Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Seahawks in Divisional Round
By Joe Kipp
3. D.K. Metcalf records 100 receiving yards on Green Bay
The Packers have struggled with giving up explosive plays all season, which doesn’t bode well against a Seahawks team that thrives on moving the ball via large chunks of yardage. Seattle rookie receiver D.K. Metcalf is coming off the best game of his career in which he posted seven catches for 160 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles. Metcalf’s 160 yards is the most of any rookie receiver in playoff history.
The Packers are likely to place cornerback Kevin King on Metcalf. King is a long, rangy corner (6-2, 200 pounds) who matches up against Metcalf more favorably based on size than Jaire Alexander (5-10, 196 pounds). Alexander figures to match up against Tyler Lockett.
Metcalf finished the regular season with 58 receptions for 900 yards (15.5 yards per reception) and seven touchdowns. At least 362 of his 900 receiving yards occurred on targets of 20 yards or more, along with four of his seven touchdowns and 10 of his 58 receptions. Meanwhile, King has allowed 842 receiving yards on passes thrown into his coverage this season (fifth-most). He’s been targeted a total of 82 times this season.
Translation? Metcalf is a deep threat that could cause problems for the Packers. I’m predicting Metcalf will record at least 100 receiving yards on Sunday.