The Packers face the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football in what could be a preview to a playoff matchup. Currently, Seattle sits in first in the NFC West while Green Bay holds down the second wild card spot. But with four games left things could change but both teams are in great positions to make the postseason.
Keys to the Game
Quarterback Comparison
Jordan Love has 2,724 passing yards, 21 TDs, and 11 interceptions this season. While turnovers were a problem early this season, as he threw picks in 8 straight games, he’s settled down recently with zero interceptions in the last three weeks. Just like last season Love has become more efficient, and productive in the back half of the schedule. Geno Smith has 3,474 passing yards, second best in the NFL and has 14 TDs and 12 INTs on the year. Smith was effective last week against the Cardinals completing 80% of his passes and was barely pressured by the pass rush. If he gets that kind of protection, Smith will find ways to make plays.
Ground Game
The Packers have leaned on the run game averaging 144.7 YPG and Josh Jacobs sits third in the NFL with 1,053 rushing yards and 11 TDs this season. He has 8 TDs in the last four games including two, 3-score games. He’ll try to take advantage of a Seattle run stop unit that is ranked in the bottom half allowing 126.5 YPG.
The Seahawks’ run game was missing its top rusher Kenneth Walker III last week, and his status for this game remains uncertain. But Zach Charbonnet filled in nicely last week rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns and he also caught seven balls for 59 yards. The Packers will need to focus on him as he has shown the ability to make big plays.
Defensive Battle
The Packers’ defense allows 21.1 points per game, slightly better than the Seahawks’ 21.8. During Seattle’s current 4-game winning streak the Hawks are allowing just 15.5 PPG and have caused 6 turnovers in that stretch. Green Bay has created 5 turnovers in the last three weeks.
Best Bet: UNDER 46.5
This game has UNDER all over it. Both teams love to run the ball and have the horses to do so. Expect Jacobs and Charbonnet to get lots of carries and chew the clock. Weather is expected to be an issue as rain is in the forecast.
Game Betting Odds
Packers -2.5
Seahawks +2.5
Total: 46.5
Moneyline: GB -155, Sea +135
Recent Betting Trends
The OVER has hit in 10 of GB last 13 road games
Green Bay is 6-0-1 ATS in their last 7 games against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle’s last 7 games.
