Preview
Two teams thick in the NFC wildcard race square off under the lights of Thursday Night Football, and this one is sure to come down to the final drive of the contest. This past week, the Packers put up a dominant victory over the Miami Dolphins and will head to Seattle on a short week. Since the Seahawks’ come-from-behind victory in the 2014 postseason, the Packers have managed to win three consecutive contests against the Hawks. However, each of those matchups were played at Lambeau Field and away from the feared 12th man. This is sure to be a must watch, and if it not for the Rams-Chiefs game, this one may be considered the game of the week. The playoff implications in this game are huge.
Players to watch
Although this matchup features a pair of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, this game will come down to the ground game and the production of Chris Carson and Seattle's RB Committee verse Aaron Jones. If Wilson can continue to move the chains with his legs, the Packers defense and young secondary will certainly have their hands full. The Seahawks’ pass rush hinges on the productivity of Frank Clark, and if Rodgers has time to maneuver in the pocket, he won’t hesitate to carve up Seattle. Jimmy Graham is one of the last healthy receivers in Green Bay and this return to Seattle will mark his first revenge game since playing the Saints in 2016. He will need to have an impact in this game if the Packers want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Keys to the game
Green Bay Packers
Spread the Ball Around
Keep Russ Wilson in the Pocket
Keep Aaron Rodgers clean
Stop the Run
Seattle Seahawks
Control the Ground
Protect the Ball
Force Turnovers
Injury list
Green Bay Packers
Bashaud Breeland, CB - Groin (Questionable)
Randall Cobb, WR - Hamstring (Out)
Kevin King, CB - Hamstring (Out)
Blake Martinez, LB - Ankle (Questionable)
Lucas Patrick, G - Concussion (Doubtful)
Nick Perry, LB - Knee (Out)
Seattle Seahawks
Maurice Alexander, S - Elbow (Questionable)
Delano Hill, S - Quadriceps (Questionable)
Dion Jordan, DE - Knee (Questionable)
Neiko Thorpe, CB - Groin (Questionable)
K.J. Wright, LB - Knee (Doubtful)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Aaron Rodgers, QB (GB)
Russell Wilson, QB (SEA)
Davante Adams, WR (GB)
Chris Carson, RB (SEA)
Aaron Jones, RB (GB)
Prediction
Green Bay is riding into primetime with an 0-4 road record this year, and will be playing a team that rarely loses at home, particularly in primetime. The short week is loathed by almost every team and player in the NFL, and it is hated by those that have to travel. The key to this game will be time of possession and the control of the trenches, and with the Packers allowing 140 rush yards per game, defending the top rushing offense could be their kryptonite. Unless Aaron Rodgers can provide another late-game magic act, Green Bay’s season may slip through its fingers.
Final Score: Seahawks 29, Packers 26
Written by: Jason Feiner