Week 12 Preview: 49ers Visit The Packers at Lambeau

This Sunday, November 24th, the 5-5 San Francisco 49ers will visit Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to face the 7-3 Packers. Initially favored by 1.5 points, the Packers' advantage has grown to 6 points less than 24 hours before kickoff. According to ESPN analytics, Green Bay currently holds a 69.3% chance of securing the win. Both teams, however, will be missing key players heading into this critical matchup.

Historical Context
The Packers have a strong regular-season track record against the 49ers at Lambeau Field, winning seven of their last eight home matchups and holding an all-time 22-11 record against San Francisco in Green Bay. While playoff matchups have historically tilted in favor of the 49ers in recent years, the Packers have consistently dominated their regular-season meetings.

Key Absences
The injury report reveals significant absences on both sides. San Francisco will be without quarterback Brock Purdy and star edge rusher Nick Bosa, while the Packers will miss key defensive players Jaire Alexander and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Despite Purdy's absence, the 49ers still possess an arsenal of offensive talent with Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel aiming to offset the challenge of backup quarterback Brandon Allen, who hasn’t started since 2021.

Keys to the Game: Packers Defense
The Packers’ defense, ranked 12th in the league, has been solid throughout the season but must capitalize on Allen’s inexperience. Early in the season, Green Bay led the league in takeaways but has since slipped to seventh. Regaining this opportunistic edge will be crucial to setting up the Packers’ offense with favorable field position. Generating pressure and forcing turnovers could be the deciding factor in this matchup.

Offensive Focus: Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs
Offensively, Green Bay needs a standout performance from quarterback Jordan Love. With a solid 7-3 record, Love has an opportunity to build momentum as the team enters a challenging late-season stretch. A performance of 300+ passing yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions could bolster his confidence and solidify the Packers’ offense as a playoff threat.
The run game will also play a pivotal role, especially with the absence of Nick Bosa on the 49ers’ defensive line. Running back Josh Jacobs, ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards, is expected to shoulder a significant load. A performance of at least 125 rushing yards and a touchdown could help the Packers control the tempo and wear down San Francisco’s defense.

Playoff Implications
This matchup carries major playoff implications. A loss for the 49ers would significantly hinder their postseason hopes, which would be a welcome scenario for Packers fans eager to avoid another playoff showdown with San Francisco.

Final Thoughts
For the Packers to secure the win, the passing game must take center stage. Jordan Love showed late-season improvement last year, and a similar resurgence could elevate the team’s offensive production heading into the crucial final stretch. Combined with a strong showing from Josh Jacobs, the Packers have the tools to maintain their playoff position and send a message to the NFC.