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Seahawks at Packers: Preview and predicton

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers are looking to start 2-0, but they will need to overcome some injuries to get there. Green Bay is without both wide receiver Jordy Nelson and offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, due to a torn ACL and a sprained ACL/torn meniscus, respectively.

In addition, the Packers will need to beat a desperate Seattle Seahawks team, who comes into Lambeau Field following a 34-31 Week 1 overtime loss against the St. Louis Rams. Seattle is also far from at full strength, missing strong safety Kam Chancellor due to a contract holdout and any semblance of an offensive line. After trading center Max Unger to the New Orleans Saints in the offseason in exchange for tight end Jimmy Graham, Seattle has failed to block anybody. Last week, the Seahawks allowed six sacks in defeat.

The matchup to watch intently is Aaron Rodgers and Richard Sherman. Last year, Rodgers famously avoided throwing at Sherman in the Week 1 season-opener. This time around, Rodgers is without Nelson and considering Sherman will always be on one side of the field, the Packers can place Randall Cobb against newcomer Cary Williams. Will Rodgers even attempt to throw toward Sherman with either DaVante Adams or James Jones going against him?

When Seattle is on offense, the key is Marshawn Lynch winning on first down. Lynch needs to pound away at the soft underbelly of Green Bay’s defense. Inside linebacker Sam Barrington is out for the season with a foot injury and defensive lineman Letroy Guion is suspended for the first three games of the season. Lynch should be featured early and often, helping the offensive line to deal with Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers off the edges.

Pick: Green Bay 27, Seattle 21

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