The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks will wrap up their Week 15 series on Sunday with a prime-time showdown at Lumen Field.
The Packers need a win to solidify their NFC wild card position. The Seahawks need a win to maintain their lead in the NFC West. This game at Lumen Field will be a playoff game.
The match is scheduled to start at 7:20 p.m. Polish time. Here are some things to consider before starting an SNF:
— Can the Packers beat the middle of the field? Both the Dolphins and Lions exposed coverage errors at both the linebacker and cornerback positions. Slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will test the Packers’ ability to squeeze passing windows into the middle of the field.
— The Packers need to make the passing game under center work on Sunday night. According to Next Gen Stats, the Seahawks are the best pass defense in the NFL when they’re not running the play-action game, but they rank 31st overall against the play-action pass. This is an area where the Packers – with their diverse passing game – can gain a large advantage. Matt LaFleur must be at his best in attacking a growing defense.
— Since the Packers traded Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness has expanded a role that still seems confined. According to Pro Football Focus, Van Ness has had seven pressures over the last four games, an 18.0% pass rush win rate and an 89.1 pass rush rate. But he only rushed the passer 54 times. The Packers may need to start freeing up Van Ness to aid jump-start their four-man pass rush.
— Don’t be surprised if Jayden Reed makes an explosive play on Sunday night. He has a deadline. Maybe too overdue. Reed has been held under 30 receiving yards in four straight games and hasn’t had a catch of 20 or more yards since Week 9. The Packers weren’t able to get him touches last week in Detroit, but LaFleur will likely be a priority getting the ball to Reed on Sunday night.
— Keep an eye on No. 21 for the Seahawks. Devon Witherspoon is a great running back and a devastating attacker on the pitch. He is also weaker (5-11, 181) and unreliable in attack (15 missed tackles, second among CBs).
—Both teams have incredible vertical presence. Christian Watson and DK Metcalf are large, swift quarterbacks who need to be considered on every snap. Watson has been outstanding since the bye, and Metcalf leads the NFL in straight rushing yards this season, according to Next Gen Stats. Which team will get a large, game-changing play from their quarterback?
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