We are just a few days removed from the San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers matchup that will take place on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 pm PT.
It will be a clash of two juggernauts in the NFC, possibly the best two teams in that conference.
There are pivotal questions both teams will have to answer.
For the Niners: Will Alex Smith build on last season after showing signs of the quarterback the team has been waiting to show up? Will Randy Moss really make a difference?
For the Packers it is one simple question: Will their defense, specifically the secondary, prevent the big passes and effectively defend big time receivers?
The Packers were excellent until the playoffs when the New York Giants burned them, but we can put that in the past now. They are bringing back the same core of cornerbacks and defensive men that struggled in 2011, so it will be interesting to see if the team can communicate better as they have another year playing together under their belt.
Aaron Rodgers could have been an even greater force had he not been sacked 41 times. So the offensive line has to step up as well.
When you take all these factors and issues the Packers still have in question, the 49ers are the favorite to walk out of Lambeau Field with the victory.
If in case Alex Smith cannot put points on the board through the air and march the team into the end zone consistently, then the 49ers still possess a running game. If the running game fails, then maybe the defense can get a pick-six and get the team on the board that way.
The 49ers have too many weapons and the additions of Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham make them a fearsome offensive ball club. If you gave Rodgers an offense with Frank Gore, Jacobs, Manningham, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and an aged Randy Moss, chances are he could probably put up 50 points a game.
If Alex Smith can have a better season than 2011, where he threw 17 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions, then the 49ers are in good shape.
Their defense will be tested on Sunday, but the Packers will have to go through Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith and the young group of talented corners of San Francisco.
All in all it will be a tight one, but the 49ers will walk out on top 31-24.