The Green Bay Packers are 7-3 on the season and firmly in the playoff hunt in the NFC. Although they currently have the fourth-best record in the conference, they are seated at just sixth, heading into their Week 12 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The NFC North-leading Detroit Lions are 9-1 and hold the top spot in the conference, while the Philadelphia Eagles, at 8-2, occupy the second seed. The Arizona Cardinals (6-4) and Atlanta Falcons (6-5) are in third and fourth, respectively.
Green Bay’s division rival, the Minnesota Vikings, are 8-2 and currently sit in the fifth seed. While the Packers are still in playoff contention, the 49ers find themselves in a tough spot with a 5-5 record, tied with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams for second place in the NFC West behind the Cardinals. To stay in contention for the NFC North title, Green Bay must secure a win, as the division is expected to become increasingly competitive as the weather turns colder. The Packers still have to face all their division rivals again this season, with road games against Minnesota and Detroit looming.
The seventh and final wild card spot is currently held by the 7-4 Washington Commanders, who are playing strong football. For the 49ers, the best route to the playoffs is likely to come through winning the NFC West, but the division remains tightly packed, with all four teams separated by just one game.
Time is running out for San Francisco, which cannot afford many more losses. On top of that, the 49ers will be missing two key players for Sunday’s game: quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) and pass rusher Nick Bosa (oblique/hip). Injuries have been a recurring issue for the 49ers this season, including the offseason shooting incident involving rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall, who made a full recovery and is active on the roster. San Francisco has also had to deal with the loss of All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who tore his ACL early in the season, and tight end George Kittle, who missed the previous game but plans to play against the Packers. Left tackle Trent Williams is also battling injuries.
Green Bay will also be missing two key defensive players for Sunday’s game. Cornerback Jaire Alexander has been ruled out due to a torn PCL suffered in a recent win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although he won’t require injured reserve, Alexander’s knee isn’t fully healed, and he was pulled from the team’s win over the Chicago Bears. Rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who has seen his role increase as the season has progressed, will also be out due to a hamstring injury sustained in practice this week. While the 49ers have more notable injuries, the Packers’ losses are significant given that Alexander and Cooper play critical positions with limited depth on Green Bay’s roster. Other players, such as linebackers Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie and cornerback Eric Stokes, will need to step up to fill the void.
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