In a game where each team’s playoff hopes were at stake, the Green Bay Packers defeated the stymied San Francisco 49ers 38-10 on Sunday.
With this win, the Packers improved to 8-3 and remained in full control heading into the postseason. The 49ers fell to 5-6, putting them in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season.
The Packers won against a 49ers team missing several key starters, including quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder). All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) were also among the 49ers’ inactive players.
With Brandon Allen starting at quarterback for the 49ers, San Francisco had just six offensive plays through the first 23 minutes and 37 seconds of the game, and the Packers took control from the start, leading 17-0 in the second quarter. was stolen. The 49ers put together their first successful drive of the day, capping off the second quarter with a touchdown, and hopes of a comeback were high before receiving the second half kickoff.
But Xavier McKinney ended those hopes by intercepting Allen midway through the third quarter. McKinney returned the ball 48 yards to San Francisco’s own 26-yard line, putting the Packers in scoring position.
Three plays later, Josh Jacobs ran for his second touchdown of the day, increasing the Packers’ lead to 24-7. In the fourth quarter, Allen’s fumble on a sack gave the Packers another lead at 31-10 on Jacobs’ third touchdown of the day.
Packers have a long way to go from Jordan Love’s knee injury
Jordan Love threw a touchdown pass to Malik Heath in the final five minutes, ending the Packers’ blowout in front of a jubilant Lambeau Field crowd. Regardless of whether the 49ers were injured or not, this win was decisive for a Packers team that has improved since a 2-2 start, including a knee injury to Love that was initially feared to be season-ending. It was a victory. Instead, Love missed just two games.
Since Love’s return, the Packers have gone 6-2 while producing a top-five offense. Sunday’s win was a balanced effort as the Packers forced three turnovers and scored 38 points against one of the NFL’s strong defenses.
Love finished the day completing 13-of-23 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. Jacobs added 106 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries.
Green Bay’s defense limited San Francisco’s playmakers, who struggled without Purdy under center. George Kittle was San Francisco’s most powerful weapon on the day with six catches for 82 yards. Deebo Samuel caught just one pass for 21 yards and started the second half with an 87-yard kickoff return that was called back for a hold.
Christian McCaffrey struggled again in his third game back from calf and Achilles injuries. He gained 68 yards from scrimmage and averaged 2.8 yards on 11 carries. His fumble in the fourth quarter scored Green Bay’s final touchdown.
Allen completed 17 of 29 passes for 199 yards, including a touchdown, an interception, and a lost fumble.
Another disappointing loss added to a once-promising season that was partially derailed by McCaffrey’s early injury. The 49ers are currently 5-6 and behind in the playoffs with the remainder of their schedule including games against the Bills, Rams and Lions. A lot needs to happen for them to sneak back into playoff contention. Purdy’s status for next week’s key matchup against the Bills is unknown.
The Packers trail the 10-1 Detroit Lions and 9-2 Minnesota Vikings in a packed NFC North. However, they are well ahead of the back of the NFC wild-card pack and in great position to make the postseason.
