The defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks host the Green Bay Packers Thursday night to kick off the 2014 regular season.
Seattle will look to begin their title defense against a high-powered Green Bay offense that is looking to avenge their “Fail Mary” loss from 2012.
Records (2013):
Seattle: 13-3, 1st in NFC West
Green Bay: 8-7-1, 1st in NFC North
Last Meeting: Seattle won 14-12, Week 3 (2012)
Key Stat: The Seahawks are 15-1 in their last 16 regular season home games, including 3-0 in the playoffs.
Seattle Outlook: Russell Wilson and the Seahawks don't have to wait long to return to their energizing home crowd. Fresh off their first ever Super Bowl win, Seattle is looking to extend its run of dominance at Century Link Field.
Richard Sherman and the defense will face a tough task against a talented Green Bay offense, but after allowing the fewest passing yards per game last season, this is a confident unit heading into the season.
Seattle didn't make a huge amount of roster changes following their Super Bowl victory, but the clean health of receiver Percy Harvin is an addition in itself after he appeared in just one regular season game last year.
Green Bay Outlook: The Packers made the playoffs last year despite being without Pro Bowler Aaron Rodgers for much of the season.
With Rodgers back in the fold, and a talented offense that includes running back Eddie Lacy (1,178 yards, 11 touchdowns) and receivers Jordy Nelson (85 catches, 1,314 yards, eight touchdowns) and Randall Cobb (31 catches, 433 yards, four touchdowns), Green Bay has high hopes of returning to the playoffs this year.
They will need the defense to improve upon a disappointing 2013 season where they finished in the bottom third in yards allowed.
What to watch for: It's all about the defense for Seattle, but don't underestimate Wilson and the offensive weapons the Seahawks have at their disposal. A healthy Percy Harvin makes this offense dangerous, as well as giving the special teams an edge.
Rodgers will have to be sharp against a stacked secondary, but don't be surprised if Seattle forces him into a few mistakes regardless. Getting Lacy involved to take some heat off the passing game will be crucial for Green Bay.
A low scoring game is going to benefit the Seahawks, so Green Bay will have to do all they can to put points on the board, despite the daunting task of going up against the Seattle defense.
What they're saying – Packers:
Lacy could help Packers bring the pain (Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel)
Naive or cold blooded, Packers rookies not intimidated (Cheesehead TV)
What they're saying – Seahawks:
Departure of Seahawks leading receiver opens door for young players (Field Gulls)
Seahawks open season atop power rankings (12th Man Rising)
Prediction:
Seattle – 24, Green Bay 13
The Seahawks will be fired up and energized by their '12th man'. Expect the defense to set the tone early with a big play to set up the offense. Green Bay has the talent to compete offensively, but they need to play a perfect game to come out on top.
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