NFL Predictions: Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (69) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

NFL kickoff has finally arrived and two great teams in the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks will get things started.  Who has the edge and who will win?

For Packers win:  Use Eddie Lacy to protect Aaron Rodgers

The Seattle defense, tough as it is, won’t be the only thing the Green Bay offense has to contend with.  It will be the crowd noise.  There is no question the Seahawks will be begging Aaron Rodgers to throw the ball.  Last time he did that in that building they sacked him eight times in the first half alone.  The Packers can’t let the crowd dictate the tempo.  They must protect their quarterback and their offensive line by feeding running back Eddie Lacy.  Even if it’s slow going at first, by grinding down the clock and stringing together first downs they won’t allow the Seahawks to pin their ears back and go after Rodgers.

For Seahawks win:  Feed Marshawn Lynch to attack depleted Packer front

One very key note must be referenced for this game, and that is the fact that the Green Bay Packers defense won’t have starting nose tackle B.J. Raji for the rest of the season.  He tore his biceps during the preseason.  That essentially robs the Pack of their best run defender and the biggest body on their front.  For the Seattle Seahawks, the mission doesn’t get much clearer.  They have to take advantage of that absence by doing what they do best:  feed the beast that is Marshawn Lynch and force Green Bay to stop him.

Prediction:  GB 17, SEA 27