San Francisco’s defense is the best around and could prove too much even for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a specialist at humiliating great defenses. Rodgers, whom we had the pleasure to watch at Cal, will face the highest degree of difficulty in a few hours. And it is possible, indeed likely, the Packers’ offensive line cannot withstand Justin Smith and Aldon Smith — if Aldon Smith is healthy.

So, yes, I say the Niners win a close game, a surprisingly low-scoring game.

But there is something else. This game features two notable quarterbacks — notable for different reasons — going head to head. That would be Rodgers and Alex Smith. Both came out in 2005, Smith being the first player taken in the draft, Rodgers going low, for him, at No. 24.

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