(Photo: Ringer)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 12
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
49ers: I’ve never been one to hold my thoughts in and I pride myself on being honest. They’ve been a disappointment this year and to think this was a team that won the NFC a year ago and played in a Super Bowl. Also, what else have I said when it comes to them? Their biggest threats are themselves and health meaning when they struggle, it’s because they don’t execute and play their best football, but the other downfall is not being healthy. When key guys are out, they struggle and a perfect example of that is last season after a 5-0 start. Losing key pieces of the puzzle resulted in three consecutive losses back then. For most of this year, they were without Christian McCaffrey and he makes this offense go. Do you want to know what my biggest gripe is with the San Francisco 49ers? They’re soft this year in my eyes. When everything is clicking for them, this is the most physical football team in the league. They put fear into the opponent and make them work. That’s been far from the case this year and by now, you should know the saying. The bully doesn’t like to be bullied and this year, they’ve received several punches to the mouth. My other issues with them are leaving those points on the table and holding leads. I can guarantee they win by double digits in Tampa Bay if they make their kicks that game. Against Seattle, they just gave up on Sunday, but I will say this, They are still in the hunt for the division title. This week, they travel to Wisconsin for a playoff rematch.
Packers: Just a few weeks ago on the radio, I said divisional games could be a challenge and Sunday in Chicago couldn’t be any more accurate with that opinion. Jordan Love isn’t looking as sharp as he did a season ago, but that’s because there’s more tape on him and defenses know how to prepare for him these days. He didn’t look the greatest on Sunday against the Bears, but the saving grace was Christian Watson. Anytime the receiver’s number was called, he picked up and did something. The other day on social media, I was asked about the Packers and what their biggest problem was. The first answer I gave was the penalties they commit during games and they have committed 37 of them which is the sixth-most in the league then, my other answer was how they could be careless with the football and turn it over a bit too much for my liking. You could be moving the ball down the field so consistently and confidently, but one turnover or a slew of penalties will crush all momentum and set you back. I had the Packers winning this division when I previewed the NFC North, but that’s not happening especially with how the Detroit Lions are looking at this moment. They’re still in the huntfor the postseason, just as a Wild Card team now. The Packers come back home on Sunday for a playoff rematch with the 49ers.
49ers X-Factor: Leonard Floyd– They needed a guy to play the opposite side of Nick Bosa and they found him. Chase Young wasn’t the answer and they lost Arik Armstead to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Leonard can bullrush a bigger tackle and he has a nice combination of a first step with speed and power that allows him to bring down the Quarterback. Leonard has played with some quality Defensive Linemen from Aaron Donald in LA and now he’s with Bosa in San Francisco.
Packers X-Factor: Devonte Wyatt– The Packers have several guys that can get to the Quarterback and this is one of them. Guys who play on the defensive line find different ways to win. Some will beat you with speed, a stutter move here and there or they power through you with grown-man strength and that’s exactly what Devonte does. At Georgia, he was underappreciated due to the success of Jordan Davis. Now, he knows his role in Green Bay.
Final Thoughts: This is an NFC rivalry that will never get old. These two met in the playoffs in January and it was a thrilling game and I have a feeling the rematch will be just as entertaining. Over the years, the Packers have won the regular season meetings, while the 49ers have taken the postseason battles. San Fran is still trying to find that spark offensively, while this Green Bay defense has played quite well this year. One thing Brock Purdy has added to his game is the ability to scramble and extend plays with his feet. He may not have the elite build of many Quarterbacks today, but he’s a quick, yet creative runner. It’s key for the Packers to be aware of Brock’s scrambling ability. Jordan Love hasn’t looked the sharpest this year and has been very prone to throwing interceptions and the 49ers bring a strong pass defense to Lambeau. The 49ers will be facing a Green Bay defense that averages 2.5 sacks per game. How healthy is Nick Bosa? He’s been dealing with an oblique injury and if he can’t go, the 49ers will have a tough time generating that pass rush against Love who can be a wizard with a clean pocket. I just don’t know which version of the 49ers will show up here in this game and that’s why I’m leaning toward the Packers to get a win here on Sunday.
Prediction: Packers 27, 49ers 24
