Morris can play a major role in 49ers' rushing attack

Sky Sports Action, 1.15am Monday night

San Francisco's season has been derailed by a knee injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who spearheaded their run of six consecutive victories at the end of last season.

Most of the pre-season optimism has been extinguished by one win in their opening five matches and the fact they have conceded at least 24 points in each of those matches suggests there is not much going their way on the other side of the ball either.

They have been handed a 9.5-point start for their Week Six clash at Green Bay and a trip to Lambeau is usually a daunting prospect.

However, the Packers can hardly be content with the start they have made to the campaign either.

They needed an Aaron Rodgers-inspired miracle and 21 fourth-quarter points to beat Chicago and had some wayward Minnesota kicking to thank for earning them a tie against the Vikings.

A 22-0 win over Buffalo in their last home game has papered over the cracks that were exposed in humblings in Washington and Detroit - kicker Mason Crosby also missed four field goals against the Lions last week.

So their customary place among the NFC's elite is not guaranteed, but the handicap looks on the high side, particularly as Rodgers has been struggling with a knee injury.

The problem from a betting perspective though is that it is highly questionable whether the Niners can generate many points with Garoppolo's replacement CJ Beathard at the helm.

Their running back Matt Breida is also struggling with injury, so that points to former Cowboys rusher Alfred Morris having a busy evening.

He can perform well against a team who have conceded five rushing touchdowns this season and it would be no great surprise if he pushed his frame over the line at some juncture.

Recommendation
A Morris to score a touchdown
1pt 13-8 Hills

The lowdown

Venue Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Surface Grass
Weather Clear, 3C
Vegas handicap San Francisco +9.5
Vegas points line 46.5

Team news

San Francisco
Wide receiver Trent Taylor is doubtful with a back injury and running back Matt Breida will undergo a late fitness test on his shoulder problem.
Green Bay
Guard Justin McCray (shoulder) is rated questionable while wide receiver Randall Cobb (hamstring) will be tested prior to kick-off. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not featured on the injury report but is expected to play with a knee brace.

Key stat
The points total has gone over the line in seven of San Francisco's last eight games and in five of Green Bay's last six.

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