Niners Relish Underdog Role At Green Bay

Are the 49ers and Packers two ships passing in the night?

We may find out Monday night when the clubs meet in what could be a watershed game.

It could be the 49ers’ most significant regular-season game since 1981, when they went into Pittsburgh in the ninth game of the year and beat the 5-3 Steelers, 17-14. San Francisco went on to win the Super Bowl.

If the Packers, who beat the 49ers in the playoffs last January, do it again, it could be a sign that they have surpassed the 49ers.

But don’t count the 49ers out. They went into Dallas last season as 10-point underdogs with Elvis Grbac at quarterback, then routed the Cowboys 38-20.

The 49ers like the opportunity.

“It’s a hostile environment,” said wide receiver Jerry Rice. “Everyone will predict Green Bay will win. I love it.”

The 49ers have been underdogs just 11 times since 1986 and are 7-4 against the spread in those games.