Championship NFL Predictions: Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
By Erik Lambert
Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks fullback Derrick Coleman (40) beats Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) to the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown reception during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Fittingly, the game that started the 2014 seasons will decide again who goes to the Super Bowl. What are the NFL predictions for the NFC championship?
Subplots:
Aaron Rodgers can’t run from the Legion of Boom
He may have gotten away with no being able to scramble against Dallas, who had a bad secondary but Aaron Rodgers will find his lack of mobility due to a calf tear a much bigger problem against the Seattle Seahawks defense. Their secondary is going to make it difficult for Rodgers to get the ball out fast, and with him being unable to run like he can, it could open him up to some serious hits and negative plays. How the Green Bay Packers scheme around that will be key.
Key Matchups:
Davante Adams vs. Jeremy Lane
A key part of the Packers’ win over Dallas was the inability of the Cowboys to account for rookie wide receiver Davante Adams. With Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson drawing the bulk of the attention, it will be up to third Seahawks corner Jeremy Lane to guard the rookie in key situations with Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell holding down the edges.
Luke Wilson vs. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
A new favorite target has emerged recently for Russell Wilson and it’s not an expected one. Tight end Luke Wilson has become a big play threat for the Seahawks of late, creating big plays and big touchdowns. Thus far defenses haven’t been able to stop him when they need to. The Packers will have to if they want to take control of this game. Primary responsibility for that will fall to rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix who protects the back end of their coverage, an area Wilson loves to attack.
Pick: SEA 26, GB 20
Home field advantage and the best defense in the league. That is the combination the Seattle Seahawks won their first title with last year and it’s what the Packers have to overcome with a gimpy quarterback and middle-of-the-road defense. They will make it close late but in the end aren’t equipped to stop the champs.