Final thoughts before the Packers face the Seahawks at SNF

On By Littum

The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks close out Sunday’s Week 15 slate with a primetime showdown at Lumen Field.

The Packers need a win to maintain their spot as an NFC wildcard. The Seahawks need a win to hold on to the NFC West lead. This game will have a playoff-like feel at Lumen Field.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 PM CT. Here are some things to consider before starting the SNF:

— Can the Packers cover the middle of the field? The Dolphins and Lions both exposed coverage errors at both the linebacker and cornerback positions. Slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will test the Packers’ ability to force passing windows to the middle of the field.

— The Packers need the game under the middle of the game and the game to work Sunday night. According to Next Gen Stats, the Seahawks are the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL when not facing play-action, but 31st overall against play-action passes. This is one area where the Packers – with a diverse action passing game – can create a big advantage. Matt LaFleur needs to throw his best stuff against a surging defense.

– Since the Packers traded away Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness has stepped into what still appears to be a limited role. Per Pro Football Focus, Van Ness has produced seven pressures, an 18.0% pass rush win rate and an 89.1 pass rush grade over the last four games. But he has only rushed the passer 54 times. The Packers may need to start turning Van Ness loose to help spark the four-man pass rush.

— Don’t be surprised if Jayden Reed makes an explosive play Sunday night. He’s due. Maybe delayed. Reed has been held under 30 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 a touch last week in Detroit, but LaFleur will likely prioritize gets the ball to Reed on Sunday night.

– Keep an eye on no. 21 for the Seahawks. Devon Witherspoon is a great run defender and a disruptive blitzer from the slot. He’s also on the smaller side (5-11, 181) and an unreliable tackler (15 missed tackles, second most among CBs).

– Both teams have a fantastic vertical presence. Christian Watson and DK Metcalf are big, quick field tilters that must be accounted for on every snap. Watson has been terrific since the bye, while Metcalf leads the NFL in receiving yards on go routes this season, according to Next Gen Stats. Which team gets a big game-changing play from their field tilter?

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