Predicting Packers’ next four games following bye week

Week 9: at San Francisco 49ers

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. In Week 9, the Packers’ undefeated record is ended by a familiar opponent. The Packers haven’t enjoyed much success of late against the San Francisco 49ers, and that continues in the regular season.

As hard it would’ve been to believe a month ago, the 49ers could be out of playoff contention when this game rolls around. After a shock 43-17 defeat to the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco has now lost as many games after five weeks this season than in all of last year. All three defeats have come at home, and the team’s only wins came against the New York Giants and New York Jets. Ouch.

The 49ers get the Los Angeles Rams twice, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Seahawks, and Packers, all in their next six games.

That said, the 49ers have been hit hard with injuries. Their poor run likely won’t last. Even if they don’t reach last season’s Super Bowl heights, they should be far more competitive than in recent weeks. And despite all of their struggles, the 49ers still have a top-10 rushing offense on the season. Getting Raheem Mostert back to 100 percent will help; the Packers know too well how talented he is.

Given all of their talent and ability to run the football, the Packers slip to their first defeat of the season, but it’s much closer than a year ago.

Prediction: San Francisco 27, Green Bay 23 (7-1)