The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks will finish off the Sunday slate of games in Week 15 with a primetime showdown at Lumen Field.
The Packers need a win to solidify their spot as an NFC wildcard. The Seahawks need a win to keep ahold of the NFC West lead. This game will have a playoff-like feeling at Lumen Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. CT. Here are some things to ponder before SNF kicks off:
— Can the Packers cover the middle of the field? The Dolphins and Lions both exposed coverage flaws, both at the linebacker and cornerback positions. Slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will test the Packers’ ability to squeeze passing windows to the middle of the field.
— The Packers must get the under center play-action passing game working Sunday night. According to Next Gen Stats, the Seahawks are the No. 1 passing 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 at an ascending defense.
— Since the Packers traded away Preston Smith, Lukas Van Ness has stepped up in what still appears to be a limited role. Per Pro Football Focus, Van Ness has produced seven pressures, a 18.0% pass-rush win rate and an 89.1 pass-rush grade over the last four games. But he’s only rushed the passer 54 times. The Packers might need to start unleashing Van Ness to help jump-start the four-man pass-rush.
— Don’t be surprised if Jayden Reed creates an explosive play on Sunday night. He’s due. Maybe overdue. Reed has been held under 30 receiving yards in four straight games and he doesn’t have 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 getting the ball to Reed on Sunday night.
— Keep an eye on No. 21 for the Seahawks. Devon Witherspoon is a terrific 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 terrific vertical presence. Christian Watson and DK Metcalf are big, fast field-tilters who 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, per Next Gen Stats. Which team will get a big, game-changing play from their field-tilter?
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