The Green Bay Packers (9-4) will travel to Seattle to take on the NFC West-leading Seahawks (8-5) at Lumen Field on “Sunday Night Football” in Week 15. With a win and a little lend a hand, Matt LaFleur’s team can clinch a playoff berth this week. Even without lend a hand, a win would push the Packers over the postseason cliff.
The Packers haven’t won in Seattle since 2008, and coach Matt LaFleur said it was a “sickness” to play there. Overall, however, the Packers have won five of their last six meetings with the Seahawks.
Can the Packers, whose winning streak was interrupted last week, return the favor to the Seahawks, who won four games in a row on their farewell?
Here’s a closer look at the Seahawks entering Week 15:
Last week (win, 30-18 over Cardinals)
The Cardinals scored on their first possession, but the Seahawks responded with 17 straight points, then took full control of the game early in the second half with a 51-yard touchdown run from Zach Charbonnet. Charbonnet finished the game with 134 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Geno Smith completed 24 of 30 passes for a loss and the Seahawks defense recorded two interceptions and two sacks against Kyler Murray. Seattle had nine penalties but converted 7 of 15 third downs. Slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Ernest Jones and Coby Bryant had interceptions. The Seahawks beat the Cardinals in 2024, outscoring Arizona by 22 points.
Playing quarterback
Veteran Geno Smith ranks second in the NFL in shots attempted, attempts and pass attempts and fifth in completion percentage. The Seahawks have thrown the ball a lot this season, and Smith has been correct as usual. However, he also ranks 30th in touchdown percentage and 17th in yards per attempt, and ranks third in interceptions (12). The two-time Pro Bowler has a large arm, the mobility to extend plays and a playmaking style that’s not too dissimilar to Jordan Love. Smith has three games with a passer rating above 100.0 and only two games below 80.0, so his play has been consistent overall. He was sacked 40 times behind a shaky offensive line.
Line of scrimmage
The Seahawks rank 23rd in pass blocking and 27th in run blocking, highlighting a major weakness in the offense. Geno Smith was sacked 40 times and the Seahawks were averaging just 4.1 yards per attempt, so stopping Seattle has to start with the offense. Left-back Charles Cross is the best player on the forward line, but the other four positions can be considered question marks. The Seahawks defense ranks 21st in both run defense and pass rush, but the defense features Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe, Jarran Reed, Dre’Mont Jones and Derick Hall, all pass-able. The key will be the ability to run the ball – the Seahawks are giving up 4.7 yards per attempt this season.
Turnover
The Seahawks turned the ball over 19 times, largely thanks to Geno Smith’s 12 interceptions. Smith also fouled seven times and never lost a single. He should be considered loose on the ball, potentially creating opportunities for an opportunistic Packers defense. Overall, Seattle’s turnover differential is minus four. The Seahawks defense features seven different interceptions, including two pick-sixes and two fumble returns for touchdowns. The Seahawks didn’t attract turnovers, but the takeaways came at large moments and often provided game-changing moments.
Injury situation
The biggest injury to watch this week is running back Kenneth Walker, who missed last week’s win with an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday night. Player Michael Dickson suffered a back injury last week but dealt with it. Backup guard Tre Brown didn’t play with a hamstring injury. Tight end Noah Fant and defensive back K’Von Wallace are among the injured reserves. The Seahawks are relatively fit for Week 15 of the season.
Players worth knowing
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The 2023 first-round draft pick has 75 catches and is on track for his first career 1,000-yard season. He can play outside or in the slot and is effective in both midfield and deep, making him a arduous weapon to cover.
DL Leonard Williams: Game destroyer. His totals include 7.0 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits, which is the best mark on his team. A great defensive tackle also allowed Aaron Rodgers to score a 92-yard touchdown.
Julianna Love: The second J Love. He has two interceptions, two forced fumbles and eight passes defended this season for the Seahawks.
CB Devon Witherspoon: He leads the team with 28 stops, or tackles, for an offensive failure. Rarely do corners bring the team to a halt. Witherspoon is an excellent running back.
DL Jarran Reed: The former Packer has 34 pressures, including eight quarterback hits. Reed and Williams are a handful inside when it comes to passing.
RB Zach Charbonnet: He’s a backup and returning to the game, but Charbonnet has been effective in his second season, averaging more yards per carry and more yards per touch than Kenneth Walker.
