49ers: Emmanuel Sanders will be a huge difference maker versus Packers

The San Francisco 49ers would be wise to heavily involve Emmanuel Sanders in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game as the veteran wideout could be a massive difference-maker.

With their first two rounds of the playoffs out of the way, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Green Bay Packers this Sunday in the NFC Championship game. If the team would like to continue their championship run, involving wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders would benefit greatly as he has an advantage.

Since being acquired by the 49ers from the Denver Broncos in late October, Sanders’ contributions have been fairly stellar every game. As a chance to go on to the Super Bowl resides on a win against the Packers, the receiver could be the difference-maker in the game.

Though the 49ers cruised past the Packers in a 37-8 victory during their regular-season matchup, Emmanuel Sanders’ had a minimal contribution.

Hauling in a single catch for 15 yards, San Francisco mostly stuck to the ground game as Green Bay could not stop the run. With a regrouped team coming to town looking to stop that ground game, Jimmy Garoppolo should look to find his wide receiver.

Averaging 48.6 yards per game to go along with five receptions per game, the 32-year-old has proven he can produce for a contender like the 49ers.

Having very little team success as a member of the Denver Broncos since their Super Bowl win in 2016, Sanders has rejuvenated himself in this new setting. Playing in the postseason for the first time in almost four years, it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

Sanders has done nothing but produce in 11 games with the team, and things should be no different this Sunday in the NFC Championship game. Going up against the Packers’ young cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, Sanders has a veteran advantage.

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With Alexander being 22-years-old and King 24-years-old, both are very young players in this league, giving the 32-year- old wide receiver a massive edge even though Alexander is quickly becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.

Exposing this early would likely benefit San Francisco as they perform best when Sanders has the ball in his hands. Green Bay may have a rejuvenated defense compared to past seasons, but this is the first trip to the postseason for both young cornerbacks, leaving them with a lack of experience.

Sanders could absolutely be a massive difference-maker in a game of this magnitude. The Packers will likely have their hands full with tight end George Kittle, opening the door for more opportunities for the wide receiver to shine.

With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, expect a huge game offensively as the veteran attempts to use his advantage of experience.