49ers Outlast Packers in High-Octane Season Opener

GREEN BAY, WI — The San Francisco 49ers opened their season with a statement, taking down the Green Bay Packers 35-28 in a rollercoaster showdown at Lambeau Field. Both teams traded blows in a game filled with highlight plays and clutch moments, but the 49ers came out on top thanks to timely execution on offense and critical defensive stops.

Game Recap

The Packers struck first late in the opening quarter, as Jordan Love connected with Jayden Reed for a 1-yard touchdown. The connection capped an efficient drive, giving the Lambeau crowd an early reason to cheer. “We wanted to come out and set the tone,” said Love. “It felt good to get into a rhythm early.”

San Francisco answered in the second quarter, leaning on their star players to take control. Christian McCaffrey knotted the game with a 7-yard touchdown run, following a bruising drive that wore down the Packers’ defense. “We pride ourselves on being physical,” McCaffrey said postgame. “Our guys in the trenches did the hard work, and I just finished the job.”

The 49ers took the lead moments later when Brock Purdy found Deebo Samuel Sr. in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown, sending the visitors into halftime with a 14-7 advantage.

The third quarter exploded with action. Purdy connected with Brandon Aiyuk on a 19-yard scoring strike to extend the lead to 21-7. Later in the quarter, Purdy added a 3-yard touchdown run, giving the 49ers a commanding 28-7 edge. However, the Packers weren’t ready to fold. Josh Jacobs ripped off a 64-yard touchdown run that electrified the Lambeau crowd and cut the deficit to 28-14. “That run was pure adrenaline,” Jacobs said. “I saw the hole and just hit it.”

The fourth quarter turned into a frantic battle. Love kept Green Bay’s hopes alive, tossing two touchdowns — an 8-yarder to Malik Heath and a deep 31-yard strike to Romeo Doubs. But it wasn’t enough to overcome a crucial 1-yard touchdown run by Isaac Guerendo late in the game, which ultimately sealed the 49ers’ victory. “We knew they wouldn’t make it easy,” said 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. “But this team thrives under pressure.”

Key Stats

Brock Purdy led the way for the 49ers, completing 20 of 33 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. He added a 3-yard rushing score to cap off an impressive dual-threat performance. Christian McCaffrey chipped in with 43 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while also catching six passes for 96 yards. Brandon Aiyuk hauled in six receptions for 72 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown that showcased his route-running precision.

For the Packers, Jordan Love delivered a standout performance, completing 23 of 33 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns. Josh Jacobs added fireworks on the ground with 74 rushing yards on just eight carries, highlighted by a 64-yard touchdown that brought the Lambeau crowd to its feet. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs each found the end zone, with Reed leading the team in receiving yards at 86.

Defensively, the 49ers were led by Javon Hargrave, who recorded 2.5 sacks, and Nick Bosa, who added another sack and a forced fumble. On Green Bay’s side, Preston Smith spearheaded the pass rush with two sacks, while Quay Walker contributed 1.5 sacks and brought consistent pressure throughout the game.

Injuries

No injuries were reported for either team, a rare but welcome outcome in a hard-hitting season opener.

Up Next

The 49ers (1-0) will return to Levi’s Stadium in Week 2 for their home opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the Packers (0-1) hit the road once more to face the Detroit Lions in a pivotal NFC North matchup.

The 49ers’ strong start to the season left no doubt about their championship aspirations, but Purdy remained humble in victory. “This is just the first step,” the quarterback said. “We have bigger goals ahead.” As for the Packers, Love summed it up best: “It’s one game. We’ll learn, grow, and be ready to bounce back next week.”