Owens gained more than 100 yards receiving for the first time since Week 11, but his two TDs were his only receptions of the day.

After putting the Saints in an early hole, the 49ers concentrated on re-establishing their potent ground game, with Garrison Hearst and rookie Kevan Barlow almost equally sharing the load.

Look for the Niners to try to take advantage of the Packers’ porous run defense, which has allowed no fewer than 146 yards rushing in each of the past four games.

The Packers’ banged-up LB corps must contain the Niners’ double-barreled ground game, which could include Garcia, who is never afraid to scramble for key yardage when the openings are there. MLB Bernardo Harris, the Packers’ leading tackler, has been playing with a broken thumb, and Nate Wayne has been bothered by an ailing back.

Check the status of 49ers FB Fred Beasley, who sat out the finale vs. New Orleans with a broken bone in his hand. Beasley has done a stellar job this season as a lead blocker, routinely knocking opposing linebackers on their rumps.

When the Packers have the ball:

Favre, whose cannon arm, nifty footwork and linebacker’s mentality put him in a league of his own, will try to take advantage of a 49ers defense that is ailing in a few key areas.

A pivotal matchup pits WR Bill Schroeder, who has emerged as one of Favre’s primary targets, against a Niners secondary that could be missing its top performer, CB Ahmed Plummer, who was inactive vs. the Saints with a hip injury (check status). Even if Plummer plays, he will have a distinct size disadvantage vs. Schroeder.

Favre, however, must not forget dual-threat RB Ahman Green, who fell just 19 yards short of becoming the first Packer ever to gain 2,000 yards rushing and receiving in a season.

Green, who scored a pair of TDs both last week and in the game vs. San Francisco last season, must steer clear of an active 49ers LB corps, led by MLB Derek Smith.

The Packers’ interior offensive line, which has performed well all season, must keep it up against 49ers DTs Bryant Young, who has been playing with a pinched nerve in his neck, and Dana Stubblefield, who was manhandled by Larry Allen in the loss to Dallas.

Another key matchup in the trenches pits Packers OLT Chad Clifton vs. 49ers rookie DRE Andre Carter, who had two of the Niners’ three sacks last week. Check the status of 49ers DLE John Engelberger, who was forced out of the Saints game with a sprained right ankle.

All game previews and depth charts were compiled as of Jan. 6.

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