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. San Francisco lost three starters - one on offense and two on defense to free agency. It appears as though Trey Lance will get his opportunity to start at quarterback for the 49ers ahead of veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who is on the trade block. Lance will have talented targets wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle, who last season combined for 148 receptions and 20 touchdowns.

San Francisco finished third in total defense last season and gave up the sixth fewest passing yards. San Francisco's secondary should be strong with the offseason signing of cornerback Charvarius Ward, Emmanuel Moseley and Ambry Thomas, while free safety Jimmie Ward is the only sure starter at safety. Most of San Francisco's front seven returns including pass rusher Nick Bosa, who had 15.5 quarterback sacks last season. Drake Jackson was drafted out of USC as an edge rusher and will form a part of a front four that includes Arik Armstead.