SAN FRANCISCO (13-4) at GREEN BAY (13-3)

Today, 9:30 a.m., Channel 11

Quarterback Steve Young said it was worth it a week ago, driving hard to the end zone for a touchdown against the Eagles while taking a wallop to the ribs. But the 49ers’ long-range playoff chances might have crashed in that collision. Young took several injections in an effort to throw the ball this week, and insiders say he’s still in tremendous discomfort. The 49ers might have to lean heavily on Elvis Grbac, who started for the team in its earlier visit to Green Bay this season, a 23-20 overtime loss. The Packers are sound, unbeaten at home and a better team than the one that knocked the 49ers out of the playoffs, 27-17, last season.

--Say what: Green Bay led the league in points scored--456, and fewest points given up--210.

--Say what II: The Packers rushed for more than 100 yards in seven of their eight home games in 1996. The only time they didn’t was against the 49ers, when they here held to 68 yards in 26 carries.

--Player to watch: Young. If he plays, the 49ers have a chance. If not, the Cheeseheads rule. The 49ers’ offense has no problems when he’s on the run and making things happen. Jerry Rice becomes open, tight end Brent Jones becomes dangerous and no one seems to notice that San Francisco tries to win without a running game. Without Young, offensive coordinator Marc Trestman and offensive consultant Bill Walsh become bigger factors as they try to steer Grbac against the NFL’s No. 1 defense, which gave up only 19 touchdowns in 16 games.

--Finally: The 49ers aren’t shaking because they’re scared--merely cold. The Packers have won 16 consecutive games at Lambeau Field, 26 of their last 27, and quarterback Brett Favre is 17-0 at home when the temperature is below 35 degrees. This is supposed to be the Packers’ year, their real chance to break the Lombardi curse and return to the Super Bowl. But do they have the running game to win if Favre struggles? Can their cornerbacks keep up with Rice and a developing Terrell Owens? “The toughest defense we played all year was by far the 49ers,” Favre said. “You don’t run the ball on them. You’ve got to try and pass on them and people aren’t doing that well.”