Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks -2.5
Over/Under 49
This may appear to just be a matchup of mediocre four-win teams, but they get to mediocrity in completely different ways. Up until last week, the Packers relied almost entirely on Aaron Rodgers to make plays, extend drives and keep Green Bay’s defense off the field. Last week, Green Bay finally leaned on Aaron Jones the way fans and fantasy players have been begging them to all season.
The Packers are first in the NFL with 5.2 yards per carry, but they rank 27th in rushing attempts.
Seattle, on the other hand, probably doesn’t rely on Russell Wilson enough. Seattle’s offensive line is much improved from the last few years, but that isn’t really an excuse to keep the ball out of the hands of your playmaking quarterback.
The Seahawks have 288 rushing attempts this season, second to only the Rams.
All five of Seattle’s losses have been by seven points for fewer.
Doug Baldwin still has not found the end zone through seven games after he scored at least seven touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.
Linebacker K.J. Wright is doubtful for Thursday’s game, though running back Chris Carson and right guard D.J. Fluker are expected to play.
Jimmy Graham is questionable for Thursday’s game, which would be his first against his former team. Graham has played every game so far this season, but he has just two touchdowns. Graham caught 10 touchdowns last season with Seattle.
If Graham is out, Lance Kendricks and Marcedes Lewis would likely split the tight end snaps.
Aaron Rodgers has 17 touchdown passes and just one interception this season.
Green Bay is 21st in the NFL at 4.5 yards allowed per carry.
Seattle is one of only two NFL teams (Tennessee is the other) with more rushing attempts than passing attempts this season.
It is not at is Seattle has been ineffective passing the ball, either. Seattle ranks eighth at 8.0 yards per passing attempt. Green Bay is close behind at 7.7 yards per pass attempt.
Despite ranking dead last in pass attempts, Seattle is tied for seventh with 29 sacks allowed. Russell Wilson could be in trouble against a Green Bay defense that is tied for the league lead with 31 sacks.
The Seahawks are one of 10 teams with double-digit interceptions this season, but they will likely be hard pressed to add to that total considering Aaron Rodgers only has one interception this season. Rodgers has not had more than eight interceptions in a season since 2010.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been a popular fantasy play for weeks, but he still hasn’t gotten a huge role in Green Bay’s offense. Valdes-Scantling is averaging 6.0 targets per game over his last four games, topping out with seven targets in Week 10.
Nick Vannett hasn’t exactly been a huge part of Seattle’s offense, but he has caught touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Considering how often Russell Wilson threw to Jimmy Graham in the end zone last season, Vannett has a chance to continue to be effective in that area of the field.