The San Francisco 49ers aim to rebound as they travel to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in a critical matchup for both teams. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Packers -2.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
49ers vs. Packers
Sunday, November 24, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at Lambeau Field
San Francisco’s Struggles Against Seattle
The 49ers enter this game following a tough 20-17 home loss to the Seahawks on Sunday, a defeat that dropped them into a three-way tie for second place in the NFC West alongside the Rams and Seahawks, trailing Arizona by one game. This marks San Francisco’s third divisional loss of the season, each characterized by blown leads in the fourth quarter.
Brock Purdy threw a 30-yard touchdown to Jauan Jennings with 9:33 left, giving the 49ers a 17-13 lead, and the defense came up big by stopping Seattle on consecutive plays at the 37-yard line. However, the offense couldn’t capitalize, allowing Seattle to complete their comeback.
Purdy finished the game completing 21 of 28 passes for 159 yards, with a touchdown pass, a rushing touchdown, and one interception. Jennings was a standout with 10 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Christian McCaffrey tallied 106 scrimmage yards.
Injuries remain a concern for San Francisco. Edge rusher Nick Bosa left the game with a hip pointer aggravation and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) missed the contest. Linebacker Tatum Bethune (knee) and wide receiver Jacob Cowing (concussion) also exited early. Their status for this week is uncertain.
Green Bay’s Narrow Escape Against Chicago
Green Bay, meanwhile, comes off a dramatic 20-19 win over the Bears on Sunday, highlighted by Jordan Love’s late-game heroics. A 60-yard bomb to Christian Watson set up Love’s one-yard rushing touchdown with under three minutes left. Despite a failed two-point conversion, the Packers sealed the victory when Karl Brooks blocked a last-second field goal attempt.
Love was efficient, completing 13 of 17 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown, though he added to his league-leading interception total (11). Watson shined, recording four receptions for 150 yards.
The Packers’ defense made critical contributions, including sacks by Rashan Gary, Brenton Cox, and T.J. Slaton. Running back Josh Jacobs contributed 76 yards and a touchdown on the ground. With this win, Green Bay maintained a respectable position in the NFC North, trailing Detroit and Minnesota.
Keys to the Game
San Francisco’s defense could be stretched thin due to injuries, particularly if Bosa and Bethune are unavailable. Love has demonstrated big-play ability, as seen in his 60-yard strike to Watson, but his propensity for turnovers remains a liability. If the 49ers’ pass rush can generate pressure, Love may be forced into costly mistakes.
McCaffrey is the focal point of San Francisco’s offense, with his ability to both run and catch posing a challenge for Green Bay. The Packers’ run defense has been inconsistent, and if McCaffrey finds success early, it could set up Brock Purdy for effective play-action opportunities.
Purdy has been accurate, completing 75% of his passes against Seattle, but his production has been limited to shorter throws. The Packers’ pass rush, led by Gary and Slaton, will aim to disrupt his timing. If Purdy avoids turnovers and stays poised, he can exploit Green Bay’s secondary with weapons like Jennings and McCaffrey.
Watson is Green Bay’s most dynamic offensive weapon, and his ability to stretch the field will test the 49ers’ defensive backs. Without consistent pressure from their front seven, San Francisco’s defense may struggle to contain Watson’s big-play potential.
With both teams showing vulnerabilities, special teams and turnovers could play a decisive role. Green Bay capitalized on a blocked field goal last week, while San Francisco will aim to force Love into making critical mistakes.
NFL Pick
In a game shaped by injuries and inconsistent offensive play, the 49ers’ ability to control the clock with McCaffrey and their opportunistic defense can keep them in the game for a bit but Green Bay’s explosiveness through Watson and their pass rush will be the difference.
NFL Pick: Packers -2.5 (-110) at Bet365
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