49ers’ 36-Game Favorite Streak Ends as Packers Take the Edge
The San Francisco 49ers are stepping into unfamiliar territory this week, and it’s not the kind of history they were hoping to make. For the first time since 2022, the 49ers are heading into a game as underdogs, snapping an incredible streak of 36 consecutive regular-season games where they were favored. That streak ranks as the third-longest in the Super Bowl era, trailing only the 1999-2002 St. Louis Rams (50 games) and the 2016-2020 New England Patriots (64 games).
As of Friday afternoon, the Green Bay Packers are listed as three-point favorites over the visiting 49ers, according to ESPN BET odds. This marks a significant shift for a San Francisco team that has been a betting darling for nearly two years. The last time the 49ers were underdogs was back on October 23, 2022, in a Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, the Niners were slight one-point underdogs but ended up suffering a lopsided 44-23 loss.
What’s Behind the Shift?
So, what’s changed for the 49ers? This season has been a rollercoaster for San Francisco, to say the least. They’ve stumbled to a 5-5 record straight up and are just 4-6 against the spread. Even in their Week 10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they failed to cover the -6.5 spread. For a team that’s been a model of consistency in recent years, these struggles are raising eyebrows.
Adding to the drama, the 49ers (+325) now trail the Arizona Cardinals (-115) in the odds to win the NFC North. This is the first time in two seasons that San Francisco hasn’t been favored to win the division, according to ESPN Research. It’s a stark contrast to the dominance fans have come to expect from this team.
Injury Woes Pile Up
Injuries are playing a massive role in this week’s betting line. Reports suggest that quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle), and defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) are all in danger of missing Sunday’s game. That’s a trio of stars who are critical to the 49ers’ success on both sides of the ball. The injury news has already impacted the betting markets, with Green Bay moving from a consensus -1.5 to -3. John Murray, executive director of the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, revealed on the “Chicken Dinner” podcast that sharp money came in on Packers -2.5 after the injury updates.
Purdy’s Unique Streak
Ironically, if Purdy does sit out, it would preserve a different kind of streak. The 24-year-old quarterback has been favored in every one of his 31 career regular-season starts, the longest such streak by any quarterback to begin a career in the Super Bowl era. It’s a testament to how highly oddsmakers and fans alike have regarded Purdy since he took over as the 49ers’ starter. But with his status in doubt, that streak could be put on hold.
What’s at Stake?
Sunday’s game against the Packers is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the 49ers. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s on the line:
- Playoff Positioning: At 5-5, the 49ers are teetering on the edge of playoff contention. A loss could make their path to the postseason even more difficult.
- Division Race: Falling further behind the Cardinals in the NFC North standings would be a tough pill to swallow for a team that’s used to being in the driver’s seat.
- Team Morale: With injuries mounting and expectations slipping, a win could provide a much-needed boost to a team that’s been struggling to find its rhythm.
Meanwhile, the Packers are riding high as three-point favorites and will look to capitalize on the 49ers’ vulnerabilities. For Green Bay, this game represents an opportunity to make a statement against a team that’s been a perennial contender in recent years.
Final Thoughts
For 49ers fans, this week feels like uncharted waters. After nearly two years of being the team to beat, San Francisco is now the one with something to prove. Can they rise to the occasion and silence the doubters, or will the Packers deliver another blow to a team that’s already reeling? One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Lambeau Field this Sunday.
Originally Written by: David Purdum
