As the Niners head into Sunday’s game against the Packers in Green Bay, we asked 49ers beat writer Eric Branch and columnists Ann Killion and Scott Ostler for their thoughts beforehand, and for their prediction in what could be a critical outcome for the season.

The 49ers have allowed 222 points, or 22.2 points per game, tied for 16th. Last year, the defense allowed 298 points, or 17.5 points per game, third-fewest. The 49ers are scoring 25 points per game, tied for eighth most, not too far off their 28.9 points per game average last season.

The Seattle Seahawks' arch rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, did not just lose a game last week. Their 20-17 defeat proved to be even costlier than simply losing ground to Seattle in the NFC West. During the game,