Mark from West Des Moines, IA

What are the keys to victory for the Packers against the 49ers?

Don't look at the record because it only tells half the story. San Francisco has been banged up virtually everywhere this year and yet still ranks first in average time of possession, second in total offense and sixth in total defense. Here's where it gets interesting – the 49ers are 26th in red-zone offense and 29th in goal-to-go. Green Bay is 27th in red zone and 23rd in goal-to-go. I submit the team that punches the ball in the end zone will prevail Sunday.

Dennis from Toledo, OH

Hello, thanks Richard from Livermore for the advanced scouting report. Clearly missing Nick Bosa and Brock Purdy would provide some advantage, but I never look past what a 49ers team can do, especially an agitated and deemed boxed-in-corner one. Advice from Captain Obvious – focus on and execute our game plan, ignore the injury news and send these guys back on a quiet plane ride home this time…thanks WH and MS for your efforts.

Bosa or no Bosa, San Francisco poses a significant threat. Even in victory, Packers games against the 49ers are always down-to-the-wire affairs during the Kyle Shanahan era. Like Matt LaFleur, Shanahan is one of the best when it comes to playing to his players' strengths – whoever those players are. Few are better than those two at making do. The 49ers don't get nearly enough credit for how they developed Jordan Mason, who stemmed the tide until Christian McCaffrey returned. If Bosa can't go, the 49ers will have a plan.

Ben from Cripple Creek, CO

No, we can't exorcise the actual demons. But if we can beat them this week, I feel good about my second team in Buffalo beating them the following week – from there it'd be real tough for them to make the playoffs.

Everyone is within arm's reach of the NFC West lead but last week's divisional loss to Seattle was a tough L for the 49ers to take.

Dan from Algonquin, IL

Hi Wes, the 49ers are still a little banged up, but they are the best team in the NFL without a winning record at 5-5, and they could go on a winning streak starting any time. This game could come down to D-line pressure and the turnover battle. Do you see anyone particularly primed for a breakout game? I'll go with Rashan Gary. We need him to be a game wrecker.

Gary is a good pick. He's coming off perhaps his best game of the season against Chicago. I also think Kenny Clark could be a factor. He's battled a toe injury all year but has always been a guy who plays his best ball down the stretch.

Brian from Chesapeake, VA

Brenton Cox Jr. has been a bit of a mystical sea creature to me. Lots of good hype coming in as a UDFA with a troubled past, made the 53 two years in a row and now I see him playing some downs. Dang, he is big, strong and fast! Coach Matt LaFleur states we should see more of him, sign me up! As a DE in a Jeff Hafley 4-3, Cox needs to get after the QB, what else should we be looking for when No. 57 is on the field?

His explosiveness and physicality. We've seen flashes the past few summers, but it's been a two-year grind for Cox to get on the field in the regular season. Prior to Sunday, the former five-star recruit had played just 13 snaps (four defense, nine special teams) in the NFL. I asked him about his mindset after the game and Cox said he was focused on getting off to a fast start in order to earn more work. I'd say he succeeded.

Jake from Regina, Canada

Two quick caveats on the Cox point regarding being unblocked. On the TFL, he was unblocked simply because he got to the spot with so much speed that the pulling lineman whiffed. On the sack, while he was unblocked, I think he deserves some kudos for not biting on the blind fake and being disciplined enough to keep proper leverage and make the play. Yes, it's true he was unblocked on both plays, but it's also true that he executed his job excellently.

Football isn't always superhuman plays. Sometimes it's doing your job correctly and being rewarded for it. As Cox told Larry McCarren on "Total Packers" this week (posting online today), you gotta make your layups.

Margeaux from Tallahassee, FL

In the Bears game, Josh Jacobs purposefully takes on a tackler on the boundary. I've often wondered why so many guys just run out of bounds when time isn't an issue instead of taking on a tackler for extra yards. Are they being trained that way to avoid injury?

I'm not sure about the league, but ball-carriers in Green Bay are coached to be physical and hold their ground on the perimeter. If you remember, this was a point of contention in Inbox a couple months ago because Tucker Kraft fumbled while trying to extend a catch for extra yards.

Paul from Lexington, KY

There are 7-3 teams and there are 7-3 teams. A lot to clean up, and before anyone gets too excited, the Packers have outscored these opponents (Colts, Rams, Texans, Jags and Bears) who have a combined record of 22-30, by a total of 17 points, or by about three points per game. Better than losing close games but clearly not dominating mediocre teams.

The question isn't whether you dominate teams, especially during the first half of an NFL season. The Packers dominated plenty of teams in 2011 and didn't make it to the NFC title game. The question to ask is are you getting better. Sunday is an opportunity to prove they are as good as their record indicates.

Tom from Dade City, FL

Hello II world. I have to admit I was pretty angry at the Packers' play against the Bears. In hindsight I can see how they had a hard time containing Williams because they had no prep for a scrambling quarterback. What frustrated me then and still does is why in the red zone and on third downs the Packers seem to have such long-developing plays instead of just some quick-hitters. We seem to go backwards more than forward especially in the red zone. Your thoughts on this please.

Because plays got extended. Matt LaFleur discussed this on Monday. The Packers are looking for quick-hitting concepts in red zone, but it's there or it's not. If it isn't, that's when it goes off-schedule.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I just read where Christian Watson only had 15 routes in the Bears game. How can that be? Does that mean the rest of the offensive plays he was either a blocker only or not in the game? Again, how can that be?!

That doesn't surprise me. That offense only had 43 plays, of which Watson was on the field for 31. As one of Green Bay's better blocking wideouts, Watson is going to be on the field for a handful of runs, too.

David from Henderson, NV

With MarShawn Lloyd having been placed on the reserve/non-football illness, does that mean he is out for the rest of this season?

In-season non-football injury works like a designation to return off IR. He's out four games (through Seattle) and then will have another window to return to the active roster.

Joseph from Casper, WY

In yesterday's Inbox, you were asked about Robert Saleh's influence vs. the 49ers. Has he been seen around facility? Practices?

From what LaFleur said, Saleh is here during the week and then returns home on Fridays. I don't blame him for that. He'll be busy again next fall. Saleh should enjoy the time afforded to him.

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

What are some ways this Niners team is different from when last we met?

I almost asked our digital team to prepare a graphic of the 12 players currently on the 49ers' injured reserve/physically unable to perform list in response to this question. Packers fans always think their team is snake-bitten by injuries, but that's the league. On average, it sure seems to bite San Fran more than most. Unfortunately, it all started during the Super Bowl when it lost Dre Greenlaw.

Venny from Montgomery, AL

What needs to be done to improve defense on fourth down? If I'm not mistaken, teams are 100% in conversion rate for the past two games. Going forward, opposing coaches are likely to be bolder, correct?

It starts with avoiding situations where teams are inclined to go for it on fourth down, whether that's allowing them to drive into your territory or being in favorable down-and-distance on fourth down. When the opponent is passing, the pressure needs to get home.

Dennis from Toledo, OH

Hello II, really enjoy the mic'd montages, get to hear the enthusiasm and excitement from these young guys, the chatter among players and opponents to hear how freely these guys share love and laughs and respect. Evan Williams sounded like he was giggling a few times during and after plays. Just a cool way to experience in-game action and to experience these gladiators as young men doing stuff we couch potatoes only dreamt of doing. It makes me prouder to be a Packer Backer.

It's always fun to pull the curtain back and hear what's going on down on the field.

Eric from Kenosha, WI

Good morning. I recently read about Justin Tucker struggling this year (by his standards). It was partly attributed to the retirement their former punter, and he was called an elite holder in the history of the NFL by their ST coordinator. It's early yet, but is Daniel Whelan trending toward elite holder status? Sure looks like it on my TV.

I used to take holding for granted. Then the Packers acquired Corey Bojorquez in 2021. He was a fine punter, but the chemistry wasn't there with Mason Crosby and the unit suffered. Whelan is a skilled holder and should be commended for how well he's adapted to so many different kickers over the last seven months.

Eric from Green Bay, WI

Think of how many times we've beaten the Seahawks since 2014. There were a couple of absolute beatdowns in there. Did any of those victories take away the sting of the NFCCG? Beat the 2024 49ers for the sake of this season. Let the past die.

There's no balm for that wound, but I believe there was some catharsis for fans with the 28-23 win over Seattle in the 2019 NFC Divisional playoffs. As for the team, you can't worry about the ghosts of past Packers teams. Those stories are written. It's about this team and this year.

Sam from Ronan, MT

I am a huge Aaron Rodgers fan and wished him the best when he went to New York. I am sure a lot of other Packers fans like me tune into his games if the Packers aren't playing at the same time. Watching the NY operation unfold this season has to make you wonder, how much do you think Aaron misses the structure and culture of Green Bay?

That's a question for Rodgers, about whom I've noticed more and more submissions in recent weeks. I never put myself in Rodgers' head. I didn't do it when he was here. I'm definitely not doing it now. Rodgers is one of the greatest players in Packers history, but he's one of 31 other starting quarterbacks in the NFL at the moment. The Packers have three games in the next 15 days. That's what I'm focused on.

Keith from Lincoln, IL

In the Lambeau Field press box, do you and Spoff sit next to each other or has "the teacher needed to separate you two"?

No, Spoff and I sit next to each other just fine. It's Jennifer Ward who's needed to be separated from the pack due to her aggressive nature. She sits a row behind us.

Jessi from Sterling, KS

"His neck is back. His hands are up, and he's throwing himself like a beanie baby." Thank you, Wes, for the entertainment as I painted windows. Your quips are my kind of humor. How do you come up with these analogies?!

Like you…very carefully.

Aaron from Tucson, AZ

TBLS returns to NY, under the big lights where he belongs!

NFL team No. 7 for Tim Boyle. I'll tell you what – Tim is gonna have one heck of a story to tell the grandkids someday.

Tom from West Salem, WI

I understand the reason behind taking out the comment sections on this site. I agree it was too toxic most times. I don't get too high or low over wins, losses, or the Inbox. However, there are times when a question or answer is so good I want to hit the like button repeatedly. Is there any way of having that feature?

Thank you, but I'd argue "likes" have ruined this country. That's the last thing I wanna see in Inbox.

Al from Hartford, WI

Thank you to Mike for answering my "goal line around the world" query. 2005?! Holy smokes! I guess I should take some time to re-read the rulebook. Have a great Thanksgiving, gents.

I keep forgetting Thanksgiving is next week.

Doug from Odell, IL

With the win over the Bears, does this victory put the Packers in good shape for a playoff spot?

Alotta ball game left, but it's better to be in the driver seat (currently sixth in the NFC) than needing a bunch of help like last year.

Caleb from Leadville, CO

Short of the obvious, great QB play; where can we focus for possible game-changing performances to carry us to and through the playoffs?

Spoff's story out of locker room Wednesday? Have a great Thursday.