I shouldn't have been surprised when that kick was blocked, but I was. It just felt that whole game like the Bears had figured something out and the Packers couldn't overcome their mistakes. But goodness gracious was that just what the doctor ordered from advancing to 7-3, extending the streak to 11 and sending Bears fan social media into a total tailspin. It was delightful.

And now it officially ends. It's Week 12, and a biggie at that. The 5-5 San Francisco 49ers enter Lambeau with a lot on the line for the rest of their season. Conversely, the Packers are looking to take down a team that's had their number when it counts the past few seasons, and one they'll need to conquer to get to where they want to get.

And with that, let's raise up the Periscope and look at the past, present and future of the Packers and 49ers rivalry.

The Past

The Packers maintain a slight 38-34-1 edge over SanFran, with the past two going to the Niners, both in the playoffs.In fact, since 2010, The 49ers have taken 8 to the Packers 3, with half of those Niner wins in the playoffs. Ouch.

But prior to the big run by San Francisco, the Packers had a nice little run of their own during the 90s and 2000as. From 1996 through 2010, the Packers owned the series winning 13to the Niners 1. And there were some very good teams during those decades for SanFran.

One of those wins was a MNF battle that took place on October 14, 1996. The Steve Young-less 49ers entered Lambeau at 4-1, facing a very hot 5-1 Packer team. The game opened with a couple Chris Jacke field goals in the first quarter before Jeff Wilkins hit one from 48 to make it 6-3 Pack. Then Jerry Rice did Jerry Rice stuff (no, not fumbling in this case) hauling in two touchdowns from Elvis Grbac, from 7 and 13 yards respectively.

The second half saw the Packers tie it up after a 59-yard Beebe Bomb for the score then a two-pointer to Edgar Bennett, both from Brett Favre. Field goals would be the story the rest of the way, with two Chris Jacke kicks sandwiching one from Wilkins and a 20-20 tie in OT. Then, from 53 yards out, Jacke would end the game and send the Niners packing back to the Bay.

This was a huge win for the eventual Super Bowl champs, losing Robert Brooks in the process. That injury would ultimately lead to the Andre Rison addition which, as we know, made huge dividends in the Super Bowl.

The Present

Presently, these two teams are missing some stars, the most critical of whom probably belong to the Niners. With Nick Bosa and Trent Williams both missing a Thursday practice, and with Brock Purdy exiting practice early, they could be down some major firepower, with Bosa being the most critical. So much remains to be seen going into the game, as it seems that at least Bosa and Williams may be GTDs.

On the Green Bay side it was announced Thursday that Jaire Alexander aggravated a torn PCL injury and will be out indefinitely. While it sounds like he could return later in the year, that leaves a very big hole at a position with zero depth. And a position that's struggled as recently as last week against Chicago.

But so far, the difference between these teams is that San Francisco is losing games late and the Packers are finding ways to win them. By most metrics, the two teams are very even and that should show up on the field on Sunday, with George Kittle expected to be back for the Niners. So while some studs will be out, the two teams will have the bulk of their guys.

The Future

3:25 Lambeau Time, Lamebau Field. With weather expected in the low-mid 40s, the snow that hit Lambeau Thursday sure would have made for a nice view on Sunday. Yes, I know the last snow bowl at Lambeau with SanFran didn't work as expected, it's still a helluva nice scene.

Transparently, I don't think Bosa plays. That hip injury looked quite painful and he's the type of player who can be nearly as effective with that kind of injury. And without him, their pass rush is borderline non-existent. And the Packers have done a really nice job keeping Jordan Love upright, so that'd be a huge loss for the 49ers.

Still, though, this game comes down to the red zone. These two teams are among the league's best at moving the ball but the worst at scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Whoever protects the ball and can convert where it counts will ultimately win. 

I do fully expect Brock Purdy to play and to feed the likes of Christian McCaffery, Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel. Those four are all Packer killers and the defense will have to be at its very best, even with Jaire hurt, and tackle ball carriers.

Offensively, it's clear as day. Run the ball with Jacobs, catch the ball and protect the ball. Everyone knows what recipe works for this team and it's critical they stick to it. When they divert from the run, they lose. When they keep running it, they win. So here's to a bunch of Josh Jacobs on Sunday afternoon.

It'll take a hard fought, mistake-limited effort for the Packers to take these guys down but they can do it. And I think they will.