Packers Wire Sections Personnel Predictions: Week 12 vs. 49ers

The Green Bay Packers will welcome the undermanned San Francisco 49ers — who will be without quarterback Brock Purdy and offensive tackle Nick Bosa — to Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon for a key clash in the NFC playoff race.

Can the Packers handle the football equivalent of a wounded animal on Sunday?

Here’s how the Week 12 matchup against the 49ers will play out, according to the Packers Wire staff:

Zach Kruse: Packers 23, 49ers 12 (5-5)

Just win, baby. Beating the mighty 49ers at full strength would be satisfying for the Packers, but any victory on Sunday will be a perfect result. This is a golden opportunity for the Packers to greatly improve their playoff chances while also seriously hurting a team that has eliminated them from the playoffs for three of the last five seasons. The 49ers are short-handed, short-handed, and reeling from the NFC playoff race. A clear, impressive and comfortable win would be nice, and it’s certainly possible the Packers get one against their backup quarterback. But I’m reminded of last November, when the Packers faced another struggling NFC West team, starting with a backup quarterback at Lambeau Field, and Matt LaFleur’s team worked its way to a comfortable but mostly unsightly 20-3 victory over the Rams. I won’t be surprised if Sunday ends similarly. The 49ers’ backs are against the wall, so an inspired effort is likely. But it won’t be enough against a nearly full-strength Packers team that smells blood in the water.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 28, 49ers 21 (8-2)

After last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, winning in Week 12 will be much more arduous without Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa and possibly Trent Williams. Meanwhile, the Packers smell blood and are eager to build on the struggles of a team that ended its Cinderella streak last season. Jordan Love is hungry after throwing a game-ending interception last January, and I expect him to throw three touchdowns. On the other hand, Kyle Shanahan’s attack cannot be underestimated, even with Brandon Allen in midfield. With one of the best running back duos in the league, the 49ers should keep them close while controlling the clock. Still, the absence of so many key players will be too much to overcome as Green Bay’s record improves to 8-3, sending San Francisco into the early offseason.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, 49ers 17 (9-1)

Without Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa, the Packers have a golden opportunity to crush San Francisco’s playoff chances and ensure their playoff boogie man stays out of the bracket. Green Bay’s front seven needs to rehabilitate themselves after last week’s domination by Chicago’s offense. If they can keep Christian McCaffery, the 49ers will have a challenging time sledding with Brandon Allen under center. If Jordan Love and the offense can limit their mistakes, they should be able to pick up the win and improve to 8-3 as they prepare for this evening’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field.