No team has had their 2018 dreams smashed so completely and abruptly as the 49ers.

After closing last season with five straight wins and a plus-45 point differential in those games, San Francisco was a darling pick to make the playoffs entering this year. Under Kyle Shanahan’s offense, things looked very promising for the 49ers and their young, talented quarterback.

All that changed on one play, when Jimmy Garoppolo was injured on a scramble late against the Chiefs in Week 3, causing him to miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.

Filling in for the injured Garoppolo has been 25-year-old C.J. Beathard. The Iowa product has struggled, especially in the context of 2018’s early quarterback efficiency explosion. Beathard has completed a respectable 62.6 percent of his passes, but he’s thrown four interceptions to just four touchdowns, generating a passer rating of just 80.2.

Without a franchise quarterback on the field, the 49ers appear to be an appropriate opponent against whom the Packers can look like themselves again before entering the bye week. Of course, even lower-tier NFL teams like the 1-4 Niners are capable of solid performances, but the Packers need this game, with road contests against the Rams and Patriots looming after the open date.

44.5

According to Pro Football Focus, San Francisco has the worst rating in the league for overall defensive coverage, scoring 44.5 out of 100 so far this season. The 49ers also feature just an average pass rush, meaning there should be opportunities in the passing game for Green Bay.

This could be a very interesting test for the offensive coaching staff on Monday night. While Aaron Rodgers’ final numbers looked impressive last week against the Lions, the Packers’ passing game was disjointed and out of rhythm, especially early. The Niners should be helpless to stop Rodgers and Co. if everything can sync up with the Packers’ offense. Mike McCarthy has told the media that he’s more focused on the Packers executing than specific opponent matchups, and he should have every opportunity for his offense to demonstrate how much progress has been made.

3.68

Veteran running back Alfred Morris is averaging just 3.68 yards per carry this season for San Fran on 62 attempts. Starter Matt Breida, who is doubtful to play Monday night with an ankle injury, has averaged a whopping 7.53 yards per carry.

With Morris forced to become a feature back, the Packers’ defense should be able to put inexperienced quarterback C.J. Beathard into some third-and-long situations, creating the opportunity for some turnovers.

72.7

Perhaps the best single trait the 49ers have featured so far this season is their overall receiving ability on offense, scoring a 72.7, according to Pro Football Focus. While that mark is still just 13^th in NFL, it’s nearly miraculous given some of the names they’ve had to throw to early this year. Primary receiver Marquise Goodwin has just five catches this year in three games, and Pierre Garcon has 16 catches in five contests.

Instead, it has been San Francisco’s secondary targets that have gotten open and held on to the ball. Tight end George Kittle has 23 receptions for 399 yards, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk has been a legitimate weapon, hauling in 14 balls for 197 yards. Add the 17 catches by 49ers running backs, and Monday night looks like it could be an interesting test for the Packers’ linebackers and safeties in coverage. The Packers’ cornerbacks have done a much better job than in years past of locking down opposing wide receivers, but Monday may show exactly how much this defense has improved at stopping tight ends and backs in the passing game.