I predicted a win for this game and I'm sticking by that, though I won't be at all surprised if it is an "ugly" win. But it will be a win, because:
1. Rodgers will not get knocked out of the game in week one. I expect him to get hit a fair amount, and still lack confidence in this OL being good enough long term. But he'll last the first week.
2. Kaepernick will prove a non-factor. He might escape and run for a couple first downs, but that'll be it. Packers rush D will be stouter this year.
3. Pickett and Jolly will keep Frank Gore stuffed long enough for Rodgers to establish more than a touchdown lead, and therefore his number will be called less in the third and fourth quarter as SF plays catch-up.
What could keep it from being a win?
a. Frank Gore. This guy still doesn't get the respect he deserves, and I don't understand it. Even when the Packers have had a good run defense under McCarthy/Capers (which has been the case too seldom), it has taken a while to get established. It might not be there in week one against a hard-running back like Gore. Gore, not Kaepernick, is the guy that the Packers need to worry about most.
b. Boldin and Davis over the middle. Biggest weakness of the Packer defense last few years has been the mid-depth middle (8-20 yards out). If they haven't solved this problem Davis and Boldin will eat them up. And even if middle coverage has improved to where it should be, Boldin especially will make them pay for bad tackling technique.
c. Nnamdi Asomugha. Forget what he looked like with the dysfunctional Eagles. He's still got serious game, and if Rodgers goes his direction too often, he's going to get burned.
Prediction: Green Bay 30, San Francisco 20. Rodgers 3 TDs, 2 to Jones. Crosby 3-3 with a long of 56 to end the first half. Kaepernick, 27 yards gained rushing, 32 yards lost to 5 sacks, 1 fumble, 2 int. Matthews (2), Mulumba, D. Jones, Jolly with sacks; T. Williams and Francois with interceptions.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)