San Francisco (5-5) will be facing off against Green Bay (7-3) this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST on FOX. The current betting line from BetMGM has the Packers favored by 2.5 points. Both teams have a record of 4-6 against the spread this season, while the historical series favors the Packers, who lead 38-34-1. Their most recent clash occurred on January 20, 2024, during the NFC divisional playoff where the 49ers triumphed with a score of 24-21.
In their last outings, the 49ers suffered a narrow 20-17 defeat at home against the Seattle Seahawks, while the Packers managed a close 20-19 victory over the Chicago Bears. Offensively, the 49ers rank second overall, with a rush offense at seventh and passing offense at fourth, scoring tied for eighth. The Packers follow closely, holding the fourth position overall, with similar rankings in rushing (fourth) and passing (ninth), and also tied for eighth in scoring. Defensively, the 49ers are sixth overall, allowing the eighth most rushing yards and being eighth against the pass, while the Packers rank twelfth overall but struggle with rushing defense (fourteenth) and pass defense (thirteenth), even as they sit tenth in scoring defense.
When considering individual performances, the 49ers’ wide receiver Jauan Jennings is a key player to watch, especially with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined for the season. Jennings put up impressive numbers last week with ten receptions, 91 yards, and a touchdown. He has multiple games this season where he achieved at least ten catches and a touchdown, a feat only previously accomplished by legendary players Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens.
On the other hand, the spotlight on the Packers will be on running back Josh Jacobs, who currently ranks third in the NFL with 838 rushing yards. In the recent game against Chicago, Jacobs contributed significantly with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown, in addition to catching five passes for 58 yards. Over his last four games, he has scored four total touchdowns and has maintained a streak of over 90 yards from scrimmage for the past six games.
A crucial matchup to monitor will be between 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and the Packers’ run defense. Last season, McCaffrey showcased his talent against Green Bay, rushing for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the playoff win, including a game-clinching score. The Packers’ run defense recently allowed a season-high 179 rushing yards against the Bears, raising questions about their ability to contain an elite running back like McCaffrey.
In terms of injuries, the 49ers may welcome back tight end George Kittle, who missed last week’s game with a hamstring issue. Defensive end Nick Bosa is dealing with injuries to his left hip and oblique, which could sideline him. Quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to play despite having a sore throwing shoulder, while left tackle Trent Williams is nursing an ankle injury but played through it last week. Cornerback Charvarius Ward may also return after missing time due to personal tragedy. The Packers, meanwhile, may see cornerback Jaire Alexander back on the field after he sat out the second half against the Bears due to a knee issue, while guard Jordan Morgan is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
Historically, the 49ers have performed well against the Packers in recent playoff matchups, winning three of the last five, with their most notable victories in 2019 and 2021. The two squads have regularly played close games, with many deciding by a mere handful of points. This matchup will be the first regular season meeting at Lambeau Field since 2018.
A loss for the 49ers would mark their first losing record in over three years. While they have suffered the most losses from leading positions in the final minutes this season, their aerial attack continues to outpace rivals by nearly 54 yards per game—an NFL best. McCaffrey’s recent form has seen him consistently exceed 100 yards from scrimmage, making him a vital asset for San Francisco. Meanwhile, for the Packers, Jacobs has set records with his early-season performance, showcasing his abilities as a key contributor to the running game.
In terms of fantasy implications, Packers wide receiver Christian Watson could be a valuable pick-up opportunity, especially after his breakout performance against the Bears, where he recorded 150 yards. With increased target opportunities in recent games, now may be an excellent time for fantasy managers to consider acquiring him.